How to care for your Begonia rex

How to care for your Begonia rex

Our guidelines for helping it grow healthy and strong

Begonia rex, also known as Rex Begonia, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Begoniaceae family. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, this plant is prized for its spectacular, colorful leaves, which add a touch of elegance to any environment. At our nursery, Begonia rex is a favorite because of its beauty and ability to adapt well to indoor environments.

The right location

Begonia rex thrives in bright indirect light. It is important to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, which could damage its delicate leaves. A location with medium to bright light is ideal for helping it thrive.

Illustrated guide: placing Begonia rex near a window with indirect light
The right location for your plant

When and how to water it

Water your Begonia rex when the soil feels dry to the touch. During the summer, it may need watering every 7 days, while in winter the frequency can be reduced to every 14 days. Check the soil moisture by inserting a finger into the substrate.

Annual watering calendar for Begonia rex, with different frequencies in summer and winter
The watering calendar throughout the year

Temperature and humidity

Begonia rex prefers temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate a wider range, from 10 to 30 degrees, but it is important to maintain high humidity, between 50% and 70%, to ensure its well-being.

Thermometer with an ideal temperature range and humidity bar for Begonia rex
Comfort temperature and humidity

The right fertilizer

During spring and summer, we recommend using a balanced liquid fertilizer every 30 days. This will help your Begonia rex maintain vigorous growth and brightly colored leaves.

The pot and soil

For your Begonia rex, choose well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix of peat, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal for ensuring the right balance of drainage and water retention. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

How to propagate it

Begonia rex can be successfully propagated through leaf cuttings or division. This process is moderately difficult, but with a little patience and care, you can grow new plants to admire.

Our final advice

Caring for Begonia rex is a rewarding experience. Remember to regularly monitor the soil moisture and place it in a location with indirect light. With this simple care, your plant will reward you with extraordinary beauty.

— Giulia's Gardens

Verified care data

This data comes directly from the validated botanical profile used to generate the guide.

Light
medium-high · Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
Watering
7 days in summer · 14 days in winter · Water when the soil feels dry to the touch · Check the soil moisture with your finger
Temperature
15 °C ideal minimum · 25 °C ideal maximum · 10 °C tolerated minimum · 30 °C tolerated maximum
Humidity
high · 50% minimum · 70% maximum
Fertilization
Balanced liquid fertilizer · spring and summer · 30 days
Propagation
leaf cuttings, division · moderate · Leaf cuttings are the most common method