Spotted begonias have a way of stealing the show with their bold patterns and stylish leaves. I’ve grown a few myself, and they always get compliments—even from people who don’t usually notice plants.
With so many eye-catching varieties out there, it can be tough to know which ones to start with. That’s why I pulled together a list of the standouts that truly deserve a spot in your collection.
If you’re ready to grow something a little different, these begonias won’t disappoint.
1. Begonia Maculata
Often called the Polka Dot Begonia, this striking plant features silvery-white spots on olive-green leaves with deep red undersides. The dramatic contrast makes it an instant conversation starter in any room.
Care is surprisingly simple despite its exotic appearance. Bright indirect light and moderate watering will keep it thriving. Its angel wing-shaped leaves can grow quite large when given proper care.
2. Begonia Rex ‘Escargot’
Named for its spiral pattern that resembles a snail shell, this variety creates a mesmerizing visual display. The swirling pattern of silver, green, and burgundy makes each leaf look like a miniature work of art.
Growing in a compact form, it’s perfect for smaller spaces. Humidity lovers by nature, these plants appreciate regular misting. Place them away from drafts and direct sunlight for best results.
3. Begonia ‘Looking Glass’
Mirror-like silvery leaves with subtle green veining give this begonia its aptly chosen name. The undersides reveal a stunning crimson hue that adds another dimension of beauty when leaves catch the light.
Slim stems support the weight of these metallic-looking leaves. This variety tends to be less fussy than others, making it ideal for beginners. Keep soil lightly moist but never soggy to prevent root issues.
4. Begonia ‘Harmony’s Red Robin’
Bold splashes of silver against deep green create a dramatic backdrop for the pink-red flowers this variety produces. The spots appear almost painted on, with irregular shapes adding to its artistic charm.
Compact growth makes it perfect for tabletops and shelves. Unlike some begonias, this one blooms reliably throughout the year. The flowers provide a beautiful contrast to the already eye-catching foliage.
5. Begonia ‘Lucerna’
Angel wing-shaped leaves covered in tiny silver spots give this tall-growing variety its elegant appearance. The spots are smaller and more numerous than many other varieties, creating a shimmering effect when light hits them.
Coral-colored flower clusters dangle from the stems year-round. This vintage variety has been popular since the Victorian era. Its upright growth can reach impressive heights when properly supported.
6. Begonia ‘Silver Jewel’
Metallic silver dominates these leaves with just hints of green veining peeking through. The effect resembles hammered metal, creating an almost artificial-looking sheen that catches every bit of light in the room.
Relatively compact, this variety works well in mixed arrangements. The stems have a reddish tint that complements the leaves beautifully. Moderate watering and bright indirect light will keep this jewel sparkling.
7. Begonia ‘Benigo Pink’
Soft pink spots dance across olive-green leaves, creating a feminine and delicate appearance. The spots sometimes merge to form larger patches, making each leaf uniquely patterned.
Pink stems complement the overall color scheme perfectly. This variety tends to grow in a bushier form than some angel wing types. Regular pinching encourages more branching and a fuller appearance.
8. Begonia ‘Iron Cross’
Chocolate-brown markings form a distinctive cross pattern at the center of each leaf, surrounded by a field of green speckled with small spots. This dramatic pattern looks almost like it was painted by hand.
Low-growing and compact by nature, it’s perfect for small spaces. The leaves grow in a spiral pattern from the center. Yellow-orange flowers appear in clusters above the foliage when conditions are right.
9. Begonia ‘Salsa’
Fiery red undersides contrast dramatically with the silver-spotted green tops of these pointed leaves. The spots are large and irregularly shaped, creating a confetti-like appearance across the surface.
Clusters of white or pale pink flowers appear above the foliage. This variety has excellent heat tolerance compared to other begonias. Its upright growth habit makes it ideal for adding height to plant displays.
10. Begonia ‘Medora’
Swirling patterns of silver and green create a marbled effect on these round, slightly ruffled leaves. The coloration looks almost like watercolor paint spreading across paper.
Compact and bushy, this variety creates a full appearance even when young. The leaves grow in a spiral pattern from the center. Bright indirect light brings out the strongest color contrast in the foliage.
11. Begonia ‘Dotsy’
Perfectly round silver dots arranged in organized rows give this variety its name and distinctive appearance. The background color is a deep emerald green that makes the spots stand out dramatically.
Compact growth makes it ideal for small spaces and terrariums. The leaves remain relatively small even at maturity. High humidity helps this variety thrive and develop its most vibrant coloration.
12. Begonia ‘Silver Limbo’
Silvery-white dominates these leaves with just the veins showing in deep green, creating a ghostly, ethereal appearance. The undersides reveal a surprising burst of crimson that adds dramatic contrast.
Tall, upright stems hold the leaves aloft like tiny silver umbrellas. This variety can reach impressive heights in ideal conditions. Morning sun brings out the strongest silver coloration in the foliage.
13. Begonia ‘Rocheart’
Heart-shaped leaves feature a speckled pattern that resembles tiny constellations across a green sky. The spots vary in size, creating a natural, organic appearance unlike more uniform varieties.
Pink-tinged stems add another dimension of color interest. This variety produces clusters of delicate pink flowers that complement the foliage perfectly. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets.
14. Begonia ‘Cathedral’
Stained-glass-like patterns emerge from the dark green veins that segment these leaves into sections filled with silver. The effect resembles the windows of gothic cathedrals, giving this variety its name.
Leaves grow in a spiral pattern around central stems. This begonia has a naturally symmetrical growth habit. The contrast between silver and green intensifies in bright indirect light.
15. Begonia ‘Snowcapped’
Frosted white covers the edges and tips of each leaf as if dipped in snow, gradually blending into a spotted center. This gradient effect creates depth and dimension unlike any other begonia variety.
Compact growth makes it perfect for small spaces. The leaves have a slightly fuzzy texture that adds to their charm. Bright indirect light brings out the strongest white coloration in the foliage.
16. Begonia ‘Silver Queen’
Regal and dramatic, this variety features large leaves almost entirely covered in silvery-white with just hints of green veining. The massive leaves can reach impressive sizes when given proper care.
Red stems provide striking contrast against the silvery foliage. This variety grows more slowly than others but rewards patience with spectacular size. Moderate humidity helps prevent crispy edges on these statement-making leaves.
17. Begonia ‘Wightii’
Irregularly shaped white patches spread across the leaves like clouds in a green sky. The spots often merge to create unique patterns, making each leaf one-of-a-kind.
This vintage variety has been beloved since Victorian times. The stems have a reddish tint that complements the foliage beautifully. Clusters of pink flowers appear periodically throughout the growing season.
18. Begonia ‘Emerald Jewel’
Tiny silver freckles dust the surface of rich emerald-green leaves, creating a subtle but mesmerizing effect. The spots are more delicate than many other varieties, giving it a refined appearance.
Glossy leaf surfaces reflect light beautifully. This variety forms a naturally bushy shape without much pruning needed. The compact size makes it perfect for brightening up small spaces like desktops.
19. Begonia ‘Silver Splash’
Metallic silver appears to have been splashed across these leaves in an artistic, random pattern. The effect creates a striking contrast against the deep green background.
Leaves are slightly cupped, adding dimensional interest. This variety grows in a neat, mounding habit that rarely needs staking. The stems have a reddish tint that adds another layer of visual interest.
20. Begonia ‘Connie Boswell’
Olive-green leaves provide the perfect backdrop for the constellation of creamy white spots that cover each leaf. The spots vary in size, creating a natural, organic pattern.
This vintage variety has stood the test of time for good reason. Pink flowers appear in clusters above the foliage. Its naturally compact growth habit makes it perfect for windowsills and small tables.