Eyelash Begonia – Begonia X ‘Tiger Paws’
On this page
Looking for a compact indoor plant with striking patterned leaves and delicate spring blooms? Meet the Eyelash Begonia — a low-growing beauty with velvety foliage, soft white hairs, and charming clusters of flowers that bring elegance to any space.
TL;DR
The Eyelash Begonia (Begonia ‘Tiger Paws’) is a low, clumping plant grown for its patterned, hairy leaves and delicate spring flowers. Its foliage features shades of brown, green, and yellow, and tiny white hairs along the leaf edges give it a distinctive “eyelash” look. It thrives in bright but filtered light and prefers moderate watering — allowing the soil to dry slightly between each watering. Overwatering can lead to rhizome rot, so good drainage is essential. Use a mix of coarse peat and soil-based compost and feed every two weeks during spring and summer. Best grown at room temperature (around 18–22°C / 64–72°F), it tolerates cooler conditions down to 10°C (50°F). Propagation is very easy via leaf cuttings or rhizome division, making it a perfect choice for beginner gardeners. With its unique markings and soft textures, the Eyelash Begonia is both easy to grow and rewarding to display.
Eyelash Begonia is really a name for a whole group of Begonias with erect white hairs on the leaf margins. These hairs do have an eyelash look and the name is very appropriate. All are valued for their decorative leaves but they also have the bonus of producing clusters of small white or pale pink flowers which bloom during the spring.
‘Tiger Paws’ is a hybrid and was developed in 1977. It has small, brownish leaves which are chequered with yellow paw-like markings. Since its introduction it has shot to prominence and is now one of the most popular Begonias available.
The plant is low growing, 10cm (4in) tall, with leaves and flower stalks rising directly from a thickened rhizomatous stem which creeps over the surface of the potting mixture. Leaves are 25mm-4cm (1-1½in) across, carried on red speckled stalks which are also whiskered with prominent hairs.
Leaf colouring is very variable and depends on the intensity of the light; very bright light tends to ‘bleach’ the brown part of the leaf but this does result in heavier flowering. Flowers are white, small and borne in dense clusters at the top of 15— 20cm (6-8in) long stalks in spring.
Propagation
Propagating Eyelash Begonias is very easy and can be done in several ways.
Leaf cuttings
This method really is fool proof. Take a single leaf with approximately 5cm (2in) of leaf-stalk attached, and plant it in equal parts of moist peat and coarse sand or perlite. Bury the leafstalk for about half its length. This can be done at any time during the spring or summer months.
If temperatures are high then it is best to enclose the pot in a ventilated polythene bag or in a propagator. Leaves may be planted singly in small pots or with several in a small half pot, pan or seed tray.
After 4-6 weeks several small plantlets will push up through the compost. About one month later the leaf and its plantlets can be tipped out of the container, separated and then potted up individually. It is best to use just one small plant per pot, otherwise plants become a great tangle later on.
Division
Sections of rhizome can be gently pulled (or cut) from a plant and potted up in the recommended potting mixture in shallow pans or half pots. Sections of rhizome normally have roots already attached.
Rhizome tips
It is also possible to take away the growing tip of the rhizome, again very often with some or many roots already attached. If well rooted, treat like a division and pot up in the recommended potting compost. If not well rooted, pot in a mixture of moist peat and sand and enclose in a polythene bag or put in a propagator.
Pests and Diseases
Growth is weakened by an attack of aphids which can collect on young growth and on flowerstalks.
Treatment: Rinse off with soapy water or use a spray containing a suitable insecticide.
Sickly plant with wet, ‘mushy’ rhizomes covered with grey mould is caused by stem rot.
Treatment: Correct the amount of water given and ensure that the plant is kept at the correct temperature.
Plant Care
Eyelash Begonia is very easy to care for and simplicity itself to propagate. It quickly forms a low-growing clump with striking leaves and will tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Potting
Move on into a half pot or pan one size larger each spring, or as necessary. A mixture of equal parts soil-based potting compost and coarse peat is the best growing medium.
Watering
Water moderately during spring and summer (the active growth period), always allowing some drying out of the compost between applications. Water sparingly during the winter rest period.
Feeding
Feed actively growing plants every two weeks with a standard liquid fertilizer. Do not feed in winter.
Best Growth Environment
Light
Eyelash Begonia is able to thrive in a wide range of light levels, but is best grown in bright, filtered light. Leaves will pale a little if the light is too bright but the flowers could be more numerous.
Temperature
Grows best in normal room temperatures — a minimum of 10°C (50°F) is recommended. With lower temperatures be careful when watering.
Buying Tips
Eyelash Begonia is readily available throughout the year and at most outlets.
Buy young plants (they will grow quite quickly) with tight growth and no damaged leaves. Beware of plants with limp leafstalks or any decay around the growing points and along the rhizome.
Replace with young plants every 2 or 3, years as they are more attractive.
Easy to grow, Eyelash Begonia is now one of the most popular Begonias available. It has attractive chequered leaves with masses of small white flowers in spring.
Eyelash Begonia combines stunning foliage with soft spring flowers — a perfect blend of texture, color, and charm for your indoor garden.
More Information On Eyelash Begonia – Begonia X ‘Tiger Paws’
The Eyelash Begonia — known for the tiny white hairs that line its leaf edges — is one of the most distinctive foliage plants you can grow indoors. Compact and low-growing, this begonia forms a dense clump of richly patterned leaves rising from thick rhizomes that creep across the surface of the soil. The popular hybrid Begonia ‘Tiger Paws’ features brownish leaves chequered with yellow markings, creating an eye-catching pattern that stands out in bright, filtered light. Though prized mainly for its decorative foliage, the Eyelash Begonia also produces delicate white or pale pink flowers in spring. The color and density of the leaves vary with light exposure — brighter conditions can lighten leaf color but often increase flowering. Propagation couldn’t be simpler. You can grow new plants from leaf cuttings, rhizome divisions, or even rhizome tips — all root quickly in moist peat and sand. Eyelash Begonias appreciate moderate watering during the growing season, lighter watering in winter, and a well-draining compost mix. Keep them in normal indoor temperatures and avoid overwatering, which can cause stem rot. With minimal care, the Eyelash Begonia adds texture and variety to your plant collection. Its small size makes it ideal for tabletops, terrariums, or shaded windowsills, and replacing older plants every few years keeps displays looking fresh and vibrant.
About the author
Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.
View profile →Related care guides
Cultivating Exotic Plants
Raising colorful and exotic house plants is an exciting introduction to exotic species, and recreating their natural habitat offers a challenge of its own.
How to Plant a Pip
If you enjoy growing house plants from seed, and like saving money, then next time you eat exotic fruit, plant the pips or stones.
Growing Plants at an East-Facing Window
A position at a window provides plants with strong indoor light, whichever way the window faces.