Growing Requirements for Rex Begonia Plants Rex Begonias grow best in bright, indirect sunlight coming from an east or west window. Le bégonia rex est une plante gélive, qui se plait en intérieur. In pots, be sure to provide drainage holes. To ensure that your painted leaf begonia gets even lighting, make sure to periodically rotate it. Simply put a leaf cutting in a mixture of moist peat moss and perlite and wait for it to root. Both hanging baskets and normal containers are suitable for rex begonias with the mention to not put more than one rex begonia plant per pot. This group includes the Rex Begonia hybrids. Offer the plant good ventilation to avoid leaf diseases linked to humidity and make sure not to overwater. After the first two weeks, grow at 1,500 to 2,200 foot candles. Above: Begonia rex ‘Red Tango’ mixes well with other shade- and humidity-loving plants such as asparagus ferns and geraniums. Despite its exotic looks, Rex begonia is actually easy to grow. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Coral/Apricot. Begonia Growing Requirements. See more ideas about Begonia, Plants, Planting flowers. Rex begonias (painted leaf begonias) may not be the easiest plant to grow indoors, but with the proper know-how, you’ll succeed in growing a thriving plant that will add liveliness and color to any indoor space. Painted leaf begonias are high to medium light plants, so aim for bright indirect light all year round. Most of these issues can be avoided by strictly observing the plant’s growing requirements. Escargot: This variety stands out through spiraling markings that are light green or silvery interposed on a dark green background. (30-38 cm) Hardiness: USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F) Sun Exposure: Light Shade. These are bigger and easier to handle. How do you know if your painted leaf begonia is getting enough humidity? Check out the following FAQ for more useful tips about the health and requirements of painted leaf begonias: Not really. Don’t water the leaves, only the soil to avoid fungal disease issues. Your email address will not be published. To meet the plant’s humidity requirements, you need to increase humidity levels either manually or by using a humidifier. Mar 7, 2019 - Explore Beth Rogness's board "Rex begonias" on Pinterest. Foliage: Grown for foliage. Always rotate the plant so it’s evenly reached by light and prevents leggy growths. Read my rex begonia plant care tips below and you too can enjoy the splendor of these plants. Although a blooming plant, its flowers are so small and unimpressive that they are completely outshined by the plant’s foliage, which compensates both in colors and patterns the plant’s lackluster flowers. Provide plenty of light without putting the plants in direct, hot sun. Keep them in a spot that receives bright, indirect light or under fluorescent lights (more info here). There are hundreds of cultivars of B. rex to choose among, usually classified by leaf size—small (three inches or less), medium (three to six inches), or large (more than six inches). Growing begonias takes a bit of patience, skill and knowledge to get the most out of this fun flower. The leaves offer a spectacular sight with silver leaves etched with a deep purple. No shading is required when producing Rex Begonias during the winter months or in regions with naturally occurring lower light levels. 2. Imagine the stalk of a corn plant with striped lines on it and you have a good idea of the Dracena Fragrans plant. It’s a less finicky variety that’s easier to grow. This cultivar earns the title of “the showboat of the begonia world” from The American Begonia Society due to its slightly large colorful petals. Boston Cherries & Chocolate: This variety has dark purple leaves with pink or silver spots. Spring morning sun or filtered sunlight may be acceptable in mild areas. A Begonia Rex plant needs plenty of bright indirect light but no direct sun. We just have to bring a pot of it home, even though it is a twining climber which we are normally hesitant to add to our small garden. Bright indirect light works best, though. Rex begonias have a good pest and disease resistance if growing requirements are met. Rex begonias don’t mind being a bit root bound, but repotting each spring is beneficial to the plant. Medium light: Plants in this category like diffused or moderate lighting. Light levels of 800 to 1,000 foot candles are ideal. The problems you may encounter with rex begonias include mealybugs (sapsucker pests that can be removed using a cotton ball soaked in alcohol), root rot (caused by overwatering), leaf blight (caused by a temperature contrast between day and night), and powdery mildew (fungal problem caused by high humidity in the absence of air circulation). A southern exposure works well in winter months; east or west windows are fine year-round as long as you keep them out of … Si le soleil direct n'est pas conseillé pour la culture du bégonia rex, pour risque de brûlures, il … The plant is known to have a high resistance to pests. Rhizomatous Begonia (Rex Begonia) Rhizomatous Begonias are herbaceous plants cultivated mainly for their foliage. Conditions: Considered perennials in tropical and semitropical climates, Rex begonias are frost tender and typically grown as annuals or houseplants in North America. Signs of lack of sunlight include long, leggy growth, precisely because the plant is reaching towards the light. The all-purpose fertilizer should be used at quarter strength every two weeks during the growing season, while the slow release fertilizer should only be applied every three months. Normally, you won’t need to water the plant more than once a week, but always let the soil guide you. Origin: The initial species, B. rex, originated in the forests of northern India.Today, there are countless cultivars derived from this species enjoyed around the world. They are particularly used indoors as potted houseplants or outside as container plants, hanging plants, or bedding plants. Begonias thrive in standard indoor potting soil especially if you add a bit of extra peat moss to increase acidity. Make sure the pot has drainage holes. Of course, you’ll also need to make adjustments and increase ventilation while also maintaining the high humidity levels the plant requires. However, if you live somewhere that has cool springs and summers, then you can even place them in a south-facing window. Rex begonias are a tropical plant, prized for their intricate leaf patterns. Mar 16, 2016 - Begonias have a reputation for being difficult. If you buy begonia seeds you’re likely to get pelleted seeds. Rex-cultorum. Fill a container 3/4 full with seed raising mix. Clumping them together is not a good idea, since it can lead to diseases. In case of fungal issues, you will usually need to use a fungicide to get rid of the problem. Don’t water the leaves, only the soil to avoid fungal disease issues. I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my referral links. Your email address will not be published. Therefore, the rex begonia is a plant that will appeal to those who are more satisfied with elaborate foliage displays than blooms, especially that there are several rex begonia varieties. Most begonias will only live 2-3 years, even with stellar care. Rex begonia offers colorful foliage and is one of the most interesting indoor plants around. Danger: N/A. Some Rhizomatous Begonia you might … At temperatures slightly below 60°F, the plant will stop growing, and even more below will suffer tissue damage. Orange Rubra begonia; Orange Rubra is a hybrid variety which belongs to the classification of cane-stem begonia. Rex begonias do best if day temperatures hovers around 70°F and 60° at night. This requires that you periodically (every 3-4 months) flush the soil to wash away any build-up. They like a northern exposure and can survive with just fluorescent lighting. A peat-based potting mix is ideal for containers. If water collects in the saucer below the pots, empty it immediately. (15-30 cm) Spacing: 12-15 in. Rex begonias are a flamboyant plant with many features to please the eyes. One of the great characteristics of the beefsteak Begonia is that it’s not fussy at all when it comes to lighting. Outdoor garden spaces that have a heavy clay soil aren't ideal for begonias so use a raised bed filled with lush topsoil and compost to keep the plant in good spirits. You will need to set the light for at least 14 hours each day. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These plants grow densely, you should not crowd multiple plants together. Polka Dot Begonia Light Requirements Give your maculata a bright spot out of strong sunlight: direct rays can fade the silvery spots or even burn the foliage. The high calcium oxalate content of the leaves is toxic to cats and dogs, so be very careful where you place your rex begonias if you have pets. Rex Begonia Light Conditions . Because it's a relatively short houseplant, Rex begonia is perfect for desks and tabletops where is wildly colorful, variegated foliage makes it a perfect contrast against other houseplants. Leaves will maintain their dazzling color and unique patterns best when grown in bright but indirect light. Despite its exotic looks, Rex begonia is actually easy to grow. Ingesting the leaves of rex begonia plants can cause vomiting, drooling, and even kidney failure in severe cases. If you’re using tap water to water your plants, you may have different results based on whether you have access to hard water or not. Instead of tap water, you can use rainwater with excellent results. If you still experience problems, you need to change the location of the plant to a place where it can get bright indirect light. Some cultivars can be very finicky, especially when it comes to humidity, but there are varieties that aren’t as demanding. Location Requirements Rex begonias are a bit demanding to grow but their incredible, vibrant leaf display is well worth the effort. Rex begonia offers colorful foliage and is one of the most interesting indoor plants around. Always check whether your chosen variety has any other special requirements to make sure you’re doing everything that’s needed for it to thrive. Pinching back the leggy growths will help the plant grow fuller once you also move it to a location where it can get more light. Fireworks: This variety certainly lives up to its name. It can tolerate relatively low light as long as you adjust the watering schedule accordingly. Rex Begonias are not too fussy when it comes to light, though they don’t appreciate direct sun. These plants are grown almost exclusively … Planting under lights will give you an improved chance of germination. Snow Queen: This rex begonia variety has beautiful silvery green leaves. PlantIndex.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The plants tend to best when placed in an east or west-facing window. With the use of fertilizers, there is a concern of salt build-up in the soil. Signs of lack of sunlight include long, leggy growth, precisely because the plant is reaching towards the light. Beefsteak Begonia light, location & temperature Light. Keep the potting medium barely moist and look for new growth once the days begin to lengthen and temperatures increase. Follow my recommendations below and you’ll have an easier time growing these plants. Peat-based potting mixers are a good choice. Size available: 3.5" 5" Medium light: Moderate water: Low light: Plants in this category need little light. Rex begonias need thorough watering but should not be overwatered. Bloom Color: Pale Pink. Rex Begonia Light Requirements. Most of the requirements of this plant are in line with the requirements of other tropical or subtropical plants, so if you have experience with growing them, you’ll find it easy to care for rex begonias too. 14. You May Also Like: How Does Fertilizer Work? Keep the potting medium barely moist and look for new growth once the days begin to lengthen and temperatures increase. Begonias grow best in temperatures between 65° and 75°F (18°-24°C). Planted Shack All Rights Reserved - A Preon One Company, How to Kill Chipmunks? Natural seeds are tiny. Rex begonias prefer light, rich soil. You should also turn the container once a week so that all areas of Rex Begonia … Leaves will begin to drop from the plant and as they do, reduce the amount of water given to your begonia. At the beginning of this article, I mentioned how rex begonias aren’t the easiest plant to grow. Required fields are marked *. East windows are fine except for maybe the hottest, sunniest part of the summer. This plant enjoys very bright, indirect light, so a windowsill where it would be blasted with direct sunlight is not ideal. Ethical Methods for Removing Them, Keep your indoor environment as humid as possible, Be sure to flush out container’s soil every 3 months to remove any buildup, Use Fertilizer in the growing season and stop use once growing has ended. Slightly moist soil is ideal for painted leaf begonias, but excess moisture will cause root rot, so make sure the water drains properly from the pot and you empty the saucer of excess water. Plant indoor begonias in a good indoor potting soil. Therefore, you can take the time to propagate your rex begonia, especially if it’s an interesting cultivar that you don’t want to part with. Among the various types of begonias, the Begonia rex are some of the most beautiful and stunning plants. Rex begonia; Rex begonia is one of the most popular houseplants which like to thrive under bright, indirect light. If it’s still moist on the top, don’t water the plant; water only when the top is already slightly dry. For outdoor use Low Light = Shade. You can work with a general water-soluble houseplant fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer. In summer, you can move your rex begonia outdoors in partial shade if its light requirements are not properly met inside your home. When considering the best location indoors for your Rex begonias, you can safely situate them by an east or west facing window and they will perform equally well. Height: 6-12 in. Sandy loam soil can be added if the begonia lives in a large garden bed outside. They have a reputation of being difficult to grow, although there are varieties that are less demanding. Where there is a lack of natural light, artificial light in the form of fluorescent lighting can supplement the lack of natural lighting. When potting, set the plant with the crown slightly above the soil line. In width, they reach about the same size as their height. Begonia plants from this group have leaves that vary in size and pattern and grow from rhizomes, hence the name. Bloom Time: Late Fall/Early Winter. :D You can pick a west or east-facing window but avoid south-facing windows if the weather gets particularly hot in your area. Rex begonias need thorough watering but should not be overwatered. Begonia Rex Jive Latin name: Begonia rex 'Jive' Family: Begoniaceae. Cissus discolor (Trailing Begonia Vine, Rex Begonia Vine) It was love at first sight with Cissus discolor, last November at a garden center! Light Requirements If plants do not receive enough light during the winter months, they will often go dormant. Begonias want soil that is evenly moist, not wet, and not dry. If you are still uncertain of whether or not your plant will work well indoors, ask an employee at your local nursery. When planting directly in the ground, a moist, well-drained location is optimal and mulch will keep the roots shaded. Light Requirements. If you live in a location where spring and summer conditions aren’t extremely hot, you can also place them by a south-facing window. Begonia Rex-cultorum group, (bah-GO-nyah). Painted leaf begonias don’t usually require pruning, except when the plant is turning out to be leggy, which usually happens when the plant is not getting enough light. The easiest and most straightforward way to propagate rex begonias is by whole leaf cuttings. Rex begonia is not the only low light indoor begonia. I’ve created this website to help beginners care for their plants. In summer, you can move your rex begonia outdoors in partial shade if its light requirements are not properly met inside your home. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their showy, sometimes jaw-dropping leaf coloration. The spiraling leaves look like a snail. Fertilizing can be beneficial for rex begonias especially if done right. The colorful blooms and bright leaves are a beautiful addition to most gardens and shouldn't be shied away from by beginner or advanced gardeners. High mineral salt content can cause leaf edge burn in rex begonias because of their inability to deal with the high loads of dissolved mineral salts present in hard water. Probably one of the most interesting looking plants due to their texture, hues, and shape, Begonias are named after a 17th-century French plant enthusiast called Michael Begon. In height, painted leaf begonias can reach 12 to 24 inches, depending on the variety. Extra perlite in light potting soil will help with the begonia's need for proper drainage. Because it's a relatively short houseplant, Rex begonia is perfect for desks and tabletops where is wildly colorful, variegated foliage makes it a perfect contrast against other houseplants. One of the chief issues with this plant is its preference for high humidity levels, something that not many of our homes can offer. When growing begonias, sun exposure requirements may cause confusion or accidental damage because different species thrive in varying levels of light or shade with some more tolerant than others. Les températures nécessaires à un bon développement se situent dans une fourchette allant de 10 à 20°C. Fluorescent grow lights are also an excellent alternative to natural light for these plants, and in many cases will intensify the foliage colors. The plant does well indoors, but try to get it somewhere near a window. Since a Begonia Rex does not bloom very often, it does well in less light than some other begonias and … Watering. If light comes from one side, give each plant a quarter turn weekly. When potting your begonias, you should keep three factors in mind: the type of soil, the size of pot, and the amount of soil you use. While they’re not the most sensitive to direct light of all the begonias — the rex begonia is much more sensitive — it’s still not as tolerant as the wax begonia. Leaves will begin to drop from the plant and as they do, reduce the amount of water given to your begonia. The potting medium for rex begonias should have well-draining soil that is light and rich. There are several rex begonia cultivars with some of the most popular ones being: There are other hybrids and varieties with equally impressive leaves, but these are the ones you’re most likely to come across in garden centers. When caring for a Rex Begonia, the light requirements are crucial to take into account. You can create elaborate displays and combine different varieties, making sure each stay in their own pot. This is one exotic vine that is too attractive to resist! Leaves will offer you a clue — leaves that have burnt edges indicate that the plant isn’t receiving the humidity it needs. Corn Plant – Dracena Fragrans. Many tuberous begonias do well indoors with only filtered light. Determine which begonia you are planting or research different species and requirements to make an appropriate selection for your home gardening space. You want to avoid direct sun exposure, which will certainly burn the leaves of the rex begonia. Rex Begonia Indoor Care Guide This Rex Begonia indoor care guide covers all you need to know to better understand the Begonia species and how to care for Rex Begonia plants indoors. Also keep them away from kids. Rex begonias produce small flowers that are pink or white and usually have few petals. Because the leaves of rex begonias grow clumped together, the plant is dense looking and rounded. Light Requirements If plants do not receive enough light during the winter months, they will often go dormant. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. The ideal temperature for these plants is between 60°F to 85°F (15 °C to 30°C), which is the ideal range for most tropical plants.