Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don’t have a very long lifespan. Read on to learn how to grow rhizomatous begonias and about rhizomatous begonia care. are available in many different varieties, including Rex, wax, tuberous and cane-stemmed types. As with all begonias, don't soak the soil of newly potted plants, but do keep it lightly moist and warm. You can feed Rex Begonias every two weeks or so using a diluted regular balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season (Spring through Fall). These plants are grown almost exclusively for their foliage—their blooms tend to be small and less showy, so many growers pinch off blooms to maintain breathtaking leaf displays. A systemic fungicide can help. Another interesting and beautiful begonia is B. masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. Probably one of the most interesting looking plants due to their texture, hues, and shape, Begonias are named after a 17th-century French plant enthusiast called Michael Begon. The outer edges of the leaf may appear dark green while the inner parts are a … Houseplants do best when the temperatures range between 60 and 85 °F. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. The leaves of the rex begonia … Adjustment Period: Some begonias respond to the shock of moving indoors by dropping and regrowing some or all of their leaves. Begonia Rex Plant Care; Plant Care Houseplants Plants Begonia Rex Plant Care. The original Begonia rex had dark leaves with wonderful silver designs. They look great outdoors in shady tropical gardens, but the most popular way to display rex begonias is to collect and group them together, each in its own pot. If you live in an area that's prone to flooding, growing your begonias in a pot will give you the option of bringing them under shelter in rain. Ideal begonia care requires well-drained soil that has been amended by the addition of organic matter, such as compost and peat moss. Begonia leaves come in … Marked by dramatic colors - often a mix of green, pink or burgundy - the Rex Begonia can also include metallic shades of grayish silver. Rex begonia plants have calcium oxalate, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Begonias such as Begonia Rex and Begonia metallica are popular houseplants grown for their attractive foliage or flowers. Although they are at home in a shady garden, they are also popular as houseplants. They cannot tolerate freezing, and some types of rex begonias go into a dormant period during the fall. -Rita Randolph, Rex begonias, Fine Gardening issue #120. Interested in growing begonia rhizomes? Despite its exotic looks, Rex begonia is actually easy to grow. Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their showy, sometimes jaw-dropping leaf coloration. Begonia Rex Care Size and Growth. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. The American Begonia Society calls Begonia rex “the showboat of the begonia world.” That may be, but the king begonia, or Begonia Rex Cultorum Group as they are more formally known, may just be my Achilles’ heel: a plant that simply will not thrive for me, however much care and attention I lavish on it. Rex begonias are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Begonias (Begonia spp.) Ideal daytime temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50 percent. Commonly grown as a houseplant for its foliage, these begonias are also known as painted-leaf or fancy-leaf begonias. Begonias are a beautiful tropical plant that looks great in any garden, but since they do not grow well in colder climates, those of you who live in a northern location where the weather varies quite a bit will not be able to grow these plants outdoors all year long. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Fertilizing your Begonia when temperatures are below 58 degrees Fahrenheit will do more harm than good. They are grown for their gorgeous blossoms and spectacular leaf shapes and colors. As such, they do best in large, relatively shallow pots where the rhizome has room to spread. Begonia rex-cultorum The Rex or Painted-Leaf Begonias are rhizomatous, clump forming, tender perennials that are only hardy in zones 10-12, so they are normally grown as house plants. Rex begonias are grown specifically for their attractive foliage, and are almost exclusively indoor container plants. Mealybugs, aphids, and caterpillars can also become a problem. How to Care for an Escargot Begonia Plant. The soil should be porous. Begonia rex is the basis for many hundreds of hybrids, and its forms are too numerous to count. It's available in various colors. When the rhizome begins to butt up against the sides of the pot, however, it's time to repot into a fresh pot with fresh soil. A rooting hormone can help the cuttings sprout. The advice given here will help guide you to growing success. Debra LaGattuta is a certified master gardener with decades of experience with perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. A Begonia Rex plant, also called a Painted-Leaf Begonia, a Fancy-Leaf Begonia, or King Begonia, is a colorful perennial flowering plant that originally came from India. Most rex begonias sold today are named hybrids, although they are not always labeled as such. Shop online today. We have roughly 50 different Begonia Rex available. Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or at half strength every two weeks. Great American Cities ‘Houston Fiesta’ Rex begonias can be very demanding of just the right amount of water, food, and humidity. Rex begonias (painted leaf begonias) may not be the easiest plant to grow indoors, but with the proper know-how, you’ll succeed in growing a thriving plant that will add liveliness and color to any indoor space. Feeding your plant monthly during its growing months will keep the leaves looking nice and healthy. Rotating potted rex begonias will keep the plants full and stocky. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don’t have a very long lifespan. Rex Begonia’s are also called looking glass plants. Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener and the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home.". Do not over-fertilize. Rex begonias can be temperamental and you just have to find the right conditions and balance for your plant. Handle slugs and snails by placing slug bait near your plants. The small pale pink flowers are an added bonus. In this article, we will go through everything you need to care for a Rex Begonia and provide some easy tips that will help you succeed. Rex Begonia leaves also grow in purple, cream, pink, and silver. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names dreamed up by growers looking to market their plants. Root rot can be a problem in wet areas. Marked by dramatic colors - often a mix of green, pink or burgundy - the Rex Begonia can also include metallic shades of grayish silver. This group of warm-loving plants was originally found in the forest understory in tropical and subtropical areas. Whether you are gifted with a green thumb or not, our guide will help you grow the perfect houseplants. If you’re overwintering Rex begonias, they might need misting or a little help from a humidifier. Rex Begonia Features: An Overview. Rex Begonia Care – Temperature and Humidity. Use a porous potting mix in a relatively shallow pot, and feed the plant regularly. Rex Begonia’s are also called looking glass plants. The Begonia Rex is a gorgeous plant, but it commonly gives house plant owners a hard time. Series: Begonia Rex Dibs™ & Bewitched® Recommended Containers: 6” to 12” pots and mixed patio containers. As a result, you might find the same crosses named two different things in different garden centers. are available in many different varieties, including Rex, wax, tuberous and cane-stemmed types. Origin: The initial species, B. rex, originated in the forests of northern India.Today, there are countless cultivars derived from this species enjoyed around the world. A group of two or three pots of these little beauties will brighten any room. The rex begonia is a native of Southeast Asia. They require a bit more care than your average houseplant, but the variegated, colorful leaves add a bit of life to any indoor environment. Latin Name Pronunciation: b eg-own'ee-uh . The Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful houseplants out there. Don’t worry, just pinch back leggy stems and keep on taking care of your begonia until it grows new leaves. Rex begonias (painted leaf begonias) may not be the easiest plant to grow indoors, but with the proper know-how, you’ll succeed in growing a thriving plant that will add liveliness and color to any indoor space. You can feed Rex Begonias every two weeks or so using a diluted regular balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season (Spring through Fall). Rex begonia plants have calcium oxalate, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Eventually, you'll figure out the right balance. You can feed your potted plants monthly with any good houseplant food. Begonia plants from this group have leaves that vary in size and pattern and grow from rhizomes, hence the name. Rex begonias do best in moderate temperatures (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. A peat-based potting mix is ideal for containers. Rex begonia offers colorful foliage and is one of the most interesting indoor plants around. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Parent species from Northeastern India, southern China, and Vietnam, 4 Genera of Bromeliad Plants for Growing Indoors, 10 Varieties of Begonias for Gardens and Containers, How to Grow Wax Begonias (Semperflorens) Indoors, 10 Top Outdoor Garden Plants That Thrive Indoors, Amazon Elephant's Ear Plant Profile (African Mask). Avoid direct sunlight. Learn how to care for the Rex Begonia! Provide the plant with plenty of bright indirect sun, but keep it out of direct sunlight. The wax begonia is a very popular plant because they are typically very easy to care for, but they still need to have special attention before winter hits so that they can survive the cold. This beautiful plant was introduced to cultivation in 1952 and has puckered leaves with a dark cross in the middle. Some Tuberous Begonia you might like: Dragon Wing series, Hanging Basket series. Rex Begonia leaves also grow in purple, cream, pink, and silver. Whilst, there are some guidelines you need to follow, it can be relatively easy for the plant to thrive. Avoid soggy conditions, but do not allow plants to wilt. But because they propagate so easily, it's a simple matter to keep a steady supply of healthy plants by creating new plants from cuttings. Let’s take a look at the most critical elements of growing the rex begonia as houseplants. Despite its exotic looks, Rex begonia is actually easy to grow. One of the more common types of begonias grown is the rhizomatous, or Rex begonia. Begonias have a reputation for being difficult. It is grown for its large colorful leaves rather than its small pink flowers. And that’s without producing many flowers like other Begonia species. THE BEST REX All rex begonias are gems in their own way, but the following are our favorites among the new varieties. Plants will vary and the only way to know what your plant wants is to watch it, once it has adjusted to its new surrounding. Escargot begonias (Begonia rex) are a variety of rex begonia that produces spiral-shaped foliage that curls around at the base of the leaf. Rex begonias like bright, indirect light year-round. Growing begonias takes a bit of patience, skill and knowledge to get the most out of this fun flower. To prevent them, keep the plant well-trimmed and remove dead leaves from the surface of the planting mix. Begonia Rex Dibs™ boast high vigor and quick crops times compared to all other Begonia Rex lines. Houseplants do best when the temperatures range between 60 and 85 °F. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Annuals that can be grown as a houseplant, South and Central America, Africa, southern Asia. Rex begonias are rhizomatous begonias. There are many different cultivated varieties, sporting large leaves with streaks, spirals or veins, and often with splashes of silver, pink, purple green and burgundy. Give Rex begonias a diluted dose of organic, soluble food every four to six weeks during the growing season. It’s better to cluster your plants, so they can create their own humid environment, or use a pebble tray. One of the more common types of begonias grown is the rhizomatous, or Rex begonia.Interested in growing begonia rhizomes? A Begonia Rex plant, also called a Painted-Leaf Begonia, a Fancy-Leaf Begonia, or King Begonia, is a colorful perennial flowering plant that originally came from India. Rex Begonia Care. In most cases, a spray form of pesticide will take care of the issue. Rex begonia ceases growing if the temperatures fall below 58 °F – be mindful in the winter months. The vast majority of begonias offered in the trade are hybrids and thus cannot be accurately propagated from seed. In dry climates or indoors in winter, provide moisture in the air by misting plants with a spray bottle, placing pots on wet pebbles in a tray, or keeping plants in a greenhouse. Award-winning Begonia 'Benitochiba' is an evergreen, rhizomatous perennial of upright habit, mostly grown for its elegant foliage of large, palmately-divided silvery leaves adorned with dark green markings along the veins. Rex begonias are grown for their colourful, dramatic foliage. Because it's a relatively short houseplant, Rex begonia is perfect for desks and tabletops where is wildly colorful, variegated foliage makes it a perfect contrast against other houseplants. Their distinct foliage makes them a popular houseplant, but they can be finicky. Rex begonias are grown for their colourful, dramatic foliage. In their natural habi To really play up the unique qualities of begonia rex, pair them with solid green plants with different textures or forms. Rex: Rex begonias are entirely their own class of begonia. Learn how to care for the Rex Begonia! If it is droopy or gangly, adjust the light and water. When planting directly in the ground, a moist, well-drained location is optimal and mulch will keep the roots shaded. This aggression proves itself in garden performance. There are many different cultivated varieties, sporting large leaves with streaks, spirals or veins, and often with splashes of silver, pink, purple green and burgundy. Fibrous-Rooted: Although all begonias have fibrous roots, if you don't see either tubers or rhizomes, they likely belong to this category. Remove dead leaves promptly and provide good air circulation. Although a blooming plant, its flowers are so small … Rex Begonia Plant – Care, Growing, Watering, Propagation read more » This is an extremely popular Rex hybrid begonia. To avoid these issues, be sure your begonias are in well-drained soil and water them sparingly. It needs bright but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be moist. Its leaves can vary in form - from hearts, to seashell swirls, to ivy-like forms, and more. The forms sold commercially are carefully cultivated varieties of the B. rex species native to parts of eastern Asia. Begonia rex should be watered when the soil or pot feels dry, but don’t wait until the plant starts to wilt. Begonia leaves come in … Spread the love. The rex begonia is a native of Southeast Asia. Most rex begonias sold today are named hybrids, although they are not always labeled as such. Begonia rex is sensitive to temperature changes and to temperatures below about 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 Celsius). This beautiful plant was introduced to c… This Rex Begonia indoor care guide covers all you need to know to better understand the Begonia species and how to care for Rex Begonia plants indoors. Begonias do not grow or use fertilizer efficiently below 58°F. Mealy bugs can also be an issue. Because these are primarily foliage plants, careful cultivation is important to realize their full beauty. Rex Begonia fertilizer. The cultivar offers a wide range of colors, textures, and shape. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names dreamed up by growers looking to market their plants. Outdoor Begonia Care. Repotting rex begonias each spring will ensure that they have plenty of soil to grow in, but they like to be a little bit pot bound. This plant is susceptible to fungal infections, mainly bacterial leaf spot. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. You can cut back on water during their dormant period in the winter, watering only when the pot dries out. CareProvide organic, sharp-draining soil in shade with lots of humidity. Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. Escargot begonias (Begonia rex) are a variety of rex begonia that produces spiral-shaped foliage that curls around at the base of the leaf. Conditions: Considered perennials in tropical and semitropical climates, Rex begonias are frost tender and typically grown as annuals or houseplants in North America. The leaves are large and multicolored. It needs bright but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be moist. Rex begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum) is a semi-tropical perennial plant normally grown as an outdoor container plant or houseplant. Rex begonias: A subgroup of rhizomatous, Rex begonias (Begonia rex), are widely available, sold by florists and garden centers year-round, and generally reach 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. If you have trouble finding these rex begonias at your garden center, try ordering from Plants for Kids or Logee’s Greenhouses (888/330-8038). The plant contains soluble calcium oxalates, which are toxic to cats and dogs. Rex Begonia Care – Temperature and Humidity. How to Care for an Escargot Begonia Plant. Too much food will make for a scraggly plant, so pay attention and adjust the feeding to suit your variety. If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or our 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. In their natural habi It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. Rex begonias prefer light, rich soil. Begonia Rex is a popular and well-known tropical Begonia plant variety. If the rhizome still has room to grow in its pot, the begonia should be considered happily potted. Their distinct foliage makes them a popular houseplant, but they can be finicky. Cane type (Angel Wing) begonias and the Rex or foliage begonias are also good indoor plants. Marie Iannotti is an author, photographer, and speaker with 27 years of experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener, The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Rex begonia care indoors can be a little tricky, but it is certainly possible to grow beautiful specimens if you understand the plant’s needs. Give rex begonias bright light through a window, and water only when top inch of soil is dry. The leaf edges and undersides are covered with short red hairs. Many people collect and display several varieties. One interesting and beautiful begonia that's often included with the rex begonias as a foliage begonia is the B. masoniana or iron cross begonia. In late summer, dainty clusters of shell pink orchid-like flowers are an added bonus. What is a Rhizomatous Begonia? A Note of Caution For Indoor Rex Begonia Care. The soil should be porous. By using The Spruce, you accept our, 10 Top Outdoor Garden Plants That Thrive Indoors, 10 Varieties of Begonias for Gardens and Containers. If you don’t get frost where you live, wait until the plant shows signs of decline—wilting, browning, shedding of … While their flowers are insignificant, their foliage is like a royal robe with purple, pink, maroon, pewter, silver and shades of green splashed on the foliage in dazzling combos. Rex begonias: A subgroup of rhizomatous, Rex begonias (Begonia rex), are widely available, sold by florists and garden centers year-round, and generally reach 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Bacterial leaf spot, mildew, and botrytis can occur if the leaves stay wet. Shop online today. Rhizomatous Begonia (Rex Begonia) Rhizomatous Begonias are herbaceous plants cultivated mainly for their foliage. Other types like tuberous, Rex, and Rieger begonias prefer cool temperatures and do not usually make reliable landscape plants in Florida, but you can always try them as houseplants. Do not over-fertilize. Rex begonia ceases growing if the temperatures … Divide the rhizome when repotting to increase your plant stock. The leaves grow on short leaf stalks, from the underground rhizome. The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the plant stem. Most varieties of begonia cannot survive temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C). Ongoing care for your rex begonia includes watering that allows the soil to nearly dry but retain moisture. Painted-Leaf begonia may reach a height of 10″ to 26″ inches. Related plants How to grow Begonia × hiemalis from cuttings Another option is to use a complete fertilizer (23-19-14 is a good balance) in the spring every two weeks at 1/4 strength. Large or gangly plants can be pruned into shape. You will want to be looking at … Don’t feed at all during the winter. There are around 1,000 species of begonia with about 10,000 cultivated cultivars and mutations. Rex Begonia leaves vary considerably in texture, size, shape, patterns and colors. Use an organic water soluble houseplant fertilizer once every four to six weeks through spring and summer. If planted in the garden (a relatively rare occurrence), rex begonia is grown as an annual in all but the warmest climates. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Ideal as houseplants or in hanging baskets, elatior begonias (Begonia x hiemalis) are short-lived but flower prolifically and come in fabulous colours, from hot reds and oranges to softer sherbet-like pinks, lemons and apricots. Although Rex begonias are sure to bring a bit of an exotic and tropical appeal to your indoor spaces, use caution where you decide to place them. Among the various types of begonias, Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful and stunning plants. As a result, you might find that the same crosses have different names in different garden centers. Rex begonias are often troubled by mildew and botrytis fungal disease. They need some light to keep their coloring, but bright, indirect light is best. Alternatively, if your area is too cold, consider growing yours as a houseplant or in an outdoor container that can be brought indoors in cooler weather.