Rex begonia, often referred to as painted-leaf begonia or fancy-leaf begonia, is a semi-tropical perennial plant distinguished by its enormous variegated leaves, which come in a variety of vibrant colours, including green, red, silver and purple. Typically, rex begonias are cultivated as houseplants or in outdoor containers. It may be challenging to determine the ideal circumstances for Rex begonia leaves to show their most extraordinary colour. Temperature is the most crucial factor, when caring for these plants. The optimal temperature range for this plant is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, 60 degrees at night, and a consistent humidity of about 50% while inside.
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Begonia rex: Overview
| Genus name | Begonia rex |
| Common name | Rex Begonia |
| Type of plant | Houseplant, Perennial |
| Light | Part sun, shade |
| Height | 6 to 20 inches |
| Width | 10 to 18 inches |
| Flower colour | Pink, white |
| Foliage colour          | Blue/Green, Gray/Silver, Purple/Burgundy |
| Zones | 10,11,7,8,9 |
| Propagation | Division, Leaf Cuttings |
Where do Rex Begonias grow?
Rex begonias, like the majority of begonias, are tropical plants that need warm, humid weather to flourish. Outside, rex begonias grow well in bright, shaded areas with lots of moisture when planted in containers. They must be taken inside when the temperature lowers.
These begonias grow nicely inside in east-facing windows or south-facing windows that are partially shaded from the light. Higher humidity areas of the house, including kitchens and bathrooms, will ensure the leaves have adequate ambient moisture to prevent burnt edges. Begonias should be far from air conditioners, heaters, or fans.
When and how to plant Begonias Rex?
Rex begonias grow best while actively growing in the warmer spring and summer months, although they may be planted or repotted inside at any time of year.
During the summer, when temperatures are consistently over 60°F and high humidity, begonias can be brought outside. Rex begonias will soon die after a mild frost since they are not resistant to cold or frost.
Plant the rhizomes in potting soil that drains well. If necessary, increase drainage by adding perlite or compost.
Essential care requirements for begonia rex
The following are the essential care requirements for rex begonia plants:
- In a relatively shallow container, use an absorbent potting mix.
- Plant anytime indoors, but if you must plant outside, wait until May after the frosts.
- Regularly feed the plant.
- Avoid overwatering the plant; just keep it damp.
- Ensure the plant receives lots of bright indirect sunshine, but avoid direct sunlight.
- Rotate your houseplant often to give it equal exposure to light on all sides.
- To keep stunning leaf displays going, pinch off the insignificant blossoms.
How to care for your home-grown begonia?
Light
Place your rex begonias in an area with bright, indirect light for optimal colour and vitality. The majority of rex begonia leaves will burn in direct sunshine and leaves and stems that are too long and weak might result from insufficient light. The home’s best spots are those facing east and receiving morning sun or those facing south and slightly shaded by the light. Outside, it is best in the early sunshine or under the shade of a tree.
Soil and watering
If Rex begonias are not planted in soil with good drainage, they may soon decay and become susceptible to overwatering. To help with drainage, use soil that drains quickly or add sand, perlite, or tiny bark chips. During their growing season, rex begonias demand consistent wetness with a minor drying between waterings, while drainage is still necessary. Give your begonia plenty of water, letting the extra run off the roots. Water the plants when the top layer of the soil starts to dry up, or the leaves begin to flag (lightly wilt).
Humidity and temperature
Rex begonias are excellent houseplants because they like temperatures comparable to those people like. Ideal daytime temperatures are in the 70s or early 80s, with nighttime lows of around 10°F. Begonia leaves need humidity to stay full and free of ugly brown edges and malformations. Throughout the growth season, maintain a humidity level of over 50%.
Apply fertiliser
Rex begonias thrive when given a steady supply of a balanced liquid fertiliser sprayed every other week, as directed on the product’s package, during their growing season. But stop fertilising your plants at the conclusion of the growing season when their development slows down to prevent overfeeding. Begonias in a resting state do not require fertilisation and may even have burn marks on their leaves.
Trimming
Although rex begonias do not need to be pruned, occasional touch-up trimming could be helpful to reroute plant development or remove dead leaves. Should the plants outgrow their pots, they may be trimmed back and the removed sections can be planted again to create duplicates of the original plant.
Begonia rex: Pest and diseases
The two main enemies of rex-cultorum are powdery mildew and botrytis. White spores on the leaves are a defining feature of many fungal infections. The most significant defence against these is promptly removing dead leaves and ensuring the plant receives enough airflow. Moreover, a systemic fungicide might be used.
Mealybugs might appear at the joints where a stem or leaf meets a rhizome. One way to deal with mealybugs is to purchase predator insects that hunt them directly or dip a cotton swab into household rubbing alcohol and apply it to the bugs.
Begonia Rex: Toxicity
Before you decide to grow rex begonias in your yard or indoor plants, remember that the subterranean sections of rex begonia plants are heavy in calcium oxalate, which is deadly to most dogs. If ingested, this crystalline material is minimally poisonous yet highly irritating. Because the initial taste generates an unpleasant sensation in the mouth and throat, humans and animals such as cats, dogs, and horses rarely consume more than one mouthful.
FAQs
Can Rex Begonias be grown indoors?
Rex begonias are a common houseplant for indoor usage.
Do begonias inside require sunlight?
All begonias require indirect, intense light.
How much time do begonias live indoors?
Even with proper care, most only survive for two to three years.
Will indoor begonia blooms persist?
Certain Begonias undergo dormancy throughout the winter, whereas others do not undergo dormancy and persist in growing and blossoming throughout the entire season.
At what temperature are begonias fatal?
Begonias cannot withstand temperatures below 45°F, so don't rush planting them outside since they are highly susceptible to frost, cold, and damp weather.
Do begonias prefer the sun in the morning or evening?
Most begonias thrive when planted in areas with morning light and afternoon shade.
How is bushy Begonia rex made?
Maintaining your begonia rex 'Salsa' requires regular trimming.
Is caring for Begonia rex difficult?
Rex begonias are gentle creatures that are easy to care for and visually pleasing.
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