Rex begonia plants are tropical plants known for their large, beautiful leaves.
Originally from northern India, Vietnam, and China, Rex begonias were found in rocky valleys and slopes.
While they are considered herbaceous perennials in tropical and subtropical locations (zones 10-12), they are usually grown as annuals in colder climates.
Because they generally have a short life span of 2 to 3 years, propagating is the best way to keep the begonia plant thriving.
Rex begonias are known for their large, beautiful variegated leaves, with some up to 6″ inches long.
However, while they flower, the blooms are small and insignificant compared to the colorful leaves.
Many hybrids use Rex begonias as a base plant because of the plant’s unique beauty.
Although Rex begonias are beautiful, they’re probably not the best plant for curious cats or dogs.
They are poisonous to both animals and can cause burning of the mouth, vomiting, and drooling.
Some of the common names of Rex begonias are:
- King begonia
- Fancy-leaf begonia
- Painted-leaf begonia
- Beefsteak Geranium
Quick Facts On Rex Begonia
- Family: Begoniaceae
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Temperature: 60° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Water regularly in summer
- Fertilizer: Diluted liquid fertilizer weekly
- Propagation: Leaf, stem, or rhizome cuttings
- Common Problems: Mold, mildew, rot
Rex Begonia Care
What Does The King Begonia Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The King Begonia is a relatively compact plant, growing up to 12″ to 30″ inches with a similar spread.
The plant is known for its large beautiful leaves, often shaped like hearts. The leaves can mix red, green, silver, purple, or pink.
They also grow quite large, many up to 12″ inches.
The King Begonia plant is an evergreen, although it may shed a few leaves in the winter.
When Does The King Begonia Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Although the King Begonia plants bloom, the flowers are generally small and insignificant compared to the beautiful leaves.
Gardeners don’t purchase the King Begonia for its flowers, as the leaves are the show’s star.
Usually, the King Begonia shows its tiny pink blooms around mid-summer, which have no fragrance.
Many gardeners recommend removing the blooms of your King Begonia because they steal nutrients from the showstopping leaves.
Many begonias have beautiful flowers, such as the tuberous begonias.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Because the King Begonia plant is a subtropical plant, it appreciates warmer temperatures such as winter temperatures of 60° degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures of about 75° degrees Fahrenheit.
It also thrives in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
If you keep your plant indoors, you can mimic high humidity by placing the plant on a tray of pea gravel filled with water. In addition, you can also mist the plant’s leaves.
Otherwise, if outdoors, the plant should be in zones 10-12 to be exposed to adequate humidity.
How And When To Water And Fertilize King Begonia?
It’s essential to water your King Begonia regularly, especially in the summer
A good rule of thumb is not to let the soil dry out. If the top layer of soil is dry, it’s likely time to water.
Your King Begonia will fare best with a weekly feeding of diluted liquid fertilizer.
In the wintertime, feeding your King Begonia is unnecessary, and you can also slow down your watering.
What Is The Best Soil For Rex Begonia, And When Should You Transplant?
The best soil for your King Begonia is light and airy. Many people find that a potting mix for African violets is good soil for King Begonias.
African violet soil is fast-draining and will allow your begonia to get the necessary water without sitting in excess water.
Rex begonias grow from a shallow rhizome. Because of this, they grow best in shallow pots where the rhizome can spread.
If the rhizome has room in the pot to grow, there is no need to repot it.
However, if the rhizome is up against the sides of the pot, then it’s time to move to a slightly larger container.
You can use this time to take cuttings for propagation as well.
Does Rex Begonia Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Although the King Begonia has somewhat fussy temperature and humidity requirements, it does not require regular pruning or maintenance.
How To Propagate Fancy-Leaf Begonia?
You can propagate your fancy-leaf begonia in multiple ways- through stem, rhizome, or leaf cuttings.
To propagate via leaf cutting, do the following:
- Cut off a healthy leaf from your plant.
- Remove the stem.
- Make a ½-inch cut across five or six of the most prominent veins of the leaf.
- Place the leaf right side up in a shallow pot with moistened potting soil.
- To keep the leaf in place, you may want to put small rocks on it, as long as you don’t place them on the central leaf veins.
- Place plastic or a glass dome over the small pot.
- Give the cutting bright, indirect light.
In about 6 weeks, you’ll have new growth from your cuttings.
When the plant is about 3″ inches tall, you can put it in a new pot.
Painted-Leaf Begonia Pests And Diseases
The painted-leaf begonia is not particularly susceptible to many pests or diseases.
Most of the issues with this plant stem from:
- Overwatering or underwatering
- Too much light or not enough
- Too much or not enough humidity
- Lack of fertilizer
If your plant doesn’t get adequate water, your painted-leaf begonia may have dry or withered leaves.
Thankfully, this is an easy fix, and ample watering should do the trick.
In contrast, if you see white deposits on the leaves, then you may be overwatering your plant.
Make sure you wait to water your painted-leaf begonia until the top layer of the soil is dry. This should help ensure adequate watering.
However, you likely have mold if you see gray or brown patches on the leaves. Moving your plant to a less humid location should fix the issue.
If your once-happy painted-leaf begonia starts to slow down in growth, it probably needs a feeding.
Conversely, this feeding should perk up your plant and encourage heartier growth.
Suggested Fancy-Leaf Begonia Uses
The Fancy-Leaf Begonia plant is often used to add color to flower beds or borders. In a suitable climate, the plant will act as a perennial.
They also fare well in containers and can be used to decorate a balcony or patio.
However, for most gardeners, the Fancy-Leaf Begonia plant is kept indoors so you can control temperature and humidity.
It’s a beautiful plant and can serve as a decorative piece anywhere in the house as long as it’s exposed to enough light.