Rex begonia: How to grow rex begonia

Rex begonia – what are they?

The Rex Begonia is a begonia species native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. The plant is known for its showy, colorful leaves, which are often variegated or patterned. Rex Begonias are popular houseplants and are relatively easy to care for. However, the plants prefer moist, shady conditions and should be protected from direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to fade. Rex Begonias are typically propagated by stem cuttings or root ball division. The plants can also be grown from seed, although this is a more complex process.

How much light do rex begonia need?

Rex begonias are beautiful plants that can add a touch of elegance to any home. However, they can be finicky when it comes to care, and one of the most important things to consider is how much light they need. Rex begonias prefer bright, indirect light and will do best if placed in a spot that receives several hours of sunlight daily. However, they should not be placed in direct sun, as this can scorch their leaves.

 How much water do they need?

Watering a rex begonia can be a little tricky. The main thing to remember is that these plants like to be kept moist but not soggy. Over-watering is one of the most common problems with rex begonia, so it’s important to err on the side of too little rather than too much. Water your plant when the top inch or so of soil feels dry. Be sure to empty any excess water from the saucer beneath the pot, as begonias are particularly susceptible to root rot. In general, rex begonias should be watered every 7-10 days during the growing season. During the winter months, they can be allowed to dry out slightly more between waterings. With a little trial and error, you’ll soon find the perfect watering schedule for your rex begonia.

How to grow rex begonias indoors

Rex begonias are beautiful, easy-to-care-for plants that add significantly to any indoor space. Though they prefer moderate humidity and filtered light, they will tolerate low light and dry conditions better than most other begonias. To grow rex begonias indoors, start by planting them in a well-draining potting mix. Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize every other week during the growing season using a half-strength fertilizer solution. In winter, reduce watering and fertilizing to once a month.

How to propagate rex begonias

Rex begonias are relatively easy to propagate from stem or leaf cuttings. To take a stem cutting, use a sharp knife or garden shears to remove a 4-6 inch piece of stem from the tips of a healthy plant. Next, place the cutting in a jar of water and wait for it to develop roots, which can take 2-4 weeks—once rooted, transplant the cutting into its pot filled with potting mix. Leaf cuttings can be taken year-round; place a leaf with at least one inch of stem attached in a jar of water. The cuttings will begin to root in the water, and you can transplant them once they have gained enough structure.

You can also propagate Rex begonias directly into the soil:

Are rex begonias annual or perennial? Do rex begonia flower?

Rex begonias are plants that are known for their distinct, colorful foliage. These striking plants can be annual or perennial, depending on several factors, including climate and growing conditions. In most cases, rex begonias are classified as annuals and do not produce flowers since they rely on leaf development to attract pollinators. However, there have been some cultivars of rex begonia that have displayed the ability to flower occasionally. Whether grown as an annual or perennial, rex begonias are beautiful plants that add interest and color to any garden.