Rex Begonia, scientifically known as Begonia rex, is a popular houseplant renowned for its vibrant and diverse foliage. This plant is prized not for its flowers but for its beautiful, intricate leaves that come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and patterns. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Rex Begonia has become a favorite among indoor gardeners for its striking appearance and relatively easy care.
Characteristics
Rex begonias are rhizomatous perennials, meaning they grow from thickened stems that run horizontally along or just below the soil surface. The leaves of Rex Begonia are the main attraction; they can be large, often heart-shaped or asymmetrical, with stunning variegation. Colors range from deep greens and purples to reds, silvers, and even pinks. The leaves may have intricate patterns with splashes, streaks, or veins of contrasting colors, making each plant uniquely beautiful.
| Common Name | Rex begonia |
| Botanical Name | Begonia rex-cultorum |
| Family | Begoniaceae |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous, perennial |
| Mature Size | 12-18 in. tall, similar spread |
| Sun Exposure | Partial, shade |
| Soil Type | Well drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic |
| Hardiness Zones | 10-12 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Asia |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets2 |
Types of Rex Begonias
Rex Begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum) are renowned for their stunning and diverse foliage, making them popular houseplants. There are numerous cultivars of Rex Begonia, each with unique leaf patterns, colors, and shapes.
1. Begonia rex, ‘Escargot’
- Description: Named for its striking snail-shell pattern, ‘Escargot’ has large, spiraled leaves with shades of green and silver.
- Highlights: The spiral design is highly distinctive and makes it a standout variety.
2. Begonia rex, ‘Fireworks’
- Description: ‘Fireworks’ features dark leaves with bright pink and purple streaks radiating from the center.
- Highlights: The contrasting colors and bold patterns resemble bursts of fireworks, hence the name.
3. Begonia rex, ‘Merry Christmas’
- Description: This cultivar has dark green leaves with bright red edges and silver splashes.
- Highlights: The festive colors of ‘Merry Christmas’ make it a favorite during the holiday season.
4. Begonia rex, ‘Red Tango’
- Description: ‘Red Tango’ boasts deep red leaves with dark green margins and a metallic sheen.
- Highlights: The rich, vibrant red foliage is eye-catching and adds a touch of elegance to any space.
5. Begonia rex, ‘Iron Cross’
- Description: Known for its unique pattern, ‘Iron Cross’ has green leaves with a dark brown cross-shaped marking in the center.
- Highlights: The distinct cross pattern is both unusual and attractive, making it a conversation starter.
6. Begonia rex, ‘Silver Queen’
- Description: ‘Silver Queen’ features silvery leaves with green veins and edges.
- Highlights: The silvery foliage has a regal appearance, fitting for its royal name.
7. Begonia rex, ‘Plum Paisley’
- Description: This cultivar has deep purple leaves with pink and silver markings.
- Highlights: The rich plum color combined with intricate patterns gives it a luxurious look.
8. Begonia rex, ‘Black Mamba’
- Description: ‘Black Mamba’ has almost black leaves with metallic silver veins.
- Highlights: The dark, dramatic foliage adds a touch of mystery and sophistication.
9. Begonia rex, ‘Silver Lace’
- Description: ‘Silver Lace’ features delicate silver leaves with green edges and veins.
- Highlights: The lacy pattern and soft colors give it a delicate and elegant appearance.
10. Begonia rex, ‘Jive’
- Description: ‘Jive’ has bright green leaves with silver and pink accents.
- Highlights: The vibrant mix of colors creates a lively and energetic display.
Rex Begonias Care
Rex Begonias (Begonia rex) are stunning houseplants known for their vibrant and varied foliage. With the right care, these plants can thrive indoors, adding a splash of color and intrigue to your home. Here are some essential tips for taking care of your Rex Begonia:
Light Requirements
Rex begonias prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, leading to brown spots and discoloration. Place your Rex Begonia in a spot where it can receive plenty of filtered light, such as near a north- or east-facing window. If natural light is insufficient, especially in the winter months, consider supplementing with a grow light.
Temperature and Humidity
Native to tropical and subtropical regions, Rex begonias thrive in warm, humid environments. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as cold drafts can damage the leaves. Maintaining high humidity is crucial. Here are a few tips to achieve this:
- Use a Humidifier: This is the most effective way to increase humidity around your plant.
- Humidity Trays: Place a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles under the plant pot. The humidity level surrounding the plant will rise as water evaporation occurs.
- Grouping Plants: Placing several plants together can create a microenvironment with higher humidity.
Soil and Potting
Rex begonias need a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. A recommended mix includes:
One part peat moss
1 part perlite or vermiculite
One part potting soil
Make sure the openings in your pot can drain excess water. Repot your Rex Begonia every couple of years or when it becomes root-bound, ideally in the spring.
Watering
Proper watering is crucial for Rex Begonias. Here’s how to do it right:
- Consistency: Maintain a constant moisture content in the soil without becoming soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before rewetting.
- Watering Method: Water the plant at the base, avoiding the leaves, as wet leaves can lead to mildew and fungal issues.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant’s growth slows down.
Fertilization
Feed your Rex Begonia with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., 10-10-10). Cut back on fertilization in the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and health of your Rex Begonia. To promote new growth and stave off disease, remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Pinch back the stems to promote a bushier growth habit. Be gentle when handling the leaves, as they can be quite fragile.
Common Problems and Solutions
Rex Begonias are prized for their stunning foliage, but they can be somewhat finicky and prone to various issues. Understanding these common problems and their solutions will help keep your Rex Begonia healthy and vibrant.
1. Leaf Spotting and Mildew
- Problem: Leaf spotting, mildew, and other fungal issues often occur due to high humidity and poor air circulation.
Solution:
- Avoid Wetting Leaves: When watering, avoid getting water on the leaves. Water near the plant’s base.
- Improve Air Circulation: Ensure good air flow around your plant by not overcrowding it with other plants.
- Use Fungicides: If mildew or fungal spots appear, treat the plant with an appropriate fungicide.
2. Root Rot
- Problem: Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot, a serious condition that can kill your plant.
Solution:
- Proper Watering: Before rewetting, let the top inch of soil dry off. Water less frequently in the winter.
- Well-Draining Soil: Use a soil mix that drains well, such as a combination of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil.
- Drainage Holes: Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.
3. Leaf Browning and Edges Crisping
- Problem: Browning of leaf edges can be due to low humidity, inconsistent watering, or exposure to direct sunlight.
Solution:
- Increase Humidity: Use a humidifier, place the plant on a humidity tray, or mist the plant regularly.
- Consistent Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Indirect Light: Ensure the plant receives bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
4. Pest Infestations
- Problem: Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, which can damage leaves and stunt growth.
Solution:
- Regular Inspection: Check your plant regularly for signs of pests.
- Natural Predators: Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or use biological controls.
- Insecticidal Soap: Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the instructions on the label.
- Isolation: If you find pests, isolate the affected plant to prevent spreading to other plants.
5. Leggy Growth
- Problem: Leggy growth, characterized by long, weak stems with sparse foliage, usually results from insufficient light.
Solution:
- Increase Light: Move the plant to a brighter location where it can receive more indirect light.
- Supplemental Lighting: Use grow lights if natural light is inadequate, especially in winter.
6. Wilting
- Problem: Wilting can be caused by both underwatering and overwatering.
Solution:
- Check Soil Moisture: Test the soil moisture level. If the soil is dry, increase watering. If it is soggy, allow the soil to dry out and adjust your watering routine.
- Proper Drainage: Make sure there is adequate drainage in the pot to avoid waterlogging.
7. Yellowing Leaves
- Problem: Yellowing leaves can indicate several issues, including overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pest problems.
Solution:
- Watering Balance: Adjust watering practices to ensure the soil remains evenly moist.
- Fertilization: Throughout the growing season, fertilize the plant using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing.
- Pest Control: Inspect for pests and treat accordingly.
Common Pests and Diseases
Rex Begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum) are admired for their beautiful foliage but can be susceptible to various pests and diseases. Recognizing and addressing these issues promptly is key to maintaining a healthy plant. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that affect Rex Begonias and tips on how to manage them:
Common Pests
Aphids
- Description: Insects are soft-bodied and available in green, black, brown, or red hues. They cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves, sucking sap from the plant.
- Symptoms: Distorted leaves, sticky honeydew on the plant, and sooty mold growth.
Control:
- Natural Predators: Introduce ladybugs or lacewings, which feed on aphids.
- Insecticidal Soap: Spray affected areas with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Water Spray: Aphids can be removed from plants by using a powerful water jet.
Spider Mites
- Description: tiny, reddish-yellow pests that resemble tiny spiders. They thrive in dry conditions and create fine webbing on the plant.
- Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, tiny spots on leaves, and webbing on the underside of leaves.
Control:
- Humidity: Increase humidity around the plant, as spider mites prefer dry conditions.
- Insecticidal Soap: Infested regions can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Isolation: To stop the infestation from spreading to other plants, isolate the affected ones.
Mealybugs
- Description: White, cottony insects that feed on plant sap and can often be found in leaf axils and along stems.
- Symptoms: White, cottony masses on the plant, yellowing leaves, and sticky honeydew.
Control:
- Manual Removal: Remove mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Insecticidal Soap: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat infestations.
- Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect plants to catch infestations early.
Thrips
- Description: Tiny, slender insects that can be yellow, brown, or black. They feed on plant tissues by puncturing and sucking out the contents.
- Symptoms: Silvery or bronze streaks on leaves, deformed growth, and black specks (frass).
Control:
- Blue or Yellow Sticky Traps: Use sticky traps to catch adult thrips.
- Insecticidal Soap: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Isolation: Isolate infested plants to prevent their spread.
Common Diseases
Powdery Mildew
- Description: A fungal disease that appears as white, powdery spots on leaves and stems.
- Symptoms: White, powdery growth on leaves, distorted growth, and leaf drop.
Control:
- Air Circulation: Improve air circulation around the plant.
- Fungicide: Apply a fungicide specifically labeled for powdery mildew.
- Avoid Wetting Leaves: Water the plant at the base to keep the leaves dry.
Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold)
- Description: A fungal disease that causes gray, fuzzy mold on flowers, leaves, and stems.
- Symptoms: Gray mold on affected areas, wilting, and browning of plant tissues.
Control:
- Remove Affected Parts: Cut away and dispose of affected parts of the plant.
- Improve Air Circulation: Ensure good airflow and reduce humidity around the plant.
- Fungicide: Apply a fungicide to affected areas.
Root Rot
- Description: A condition caused by various soil-borne fungi, often due to overwatering and poor drainage.
- Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting, and mushy, discolored roots.
Control:
- Well-Draining Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix and ensure pots have drainage holes.
- Proper Watering: Avoid overwatering; let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Remove Affected Parts: If root rot is detected, remove affected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Leaf Spot
- Description: Caused by bacteria or fungi, leading to spots on leaves.
- Symptoms: Brown, black, or yellow spots on leaves, which may become larger and merge over time.
Control:
- Remove Affected Leaves: Cut away and dispose of affected leaves.
- Fungicide/Bactericide: Use appropriate fungicides or bactericides.
- Watering Method: Water at the base and avoid wetting leaves.
Uses
Rex Begonias are commonly used for indoor decoration, in office spaces, as gifts, for educational purposes, in therapeutic gardening, in botanical gardens and conservatories, at events and exhibitions, and in landscaping for shaded areas.