Begonia Rex varieties are some of the most interesting and beautiful begonias around. With their intricate leaf patterns and bright colors, they are a great addition to any garden.
There are many different begonia types to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your garden.
Read on to learn more about Begonia Rex varieties!
What Are Rex Begonia Plants?
Rex begonias are a type of ornamental plant that is prized for its colorful, patterned leaves.
These plants typically grow to be 12-18 inches tall and wide, with a compact, mounded form. Rex begonias are native to subtropical regions of Asia and Africa, and they thrive in warm, humid conditions.
These plants prefer partial sun to shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Rex begonias are generally low-maintenance plants that are not susceptible to many pests or diseases.
However, they can be sensitive to overwatering, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
With proper care, rex begonias can provide long-lasting color in the landscape.
Best Type of Begonia Rex Plants to Grow
When it comes to growing rex begonias, there are many different varieties to choose from. However, Rex begonias are one of the most popular types. These plants are prized for their beautiful leaves, which come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
1. Ballet Rex Begonia
Ballet Rex Begonia is a stunning plant that features silvery-green leaves edged in mid-green. The leaves are accented by reddish stems, and the whole plant grows to about 8 inches tall and wide. Ballet Rex Begonia is a great choice for adding a touch of elegance to any home or garden.
2. Flamenco Rex Begonia
Flamenco Rex Begonia is a beautiful plant that is native to South America. It grows up to 8 inches tall and wide, and its leaves are silver-green with red and green veins. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, and it will do best if you keep the soil slightly acidic.
Flamenco Rex Begonia is not winter hardy, so you will need to bring it indoors when the temperatures start to drop.
3. Red Kiss Rex Begonia
The Red Kiss Rex Begonia is a beautiful houseplant that is known for its purple-black foliage and broad, metallic-red ring. It grows to be about 8 inches tall and wide, making it the perfect size for any home.
This plant is perfect for anyone who is looking for an elegant and eye-catching addition to their décor. The Red Kiss Rex Begonia is sure to make a statement in any room.
4. Red Tango
The Red Tango Begonia is a beautiful plant that is known for its metallic reddish-purple foliage. This plant is often found in gardens and it can add a touch of elegance to any garden.
The leaves of this plant are often edged in silver and it is a very beautiful plant. This plant requires more light than other plants in order to bring out its strong leaf coloration.
5. Rumba
With its reddish-green leaves and silvery variegation, Rumba Rex begonia is a spectacular selection that adds color and interest to any indoor space. This compact plant grows 8 inches tall and wide, making it an ideal choice for small pots or window boxes.
Rumba Rex begonia is relatively easy to care for, although it does require some attention to prevent the leaves from getting too wet.
6. Salsa Rex Begonia
Salsa Rex Begonia is a beautiful and unique plant that adds color and life to any home or garden. This silver-leaf type of begonia is variegated with stunning shades of green and burgundy-red, and it grows to be 8 inches tall and wide.
Salsa Rex Begonia is easy to care for and maintain, making it a perfect choice for those who are looking for a low-maintenance plant. This plant prefers moderate to bright indirect light and consistently moist soil, so be sure to water it regularly.
7. Silver Limbo Rex Begonia
The Silver Limbo Rex Begonia is a beautiful and unique plant that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any home. The leaves of the plant are silver in color with purple-red backsides, and it grows to about 6 inches tall and wide.
What makes this plant so special is its ability to thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile addition to any garden. In addition, the Silver Limbo Rex Begonia is relatively easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering and pruning.
8. Tornado
When it comes to begonias, the Tornado variety is definitely a stand-out. Featuring dark green leaves with splashes of silver, bronze, and deep purple, this plant is sure to add some pizzazz to any garden.
In addition to its vibrant colors, the Tornado begonia is also known for being a vigorous grower. Once established, this plant can reach up to 24 inches in height and width.
9. Spitfire
The Spitfire Rex begonia is one variety of this plant that is particularly stunning. It has reddish-pink leaves that are edged in silver and green. The plant grows to be about 8 inches tall and wide. While it is not the largest variety of Rex begonia, it is certainly one of the most beautiful.
10. Yamileth
Yamileth is a beautiful indoor plant that is known for its large, green-black leaves. The leaves have a silver sheen on the edges, which makes them really stand out. Yamileth is a great plant for anyone who wants to add a touch of elegance to their home. It does best in bright, indirect light and should be watered regularly.
11. Emerald Wave
Emerald Wave Begonia is a vigorous, cascading plant that is perfect for hanging baskets and mixed containers. The leaves are dark green and have a wavy texture.
The flowers are pink and white and blooming begins in early summer. Begonia Emerald Wave is easy to grow and care for, making it a great choice for novice gardeners. It is also resistant to pests and diseases.
Begonia Emerald Wave does best in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of heat and humidity, making it a good choice for gardens in southern climates.
12. Curly Fireflush
The plant has reddish-orange flowers that bloom all year round. The leaves of the plant are also very colorful, with red, orange, and yellow markings. The Begonia Curly Fireflush is a popular plant to grow in gardens and pot plants.
13. Fireworks
The Begonia Fireworks is a beautiful plant that is known for its vibrant colors and its ability to thrive in direct sunlight. The plant is native to Brazil, and it gets its name from the way its flowers bloom in a fireworks-like display. The Begonia Fireworks is a great choice for gardeners who want to add a splash of color to their gardens, and it is also relatively easy to care for.
14. Begonia ‘Froggy’
As its name suggests, the Begonia ‘Froggy’ has large, green leaves that resemble the shape of a frog’s body. The flowers are also brightly colored, usually pink or white. Begonia ‘Froggys’ are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners.
15. ‘Harmony’s Fire Woman’
Harmony’s Fire Woman begonia is a vibrant addition to any garden. The leaves are green with red margins, and the flowers are pink with red highlights. The plant grows to be about 12 inches tall and wide, and it prefers full sun to partial shade.
‘Harmony’s Fire Woman’ is a vigorous plant that is resistant to pests and disease. It blooms continuously from spring to fall, making it an excellent choice for adding color to your garden.
Caring for Begonia Rex Plants
With a little care, Begonia Rex plants can thrive indoors for many years. Here are some tips.
Sunlight for Rex Begonias
In order to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible, Rex begonias need bright indirect light. This can be provided by a south-facing window covered with a sheer curtain, or by an east- or west-facing window with no direct sun.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants are native to tropical regions, so they’re used to warm, humid conditions. When growing Rex begonias indoors, it’s important to recreate these conditions as closely as possible.
The ideal temperature for Rex begonias is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They also prefer high humidity levels, so it’s a good idea to mist the leaves regularly or set the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water.
Watering Your Plants
Begonia Rex plants need to be watered regularly, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause the leaves to drop off.
Ideal Soil Type and Fertilizer
The ideal soil type for a rex begonia is light and airy, with good drainage. This type of soil helps to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to problems such as root rot. In addition, Rex begonias require soil that is high in organic matter.
This helps to provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and produce vibrant leaves. While there are many commercially available potting mixes that meet these requirements, you can also create your own potting mix by mixing equal parts peat moss, Perlite, and vermiculite.
Begonia Rex plants need to be fertilized every other month during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer is best.
Common Pests and Diseases
Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids are all common pests that can attack Rex begonias. These pests are usually easy to control with a regular application of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root rot and powdery mildew are two common diseases that can affect Rex begonias. Both of these diseases can be controlled with a preventative fungicide application. If your plant is already affected, you can try to save it by cutting away the affected leaves. However, if the disease has progressed too far, it may be best to start over with a new plant.
Botrytis is another disease that can be a problem for Rex begonias. This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the flowers and leaves of the plant. If your plant is affected, you will need to remove the affected parts and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Propagation
Leaf cuttings are a popular propagation method for Rex begonias. To take a leaf cutting, simply remove a healthy leaf from the plant and snip off the stem. Place the leaf in a pot of moistened potting mix, and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Once the new plant has established itself, you can move it to a permanent location. With a little time and care, you can easily multiply your collection of Rex begonias using leaf cuttings.
Final Thoughts
So, if you are looking for a new Begonia to add to your garden, consider some of the Rex varieties. With so many options available, there is sure to be one that fits your needs and will bring beauty to your garden for years to come.
Have you grown any Rex Begonias before? If so, we would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
Consider giving one of these beautiful plants a try this year – we promise you won’t be disappointed!
See more:How to grow begonias
*image by soniabonetruiz/depositphotos
