Am I Taking Good Care Of My Rex Begonias?

Did you planted your Rex begonia in full sun but not in direct sunlight?

did you planted your Rex begonia in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter?

Did you provide a warm and humid environment for your Rex begonia?

Do you allow the soil to dry out between waterings during the growing period?

Do you feed your Rex begonia frequently?

Do you repot your Rex begonias every spring?

Do you keep your Rex begonias free of pests and diseases?

Plant your Rex begonia in full sun to partial shade but avoid direct sunlight. They need some light to keep their coloring, but bright, indirect light is best.

Rex begonias prefer light, rich soil. When planting directly in the ground, a moist, well-drained location is optimal and mulch will keep the roots shaded. In pots, be sure to provide drainage holes. A peat-based potting mix is ideal for containers.

Rex begonia is sensitive to temperature changes and temperatures below about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You can keep them as houseplants or store them dormant over winter, as you would with other tender bulbs. These plants do require high humidity (more than 50 percent), which means it can be difficult to maintain rex begonias indoors over the winter.

Rex begonia should be watered when the soil or pot feels dry, but don’t wait until the plant starts to wilt. You can cut back on water during their dormant period in the winter, watering only when the pot dries out. To increase humidity you should cluster your plants, so they can create their humid environment, or use a pebble tray.

You can feed your potted plants monthly with any good houseplant food. Too much food will make for a scraggly plant, so pay attention and adjust the feeding to suit your variety. Rex begonias can be temperamental and you just have to find the right conditions and balance for your plant. Don’t feed at all during the winter.

Repotting Rex begonias each spring will ensure that they have plenty of soil to grow in, but they like to be a little bit pot bound. Large or gangly plants can be pruned into shape. Rotating potted Rex begonias will keep the plants full and stocky.

Good job! You are taking good care of your Rex begonias.

Bacterial leaf spot, mildew, and botrytis can occur if the leaves stay wet. Root rot can be a problem in wet areas. To avoid these issues, be sure your begonias are in well-drained soil and water them sparingly. Mealybugs, aphids, and caterpillars can also become a problem. In most cases, a spray form of pesticide will take care of the issue. Handle slugs and snails by placing slug bait near your plants.