Rex Begonia

The begonia rex has spectacular leaves: silver and burgundy spirals. A collectible botanical gem.

Begonia rex in bright, indirect light. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Do not mist the leaves (stains). Maintain ambient humidity using a pebble tray.

Pitfall: misting a begonia rex whose leaves stain and develop fungus. Humidify the air AROUND, not ON, the leaves.

An adult begonia rex can generally grow between 30 and 50 centimeters in height, with leaves reaching up to 20 centimeters wide. Their size makes them superb indoor plants to add color and texture to your decor.

The begonia rex prefers relatively small pots with good drainage. You can grow it in terracotta, ceramic, or plastic pots, ensuring that the pot is slightly wider than the root ball. Avoid pots that are too large, which could retain too much moisture.

The begonia rex needs indirect, diffused light, away from direct sunlight. Place it near an east or west-facing window, where it will receive good natural light without being exposed to the sun's heat. Avoid dark areas that would dull the beautiful foliage of the begonia rex.

The main health problems that can affect a begonia rex are powdery mildew, aphid attacks, and the risk of root rot in case of overwatering. Stay vigilant for signs of disease and treat quickly with appropriate products to preserve the beauty of your begonia rex.

It is easy to propagate a begonia rex by leaf cuttings. Take a leaf with a piece of stem, let it dry for a few days, then plant it in a well-drained substrate. Then place it under a cloche or in an airy and humid place until the cutting roots, in 4 to 6 weeks.