Rex Begonia Plant Care

Rex Begonia (Begonia rex) belongs to the Begoniaceae family within the Begonia genus. Rex Begonia is native to India. Rex Begonia is also known as King Begonia, Painted-leaf Begonia, Beefsteak geranium.

Rex Begonia displays a bushy growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Rex Begonia produces small unimpressive flowers in all colors but blue.

Leaf size: approximately 9 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rex Begonia every 5–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Rex Begonia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Rex Begonia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Begonia rex tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Rex Begonia prefers humidity levels of 50–46%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Potting soil, peat moss, perlite, vermiculite. Good drainage is essential for Rex Begonia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Rex Begonia every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and potting soil, peat moss, perlite, vermiculite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rex Begonia is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Rex Begonia can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Rex Begonia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Rex Begonia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Rex Begonia can be propagated through leaf cuttings, root division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to angel wing begonia plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Rex Begonia is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Rex Begonia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Rex Begonia is native to India. In cooler regions, grow Rex Begonia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.