How to Grow and Care for Rex Begonia
There’s a good reason why Rex begonia, often called Painted-Leaf begonia, is called the “King” of begonias. This plant’s gorgeous and eye-catching leaves is why gardeners adore it. This article explains in detail how to grow and care for a rex begonia plant.
Rex is the Latin word for “king.” Simply said, rex begonia means “king of begonias.” It belongs to the Begoniaceae family of flowering plants.
Some Interesting Facts About Rex Begonias
Rex begonia are tropical to subtropical plants. These lovely plants are indigenous to Vietnam, southern China, and northeastern India. These plants are known to flourish on rocky slopes beneath the shade of huge trees in their natural habitat.
Rex begonia is the parent plant of around 500 cultivars within the Begonia Rex Cultorum Group of houseplants.
Because of a mix of pigments and chlorophyll, the leaf of Rex begonias has a metallic appearance and ranges in color from green to red, pink, purple, maroon, silver, and gray.
Rex begonias release oxygen into the air while absorbing contaminants, making them great air filters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rex Begonias
Are Rex begonias annual or perennial plants?
Rex begonias are perennial rhizomatous plants well known for being very easy to grow. However, these are frost-tender plants, and they are cultivated outdoors as annuals in locations with severe winters.
Are Rex begonias flowering plants?
Rex begonias produce small, delicate blooms, but they are planted mostly for their striking foliage. Flowering takes place in the spring and summer months.
Do Rex begonias like sun or shade?
In their natural habitat, rex begonias thrive in the shade of huge trees. They therefore enjoy strong, indirect sunlight. Its leaves may become scrotched by too much direct sunlight, while its growth may be inhibited by too much darkness. So it is advised to keep these plants near sunny windows.
Are Rex begonias toxic?
The underground part of Rex begonia plants contains calcium oxalate, which is highly toxic to pets. Take extra care if you have pets. Even though this plant’s above-ground portions aren’t toxic, wear gloves when working with it to prevent skin irritation.
How to Care for Rex Begonia
Sunlight
Rex begonia plants prefer filtered sunshine, and six to eight hours of indirect sunlight is ideal for their growth. So keep them in a warm, sunny spot in your house. But remember, if the plant is exposed to bright direct sunlight, its leaves can burn.
Temperature
Given that they are tropical plants, Rex begonias prefer warm climates. For a Rex begonia plant, the optimal temperature range is 18°C to 26°C (64.4°F to 78.8°F). If the temperature falls below 13°C (55.4 °F), the plant will go into dormancy. Rex begonias are frost-tender plants and will not survive outside if there is danger of frost and snow.
Humidity
Rex begonias like humidity that is at least 50% or higher. To keep the surrounding area of the plant at the proper humidity level, place trays filled with water around it.
You can occasionally mist the area surrounding plants as well. However, bear in mind that frequent misting on plant leaves to attain the proper humidity level can lead to several fungal infestations and should be avoided.
Soil
Rex begonia likes well-draining, porous soil with a slightly acidic pH. The ideal ph range for Rex begonia is between 5.7 and 6.4. Rex begonia also prefers to thrive in soil that contains organic matter.
You can purchase standard potting soil mix or prepare the same at home. To prepare potting soil mix for Rex begonia at home, add 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, 1 part garden soil, 1 part vermiculite, and 1 part organic manure.
Watering
The most important part of caring for a Rex begonia is how to water it. Rex begonia plants like evenly moist soil, but please ensure it is never overwatered. Always water deeply until water flows out of the pot’s drainage hole. And then allow the top two to three inches of soil to dry out before the next watering.
Fertilizer
Rex begonias grow at a moderate rate. It requires the application of fertilizers to maintain its growth and foliage. The growth period of it is in the springs and summers. During the growth season, feed your rex begonioas a water-soluble and nitrogen-rich folliage feed once a month. NPK 20-20-20 is a balanced NPK fertilizer for Rex begonias.
Apart from that always ensure to keep organic manure in potting soil mix from the start.
Pests and Diseases
Most of the plant diseases that attack Rex begonias are fungal infestations. Powdery mildew, Pythium root rot, and stem rot are a few common plant diseases that can attack Rex begonias. The primary causes of these issues are waterlogging and excessive leaf wetness. Thus, make sure to water plants appropriately and refrain from over-misting the foliage.
If a Rex begonia plant is affected by a fungal infestation, remove the affected leaves and destroy them. Also, use systemic fungicides to fight off the infestation.
Rex begonias can fall prey to plant pests like mealybugs, aphids, and thrips. By handpicking the pests off of your Rex begonia plant, you can get rid of them. Moreover, spray a mixture of neem oil every other day till the issue is resolved.
