Rex Begonias

At times regdared as the height of 'plant fashion' and at other times seemingly disregarded by the major growers Rex Begonias have always been popular with gardeners especially as house plants. And they are back in fashion again.

Grown as foliage plants they are the Begonia Rex cultorum group, rhizomatous hybrids grown for leaf shape, texture and pattern. Some outstanding cultivars include Begonia Rex 'Iron Cross' (pictures right) and Begonia Rex 'escargot' with its fascinating circular swirl of pattern on the foliage.

Rex Begonias, plants, varieties and types have been used as a house plant for many years they come in a range of colors and leaf forms and are readily available for sale from online nurseries

Begonia Rex Care and Growing Conditions

What we know as Rex Begonias are plants that belong to the The 'Rex Cultorum' group (they all have a little of the species Begonia Rex in them and are a rhizomatous begonia that have been hybridised for many years to produce some unique foliage patterns.

Others Include: Begonia Rex 'Black Beauty', Begonia Rex 'Dark Mambo', Her Majesty, Magma and Begonia rex yuletide all are well worth looking for.

Lighting

Indirect but bright light is best

Watering

Best watered from below to prevent marking the foliage, they like free draining soil and do not like to sit in water, the soil should be allowed to dry out partially before watering. Commercial growers often use soaker hoses.

Temperature

If it gets to cold, you are in trouble, around 22C (70F) seems to work well, a comfortable room temperature, a little humidity as well. Hot conditions are not favorable at all.