I’m not a fan of Begonias. I dislike their dark coloured leaves, thick but delicate stems that are easy to break, and waxy flowers. However, when I needed a plant for a shady area begonias were the only option so I held my nose, bought a Begonia and tried to avert my eyes. I grew it in a pot, after I brought it inside for the winter its leaves fell off and I thought it was dead, but in the spring it sprouted new leaves and kept on growing. It did this for about three or four years before it suddenly and irrevocably died.
A few months ago I saw pictures of Rex Begonias beautiful, colourful leaves and I fell in love. Despite my aversion to the plant I decided to get a Rex Begonia anyway to add to my increasing and diverse houseplant collection.
Profile of Rex Begonias
Begonias are tender perennials grown as annuals or houseplants in northern gardens. Rex begonias are hybrids belonging to the Begonia Rex-cultorum group. They have small flowers. I only noticed the flowers on my plant because I was pulling off its dead leaves and saw them almost hidden and growing from the base of the plants. Rex Begonias have rhizomatous roots like Dahlias, iris and ginger.
How to care for Rex Begonias
Water the plant when it dries out. Check for soil moisture by putting your finger in the pot. Overwatering the plant can result in the root rotting. Letting the plant dry out too much causes it to wilt. So far I’ve managed to keep my plant alive by checking it once a week and watering it appropriately.
Rex Begonias need high humidity. The best way to achieve this, because misting Rex Begonia leaves spots, is to place the plant pots on gravel. The gravel absorbs the runoff from watering, the water evaporates and increases humidity around the plant. I have not done this for my plant yet but I bet if I do its leaves will be softer and its colours will shine.
Repot Rex begonia when its rhizome outgrows its current pot. Use a shallow pot to match its shallow root system. Rex begonias like bright light. Direct sun can scorch its leaves. I fertilize my Rex Begonia when it is growing, approximately March to August, about once a month. I use a water soluble fertilizer and follow the directions on the label.
I smiled when you said you don't like them, and now you love it already! I guess propinquity is the reason. I like begonias because of those texture, however i am not trying because we have very hot climate and it truly gets very dry in the dry season, and very wet in the wet season. Both our seasons are begonia's enemies. But you now love them, huh! LOL.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to beat the tropical begonias for diversity of foliage. Have you seen the spiral leaf ones?
ReplyDeleteAndrea- I only like the ones with colourful leaves and I doubt I will get anymore because my house is small. :)
ReplyDeleteHelen- I haven't seen the spiral leaf ones. I'll have to keep visiting the nursery through the winter.
I've killed a few rex begonias in my time. They can be tricky but ever so beautiful when well grown. Such a variety too!
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie
ReplyDeleteI love the colourful leaves a lot. Haha, to me, it's like taking the easy way out. I won't have to worry about flowers, when the leaves are already colourful :)
Ev
Aw, you fell for them... That's sweet. I still don't like them but if I re-read your post I might be swayed. :))
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Thanksgiving!