Red Feather Begonia Plant Care

Red Feather Begonia (Crusea coccinea var. chiriquensis) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Crusea genus. Red Feather Begonia is native to Panama.

Red Feather Begonia displays a compact, mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Red Feather Begonia produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red Feather Begonia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Red Feather Begonia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Red Feather Begonia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Crusea coccinea var. chiriquensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Red Feather Begonia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Moist, well-draining peat-based soil mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Red Feather Begonia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red Feather Begonia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and moist, well-draining peat-based soil mix with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red Feather Begonia is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Red Feather Begonia can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Red Feather Begonia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Red Feather Begonia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Red Feather Begonia can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to scarlet bush plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Red Feather Begonia is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Red Feather Begonia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Red Feather Begonia is native to Panama. In cooler regions, grow Red Feather Begonia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.