Consulta Plantas

Care of the rhizomatous plant Begonia rex or Painted-Leaf Begonia

The genus Begonia, family Begoniaceae, comprises 1,500 species and 10,000 cultivars of plants native to subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, America and Africa. Some species are: Begonia rex, Begonia grandis, Begonia elatior, Begonia corallina, Begonia boliviensis, Begonia semperflorens, Begonia x tuberhybrida, Begonia nelumbiifolia, Begonia heracleifolia.

Common names: Painted-Leaf Begonia, Fancy-Leaf Begonia, King Begonia. This species is native to South and Central America, Africa, southern Asia.

They are very interesting rhizomatous plants for their large colorful leaves on the upper side; on the underside they are reddish and hairy. The flowers are so small that they are of no ornamental interest.

These delicate plants are used for interior decoration.

Begonia rex needs a light exposure but without direct sun and moderate temperatures. They do not resist the cold.

The soil must have an acidic pH, good drainage and be made up of a mixture of garden substrate, heather soil and peat. Transplant them into a slightly larger pot when the roots fill the container.

Water frequently with lime-free water so that the soil is always moist but never puddled.

Fertilize weekly with non-calcareous mineral fertilizer.

These plants are prone to attack by fungi (poor drainage, excessive watering), mealybugs and thrips.

They propagate by leaf cuttings or by division of rhizome.

Images of the rhizomatous plant Begonia rex or Painted-Leaf Begonia