Moderate Tropical Toxic to pets

Rex Begonia

Begonia rex-cultorum

The Rex Begonia is prized for its ornamental leaves with spectacular colors and patterns.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

60–70 %
Temperature

16–26 °C

How to care for your Rex Begonia

Everything you need to keep your Rex Begonia healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Begonia rex-cultorum is native to northeast India. Its asymmetric leaves with complex geometric patterns combining silver, red, green, purple and pink make it one of the most decorative houseplants. It is grown primarily for its foliage rather than its flowers. It requires high humidity and bright indirect light to maintain the vibrancy of its colors.

Watering your Rex Begonia

Every 7 days

Water moderately from below where possible to avoid wetting the leaves; allow the top 1–2 cm to dry between waterings.

How to know it needs water

Substrate dry 1–2 cm below the surface

How much light a Rex Begonia needs

Bright indirect light

Bright indirect light; direct sun bleaches and scorches the ornamental foliage.

Direct sun tolerated: No direct sun
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, North-west

Humidity and misting

60–70 %

High (60–70%) Do not mist directly on the foliage; water droplets cause unsightly spotting on the ornamental leaves. Use a pebble tray instead.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Apply monthly from April to September.

Recommended feed: Phosphorus and potassium-rich liquid fertilizer · 2-1-2

Repotting your Rex Begonia

Every 18 months

Use a light, well-draining substrate in a shallow pot; this species has a superficial rhizomatous root system.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Growth stalling despite adequate care

Pruning your Rex Begonia

Remove damaged leaves and overly long stems as needed throughout the year. Cut cleanly at the base of the stem with sterilised scissors.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 11 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

11 J
8 F
7 M
6 A
6 M
6 J
6 J
6 A
7 S
8 O
9 N
11 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Toxic to cats and dogs; rhizomes contain the highest concentration of soluble calcium oxalates.

Good to know

Its leaves can have silver, red, purple or bright green sheen
Can be propagated by leaf cuttings

Frequently asked questions about the Rex Begonia

How do you care for a Rex Begonia?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 60–70 %. Ideal temperature: 16–26 °C. Water moderately from below where possible to avoid wetting the leaves; allow the top 1–2 cm to dry between waterings.

How often should you water a Rex Begonia?

Every 7 days Water moderately from below where possible to avoid wetting the leaves; allow the top 1–2 cm to dry between waterings. How to know it needs water : Substrate dry 1–2 cm below the surface.

How much light does a Rex Begonia need?

Bright indirect light Bright indirect light; direct sun bleaches and scorches the ornamental foliage. No direct sun

Is the Rex Begonia toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Toxic to cats and dogs; rhizomes contain the highest concentration of soluble calcium oxalates. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Rex Begonia leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Rex Begonia?

Repot every 18 months, ideally in spring. Use a light, well-draining substrate in a shallow pot; this species has a superficial rhizomatous root system.