Begonia 'Looking Glass'

Begonia ‘Looking Glass’ — the name is perfect. The leaves are large, asymmetrical, and covered in a silver-metallic sheen that shifts and gleams with every change in the light. Hold one up to a window and it glows. Set it in a corner and it still catches the light — like a mirror that also happens to be a living plant.

Looking Glass is an angel-wing cane Begonia, growing upright on sturdy bamboo-like stems and producing those spectacular silver-overlaid leaves with darker green venation and deep burgundy-red undersides. It’s a statement plant that earns its space many times over — architectural enough for a corner, interesting enough for any collector’s shelf. Easy to care for, fast enough to grow, and reliably beautiful through every season.

Care Guide

• Light: Bright indirect light to filtered morning sun. The metallic silver sheen intensifies in brighter light. Avoid harsh afternoon sun which scorches the leaf surface.
• Watering: Allow the top 2–3cm to dry between waterings. Cane Begonias don’t like wet feet — ensure good drainage and empty saucers after watering.
• Humidity: 50–70%. Appreciates humidity — but avoid misting directly on the silver leaves. Water spots mark the metallic surface. Use a pebble tray or humidifier instead.
• Temperature: 16–27°C (60–80°F). Protect from cold drafts. Bring indoors before temperatures drop below 13°C.
• Soil: Light, airy mix — standard potting soil with added perlite. Never dense or waterlogged.
• Feeding: Balanced fertiliser every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer. High-nitrogen formula encourages the lush leaf growth this plant is known for.
• Pruning: Trim leggy stems back to a node in spring to encourage bushy, fuller growth.