Begonia Rex

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Begoniaceae

Order

Curcubitales

Genus

Begonia

Species

Rex

Description

A perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plant, often cultivated as an annual depending on climatic conditions, widely spread and appreciated for its showy foliage of different size, shape and colour shade in relation to the wide assortment of hybrids. It is mainly used as an indoor plant due to the elegance of its foliage, guaranteeing it positions out of direct sunlight, while some varieties can be cultivated to decorate summer borders in shady or semi-shady areas in warm temperate climates.

Curiosities and special features

The Begonia genus, described in the 18th century by the monk and botanist Charles Plumier, was named in honour of Michel Bégon, a naturalist and high official in the reign of Louis XIV as well as a plant collector who also contributed to the development of the port city of Rochefort, where in the 'Conservatoire du Bégonia' botanical garden, it is now possible to contemplate the richest collection of begonias in Europe.

Origin and distribution

Begonia Rex is native to the range extending from southern Bhutan to northern Myanmar; it was imported to Europe from Assam in 1856 by the Belgian botanist J. J. Linden, who introduced it to the market and brought it to wide acclaim due to the unique foliage of this species. Intensive hybridisation work has led to an assortment of varieties that differ in leaf size, shape and colour shade. Of particular interest are the most recent hybrids suitable for summer cultivation in the garden, in shade or semi-shade.

Leaf

The leaves, usually asymmetrical, up to 0.30 m long and up to 0.20 m wide, may be velvety and with lamina, varying according to variety, cordate-reniform, heart-shaped, lobed, oval; there are also hybrids with lamina arranged in a spiral.

Leaf colour

The colour shade of the leaves also differs greatly between varieties: red, purple, light or dark green, with silvery highlights, zoned, multicoloured, variegated, veined.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 0.4 m, depending on the variety.

Lifespan

Perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plant, often cultivated as an annual depending on the climatic conditions.

Where to plant

It is suitable as a pot plant , in beds or borders outdoors in temperate zones, hanging baskets, tubs indoors, where it will provide a unique ornamental accent with its decorative foliage. The scope of use depends on the variety purchased.

Stem

A herbaceous type plant, it has elongated rhizomes from which Leafs branch off.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small to medium-sized, with plain petals. It is arranged in medium-sized top inflorescences. It flowers from early summer to early spring, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Compact Growth plant, suitable for dense and proportionate final results.

Plant habit

It develops a globular habitus, ideal for baskets, planters and pots.

PH

For proper vegetative Growth, the pH of the medium or soil must be between 5.4 and 6.0.

Soil preparation

For varieties suitable for cultivation during the summer also in beds or borders in warm temperate climate areas and in a shady position, it is advisable to carry out a 20/30 cm deep digging before planting, removing any weeds and bulky stones. Also break up the coarser clods in order to give more softness. If the soil is heavy and poorly draining, bury sand evenly.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

Requires exposure to half-shade, bright shade. It is necessary to ensure the correct light intensity but away from direct sunlight which can lead to discolouration of the foliage. During the summer period it is possible to place the pots outside but in half-shade.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 20 and 22 °C. The vital temperature is between 10 and 35 °C. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature fluctuations.

Use

Revalued today for the elegance of its foliage in:
Indoor ornamental Indoor Landscape Design Outdoor ornamental environment

The final destination varies depending on the variety purchased.

Hardiness

Given the right cultivation conditions, Begonia rex is moderately hardy.

Soil

It requires a good quality, very draining substrate containing peat and perlite. For possible cultivation in the garden, the soil must be light and with good drainage capacity.

Difficulty

Cultivation of Begonia rex is fairly easy. Ensure correct cultivation conditions with regard to exposure, temperature and humidity.

Growing tips

Some useful cultivation tips to get the best vegetative growth results from your Begonia rex specimen:
Avoid over-watering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Balanced fertilisation Prefer shady locations in summer to avoid dry spells and high afternoon temperatures

Planting

For varieties that are also suitable for use in beds, the optimum average density is 20 plants per square metre to ensure proper development of both the root and aerial systems, thus achieving a balanced formal composition.

Propagation

Some varieties are propagated from seed while others from leaf cuttings.

Watering

Water regularly by supplying water directly to the substrate or soil to keep them slightly moist. Prevent dryness as well as water stagnation. In winter reduce watering while in summer regular foliar sprayings with temperate water can be useful.

Fertilising

After proper establishment at the new planting site, apply a specific liquid fertiliser for ornamentals to the medium or Soil at the foot of the plant, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied. During the winter reduce the frequency of fertilising.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Tip

The Begonia Rex is a plant which requires a shady or semi-shaded, cool environment with the correct relative humidity; in winter move the pots to a bright position but always out of direct sunlight. Use a good quality, well-draining substrate. Fertilise regularly during the spring-summer period and reduce frequency in winter.