Written by Byron Martin, Logee's Owner and Horticulturist

How to Grow Rex Begonias and Propagate Them at Home

Rex begonias are stunning foliage plants that bring brilliant colors and intricate patterns to any indoor space. These tropical beauties are easier to grow than you might think, and they're perfect for brightening up a windowsill with their painted leaves.

• Bold, multicolored foliage: Rex begonias showcase vivid swirls, metallic sheens, and striking patterns in shades of silver, burgundy, pink, and green
• Easy to propagate: A single leaf cutting can produce multiple new plants, making it simple to expand your collection
• Ideal windowsill plants: Rex begonias thrive in bright, indirect light like an east or west facing window and adapt well to indoor conditions
• Year-round interest: While they have a winter rest period, many varieties like Begonia 'Satin Jazz' provide color all year long
• Compact size: These begonias stay manageable and fit perfectly on shelves, desks, or plant stands

Rex begonias belong to a massive genus of over 2,000 species found primarily in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Unlike their flowering cousins, rex begonias are grown for their spectacular foliage rather than blooms. They produce the most vibrant colors in spring when new growth emerges, and while they may flower occasionally, it's those painted leaves that steal the show.

Question: Are rex begonias hard to grow indoors?

Answer: Rex begonias are not hard to grow indoors. They adapt well to windowsill conditions, require only bright indirect light like an east or west facing window, and tolerate average home humidity levels of 40-50%.

Question: How do you propagate rex begonias?

Answer: You can propagate rex begonias easily from a single leaf cutting. Making small cuts across the leaf veins allows multiple new plantlets to grow from one leaf.

Question: Do rex begonias need high humidity?

Answer: Rex begonias prefer humidity levels of 50-70% but can tolerate average home humidity of 40-50%. They do not require constant misting or a humidifier.

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What Makes Rex Begonias Special?

Rex begonias stand out in the plant world for their extraordinary foliage. Each leaf is like a miniature painting, with colors ranging from deep burgundy and rose pink to silver, bronze, and emerald green. Some varieties feature metallic sheens that catch the light, while others display intricate spiral patterns or bold splashes of contrasting colors. Logee's collection of rex begonias includes varieties like 'Tie Dye,' 'Fireworks,' and 'Ring of Fire,' each with its own unique color palette.

What makes these plants even more appealing is their compact growth habit and adaptability to indoor environments. Rex begonias stay relatively small, making them perfect for collectors with limited space. They belong to a genus with over 2,000 species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, but rex hybrids have been specifically bred to thrive on windowsills and in homes far from their native habitats.

Light Requirements for Rex Begonias

Rex begonias thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near an east or west-facing window where they'll receive plenty of ambient light without direct sun exposure. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves and fade their vibrant colors. If you only have south-facing windows, position the rex begonia a few feet back from the glass or use a sheer curtain to filter the intense rays. If you only have north-facing windows, supplement with a grow light. These plants can adapt to lower light conditions, but their colors will be most brilliant when they receive consistent bright light.

How to Water Rex Begonias

• Grow plants in clay pots so that water can easily transpire and the plant reaches dryness
• Water when the surface of soil feels dry to the touch
• Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots
• Water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom
• Reduce watering frequency during winter rest periods when growth slows
• Avoid getting water on the leaves, which can cause spotting or rot

Rex begonias are drought-tolerant and they will quickly suffer if waterlogged. To keep a healthy root-system ensure that your begonia becomes visually dry before you water it again. It's best to water it before it goes into a wilt, but occasional wilting won't damage the plant. During the growing season (spring through fall), check the soil every few days. In winter, when rex begonias enter a natural rest period, they need water less frequently as growth slows down.

Best Soil Mix for Rex Begonias

Rex begonias need a light, well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture without becoming compacted. A soilless mix works beautifully, or you can use a standard potting soil amended with perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage. The roots need air circulation to stay healthy, so avoid heavy, dense soils that hold too much water. Many growers successfully use African violet potting mix, which has similar drainage and moisture retention properties ideal for rex begonias.

Temperature and Humidity Needs of Rex Begonias

• Ideal temperature range: 60-75°F
• Avoid temperatures below 50°F
• Keep away from cold drafts, heating vents, and air conditioning
• Preferred humidity: 50-70%
• Can tolerate average home humidity of 40-50%
• Use a pebble tray or room humidifier if air is very dry

Rex begonias appreciate average to slightly elevated humidity but don't require the extreme moisture levels some tropical plants demand. They'll do fine in most homes without special equipment. If leaf edges begin to brown or curl, the air may be too dry. Try grouping plants together—as they transpire they create their own concentrated area of higher humidity. You can also place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water to increase local humidity.

How to Fertilize Rex Begonias

Feed rex begonias every 2-3 weeks during the active growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. These plants are light feeders and can be damaged by too much fertilizer, so it's best to use less rather than more. Stop fertilizing in late fall and winter when the plant enters its natural rest period and growth slows or stops. Resume feeding when you see new growth emerging in spring. Overfertilizing can cause leaf tip burn and salt buildup in the soil.

How to Prune Rex Begonias

• Remove dead or damaged leaves promptly to prevent disease
• Trim off spent flower stems if your rex begonia blooms
• Cut back leggy stems in spring to encourage bushier growth
  
• Clean leaves gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust

Rex begonias don't require heavy pruning, but regular maintenance keeps them looking their best. Most varieties develop a neat, compact form naturally. During the winter rest period, some leaf drop is normal—don't panic if older leaves yellow and fall off. New growth will return in spring.

How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings

One of the most exciting aspects of growing rex begonias is how easily they propagate from leaf cuttings.This propagation method is the most straightforward and allows you to create a few new plants from a single leaf, making it perfect for expanding your collection or sharing with friends.

• Select a healthy, mature leaf from your rex begonia
• Choose a smaller leaf so it fits in your new pot or trim back the sides of a bigger leaf
• Cut the leaf from the plant and keep 2-6 inches of the stem in tact
  
• Dip the stem or petiole in rooting hormone
• Place the stem of the leaf into moist media
• Ensure that the leaf itself is not touching the soil to avoid disease
  
• In a low humidity environment, loosely cover the propagation with a bag so that there is still some airflow in this mini terrarium environment
• Keep at 70-75°F in bright, indirect light
• Keep the soil moist, ensure that it never gets fully dry, but be careful not to keep it soaking wet
• New plantlets will emerge from soil near the stem in 12 weeks
• Separate and pot up individual plantlets once each shoot has at least two leaves on it, or leave it in the original pot if you only desire one new plant

The process is simple but requires patience. There are other propagation methods, like propagating from leaf cutting or leaf wedge, but these tend to be a bit more cumbersome. You can also propagate rex begonias from rhizome divisions, but leaf cuttings are the most reliable method for home growers.

How to Fix Common Rex Begonias Problems

• Brown leaf edges: This is usually caused by a nutrient imbalance your water.

  Solution:Use rain water or distilled water and continue fertilizer in the growing season so the plant is still getting some nutrients.

• Leaf drop in winter: This is normal dormancy behavior.

  Solution:Reduce watering and stop fertilizing until spring growth resumes.

• Pale or faded colors: This is usually caused by insufficient light.

  Solution:Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect sun if possible. This is normal in the winter.

• Powdery mildew (white coating on leaves): This is caused by poor air circulation or humidity too high. It's very common to see this problem during the change of seasons.

  Solution:Improve ventilation and avoid overhead watering where leaves may be getting wet. To proactively address this issue of powdery mildew, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 3 drops of mild liquid soap and a gallon of water and spray the leaves every 10-14 days during the change of season.

• Root rot: This is caused by overwatering or poor drainage.

  Solution:Let the soil dry slightly between waterings and ensure pots have drainage holes.

• Slow or no growth: Natural during winter rest period.

  Solution:Resume normal care when spring arrives.

Rex begonias are relatively pest-free but can occasionally attract mealybugs or aphids. Inspect plants regularly and treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The most common issues stem from watering problems—either too much or too little. Learning to read your plant's signals takes practice, but rex begonias are forgiving once you establish a routine.

Are Rex Begonias Perfect Houseplants?

Rex begonias offer exceptional rewards for minimal effort. They don't demand constant attention, specialized equipment, or greenhouse conditions. These plants adapt beautifully to typical home environments and forgive occasional lapses in care. Their compact size makes them ideal for apartment dwellers, college students, or anyone with limited space. Unlike many tropical plants, rex begonias thrive under standard fluorescent or LED grow lights, making them perfect for offices or rooms without bright windows.

The variety available is staggering—Logee's begonia collection includes dozens of unique hybrids, each more beautiful than the last. Once you start growing rex begonias, you'll likely find yourself adding "just one more" variety to your collection. Their ease of propagation means you can share plants with friends or trade cuttings with fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner looking for a stunning first houseplant or an experienced grower seeking new challenges, rex begonias deliver beauty, interest, and satisfaction all year long.

Watch Our Video on How to Grow Rex Begonias

Additional Links

• Watch Our Video on How to Propagate Rex Begonias
• Shop All Begonia Plants
• Tour Logee's Begonia House