Begonia Rex

The leaves are large, asymmetrical, and roughly heart-shaped, with a textured surface that can feel slightly puckered or bumpy to the touch. Colors range across silver, burgundy-red, green, purple, pink, and near-black, often in concentric bands or swirling patterns on a single leaf. Some cultivars carry a metallic sheen across the upper surface.

Begonia Rex produces small flowers in pink or white, typically appearing in late winter to early spring, though they are modest compared to the foliage. It is one of the more sought-after colorful foliage houseplants among collectors of fancy leaf begonia varieties, with new cultivars regularly entering the market.

Rotate Begonia Rex every few weeks so all sides receive even light exposure. It does well near a kitchen, where ambient moisture from cooking keeps humidity levels up, and it settles well into a terrarium where enclosed humidity stays consistent. Keep it on a high shelf away from cats, dogs, and small children, as the plant should not be nibbled, touched, or eaten. Move it outside for summer in a sheltered spot, and bring it back in before temperatures drop, keeping it covered from rain while outdoors.

Water it every 7-10 days, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.

Begonia Rex grows well in a light, well-draining mix of peat or coco coir with perlite.

It prefers temperatures between 65F and 75F and suffers near air conditioning or heating vents.

Begonia Rex is a slow to moderate grower; feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer.

It is hardy in USDA zones 10-12, where frost is rare and temperatures stay above 30F. It grows outdoors year-round in Hawaii, southern Florida, and the warmest parts of coastal California. It can spend summers outside in most other US states when brought back indoors before autumn temperatures fall.

Q: Can Begonia Rex handle low humidity indoors?
A: It needs high humidity, ideally above 50%. Dry indoor air from heaters or AC causes leaf edges to brown and curl.

Q: How do I know when it needs water?
A: Begonia Rex wilts slightly when the soil has dried out too long. Check the top inch of soil before watering rather than going by a fixed schedule.

Q: Is Begonia Rex safe to keep around pets?
A: Cats and dogs should not be left to nibble or eat the plant. Keep it on a high shelf or in a room pets cannot access.

Q: Can I grow it in a terrarium?
A: Begonia Rex does well in a terrarium because the enclosed space holds the humidity it prefers. Make sure there is enough airflow to prevent mold on the soil surface.

Q: Does Painted Leaf Begonia produce pollen or allergens?
A: Yes, it does produce pollen when in bloom. Anyone sensitive to plant allergens should handle it with care during the flowering period.

Q: How do I propagate it?
A: Painted Leaf Begonia propagates readily from leaf cuttings placed on moist soil or in water. A single leaf with a short petiole attached can produce new plantlets within a few weeks.