Popular Rex Begonia Types to Know and Grow

Rex Begonias, often called Painted-Leaf or Fancy-Leaf Begonias, are celebrated for their striking foliage. These plants are a favorite for indoor gardening, offering a vast spectrum of colors, patterns, and textures. Their leaves, not their small flowers, are the main attraction, making them a form of living art for any indoor space.

What is a Rex Begonia

The term ‘Rex Begonia’ refers to a vast cultivar group, not a single species. All members are hybrids derived from the Indian species Begonia rex and are cultivated for their ornamental leaves. These plants grow from a thick, stem-like structure called a rhizome that creeps along the soil’s surface, from which leaves and roots emerge.

A defining feature of this group is their distinctively asymmetrical leaf shape, a common trait in the begonia family. The leaves showcase a wide range of colors, from deep reds and purples to shimmering silvers and greens, often combined in intricate patterns.

A Gallery of Rex Begonia Varieties

Silver and Purple Varieties

‘Fireworks’ leaves feature a dramatic, silvery-white base sharply contrasted by a deep purple-black center and a matching picotee edge. The dark veins create a web-like pattern that makes the silver tones pop. The leaf has a slightly puckered texture, adding to its dynamic look.

‘Stained Glass’ presents leaves with a luminous, ruby-red center that bleeds into a broad band of bright, metallic silver. A thin, dark green to black border outlines the leaf, making the central colors appear even more vibrant. The overall effect is reminiscent of colored glass.

‘Hugh McLaughlin’ has large, spiraled leaves in a delicate shade of silvery lavender, with deeper purple tones concentrated in the center and along the veins. The surface of the leaf has a subtle shimmer, and the edges are gently ruffled, giving the plant a graceful presence.

Red and Pink Varieties

‘Red Kiss’ is a compact variety prized for its vibrant color. The leaves are dominated by a large, central splash of brilliant, metallic red that almost appears to be glowing. This center is encircled by a very dark, almost black, wide band, making ‘Red Kiss’ perfect for smaller spaces.

The leaves of ‘Red Tango’ are a warm, cherry-red with a dark, chocolate-brown center and veining. The leaf surface has a subtle sheen. Its shape often has a slight twist.

‘Pink Pop’ has bright pink hues. The leaves are a cheerful bubblegum pink, interspersed with splashes of silver and darker green or black markings near the center and edges. The pattern can be variable, with some leaves showing more pink than others.

Green and Black Varieties

‘River Nile’ has large, spiraling leaves of a bright, chartreuse green. A distinctive chocolate-brown marking follows the spiral into the center of the leaf. The leaf edges are often gently lobed or wavy.

‘Black Mamba’ is a variety whose leaves are a deep, velvety black-purple, so dark they absorb light. The foliage has a glossy finish and a puckered texture. New leaves often have a reddish tint before maturing to their signature dark color.

The leaves of ‘Green Gold’ are a deep emerald green, generously speckled and splashed with shades of gold and chartreuse. The contrast between the dark green and the bright flecks gives the foliage a lively, textured appearance.

Uniquely Patterned and Spiral Varieties

The ‘Escargot’ begonia is recognizable by its unique leaf shape. Each leaf curls into a tight spiral where it attaches to the stem, resembling a snail’s shell. The leaves are olive green with a broad swirl of silver and have a slightly fuzzy texture.

Jurassic™ ‘Silver Swirl’ foliage is a dark, near-black color, marked with a broad, swirling band of metallic silver. The leaves have deeply serrated, almost jagged edges. This adds to their wild and prehistoric appearance.

‘Cowardly Lion’ leaves are a warm, golden-green or chartreuse, with a chocolate-brown pattern radiating out along the veins. A covering of fine, reddish hairs on the leaves and stems gives the plant a soft, fuzzy texture.

General Care Essentials

Rex Begonias thrive in bright, indirect light, as direct sunlight can scorch their leaves and too little light can lead to leggy growth. An east-facing window with gentle morning sun or a spot a few feet from a south or west-facing window is ideal. Rotating the plant regularly ensures all sides receive equal light exposure for even growth.

These plants prefer consistently moist soil but are highly susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry, and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. It is better to underwater slightly than to overwater, as the plant recovers from dryness more easily than from waterlogged roots.

Rex Begonias flourish in a humid environment, preferring levels around 50% or higher. To increase humidity in dry homes, place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring the pot is not sitting in the water. Grouping plants together or using a small humidifier are also effective methods.

Use a well-draining, light potting mix, such as a standard mix amended with perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration. During the growing season from spring through summer, feed the plant every two to four weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Note that Rex Begonias are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

Common Rex Begonia Issues

Powdery mildew is a frequent problem, appearing as white, powdery spots on leaves and stems. This fungal disease is often caused by poor air circulation and wet foliage. To manage it, remove affected leaves, improve airflow around the plant, and avoid misting the leaves.

Crispy, brown leaf edges are a common sign that the plant needs more humidity. Because they are native to tropical regions, Rex Begonias crave moisture in the air. Increasing humidity with a pebble tray or a humidifier is the most direct solution to prevent further crisping.

A loss of vibrancy in the leaves is related to improper lighting. If patterns and colors fade, the plant may be getting too much direct sun, which washes out the foliage. Conversely, if the colors appear dull, it may be in a location with too little light. Adjusting the plant’s position to provide bright, filtered light will usually restore its color.