Begonia rex

Common Names

Rex Begonia, Rex Begonias, Painted Leaf Begonia, Painted Leaf Begonias, Fancy Leaf Begonia, Fancy Leaf Begonias, King Begonias

Summary

Rex begonia hybrids are rhizomatous tropical understory perennials prized for dramatic, intricately patterned foliage, native to subtropical forests of eastern Asia, including India and southern China, they form compact mounds of 12–24 inches with large, asymmetrical leaves up to 12 inches long that display green, burgundy, pink, silver, purple, and cream in variegated or marbled patterns, often with metallic or iridescent sheen and burgundy undersides; flowers are small and inconspicuous, care emphasizes bright indirect light, protection from direct sun, and soil kept evenly moist but well-drained in high humidity (50%+), preferred temperatures range about 60–75°F, with a light, airy peat-based mix, propagate by leaf cuttings or rhizome division, fertilize lightly during the growing season, indoor use includes desks, windowsills, terrariums, or hanging baskets, with frost-prone areas overwintering indoors, common issues include mealybugs, spider mites, powdery mildew, and root rot, and this group is considered not beginner-friendly, toxicity is present if ingested by people or pets.

Lifecycle

Perennial in tropical/semitropical regions; otherwise grown as an annual.

Height

12-18 inches

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, light, airy soil that retains some moisture; typically a peat-based or peat-lite mix with perlite (or pumice) and coco coir or peat moss, pH 5.5–6.8.

Soil Drainage

Well-draining, light, airy soil; a peat-based mix with perlite and/or vermiculite; avoid heavy or waterlogged soils.

Soil pH

6.0-6.4

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Winter

Foliage Color

Multicolored foliage including green, silver, purple, red, and pink

Fall Foliage Color

Purple, Silver, Green, Red, Pink

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering