How to Grow Begonia 'Bonfire'
Begonia 'Bonfire'
Begonia × wattii 'Bonfire'
flowerBegonia 'Bonfire' is a stunning foliage begonia prized for its dramatic deep red to burgundy leaves with metallic sheen and contrasting pale undersides. It produces delicate white or pale pink flowers, but is primarily grown for its striking ornamental foliage. This tender perennial is typically grown as a houseplant or annual in cooler climates.
When should you plant Begonia 'Bonfire' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Begonia 'Bonfire' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Begonia 'Bonfire'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Begonia 'Bonfire' blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Begonia 'Bonfire' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10b-11; grown indoors in cooler climates
Sign up free to see if Begonia 'Bonfire' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Begonia 'Bonfire' timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation/Establishment
3-4 weeksYoung plantlets from cuttings or newly potted specimens; leaves are smaller and lighter in color than mature plant
Maintain high humidity (60-70%) with clear plastic cover or humidity dome; keep soil consistently moist; provide bright indirect light; mist regularly to prevent drying
Foliage Development
4-6 weeksPlant establishes new stems and leaves; foliage begins showing deeper red coloration and metallic sheen; leaf size increases
Maintain bright indirect light to enhance leaf color; ensure high humidity; feed with balanced or foliage-focused fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness
Mature Growth
OngoingFull-sized leaves with deep burgundy-red color and silvery overlay; plant reaches mature width and height; compact, mounding form develops
Maintain consistent care; rotate plant weekly for even growth; prune leggy stems; continue feeding monthly; monitor for pests in humid conditions
Flowering
Sporadic, typically spring-summerDelicate white, cream, or pale pink flowers appear on flower stalks above foliage; blooming is secondary to foliage interest
Flowers are minor; deadhead spent blooms to direct energy to foliage growth; maintain consistent humidity and light; no special care needed for flowering
Rest/Dormancy
2-3 months (winter)In winter, growth slows significantly; foliage may pale slightly; plant enters semi-dormant period
Reduce watering frequency but maintain humidity; reduce feeding to once monthly; maintain bright light; ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues; temperature should not drop below 60°F
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plant; use isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs for small infestations
-
Increase humidity to 60%+; mist foliage regularly; spray with water or neem oil; ensure good air circulation
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; increase air circulation; isolate affected plants
-
Improve air circulation; reduce humidity if possible without stressing plant; use sulfur dust or fungicidal spray; remove affected leaves
-
Ensure well-draining soil; do not overwater; remove affected plant material; repot in fresh sterile soil if severe; improve air circulation
Uses
Indoor Houseplant & Décor
HouseholdBegonia 'Bonfire' is an excellent low-maintenance foliage houseplant that adds dramatic color and tropical flair to indoor spaces. Its deep red-burgundy leaves with metallic shimmer make it a stunning focal point in terrariums, plant collections, or decorative planters. [source]
Terrarium & Closed Container Gardens
HouseholdThe plant's moderate moisture and humidity requirements make it ideal for terrarium and closed-glass-container growing. Its compact growth habit and striking foliage make it a popular choice for high-humidity enclosed plant displays. [source]
Foliage Arrangements & Display
CraftIndividual begonia leaves can be used in fresh floral arrangements, terrariums, or pressed-leaf crafts. The dramatic coloration and texture make them valuable for creating visually striking plant displays or artistic arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support in Tropical Climates
WildlifeWhile flowering is not the plant's main feature, the delicate white flowers attract small bees and other pollinators in tropical outdoor settings, providing supplemental nectar sources in gardens with limited flowering plants. [source]
Harvest Tips
Begonia 'Bonfire' is an ornamental foliage plant, not harvested for food. Pinch back stem tips regularly to encourage bushier, more compact growth and more leaf production. Remove any leggy growth or yellow leaves to maintain appearance.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Begonia 'Bonfire' is a hybrid begonia (Begonia × wattii) that exhibits the iridescent, metallic leaf sheen characteristic of rex begonias combined with hardy growth characteristics.
- 🌱 The dramatic deep red coloration in the leaves is enhanced by high humidity and bright (but indirect) light; inadequate light causes leaves to fade to a dull green-bronze.
- 🌱 Begonias have an unusual feature: their stems are succulent-like and can be propagated from single leaf-petiole cuttings, making this plant easy to propagate and share with other plant enthusiasts.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Begonia 'Bonfire' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Begonia 'Bonfire' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Begonia 'Bonfire' timeline →