Begonia 'Snow Hare' is a beautiful collector's begonia renowned for its frosted silver foliage, intricate dark veining and soft, velvety texture. Its striking leaves appear almost dusted with snow, creating an elegant contrast between shimmering silver-grey tones and deep green margins. The undersides of the leaves often display rich burgundy hues, adding further interest as the plant matures.

Primarily grown for its spectacular foliage, Begonia 'Snow Hare' forms a neat, compact mound that makes it perfect for shelves, desks, plant cabinets and decorative pots. Like many rex and rhizomatous begonias, it thrives in warm, humid conditions with bright, indirect light and rewards careful care with year-round ornamental beauty.

Whether displayed as a standalone specimen or among other tropical houseplants, Begonia 'Snow Hare' brings texture, colour and elegance to any indoor space.

Begonia 'Snow Hare' Care Guide

Light

Begonia 'Snow Hare' thrives in bright, indirect light.

• Bright filtered light helps maintain its distinctive silver colouring and compact growth.
• Medium light is tolerated but may result in slower growth and less vibrant foliage.
• Avoid direct sunlight, particularly during the afternoon, as it can scorch the delicate leaves.

A position near an east-facing window or behind a sheer curtain is ideal.

Watering

Keep the compost lightly moist while allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings.

Allow the top 2–3cm of compost to dry before watering thoroughly.

During spring and summer:

• Water approximately every 7–10 days, depending on your home's temperature and humidity.

During autumn and winter:

• Reduce watering, allowing the compost to dry a little more between waterings.

Always water around the base of the plant and avoid leaving water sitting on the foliage.

Signs of overwatering

• Yellow leaves
• Soft stems
• Root rot
• Leaf drop

Signs of underwatering

• Brown, crispy leaf edges
• Wilting
• Dry compost
• Slowed growth

Humidity

Begonia 'Snow Hare' appreciates moderate to high humidity.

Ideal humidity:

• 50–70%

Higher humidity encourages healthy foliage and helps prevent dry leaf edges.

To increase humidity:

• Use a humidifier.
• Group with other tropical plants.
• Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.

Avoid misting directly onto the leaves, as prolonged moisture can encourage fungal diseases.

Temperature

Ideal temperatures:

18°C–24°C

Avoid temperatures below:

15°C

Protect from:

• Cold draughts
• Sudden temperature fluctuations
• Air conditioning
• Radiators

Soil

Use a light, airy and well-draining compost.

A suitable mix includes:

• High-quality houseplant compost
• Perlite
• Orchid bark
• Coco coir

Good drainage is essential while still retaining enough moisture for healthy growth.

Feeding

Feed during active growth.

• Every 4–6 weeks throughout spring and summer.
• Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength.
• Stop feeding during autumn and winter.

Repotting

Repot every:

• 1–2 years
• Or when the roots become crowded.

Choose a pot only one size larger than the current container.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is required.

Simply:

• Remove damaged or yellowing leaves.
• Cut away spent flower stalks.
• Remove dead foliage to improve airflow around the plant.

Always use clean, sterilised scissors.

Cleaning

The velvety foliage should be handled carefully.

• Remove dust using a soft brush or dry microfibre cloth.
• Avoid rubbing the leaves vigorously.
• Never use leaf shine products.

Propagation

Begonia 'Snow Hare' can be propagated by:

• Leaf cuttings
• Leaf section cuttings
• Rhizome division (on mature plants)

Propagation is best carried out during spring or early summer.

Common Problems

Brown Leaf Edges

Usually caused by:

• Low humidity
• Underwatering
• Dry indoor air

Increase humidity and maintain even watering.

Yellow Leaves

Often indicate:

• Overwatering
• Poor drainage
• Cold temperatures

Allow the compost to dry slightly before watering again and ensure excess water drains freely.

Powdery Mildew

May develop when:

• Air circulation is poor.
• Humidity is high without sufficient ventilation.

Remove affected leaves and improve airflow around the plant.

Faded Leaf Colour

Usually caused by:

• Insufficient light

Move the plant to a brighter position with filtered light.

Pests

Begonia 'Snow Hare' may occasionally attract:

• Spider mites
• Mealybugs
• Aphids
• Fungus gnats (particularly if the compost remains too wet)

Inspect the foliage regularly and treat infestations promptly.

Is Begonia 'Snow Hare' Pet Friendly?

No.

Like all begonias, Begonia 'Snow Hare' is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals that may cause irritation.

Symptoms may include:

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Mouth irritation
• Difficulty swallowing

Keep out of reach of pets and young children.

Flowering

Although grown mainly for its foliage, mature plants may produce:

• Small clusters of pale pink or white flowers.
• Flowers usually appear during spring or summer.

Many growers remove the flowers so the plant can devote more energy to producing its spectacular foliage.

Growth Habit

Begonia 'Snow Hare' has a compact, bushy and slightly spreading growth habit.

It is ideal for:

• Shelves
• Desks
• Plant cabinets
• Decorative indoor containers
• Tropical plant collections

Most mature plants reach approximately 20–35cm tall and wide, making them ideal for smaller spaces and collector displays.

Why Choose Begonia 'Snow Hare'?

Begonia 'Snow Hare' is a sophisticated foliage begonia that combines shimmering silver leaves, deep contrasting veining and a compact growth habit. Its frosted appearance makes it one of the most elegant begonias available, adding year-round interest and texture to any indoor plant collection. With bright, indirect light, moderate humidity and careful watering, this stunning cultivar will reward you with beautifully patterned foliage that becomes increasingly impressive as it matures. Whether displayed on its own or as part of a tropical indoor jungle, Begonia 'Snow Hare' is a truly eye-catching addition to the home.