Begonia Rex
Begonia rex-cultorum
📖 About this plant
The king of foliage begonias, grown primarily for its breathtaking leaves that swirl with metallic silver, deep burgundy, emerald green, and purple in dramatic patterns. While it occasionally produces small pink or white flowers, the magnificent foliage is the main attraction. Each leaf is a unique work of art with intricate veining, spiraling shapes, and iridescent color combinations.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Bright indirect (4-6 hrs)
Every 1-2 weeks
High (50-70%)
18-24°C
Lightweight, well-draining mix of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark; must retain moisture without becoming soggy
Quarter-strength balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during growing season; avoid direct leaf contact
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Assam region of northeastern India, with cultivars developed worldwide
- 📏 Max height
- 20-30 cm
- 📐 Spread
- 20-30 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Rarely indoors
- 🎨 Bloom color
- Pink, White
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Green, Red, Silver Variegated
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Perennial
- 📈 Growth rate
- Moderate
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Toxic to cats and dogs — contains soluble calcium oxalates; causes vomiting, salivation, and kidney failure in severe cases
- 🌱 Propagation
- Leaf vein cuttings, whole leaf cuttings laid flat on moist medium, or rhizome division
🛡️ Health & Safety
Toxic to cats and dogs — contains soluble calcium oxalates; causes vomiting, salivation, and kidney failure in severe cases
Common issues
- Powdery mildew, Botrytis gray mold, Root and stem rot from overwatering, Mealybugs
💡 Care tips
- Grown primarily for its stunning swirling leaf patterns,Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent powdery mildew,Increase humidity with a pebble tray for best leaf color,Rhizomatous type that propagates from leaf or stem cuttings
