Begonia Rex (Painted-leaf Begonia) Indoor Care, Propagation and Growing Problems
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Begonia Rex (Painted-leaf Begonia) prefers bright, indirect light with some direct sunshine, average warmth, above average humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Painted-leaf Begonia also called Fancy Leaf Begonia is among the popular Begonia varieties and is grown for its foliage display where the large, lop-sided, spectacular leaves occur in various hues which may be mixes of greens, silver, white, reds, pinks, yellow, purple, orange, maroon and others.
Fancy Leaf Begonia has a clumping growth habit with the foliage tightly packed together. The leaves arise from rhizomes and may be ruffled, puckered, spotted, streaked, waxy, smooth and so on. On account of its spectacular foliage, Painted-leaf Begonia is one of the most popular plants for the home.
Botanical name: Begonia rex-cultorum
Family: Begoniaceae
Common names: Painted-leaf Begonia, Fancy Leaf Begonia
Origin
The original Begonia Rex originated from India but the species has been replaced by numerous hybrids like Merry Christmas, Silver Queen, Yuletide, Her Majesty among many others.
In their natural habitat Begonias grow as understory plants in moist shady to partially shady conditions in the tropical and subtropical regions in South and Central America, Africa and southern Asia. Fancy Leaf Begonia is one of the popular tropical foliage plants.
Size
Painted-leaf Begonia grows to a height of 1-2 feet and about the same width. It bears large lop-sided leaves about 6-12 inches long and 4-5 inches wide with a hairy leaf stalk.
Toxicity
Begonia Rex (Painted-leaf Begonia) is toxic to pets as outlined by ASPCA. If the foliage is ingested it can cause burning in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
The roots are highly toxic if ingested. If handled with bare hands, the sap may cause contact dermatitis. Therefore, always wear gloves when handling Painted-leaf Begonia.
Where to Buy
If you are looking to add this plant to your plant cllection, you may obtain Begonia Rex online on Amazon (Link to Amazon).
Begonia Rex Care Indoors
Begonia Rex (Painted-leaf Begonia) thrives in bright, indirect light with 4-6 hours of direct sunshine, average warmth of 18-260C, above average humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Fancy Leaf Begonia needs repotting only when it has become extremely pot-bound as it grows best when slightly root-bound. Regular pruning is required to keep it neat, to reduce pest infestations, to encourage a compact growth and to rejuvenate growth. Read on for a detailed account on the best growing conditions and how to provide them.
Light Requirements
Begonia Rex grows best in bright light with 4-6 hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight. Keep it away from hot midday sunshine to avoid scorching the leaves.
If the natural lighting is not adequate, you may grow Fancy Leaf Begonia under grow lights. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Frequently turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth and prevent legginess.
Watering
Water the Begonia Rex liberally during the growing season but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to keep the soil moist.
Decrease watering during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Painted-leaf Begonia cannot tolerate soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of the plant.
Therefore, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy.
Avoid wetting the leaves as it may lead to the rotting of the plant and water from the bottom instead. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Temperature and Humidity
The best temperature for growing Begonia Rex indoors is an average warmth of 18-260C. It cannot tolerate temperatures below this range. Keep it away from cold drafts to prevent sudden drop in the temperature as it can result in reduced growth and leaf drop.
Begonia Rex requires a humidity of 60-70% for optimum growth. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray. Check these techniques on how to increase humidity for indoor plants.
Do not mist the Painted-leaf Begonia as wetting the leaves may lead to fungal infestations. Clean the leaves regularly by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and reduce pest infestations.
Feeding
Feed Begonia Rex every 2-3 weeks during the growing period with a balanced, liquid fertilizer for a lush growth. Do not feed it during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time, therefore, the plant does not need it.
Potting Medium
The best potting medium for Begonia Rex should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most all purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Begonia Rex every year during the growing season only if it has become pot-bound. The leaves of a pot-bound plant will lose their color.
Use a pot one size larger and one that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.
You may divide a large into several sections and pot each seperately for more plants. Check out these self watering planters on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Begonia Rex involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to keep the plant neat and reduce pest infestations. Pinch the growing tips to encourage a compact growth.
Cutback the bare stems with a sharp, clean pair of pruning scissors at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth. The foliage emanating from the pruning can be used to propagate new plants.
Propagation
Begonia Rex (Painted-leaf Begonia) can be propagated from stem cuttings or by plant division at the beginning of the growing season. The stem cuttings root easily, therefore, there is no need for a rooting hormone.
How to propagate Begonia Rex from stem cuttings
Take 4-6 in. long stem cutting from a healthy Begonia Rex. Ensure it bears at least one leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves.
Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight.
Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Allow the new Painted-leaf Begonia to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
How to propagate Begonia Rex by plant division
Divide a large Begonia Rex plant into sections during repotting time while ensuring each section has some roots.
Pot each section into individual pots in moist, free-draining potting mix and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist through out until the new plant is well established.
Allow the new Painted-leaf Begonia to be well established before transplanting it after which routine care can begin.
Begonia Rex Growing Problems and Solutions
Begonia Rex (Painted-leaf Begonia) problems are caused by cultural faults and they include yellow leaves, brown leaf tips, leaf drop, rotting, plant collapse, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
White powdery spots
White powdery spots in Begonia rex are an indication of Powdery Mildew which is enhanced by over damp conditions, low temperatures and poor air circulation.
Isolate the affected plant, cut off the diseased leaves and treat it appropriately for the powdery mildew.
Improve ventilation to ensure that there is good air circulation for the plant. Avoid wetting the foliage during watering and water from the bottom instead. Maintain an average warmth of 18-260C and keep the plant away from cold drafts as they cause sudden drops in temperatures.
Brown blotches which turn grey and moldy
Brown blotches which turn grey and moldy in Begonia Rex are an indication of botrytis disease which is promoted by overwet conditions coupled with poor ventilation.
Isolate the affected plant, cut off the diseased parts and treat it appropriately for the botrytis disease. Avoid overwet conditions by ensuring that the soil is well-drained and that there is good air circulation for the plant.
Plant collapse or death
There are three possible causes of plant collapse in Begonia Rex. One possible cause of plant collapse is stem-rot disease which is enhanced by soggy soil (too wet soil).
Isolated the affected plant to minimize spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the stem-rot disease.
The second possible cause of plant collapse in Painted-leaf Begonia is nematodes (root knot eelworm) which are characterized by swollen bumps on roots.
The third possible cause of plant collapse in Fancy Leaf Begonia is vine weevil which is characterized by tunnels in the rhizomes.
Pests
Begonia Rex is prone to spider mites and aphids. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
Brown leaf tips
Brown leaf tips in Begonia Rex are caused by low humidity especially where the temperatures are very high. To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier but do not mist the leaves to avoid fungal diseases infestations.
Yellow leaves
Yellow leaves in Begonia Rex are due to two possible reasons. One possible cause of yellow leaves is too little light.
Move the Painted-leaf Begonia to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with 4-6 hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not sufficient.
The second possible cause of yellow leaves in Fancy Leaf Begonia is too little or too much water. Keep the soil moist at all times but not soggy and never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Leaf drop
There are three possible causes of leaf drop in Begonia Rex. The first possible cause of leaf drop is too little light.
Position the Fancy Leaf Begonia in a brighter spot as it grows best in bright light with 4-6 hours of morning or evening sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
The second possible cause of leaf drop in Painted-leaf Begonia is too much heat due to hot drafts like stoves, hot surfaces, hot air vents and others.
Keep the Fancy Leaf Begonia away from hot drafts and maintain an average room temperature of 18-260C for the plant to thrive.
The third possible cause of leaf drop in Begonia Rex is too much water in the soil (soggy soil). Make sure that the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
Pale, rotting leaves
Pale, rotting leaves in Begonia Rex are caused by soggy soil which is brought about by poor soil drainage. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the growing season. Water less during the cold period to keep the soil only slightly moist. Make sure that the soil is free-draining and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy (overwet).
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