Key Takeaways
- Rex begonia plant leaves come in various vibrant colors that are mixed with pink, silver, grey, and even burgundy, while the outer edges are dark green. They are botanically known as the “King Begonia”, but are also commonly named “Painted Leaf Begonia” or “Painted Begonia”.
- Painted leaf begonias are slow growers but generally easy to care for:
- Rated for Zone 10-12, they can be planted outdoors that can thrive in high humidity temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Below Zone 10, they make great indoor plants and are slow growers so do need full sun like other begonias.
- Water begonia rex plants when the soil is dry to the touch, but be careful not to overwater – also, do not mist your begonia as this will create sitting water that is a good environment for bacteria to grow.
Table of Contents
Why I grow Rex Begonia (Painted-Leaf Begonia)?
I choose to grow rex begonias not only for their stunning appearance but also because they are surprisingly low-maintenance, making them a fantastic option for gardeners of all skill levels.
As an experienced gardener, I can confidently say that rex begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum) have earned a special place in my heart.
These remarkable plants, originally from tropical and subtropical areas, are celebrated for their vividly colored and intricately patterned leaves that bring a distinctive flair to any setting, whether indoors or outdoors.
What is a Rex Begonia (Painted-Leaf Begonia)?
If you don’t know what a begonia rex is, they are a flowering plant that has colorful foliage and blooms and belongs to the Begoniaceae family.
It’s known for its beautiful leaves, but they do occasionally bloom flowers that are pink and red in a five-petal star shape.
They are considered rhizomatous type of begonia, which means that their stem spreads horizontally below or across the soil surface.
Rhizomatous plants are also known as as a creeping rootstalk or rootstock plants. The stems that sprouts out roots or shoots from the nodal points to collect and store nutrients for the plant.
Botanically known as Begonia rex cultorum, according to the American Begonia Society, these plants are also known as “King Begonia.”
Due to the widespread popularity of rex begonias, I have found that these plants are readily available almost anywhere in the world. You can easily buy them from local nurseries, garden centers, or even online plant retailers.
In my experience, the Painted Leaf Begonia, which belongs to the Begoniaceae family and is part of the Begonia Rex Cultorum group, thrives in humid environments.
I have grown these plants in areas with high humidity levels and they’ve done super well.
Quick Guide: Caring for Begonia Rex Plants
To ensure the health and vitality of your rex begonias, it’s essential to create the optimal growing conditions.
- Climate: High humidity levels (50% or higher) and temperatures ranging from 60-70°F.
- Lighting: They can adapt to various light conditions, including lower light levels, which makes them great indoor plants as well.
- Watering: I recommend checking the top inch of soil and watering only when it feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to plant your rex begonias in well-draining soil that’s been enriched with peat moss or perlite, and to use containers with adequate drainage holes.
- Fertilizer: I’d use a general purpose plant fertilizer in pellet form or a self fertilizing stick (I use this pre-measured fertilizer). Just remember to water thoroughly after applying pellets to help them dissolve and reach the roots. Fertilize once a month during the growing season from spring to summer for best results.
FAQ
Other Types of Begonias to Consider
The Rex begonia is one of the most popular begonias to grow because it has brightly colored leaves and doesn’t need much care.
With that said, there are other types of begonias to grow. For example, cane begonias have tall stems, tuberous begonias are small, compact plants used for bedding, and fibrous begonias are known for their flashy blooms.
Read further for other types of begonias to grow in your garden.
References
Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden.
