Begonia Rex

Begonia rex-cultorum, also known as Rex Begonia, is an evergreen perennial shrub, and a species of flowering plant from the Begonia family. It is native to tropical Southeastern Asia and mainland India and is one of the most popular variegated plants usually grown as a houseplant. It can also thrive in the outdoors, as long as it has the proper sheltered environment. It is known for its thick and colorful foliage which comes in many hues of pink, green, silver, and blue. The leaves can sometimes be mistaken for flowers, but in reality, the flowers are small and simple. The leaves are veined with multiple colors and are roughly oval or heart-shaped with serrated edges. Different varieties of Rex Begonia can have striped, fuzzy, velvety, and glossy leaves. The flowers may be white, pink, or even orange/red. They are usually small and inconspicuous, produced in clusters at the nodes of the stems or in the axils of the leaves.

Water your Begonia Rex moderately, but don’t let it dry out completely. Feel the soil with your finger up to the second knuckle and if it’s dry, water it. Be sure to avoid over-watering or allowing the plant to sit in water, as this encourages root rot. Water thoroughly but infrequently, making sure the pot drains properly.