- Showy Foliage
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
- Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 12-18 Inches
Although they can bloom, Rex Begonias or the painted-leaf plant as they are also known, are usually grown for their striking and colorful foliage. With large leaves in shades of green and silver to pink and purple, the Rex Begonia will add an injection of color wherever it is placed. Whether grown as a houseplant all-year round or placed outdoors during the warmer months, the Rex Begonia is a great plant and it’s no wonder it is a popular gift.
Best Locations For Growing Rex Begonia
The Rex Begonia is considered a toxic plant to humans and animals and care needs to be taken when growing it around pets or children. That being said, they are happiest when grown in an environment with medium to high humidity and warm temperatures.
Rex Begonia Sunlight Requirements
To get the best foliage, it is advisable to grow Rex Begonia in a spot where it gets bright, indirect light. Near an east- or west-facing window is usually perfect; just avoid a south-facing spot where the strong midday sun might burn the leaves.
Rex Begonia Care
Best kept at a temperature between 65-75°F, the Rex Begonia prefers to have good ventilation, but be kept away from any cold drafts. This plant grows best in medium to high humidity levels but can succumb to mildew; hence good air circulation is key. In summer, flowers can be produced, although some growers pinch them to promote leaf production. Any dead or struggling foliage can be removed at the base of the stem using sanitized tools.
Watering Rex Begonia
The Rex Begonia is notoriously sensitive to being overwatered, and watering is only required when the top inch or so of soil is dry. Where possible, keep the soil moist using harvested rainwater and reduce watering when the growth slows during the winter months.
Feeding Rex Begonia
To keep the plant healthy and its foliage colorful, a bimonthly feed using a houseplant fertilizer diluted to half its usual strength is recommended.
Rex Begonia Information
| Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light |
| Care Requirements: Easy |
| Watering Requirements: Average - Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out. |
| Pet Friendly: No |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Air Purifier: Moderate |
| Habit: Clumping |
| Growth Rate: Moderate |
| Mature Height: 12-18 inches |
| Mature Spread: 12-18 inches |
| Flowering: Yes |
| Flower Color(s): Pink, White |
| Flower Shade/Description: Pink and White |
| Fragrant: No |
| Foliage Type: Variegated |
| Foliage Color(s): Pink, Purple, Red, Silver, White |
| Foliage Description: Pink, Purple, Red, Silver, Variegated, White |
| Temperature: 65° - 75°F (18° - 24°C) |
| Humidity: High |
| Common Name: Rex Begonia |
| Other Name(s): The King Begonia |
| Scientific Name: Begonia rex-cultorum |
| Plant Type: House Plant |
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Know As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Know As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 1 year old
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 year old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 year old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2-3 year old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Know As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 3-4 year old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.
