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With its striking metallic foliage and compact, upright habit, Begonia ‘Silver Dollar’ is a showstopper in any plant collection. Known for its round, silver-sheened leaves with deep green veining, this begonia offers dramatic texture and contrast without demanding too much in return. It’s a perfect choice for indoor growers seeking a decorative foliage plant that thrives in lower-light settings.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep your Begonia ‘Silver Dollar’ thriving and looking its best.
Begonia ‘Silver Dollar’ prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, fading their silver tones and causing brown edges. Place it near an east or north-facing window, or in a bright room with filtered light. It can tolerate lower light than many houseplants, but growth may slow and leaf coloration may become dull in very dim conditions.
Water this begonia when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 5–7 days depending on your home's environment. It likes consistent moisture but dislikes soggy roots, so never let it sit in standing water.
Use room-temperature water and avoid splashing the leaves, as this can cause spotting or mildew. Always empty excess water from the saucer and use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Begonia ‘Silver Dollar’ thrives in moderate to high humidity—ideally 50% or more. If your home is dry, especially in winter, increase humidity using a humidifier, pebble tray, or by clustering it with other plants.
Temperature-wise, it prefers a consistent 60–75°F (16–24°C). Avoid placing it near drafts, radiators, or cold windows, as sudden changes can stress the plant or cause leaf drop.
This begonia loves well-draining, slightly airy soil. A good mix would be standard potting soil blended with perlite and a bit of coco coir or peat moss to retain some moisture while allowing excess to drain.
Repot every 1–2 years in spring if the plant becomes root-bound or the soil is compacted. Choose a pot with drainage holes to ensure healthy roots.
Feed Begonia ‘Silver Dollar’ every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause salt buildup and damage the roots of your plant.
No need to fertilize during the winter months when growth naturally slows.
This begonia has a naturally compact, bushy habit, but you can pinch back leggy stems to encourage branching and fuller growth. Remove any yellow, damaged, or dead leaves to keep the plant tidy and healthy.
Keep an eye out for powdery mildew or leaf spots, especially in humid or poorly ventilated conditions. Good airflow and avoiding overhead watering help prevent these issues.
Begonia ‘Silver Dollar’ is easily propagated through leaf or stem cuttings. Snip a healthy stem or leaf with a node and place it in water or moist soil until roots develop. Spring and summer are the best times to propagate for faster growth.
Like most begonias, ‘Silver Dollar’ is toxic to pets if ingested, due to insoluble oxalates in the leaves and stems. Keep it out of reach of curious cats, dogs, or small children.