Begonia Martha Stewart

Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’ is a rhizomatous hybrid of Begonia ‘Baby Dress’ and Begonia ‘Desert Dream’. It is known and loved for its beautifully spiraled foliage and easy-going nature. New leaves emerge in bright chartreuse tones before gradually developing warm shades of bronze, tan, and orange, often highlighted by delicate chocolate-colored markings along the edges.  With its compact, mounding growth habit, Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’ is an excellent choice for shelves, tabletops, and indoor plant displays. Mature plants typically reach 6 to 8 inches in height and reward growers with sprays of soft pink flowers during the winter months, adding color when many houseplants are taking a seasonal rest.

In my care, this has been one of the most low-maintenance begonias in my collection. It thrives in bright indirect light and has proven to be quite adaptable, tolerating humidity levels in the 50% range while still maintaining attractive growth. I grow mine in a well-draining soil mix, though I have found it to be surprisingly forgiving and more tolerant of occasional overwatering than many other rhizomatous begonias. As the foliage matures, the leaves develop deeper bronze and orange tones, making each stage of growth uniquely beautiful.