Begonia Rex

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.

Begonias are not very fussy about light but in order to maintain their vibrant coloring they need bright, but indirect light. The best light conditions for Begonia Rex is semi-shaded or in a room with filtered sunlight. The best spot within the home is in a sunny window the curtains of which are drawn during the hottest parts of the day. Placing your Begonia Rex should be away from cold drafts, heating, and air conditioning vents.

It is important to provide your Begonia Rex with temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) with night temperatures no lower than 55°F (12.7°C). In summer the temperatures should not exceed 85°F (29°C). Begonia Rex do not do well in temperatures that are too cold or hot, so it is important to keep the environment consistent.

High humidity is important for Rex Begonias. Placing the plant in an area with higher humidity will make it thrive. Humidity levels should be at least high (60% or more). You can lower humidity by using a dehumidifier or putting a small fan in the room. If you don’t have any of those, place your Begonia Rex near a sink or on a tray filled with wet pebbles and mist it once a day.

A potting mix that is light and well-draining is perfect for Begonia Rex. It is important to use a mix with good water retention, yet that can be easily drained away. A good combination is a sandy loam soil and peat moss with some added horticultural charcoal.

Begonia Rex should be fertilized to maintain their lush and vibrant foliage. Use a balanced fertilizer such as an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer that’s higher in nitrogen or, if you prefer to mix your own, use equal parts of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Fertilize your Begonia Rex every two weeks from April to August, and monthly from September to March. Always follow the fertilizer package instructions carefully, as fertilizers are generally used at ¼ strength, and never fertilize a dry plant—always water the plant before use!

Begonia Rex are typically pest-resistant, but sometimes they can get mealy bugs, aphids, or spider mites. Mealy bugs can be identified by their white, cotton-like appearance and they typically hang out at the nodes of the stem. To get rid of them, you can manually remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use a combination of insecticidal soap and neem oil to get rid of them for good. To prevent further infestation, keep your Begonia Rex away from drafty areas and other infected plants.

Your Begonia Rex should be repotted every two years, or if the roots have outgrown the pot. Be sure to use a pot that has good drainage and is no more than two inches larger than the current pot. After the Begonia Rex is repotted, make sure to water the soil throughly. Repotting in a larger pot also allows for more frequent watering.

Pruning is not necessary for Begonia Rex; simply trim back any foliage that is dying or dead. If the Rex Begonia has become particularly leggy, you can trim away and remove the affected pieces. This will help to control the size of the plant and maintain a pleasing shape.

Mulching is not necessary; however, you can add a layer of organic mulch to help keep the soil moist and free of weeds. Coco coir, dried leaves, or pine needles work great.

Begonia Rex can be propagated in two ways: stem cuttings and leaf cuttings. Stem cuttings are taken by cutting the stem off just below a node and can be inserted directly in potting soil. Leaf cuttings are a bit more involved—remove a leaf from the stem, and place it on top of moistened peat moss. Once roots come out of the stem (or edges of the leaf), repot the leaf and it should grow into a full Begonia Rex.

Some Begonia Rex need a stake or support, especially if the foliage is growing too tall and starting to lean. A simple stake from the garden center will do, but you can opt for a more decorative one if preferred. Be sure to avoid using any type of metallic stake that might harm the tender stem.

Unlike most other houseplants, Begonia Rex does not require a resting period. Keep your Begonia Rex going through the Water and Fertilizing regime, even in the winter season when the light levels are lower. Avoid over-watering, though, if the light levels are lower.

Unlike some other house plants, Begonia Rex is not toxic to cats, dogs, or other pets.