Winter care: we are into the colder months. Protect newly planted or tender specimens from hard frosts, and hold off planting out until the frost risk has passed.
Begonia luxurians, the Palm-leaf Begonia, is one of the most architectural of all foliage begonias. Tall red stems rise in whorls of narrow, finger-like leaflets that fan out like a miniature palm, giving a lush, exotic silhouette that is prized for shady borders and containers. A Brazilian species grown above all for its structural foliage, it also carries sprays of small, scented white flowers through summer.
This is a tender exotic, not a frost-hardy plant. Rated around RHS H1b, it resents cold and is happiest grown outdoors for the summer in a sheltered, part-shaded spot, then moved under cover to a bright, frost-free place (a minimum of about 5 to 7C) for winter. It loves warmth, moisture and humidity while in growth, but the golden rule is simple: never leave it cold and wet at the same time. It is the combination of cold and wet, not cold alone, that rots the roots, so keep it frost-free and on the drier side once the weather turns. Grown this way it makes a superb seasonal centrepiece among other hardy exotics and architectural foliage.
Easy to grow once you understand its rhythm, Begonia luxurians thrives in a large container that can be lifted under cover before the first frosts, which makes it a natural choice for plants for pots and a dramatic filler in shaded exotic borders through the warmer months. Feed and water freely in summer, then ease right back as growth slows. For a clear picture of how tender exotics behave across the seasons, see our guide on what to expect from hardy exotics.
Every Begonia luxurians is hand-selected and nursery-grown at Grow Tropicals, then carefully packed and dispatched to arrive in top condition, ready to bring a touch of the Brazilian rainforest to your own shaded corner.
Live Arrival Guarantee
All plants are covered by our 7-day live arrival guarantee. We pack every order in protective, sustainable packaging designed to keep your plants safe in transit, and every plant is checked before it ships. On the rare occasion something is not right on arrival, we will make it good, provided the plant is still in its original nursery pot.
Ordering in autumn or winter? Many hardy exotics arrive dormant or cut back right now. This is normal, and the best time to plant.
Seasonal by nature: what to expect
Grown outdoors, the way nature intended. Weather-tested and hardened in real UK conditions, so they thrive in your garden. A few marks on the older leaves are normal, the sign of a tough, real plant rather than a flaw.
It follows the seasons. Depending on when you order, your plant may arrive cut back, dormant or leafless. That's healthy: dormancy is the ideal time to plant.
Posted, not posed. Big leafy plants like bananas and gingers may be trimmed or gently folded to travel safely. It does the plant no harm, and it powers away again in spring.
Not sure what to expect from yours? Dormant, cut-back or weather-marked plants are all perfectly healthy and normal.
Read what to expect through the seasons
Delivery and returns
See all delivery pricing tiers
Based on your basket total, confirmed at checkout. Free delivery: Economy over £60 · Standard over £100 · Express over £150.
Order by 1pm Monday to Friday for same day dispatch. Every plant travels in protective, plant-safe packaging with tracked delivery.
Outdoor plants are sold by the size of their pot — measured in litres, with the pot diameter in cm.
A larger pot means a more established plant for quicker impact in the garden; a smaller pot is better value and
soon catches up once planted out.
9cm · 0.5L
Young plant
A young, vigorous plant and the most economical way to build up a planting. Give it a season or two and it will romp away.
~13cm · 1L
Starter
A well-rooted young plant, ready to grow on in a border or container. Great value for filling space over a season or two.
~15cm · 2L
Established
A bushier, more established plant with a developed root system — a dependable middle ground that suits most gardens.
~17cm · 3L
Garden ready
A strong, garden-ready plant that establishes quickly and makes a visible difference in its very first season.
~19cm · 5L
Instant impact
A larger, fuller specimen for immediate presence — ideal when you want the planted look straight away.
21cm+ · 7.5L+
Specimen
A mature, substantial specimen — the quickest route to an established, fully planted-up feel.
Pots that fit this plant
We recommend
How to care for Palm-leaf Begonia
Give me sun with a little shade and bring me under cover before the frosts.
In their words
What our customers say
EP
Emily P.
Arrived just like the photos - maybe even fuller. Healthy, well-acclimated, and straight into my collection with no issues.
JR
James R.
Flawless leaves, stunning variegation, and clearly cared for by experts. It’s already a talking point in my home office.
SL
Sophie L.
Hard to find rare plants that are pet-safe. Ours arrived in perfect condition and looks amazing without any worry.
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About Palm-leaf Begonia
Begonia luxurians needs partial shade or full shade and moist but well-drained soil. It is frost tender and must come under cover for winter.
A sheltered spot in partial to full shade, out of harsh midday sun and cold winds. Ideal for a shaded patio or a bright conservatory.
Soil
LoamSandMoist but well-drainedAcid pHNeutral pH
Humus-rich, moist but well-drained loam or a good peat-free compost. Excellent drainage matters most over winter.
Watering
Water freely and keep the compost evenly moist through spring and summer, and raise humidity where you can. As growth slows in autumn, ease right back and keep it only barely moist through winter so it is never cold and wet at the same time.Read moreShow less
Water freely and keep the compost evenly moist through spring and summer, and raise humidity where you can. As growth slows in autumn, ease right back and keep it only barely moist through winter so it is never cold and wet at the same time.
Mature size
Height1.5-2.5 m
Spread0.5-1 m
Reaches full size in 2-5 years
Growth habit
Columnar/upright
Flowering
JFMAMJJASOND
Spring to Summer · White
Seasonal colour
SpringSummerAutumnWinterFlowerFoliageBerriesStem
Foliage
Evergreen (stays evergreen only when kept frost-free over winter)
Pruning
In early spring cut leggy canes back by up to a third to keep the plant bushy, removing any old woody or frost-damaged stems. Otherwise leave it be.
Toxicity
Begonias are mildly toxic if eaten. The tubers, stems and sap contain soluble calcium oxalates that can cause mouth and throat irritation, drooling and vomiting, and they are noted as toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Best kept out of reach of pets and small children, and wash your hands after handling.
No, it is a tender exotic rather than a frost-hardy plant, rated around RHS H1b. Treat it as a plant for summer outdoors and winter under cover: grow it in a sheltered, part-shaded spot from late spring, then bring it to a bright, frost-free place at a minimum of about 5 to 7C before the first frosts. Remember that cold combined with wet is what harms it, so keep it frost-free and never cold and soggy. For more on this seasonal rhythm, see our guide on what to expect from hardy exotics.
How do I overwinter Begonia luxurians?
Move it under cover before the first frosts to a bright, frost-free spot such as a conservatory, heated greenhouse or a cool bright room, aiming for a minimum of about 5 to 7C. Growing it in a pot makes this easy. Through winter, keep it only barely moist and on the drier side, since the fatal combination is cold plus wet, not cold on its own. Ease watering and feeding right back as growth slows, then start again in spring as it wakes up.
Does Begonia luxurians prefer sun or shade?
Partial to full shade in a sheltered position suits it best. It naturally grows on the shaded rainforest floor in Brazil, so it dislikes harsh midday sun, which can scorch the leaves, as well as cold drying winds. A shaded patio in summer or a bright spot indoors out of direct sun is ideal. See more plants for shade.
How big does Begonia luxurians grow?
In good conditions it reaches roughly 1.5 to 2.5m tall and 0.5 to 1m across, usually over two to five years. The tall red stems and whorls of palm-like leaflets give real vertical presence, which is why it works so well as an architectural centrepiece in a large container that can be moved under cover for winter.
Is Begonia luxurians grown for its foliage or its flowers?
Mainly for its foliage. The Palm-leaf Begonia is prized for the way its tall red stems carry whorls of narrow, finger-like leaflets that fan out like a miniature palm, with coppery, bronze-tinted undersides. It does also produce sprays of small, scented white flowers through summer, but the architectural evergreen leaves are the main event.
Is Begonia luxurians toxic to pets?
Begonias are mildly toxic if eaten. They contain soluble calcium oxalates that can cause mouth and throat irritation, drooling and vomiting, and they are noted as toxic to pets such as cats and dogs, with the underground parts the most potent. It is best to keep the plant out of reach of pets and small children, and to wash your hands after handling or pruning.
Are your plants treated with pesticides?
We aim to avoid using pesticides where possible, but we can't control the whole supply chain.
If the plant is going into a vivarium, terrarium or aquarium with live animals, rinse the leaves and roots well, remove any soil and let the plant dry out before adding it. We'd also suggest keeping it away from animals for a month first.
Can I see a photo of the exact plant I'll receive?
We're not able to send photos of individual plants or let you choose a specific one, as plants are selected by our team when your order is packed. Our photos show the variety and the kind of plant you can expect, and yours may vary a little in height, shape or fullness.
If a size has a code next to it, such as 9cm / B2, you're buying the exact plant pictured.
Does my plant come with a pot?
Your plant will arrive in its nursery grow pot — the plastic pot it's been growing in. We don't include a decorative pot as standard, and there's a good reason for that: it means you get to choose one that fits your space and style, rather than being stuck with something that doesn't suit your home.
It also means you're not paying extra for a pot you might not want. The nursery pot is perfectly fine to keep your plant in for a while, just pop it inside a decorative cover pot or cache pot and you're good to go. When you're ready to repot (usually after a growing season or when roots start poking out the bottom), you can move it into something more permanent with fresh soil.
If you're not sure what size cover pot to go for, check the pot selector tool listed above, you'll want a decorative pot that's a centimetre or two wider than that to give it a comfortable fit.
How big will my plant be when it arrives?
Every plant on our site includes the pot size (e.g. 12cm) and, where possible, an approximate height. That's the most reliable way to set your expectations, photos can sometimes make a plant look larger or smaller than it really is.
If you're thinking "that sounds quite small for the price," here's something worth knowing: younger, smaller plants almost always adapt better to your home than larger ones. They adjust faster to your light and humidity, put out new growth more quickly, and tend to establish stronger root systems long-term. A plant that grows into your space will usually outperform one that was already big when it arrived.
That said, every plant is an individual. The one you receive may vary slightly in height, shape, or fullness compared to the photo, that's the nature of living things, not a quality issue. We select healthy, well-established specimens, and if you ever feel your plant doesn't match what you were expecting, just get in touch and we'll take a look.
What makes your plants different from the supermarket or garden centre?
There's a big difference between a plant that's been sitting under on a retail shelf and one that's been looked after and cared for by people who specialise in exactly this.
Our plants are grown in house or sourced from specialist nurseries, many of them varieties you simply won't find at your local garden centre or supermarket. Before anything leaves us, it's checked over by our horticultural team to make sure it's healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your home. We're not shifting volume off a pallet, we're choosing plants we'd want to keep ourselves.
When you buy from a supermarket, you get a plant and a generic care label. When you buy from us, you get the knowledge that comes with it, detailed care guidance, a team you can actually contact if something isn't going right, and the confidence that what's arriving has been looked after properly from the moment it was grown to the moment it reaches your door.
We're a specialist nursery first, not a retailer that happens to sell plants. That's the difference, and you'll see it the moment you open the box.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
First things first, unbox it as soon as you can. Plants don't love being in dark boxes any more than you would, and the sooner yours is out and breathing, the better.
Remove all the packaging carefully, give the soil a check with your finger, and water lightly if it feels dry. Then find it a spot with appropriate light, but avoid putting it straight into harsh direct sun or next to a radiator. Think of it like arriving somewhere new after a long journey: it needs a moment to adjust.
It's completely normal for your plant to look a little tired or droopy after transit. This is called transit stress, and most plants bounce back within a week or two. You might see a yellow leaf or some drooping, don't panic, and resist the urge to overwater or start repotting straight away.
Our advice for the first couple of weeks: leave it in its nursery pot, water it only when the top layer of soil feels dry, and let it acclimatise to your home's light, temperature, and humidity. Once it's settled in and showing signs of new growth, you can think about repotting or moving it to its permanent spot.
Every plant we sell comes with a care guide on the product page so you'll know exactly what it needs going forward. And if anything doesn't look right, get in touch with our team, we're always happy to help.
Will my plant survive being shipped?
Yes! and we go to serious lengths to make sure of it. Every plant is hand-packed by our team with protective wrapping and secure, custom-designed boxes to keep it stable and safe in transit. We've shipped hundreds of thousands of plants across the UK and our packaging methods have been refined over years to handle the bumps and jolts of delivery.
During colder months, we monitor weather forecasts and offer heat packs where needed to protect against frost. In extreme conditions, we may hold your order for a day or two rather than risk sending it out, we'd rather you wait an extra day than receive a stressed plant.
That said, plants are living things, and the occasional transit wobble can happen. If your plant arrives damaged or isn't in the condition you'd expect, just get in touch within 7 days with a photo, and we'll make it right, whether that's a replacement or a full refund. No fuss.
The short version: we treat every box like it's going to someone who really cares about what's inside, because it is.
Begonias are among the most beloved houseplants for their vibrant colours and unique foliage. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, learning how to care for your Begonia can ensure it thrives for years. This guide will take you through...
Every order is hand-packed in eco-friendly, protective packaging - refined through thousands of deliveries to ensure your plant arrives healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.
Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Perfect for Gifting
From rare collector’s pieces to easy-care favourites, our plants arrive fully potted and ready to enjoy. Add a personalised note at checkout for a thoughtful finishing touch.
Delivered fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready.
Sustainability at Heart
All plants are ethically sourced from trusted growers, never wild-collected. Every order ships carbon-neutral in minimal-waste packaging.
Good for your home - and the planet.
Verified reviews
Rated by real customers
5 stars: 1 (50%)
4 stars: 0 (0%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 1 (50%)
A
Anonymous (United Kingdom)
9cm / 0.5L
love this am looking forward to growing this
A
Angelica G.
the plant arrived severely stressed.
the plant arrived severely stressed. the condition of it was devastating. i reached out to customer service, they suggested that it just needs some TLC and it'll bounce back. However, it didn't. I reached out to customer service multiple times after that but never heard back again.
