Begonia rex
Begonia rex · Begoniaceae
📷 W.J. Hooker · Public domain
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around begonia rex and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, ornamental
- Flowering
- Spring-summer, inconspicuous flowers
- Adult size
- 20-30 cm in height and width
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Tender, minimum 15-18°C
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (Assam, Thailand)
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining, acidic
Expert tips
The key tip
Le secret du Begonia rex, c'est l'humidité de l'air sans mouiller les feuilles : brumise l'atmosphère autour de la plante, mais jamais directement le feuillage qui pourrirait. L'eau doit rester tiède et le substrat constamment humide mais pas détrempé—teste avec le doigt, arrose dès que la surface sèche.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers noient leur Begonia rex en le traitant comme une plante grasse : elle meurt d'excès d'eau stagnante dans un pot sans trous ou en terreau trop dense, pas de sécheresse.
The pro's trick
Repère-toi sur les pétioles : quand ils commencent à ramollir, c'est le signal que l'humidité baisse. Maintiens-la à 60-70% minimum en plaçant le pot sur un lit de billes d'argile humides ou en le groupant avec d'autres plantes pour créer un microclimat.
Seasonal watch
En hiver (chauffage) et en été (climatisation), l'air devient trop sec : c'est là qu'apparaissent les tétranyques qui décolorent les feuilles. Intensifie la brumisation (sans tremper les feuilles) et aère régulièrement pour casser la stagnation.
Care
Watering
Water regularly without letting the substrate dry out completely, but avoid waterlogging which causes root rot. In winter, reduce watering. Use room-temperature water, ideally non-limey.
Light
Place it in a very bright spot without direct sun: indirect light near a window suits it perfectly. Colored foliage shows up better with good brightness, but harsh sun dulls its colors.
Pruning
Pinch back stems regularly to encourage branching and achieve a more compact shape. Remove yellowed or damaged leaves as needed. This species doesn't require severe pruning.
Soil and repotting
Use rich and porous substrate made of light potting soil, peat (or peat alternative) and perlite. Repot every 18-24 months in spring. Always ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced diluted fertilizer every 15 days during the growing season (April to September). In autumn-winter, reduce or stop feeding entirely, as the plant slows its growth.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites and whiteflies, especially in dry air. Overly humid or cold conditions promote rot and fungal issues. Ventilate regularly, avoid wetting the foliage, and maintain moderate humidity without excess.
Did you know?
Begonia rex is famous for its spectacular foliage with unique patterns—often silvery, pink, or black depending on variety—a diversity that fascinated Victorian botanists in the 19th century. This species remains a star in passionate collectors' houseplant collections, though it's prized mainly for its decorative leaves, with flowers being quite secondary.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Hardy begoniaBegonia grandis
- Begonia pedatifidaBegonia pedatifida
- Starleaf begoniaBegonia heracleifolia
- Begonia maculataBegonia maculata
- Begonia solimutataBegonia solimutata
- Begonia masonianaBegonia masoniana
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.