
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread
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 |
- SKU:
- Begonia_Rex-HP
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.

Also Known As:
3.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
~1.42 quarts

Also Known As:
4.25" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.93"H x 4.25"W
Volume:
~1.56 pints

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
~1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
~2.26-3.73 quarts

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All annuals, houseplants & vegetables, we provide a 30-day warranty to ensure that your plants thrive.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 31th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!