Rex Begonias are admired for their fabulous foliage. The cultivar offers a wide range of colors, textures, and shape. Its leaves can vary in form - from hearts, to seashell swirls, to ivy-like forms, and more. Marked by dramatic colors - often a mix of green, pink or burgundy - the Rex Begonia can also include metallic shades of grayish silver. Always breathtaking to behold! Native to tropical regions, as houseplants, Rex Begonias are good-natured - they are as easy to care for as they are easy on the eyes.
General Care
Sunlight
Moderate to bright indirect light.
Water
Water weekly allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Humidity
Will tolerate dry air but prefer high humidity. Avoid misting, which can lead to problems with powdery mildew.
Temperature
Average home temperature of 65°F-75°F. If you’re comfortable, the Rex Begonia is comfortable.
Size
A well cared for Rex Begonia produce leaves up to 6” long
Common Problems
SYMPTOM: Leaf crinkling, loss, and rot
CAUSE: Overwatered
SYMPTOM: Leaves overly soft
CAUSE: Under watered
SYMPTOM: Fluffy blobs in crooks of leaves
CAUSE: Mealy bugs; remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs.
SYMPTOM: White powdery patches on leaves
CAUSE: Powdery mildew; remove affected leaves and increase air circulation around plant.
Precautions
Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
If ingested, please contact your veterinarian.
Best practice is always to keep houseplants out of reach of small children and pets.
Questions? Email help@thesill
Words By The Sill
Empowering all people to be plant people—a collection of articles from The Sill’s team of plant experts across a variety of plant care topics to inspire confidence in the next generation of plant parents. Welcome to Plant Parenthood™.
