Rex begonia grows at a moderate pace, reaching maturity of 8 to 12 inches within a few years.
This semi-tropical perennial plant does best with bright, indirect light and does not tolerate full sunlight.
It likes moisture but should dry out partially between waterings.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Soil
Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for growing rex begonias in containers.
Their fine root systems prefer a well aerated peat-based potting soil.
Water
Rex begonias require regular water, but don’t overwater them.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
The soil should feel slightly, yet evenly moist.
Allow the soil surface to become dry to the touch before watering.
Don’t let the soil become overly dry or the plant will begin to wither.
The plants thrive on humidity but dont let the leaves get wet, or you riskpowdery mildew.
Fertilizer
Use liquidfertilizerat half strength every two weeks during growing season.
The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names used to market the plants.
As a result, you might find that the same crosses have different names in different garden centers.
Rhizomatous begonias such as the rex begonia can be easily propagated by rhizome division, layering, or leaf-tipcuttings.
New growth takes about six weeks to emerge.
You wont grow the same plant as the parent plant.
Potting and Repotting
Rex begonias arerhizomatous plantsthat grow from a shallow and knobby rhizome.
As such, they do best in large, relatively shallow pots where the rhizome has room to spread.
If the rhizome still has room to grow in its pot, the begonia should be considered happily potted.
Divide the rhizome when repotting to increase your plant stock.
Is this the right plant for you?
Rex begonias are often troubled by powdery mildew and botrytis fungal disease.
A systemic fungicide can help with both issues.Remove dead leaves promptly and provide good air circulation.
Assess the plants conditions and adjust accordingly to better meet its preferred conditions.
Water deeply and let excess water drain out.
Plants That Look Great With Rex Begonias
Rex begonias can be grown indoors.
No, rex begonias do not prefer shade; they like bright but indirect light.
They will do fine inpartialshade conditions, but offer too little light and they may go into dormancy.
North Carolina State Extension.
Rex Begonia.University of Connecticut Home and Garden Information Center.
Managine Pests in Gardens: BegoniaBegonia spp.University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Begonia.Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Plant Disease Handbook.
