How to Grow and Care for Rex Begonias

Rex begonias are semi-tropical perennial plants that are grown for their stunning foliage, which comes in various colors, patterns, and shapes. They are also known as painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias. Here is an overview of some of their characteristics:

Common Name	Rex begonia
Botanical Name	Begonia rex-cultorum
Plant Type	Herbaceous, perennial
Sun Exposure	Partial, shade
Mature Size	12-18 in. tall, similar spread
Soil pH	Acidic
Soil Type	Well drained
Flower Color	Pink, white (insignificant)
Toxicity	Toxic to pets

Rex begonias are a group of begonias that have stunning foliage with various colors, patterns, and shapes. They are popular as houseplants or outdoor container plants in shady areas. Here are some of the types of rex begonias you can grow:

• T-Rex ™ ‘Painter’s Palette’: This variety has red-green leaves with white splashes that look like a work of art. It grows up to 16 inches tall and wide and prefers full shade.

• ‘Escargot’: This variety has spiral-shaped, chocolate-silvery leaves that resemble snail shells. It grows up to 12 inches tall and wide and likes partial shade.

• ‘Pink Charming’: This variety has pink and green variegated leaves flecked in silver. It grows up to 8-10 inches tall and wide and enjoys bright indirect light.

• ‘Spitfire’: This variety has red-pink foliage edged in green and silver. It stays compact and makes for a great coffee table plant. It likes bright indirect light and high humidity.

• ‘Harmony Black Beauty’: This variety has black leaves with burgundy edges that contrast well with other plants. It grows up to 8-12 inches tall and wide and needs bright indirect light.

These are just some of the types of rex begonias you can grow. There are many more to choose from, depending on your preference and availability. Rex begonias are easy to care for, as long as you keep them away from direct sun, water them when the soil feels dry, and provide good drainage and air circulation.

Begonia rex-cultorum, a semi-tropical perennial plant, is typically cultivated as a houseplant or in outdoor containers. In all but the warmest climates, rex begonia is grown as an annual if it is planted in the garden (a comparatively uncommon event).

Since these plants are mostly foliage, careful cultivation is necessary to bring out their true beauty. Use a shallow container with a porous potting mix, give the plant regular fertilizer, and keep it moist but not soggy.

Finding the right conditions for the rex begonia's best leaf colour can be difficult. Around 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal midday temperature, 60 degrees is the ideal nighttime temperature, and 50 percent humidity is the ideal constant humidity level.

Keep the plant out of direct sunshine and give it plenty of bright indirect sun, rotating it frequently to expose it to equal light on all sides.

Temperature and Humidity

Rex begonias thrive in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a fairly high humidity level. (around 50 percent). Freezing temps will slow growth, and the lack of light during the winter causes some begonia varieties to enter a dormant stage [1]. The rex and other foliage begonias enjoy the same humid, mild environment that understory ferns do, just like other begonias do.

Soil

For rex begonias, the ideal soil is light, airy, and quickly draining.

Water

Regular watering is necessary for Rex begonias, but take care not to overwater them. They benefit from humidity, but when misting foliage, take care that they don't become overly moist and promote the growth of powdery mildew. Before watering, wait until the soil top feels dry to the touch. However, don't allow the earth to get too dry or the plant will start to wilt. The soil needs to be watered until it feels evenly and faintly moist.

Fertilizer

Use liquid fertilizer every two weeks at half intensity or quarter strength.

Light

All year long, Rex begonias prefer direct, strong light. They can take less light than other begonias and do well under fluorescent lights because they are not aggressive bloomers.

Begonias are beautiful flowering plants that can brighten up any garden or indoor space. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, and they are easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips on how to grow begonias for beginners.

Rex begonias are a type of begonia that have colorful and patterned foliage. They are grown for their leaves, not their flowers. Rex begonias can be grown indoors or outdoors, but they need some special care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to grow rex begonias:

• Choose the right type of begonia for your location. There are two main types of begonias: tuberous and fibrous. Tuberous begonias have large, showy flowers and thick stems that store water. They are best suited for cooler climates and need to be stored indoors during winter. Fibrous begonias have smaller, more delicate flowers and thin stems that do not store water. They are more tolerant of heat and humidity and can be grown outdoors year-round in warm regions.

• Pick a spot with partial shade and well-drained soil. Begonias prefer bright but indirect light, as too much sun can scorch their leaves and flowers. They also need moist but not soggy soil, as they are prone to root rot and fungal diseases. You can improve the drainage of your soil by adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss.

• Plant your begonias at the right time and depth. The best time to plant begonias is in spring, after the last frost, or in fall, before the first frost. You can start them from seeds, cuttings or tubers. Seeds are the cheapest option but take longer to germinate and grow. Cuttings are the easiest option but may not produce as many flowers. Tubers are the most expensive option but produce the largest and most colorful flowers. Plant your begonias about an inch deep and space them about 12 inches apart.

• Water and fertilize your begonias regularly. Begonias need consistent moisture but not too much water. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and avoid wetting their leaves and flowers. You can also use a mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Fertilize your begonias every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing in winter when the growth slows down.

• Prune and deadhead your begonias as needed. Pruning your begonias will help them maintain a bushy and compact shape and encourage more blooms. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged stems and leaves with sharp scissors or pruners. Deadhead your begonias by pinching off the faded flowers to prevent seed formation and prolong the flowering period.

• Protect your begonias from pests and diseases. Begonias are generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but they can still be affected by some common problems such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, powdery mildew, botrytis blight and stem rot. You can prevent these issues by keeping your begonias healthy, well-watered and well-ventilated, and by inspecting them regularly for signs of trouble. If you notice any pests or diseases, treat them promptly with an appropriate organic or chemical solution.

Rhizomatous Rex begonia plants develop from a shallow, knobby rhizome. Therefore, they thrive in large, rather shallow pots with space for the rhizome to develop. The begonia should be regarded as contentedly potted if the rhizome still has room to expand in its container.

However, it's time to repot into a new pot with new soil when the rhizome starts to brush up against the pot's sides. To boost your plant stock when repotting, divide the rhizome. As with all begonias, keep the soil of newly planted plants mildly moist and warm. Avoid soaking them.

Mealybugs can be an issue for rex begonia plants [2]. Keep the plant well-trimmed and clear any dead leaves from the potting mix's surface to avoid them. Powdery mildew and the fungus botrytis are two problems that Rex begonias frequently encounter. One solution is a systemic pesticide [3]. Quickly remove any dead foliage and keep the air moving.

Are rex begonias simple to take care of?

One of the simplest indoor plants to care for, Rex begonias thrive in a variety of environments. However, they will also let you know if their soil, water, or light circumstances aren't quite to their taste.

How long do rex begonias live?

Even the best specimen plant is only expected to flourish for a short period of time. However, because they are so easily multiplied, it is straightforward to maintain a constant supply of healthy plants by growing new plants from cuttings.

How quickly do rex begonias grow?

Repotting won't be a problem too frequently because Rex begonias develop at a medium rate and prefer a pot with room to expand.

SOURCES

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Rex Begonia. University of Connecticut Home and Garden Information Center.

2. Managine Pests in Gardens: Begonia—Begonia spp. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

3. Begonia. Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Plant Disease Handbook.