Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae.The genus contains more than 1,800 different plant species. In height, painted leaf begonias can reach 12 to 24 inches, depending on the variety. This requires that you periodically (every 3-4 months) flush the soil to wash away any build-up. Fertilizing can be beneficial for rex begonias especially if done right. Grow under glass in light, well-drained, neutral to slightly acid, loam-based compost in bright light with shade from direct sun. Use it with other foliage plants and brightly colored blooms. 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. 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. Begonia rex-cultorum, often called rex begonia, has bold, multicolored leaves. You can propagate your plant by taking leaf cuttings, either by dividing a leaf into sections or by using the whole leaf. Keep at 21°C (70°F). Simply put a leaf cutting in a mixture of moist peat moss and perlite and wait for it to root. Some of the begonias included in the lucky dip are: -Begonia Conchifolia -Begonia Escargot -Begonia Rex Merry Christmas … Pinching back the leggy growths will help the plant grow fuller once you also move it to a location where it can get more light. ‘Escargot’ takes its name from the snail-like curl pattern at the base of the leaf. Choose a plant with lots of new leaves. Rex begonias need thorough watering but should not be overwatered. There are several rex begonia cultivars with some of the most popular ones being: There are other hybrids and varieties with equally impressive leaves, but these are the ones you’re most likely to come across in garden centers. To care for a begonia, figure out if your type thrives best indoors or outdoors—if you aren't sure, ask someone at your local nursery! Normally, you won’t need to water the plant more than once a week, but always let the soil guide you. Water generously in the summer; do not allow the compost to dry out. Sub-Tropical, Indoor, Greenhouse, Containers, City. At the beginning of this article, I mentioned how rex begonias aren’t the easiest plant to grow. Because the leaves of rex begonias grow clumped together, the plant is dense looking and rounded. The foliage is striking enough to stand on its own but it’s a good mixer, too. Don’t water the leaves, only the soil to avoid fungal disease issues. Fireworks: This variety certainly lives up to its name. Article by Plant Care Today. Therefore, the rex begonia is a plant that will appeal to those who are more satisfied with elaborate foliage displays than blooms, especially that there are several rex begonia varieties. Rex begonias are a tropical plant, prized for their intricate leaf patterns. Among the various types of begonias, the Begonia rex are some of the most beautiful and stunning plants. I can not be responsible if damaged during shipping but I will help you with a claim through the USPS. Treat in the same way as leaf section cuttings. Painted-Leaf Begonia Care: Tips For Growing Rex Begonia. April 2020. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The leaves offer a spectacular sight with silver leaves etched with a deep purple. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. Always rotate the plant so it’s evenly reached by light and prevents leggy growths. The easiest and most straightforward way to propagate rex begonias is by whole leaf cuttings. Rex begonias are rhizomatous. The Painted Leaf needs a humid atmosphere, especially in the summer. A simple cure for some of these insects is to spray the affected areas with a little dishwashing liquid, mixed with water, in a spray bottle (make routine sprays if the pests are persistent). Rex Begonia leaves vary considerably in texture, size, shape, patterns and colors. Treatment: Move your plant to an airy, brighter position (but out of direct sun), and reduce watering. Some cultivars can be very finicky, especially when it comes to humidity, but there are varieties that aren’t as demanding. Although a blooming plant, its flowers are so small … Rex Begonia Plant – Care, Growing, Watering, Propagation read more » Many people collect and display several varieties. Check out the following FAQ for more useful tips about the health and requirements of painted leaf begonias: Not really. Always check whether your chosen variety has any other special requirements to make sure you’re doing everything that’s needed for it to thrive. Slightly moist soil is ideal for painted leaf begonias, but excess moisture will cause root rot, so make sure the water drains properly from the pot and you empty the saucer of excess water. Common problems with Painted-Leaf Begonia. It’s a less finicky variety that’s easier to grow. Avoid any with dry edges on the leaves and those with damaged leaves. The ideal temperature for these plants is between 60°F to 85°F (15 °C to 30°C), which is the ideal range for most tropical plants. Your email address will not be published. The spiraling leaves look like a snail. In more northern regions, some sun shouldn’t be an issue, but the plant should be brought indoors during the cooler months. Your email address will not be published. Alternatively, because the plant does not produce flowers often like other begonias, it is more tolerant of low light conditions. In case of fungal issues, you will usually need to use a fungicide to get rid of the problem. Also keep them away from kids. To meet the plant’s humidity requirements, you need to increase humidity levels either manually or by using a humidifier. ‘Begonia Beleaf Maori Haze’ If you like a pretty plant then look no further. Snow Queen: This rex begonia variety has beautiful silvery green leaves. With the use of fertilizers, there is a concern of salt build-up in the soil. The plant is known to have a high resistance to pests. An area that is too hot and dry encourages Spider Mites and causes blooms to quickly fade. Secure in several places with wooden toothpicks, making certain that each vein touches the compost. Sorry, comments are closed for this post. Just as importantly,, you want to keep it away from direct sunlight which can scorch its leaves. Maranta leuconeura – Maranta, Prayer Plant, Norfolk Island Pine – Araucaria heterophylla. Painted Leaf Begonia offers colorful foliage and is one of the most interesting indoor plants around. Where there is a lack of natural light, artificial light in the form of fluorescent lighting can supplement the lack of natural lighting. Turn it the right way up again and lay it on the surface of the compost. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their showy, sometimes jaw-dropping leaf coloration. Suggested uses. Painted-leaf begonia, Begonia rex-cultorum Rex Begonias. How do you know if your painted leaf begonia is getting enough humidity? They have a reputation of being difficult to grow, although there are varieties that are less demanding. All begonias like bright but indirect light, so find a partially shaded spot for your plant. 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