How to Grow and Care for Begonia Rex

Learn everything you need to know about growing and caring for begonia rex in this comprehensive guide. From choosing the suitable variety to propagating and caring for your plant, this article covers all the basics of rex begonia care.

Introduction to Rex Begonia

Thisx is a type of begonia prized for its colorful leaves and ability to bloom indoors. It is native to Southeast Asia and South America and is often grown as a houseplant or in greenhouses.

What is Begonia Rex? 

These are a type of begonia best known for their distinctive and colorful leaves. These leaves can come in shades of green, red, pink, and silver, often having a metallic shine. Begonias are typically slow-growing and long-lasting, making them an excellent choice for indoor gardens.

Characteristics 

Begonias are typically slow-growing plants that reach a height of 12 to 18 inches. Also, their leaves are typically 2 to 4 inches long, thick, and fleshy. They are best grown in bright, indirect light and thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F.

Types

There are many varieties of rex begonias, each with unique characteristics. So, some of the most popular types include the silver-veined rex begonia, the bronze-leafed rex begonia, and the variegated rex begonia. There are also different types of rex begonia flowers, such as the red begonia rex, which is one of the most popular rex begonia types.

Choosing the Right Variety for Your Home

When choosing a begonia for your home, it’s important to consider the lighting conditions in your space, as well as the size and growth habits of the plant. For example, some rex begonia varieties are better suited to low light conditions, while others thrive in bright, indirect light. If you have limited space, you might want to choose a smaller rex begonia variety, such as the bronze-leafed rex begonia, which typically grows to be only a few inches tall.

Care 

In order to keep your Begonia healthy and vibrant, it’s essential to provide it with proper care. Here are some key care tips to keep in mind.

Preparing the Soil

To grow a healthy rex begonia, it’s important to prepare the soil correctly. Begonia plants prefer a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5). 

Be sure to use a pot with adequate drainage holes to prevent water from standing in the ground. You can add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility and structure, such as equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and sand.

Propagating

Several ways to propagate rex begonias include division, stem cuttings, and leaf cuttings. So, division is the easiest method and involves dividing an existing plant into several smaller plants. 

To propagate rex begonia by stem cuttings, remove a stem from an existing plant, dip it in rooting hormone, and plant it in a container filled with moist soil. Leaf cuttings are also easy to propagate and involve cutting a leaf from an existing plant and planting it in the ground.

Watering and Feeding

Watering is an important part of rex begonia care, as the plants are susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered. Water your rex begonia regularly, but be sure to allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings, and be sure to water the plant thoroughly, so the water reaches the roots. 

Begonias prefer higher humidity levels, so you may want to mist the leaves regularly or place a humidifier near the plant. Rex Begonias should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, which is typically spring and summer. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, and be sure to dilute it to half the recommended strength before applying it to the soil.

Ideal Lighting Conditions

Begonia plants prefer bright, indirect light. Also, they should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch. So, if you’re growing rex begonia indoors, place it near a window with filtered light, or use a grow light to provide the plant with enough light. If you’re growing rex begonia outdoors, place it in a shady location, such as beneath a tree or on a covered porch.

How to Encourage Flowering

Begonias typically flower in the late summer or early fall, producing clusters of small, brightly colored blooms. To encourage rex begonia to flower, it’s important to provide it with the right conditions, such as adequate light, moisture, and nutrition. You can also prune your rex begonia regularly to encourage new growth and promote flowering.

Common Problems and Solutions

Despite their relative ease of care, rex begonias can sometimes suffer from common plant problems, such as:

Yellowing Leaves

This can be caused by overwatering, under-fertilizing, or not enough light. 

Solution: Make sure to adjust watering habits, fertilize regularly, and provide bright indirect light.

Wilting

This can be caused by underwatering, high humidity, or root rot. 

Solution: Water your plant regularly, increase air circulation, and ensure good drainage.

Brown Leaves

This can be caused by over-fertilizing, exposure to cold, or drying out. 

Solution: Reduce fertilizer usage, protect the plant from cold drafts, and mist regularly to increase humidity.

Pests

Rex begonias are susceptible to common houseplant pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. 

Solution: Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control infestations.

Stunted Growth

This can be caused by too little light or over-fertilizing. 

Solution: Provide bright indirect light and reduce fertilizer usage.

Leaf Drop

This can be caused by sudden changes in temperature or light, underwatering, or over-fertilizing. 

Solution: Maintain stable growing conditions, adjust watering and fertilizing habits, and avoid sudden changes.

Different Begonia Varieties 

There are several varieties of Rex Begonias, each with its unique color pattern and leaf shape. So, some of the most popular types include the Red Begonia Rex, Green Begonia Rex, and Silver-Leafed Begonia Rex.

Red Begonia 

The Red Begonia Rex is a popular prized variety for its bright red leaves. Also, the leaves are typically heart-shaped and have a metallic sheen to them. So, this variety is best grown in bright, indirect light and should be kept in a warm, humid environment.

Green Begonia 

The Green Begonia Rex is another popular variety best known for its green leaves. Also, the leaves are typically large and have a wavy edge. So, this variety prefers bright, indirect light and should be kept in a warm, humid environment.

Silver-Leafed Begonia 

The Silver-Leafed Begonia Rex is a prized variety for its silver leaves. Also, the leaves are typically large and have a metallic sheen to them. So, this variety is best grown in bright, indirect light and should be kept in a warm, humid environment.

Other Varieties 

Many other varieties of Rex Begonias exist, including those with pink, purple, and multicolored leaves. Each type has its unique color pattern and leaf shape, so be sure to do your research to find one that suits your preferences.

Tips for Maintaining Flowers 

Once your Begonia starts flowering, there are a few things you can do to help maintain the blooms. First, keep the plant in a warm, humid environment. Second, water the plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Third, fertilize the plant every 2-3 weeks during the flowering period.

Facts

Often called “painted-leaf begonias” due to their eye-catching foliage. Rex Begonias are sometimes called “the king of the begonias” due to their unique and striking appearance. The plants can live for several years with proper care, making them a long-lasting addition to your home or garden. Rex Begonias are popular houseplants but can also be grown outside in warm, sheltered locations.

They are a type of flowering plant, but the flowers are small and not particularly showy compared to the stunning leaves. Rex Begonias have been bred into many different cultivars, each with its own unique leaf patterns and colors. These plants are relatively low maintenance and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginners or those with limited gardening experience.

The genus Begonia contains over 1,000 species and is one of the largest genera of flowering plants. Rex Begonias have been cultivated for over 100 years and have been popular among gardeners and collectors for their unique foliage.

Conclusion

Rex begonia is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can bring a touch of tropical beauty to your home. So, with proper care, your rex begonia will reward you with stunning foliage and bright, colorful flowers for many years. Whether you’re growing rex begonia indoors or outdoors, it’s essential to provide it with the right conditions, such as adequate light, moisture, and nutrition, to keep it healthy and thriving.

Elyssa Goins

Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four.  She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants.  For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you.