Is Rex Begonia a good indoor plant?
Abbi Hayes Talk about a plant that gives you more bang for your buck. Rex Begonias are super plants for outdoor and indoor containers and look fabulous year round, with or without blooms. The variety of different leaf colors, shapes, and patterns is simply amazing, and they are easy keepers in the right conditions. Unlike the begonias we’ve just talked about, Rex begonias are grown for their fantastic foliage. They don’t like especially hot temperatures, so you often see Rex begonias as easy-care houseplants, though they also make for great garden and container plants in cool-summer areas.Humidity: Rex Begonias do best with humid conditions. Indoors, use a humidifier, group plants together, or set them on trays of moistened pebbles (but always keep the roots dry). Leaf misting is generally not recommended, as wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases.One of the best ways to keep begonias happy and flowering is to plant them in well-draining soil. They also need the right amount of sunlight, moisture, and nutrition. Read the label on your plant to determine if it can handle full sun or shade conditions before choosing a spot to plant it.Legends and Beliefs. In the past, in Europe, begonias were often grown by the nobility, as it was believed that they brought strength and wealth to the household. Exotic plants were a symbol of status and luxury. In different cultures, ornamental-leaved plants are often associated with good luck and positive energy.
Do rex begonias like sun or shade?
Rex begonias do well in bright, indirect light. Foliage of these plants could burn when plants are exposed to excessive direct sunlight. The ideal light intensity for most rex begonia varieties is 1,500 to 2,200 foot-candles. After planting, begonias should be fertilized monthly using a fertilizer with a higher phosphorous than nitrogen content to promote new blooms but if the plant is only being grown for its foliage, continue using a balanced fertilizer.Begonias love the addition of phosphorus-potassium and nitrogen to the soil, so coffee is an excellent substitute for chemical fertilizers. Coffee grounds help them develop buds and inflorescences.Begonia’s prefer a bright room with lots of natural light. Avoid placing too close to a window however, as they won’t like direct sunlight on their leaves. Sunlight will burn their leaves if they are an indoor variety. Begonia’s will be happiest in bright indirect, or medium light based on our lighting diagram here.Begonias will benefit from regular feeding throughout the growing season to keep them looking their best. Feeding will promote both healthy root growth and plenty of flowers. Use a liquid feed such as Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Liquid All Purpose Plant Feed or Neudorff Organic Multi Purpose Liquid Plant Food.Begonias prefer growing in light, rich soil with a good concentration of humus, similar to the makeup of potting soil. So it’s no surprise the plants tend to thrive in containers.
Where is the best place to put a Rex Begonia?
Location Requirements Rex begonias are a bit demanding to grow but their incredible, vibrant leaf display is well worth the effort. Leaves will maintain their dazzling color and unique patterns best when grown in bright but indirect light. East windows are fine except for maybe the hottest, sunniest part of the summer. The lifespan of begonias can vary depending on the species and the growing conditions. Generally, begonias grown as annuals will last for one growing season before dying off. However, some perennial begonia species can last for several years with proper care.Culture: Foliage begonias should be located in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. Keep soil evenly moist, allowing it to dry only slightly between waterings. Reduce water in winter. Always avoid wet or water-logged soil.No begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care. Cane begonias such as angel wings go dormant if the temperature gets too cool.Fresh-cut begonia flowers in a vase usually last around 5 to 10 days, while potted begonias can bloom for weeks or even months with proper care. Some types even bloom off and on throughout the year. In short, these lovely flowers give you plenty of time to enjoy their beauty, especially if you treat them well.Begonia you can even regrow from leaves. I’d chop it to get a couple, also easier for the plant to grow roots without such a big plant to support, stick it in water put in a window or by some light and roots should grow quickly.
What is the lifespan of a begonia rex?
The lifespan of the average cultivar in begonias is most likely around 10 years. The Rex Begonia is considered a toxic plant to humans and animals and care needs to be taken when growing it around pets or children. That being said, they are happiest when grown in an environment with medium to high humidity and warm temperatures.Location. Begonias are tropical plants and are native to these climates. The plant prefers bright, indirect light without the harshness of direct afternoon sun. The best location is a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade.Grow Rex begonia in a medium to bright spot as a houseplant. In Southern regions, it may benefit from a protection from direct sun during the heat of the day, but in Northern regions, some sun on the leaves presents no problem.Begonia tubers perform best when planted in the spring about 8–12 weeks before the average last frost date in your area.As a shade-tolerant plant, they bring exquisite color to dark corners of a garden. This penchant for shade makes them a good candidate for a houseplant. Summer-blooming begonias make ideal annuals for the garden. Others, like Rieger begonias, flower during the winter months.
How to make rex begonia bloom?
Provide rex begonias with plenty of bright, indirect sun, but keep them out of direct sunlight. Keep the plant moist, but avoid overwatering; allow the soil to dry partially between waterings. Place the plant in an area with temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. Life Cycle Rex Begonias are perennial plants that can live for several years with proper care. Their growth cycle typically involves active growth during spring and summer, followed by a period of slower growth or dormancy in fall and winter.A balanced fertilizer, like a 15-15-15 or a 7-9-5, is your safety net, ensuring your Rex Begonia doesn’t take a tumble. Aim for about 100–150 ppm nitrogen to keep things on an even keel.Location Requirements Rex begonias are a bit demanding to grow but their incredible, vibrant leaf display is well worth the effort. Leaves will maintain their dazzling color and unique patterns best when grown in bright but indirect light. East windows are fine except for maybe the hottest, sunniest part of the summer.Rex cultorum begonias, numbering 1 species and at least 4161 cultivars, are rhizomatous begonias with colorful and reflective silver, red, green, and purple toned leaves. Depending on the parentage, the leaves may be simple, maple leaf shaped, or jagged and bizarre; there is a little of everything in this group.PROPAGATION: Rex begonias can be propagated by rhizome division or leaf-tip cuttings. To divide, gently remove the soil from the roots and separate the rhizome bulbs. To propagate from leaf-tip cuttings, make a cut 2-3” from the top of a stem with clean scissors or knife.
How often should I water my begonia rex?
When it comes to watering your rex begonias, hold off until that potting mix is dry — too much water causes rot. To find out if it’s time to water by inserting your forefinger into the potting mix up to the first knuckle. If the mix is dry, it’s time to water. Yellowing leaves are a sign of your Begonia being overwatered, another indication of over-saturated soil is if the leaves are mushy to the touch or turning brown.Rex begonia requires high humidity (50% or higher) for healthy growth. If humidity is low, you will notice the leaf edges become crisp. If it is difficult to keep indoor humidity high, place the pots on gravel or pebble with water in a round tray, which will greatly help maintain high humidity for the plants.Causes of Rex begonia vine Distress Signs of this problem include yellowing leaves, drooping stems, and soggy soil. To avoid these outcomes, water your vine only when the top 2 to 3 centimeters (around 1 inch) of soil is dry to the touch.If the top couple of inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water your begonia. Always check the soil moisture level before watering if your begonia is wilting. Lack of moisture may not be the reason the begonia leaves are wilting. If the soil is bone dry, water a little at a time.
What is the secret to growing begonias?
All begonias like evenly moist, well-draining soil with some added organic matter. For container-grown begonias, use a well-draining potting soil with added organic matter to help retain moisture without becoming soggy. A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days. When it’s hot and dry you’ll need to water more often than when the air cools down and the soil holds more moisture. Begonia plants in full sun will also require more water than plants in shady locations.Disadvantages of begonias include their sensitivity to cold, susceptibility to powdery mildew in high humidity, and need for regular maintenance. Some varieties can be toxic to pets if ingested, and they may require frequent watering in hot climates.Watering: How Often Should I Water My Begonias? Generally, every two to four days. Keep your begonias happy with a moist environment but beware of soggy soil! These plants like to stay damp, and not dry out completely, but they hate having their roots sitting in water.Using sharp snips, Ryan gives the plants a slight pruning to encourage new growth and aeration. Any viable leaves that are trimmed or fall off are always saved for future rooting purposes. Begonia leaves root easily – just push its stem into potting soil, and keep it moist. After a few weeks, new leaves emerge.You can leave begonias in pots over winter, provided you move the pots into a dark frost-free place before the first frosts. Stop watering over winter. Once new growth starts in spring, move the pots into the light and start watering. Move the pots back outdoors after the frosts have passed.