Rex begonia care: watering, light and repotting
Also called begonia rex, painted-leaf begonia, king begonia · Begonia rex-cultorum · Begoniaceae family
10 d in winter
How often to water the rex begonia?
Allow about 6 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 10 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Water at the base without wetting the foliage. It likes humid air but not water on its leaves.
What light does it need?
The rex begonia likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 3 weeks is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 1–1.5 ft (30–40 cm).
Toxic to cats and dogs. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Brown spots on the leaves
Cause: Water on the foliage. What to do: Water the soil directly.
Dry edges
Cause: Air too dry. What to do: Stand the pot on damp clay pebbles.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the rex begonia?
About every 6 days in spring and summer, and every 10 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the rex begonia?
The rex begonia likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the rex begonia?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the rex begonia?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the rex begonia safe?
The rex begonia is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep the plant out of their reach and, if they eat some, call a vet.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the rex begonia needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.