Plants 101

Rex Begonia

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Rex Begonia
Learn how to care for the Rex Begonia!

Rex Begonias are admired for their fabulous foliage. The cultivar offers a wide range of colors, textures, and shape. Its leaves can vary in form - from hearts, to seashell swirls, to ivy-like forms, and more. Marked by dramatic colors - often a mix of green, pink or burgundy - the Rex Begonia can also include metallic shades of grayish silver. Always breathtaking to behold! Native to tropical regions, as houseplants, Rex Begonias are good-natured - they are as easy to care for as they are easy on the eyes.

General Care

 

Sunlight

Moderate to bright indirect light.

Water

Water weekly allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Humidity

Will tolerate dry air but prefer high humidity. Avoid misting, which can lead to problems with powdery mildew.

Temperature

Average home temperature of 65°F-75°F. If you’re comfortable, the Rex Begonia is comfortable.

Size

A well cared for Rex Begonia produce leaves up to 6” long

Common Problems

SYMPTOM: Leaf crinkling, loss, and rot

CAUSE: Overwatered

SYMPTOM: Leaves overly soft

CAUSE: Under watered

SYMPTOM: Fluffy blobs in crooks of leaves

CAUSE: Mealy bugs; remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs.

SYMPTOM: White powdery patches on leaves

CAUSE: Powdery mildew; remove affected leaves and increase air circulation around plant.

Precautions

Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

If ingested, please contact your veterinarian.

Best practice is always to keep houseplants out of reach of small children and pets.

Questions? Email help@thesill

Words By The Sill

Empowering all people to be plant people—a collection of articles from The Sill's team of plant experts across a variety of plant care topics to inspire confidence in the next generation of plant parents. Welcome to Plant Parenthood™.

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