Royal Begonia (Rex) – Complete Care Guide

The royal begonia, commonly known as the begonia Rex, is a show-stopping houseplant. Large leaf plates of an uncommon color and shape make this decorative plant very desirable for indoor culture. The flower can also purify the air in the space it’s placed in.

It’s not hard to figure out that this flower is strikingly gorgeous; all it takes is a look at it to believe it. The truth is that the beauty of the royal begonia cannot be captured even with the best photography.

Specifics of the Royal Begonia (Rex)

The Begonia family includes more than 1600 different species, including the regal Begonia. Michel Begon, a Frenchman, was honored with the naming of such a large family.

The plant’s carved-edge leaf plates are asymmetrical and stunning. There is a wide variety of colors and tones that can be used to paint them (depending on the variety). The rhizome of begonia is fleshy and voluminous, and it protrudes only a little bit above the surface of the ground.

There are tiny, unattractive flowers on the bush when it blooms. They are aesthetically irrelevant because of their plain appearance. Because of this, the Rex begonia is cultivated for its plant as an ornamental.

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How to Take Care of A Royal Begonia (Rex)?

When planted in one’s own garden, Royal Begonia (Rex) is characterized by the qualities of being undemanding and humble. Nevertheless, in order for the flower to have the most striking appearance possible, it is still necessary to supply it with the appropriate care and good growing conditions.

– The location and lighting

It is essential to keep in mind that this plant needs sunlight in order to survive. If you put it somewhere where there is a lot of light, then the foliage will become vibrant and dense. In this particular scenario, the light ought to be strong but diffuse.

Places in the shade or windows facing the north are not appropriate for growing Rex begonias at all. Additionally, for this, you should select locations that are shaded from the direct sunshine. Burns can appear on leaf plates when they are exposed to vegetation; as a result of these burns, leaf plates frequently perish as a result of their exposure.

– Temperature

The ideal temperature for the plant during the warm season is approximately 25 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature in the room is lower than 15 degrees, this can cause the petals to fall off the flower, and in extreme cases, the bloom may even die. The plant may be in a chilly state during the winter months (about 17 degrees). Keep in mind, however, that because this plant grows in tropical climates, it prefers warmer temperatures.

– Watering

How often do water rex begonia? Consistent watering has a positive effect on the plant (the soil mixture should always be slightly moist). Keep the liquid moving, though; you don’t want it to pool in the soil around the roots. Don’t drench the shrub, but do water it frequently (about four times in 7 days). You should wait until the top layer of the substrate has dried before you attempt to moisten it.

As for the relative humidity, it ought to be quite high. However, it is not desirable to spray plants with a hose or a spray bottle. Instead, we spray the plant with water or set a watered container next to it.

Large leaf plates of Rex begonias need to be systematically wiped down since they collect a great deal of dust from the air. A soft, damp towel might be used for this purpose. It’s imperative that you exercise utmost caution in this situation because the plant is especially vulnerable.

– Fertilizer

The bush needs to be consistently fed to ensure proper growth. To achieve this, just dissolving the fertilizer in water and applying it once every 30 days will be sufficient.

Transplantation

Royal Begonia (Rex) requires annual transplantation and should be given a fresh start every three to four years. To put it another way, every three to four years, new cuttings are planted, which will ultimately replace the older begonia. In order to replant the plant, you may either use the soil that you purchased or you can easily make your own soil at home.

Begonias are grown in a medium that consists of two parts leafy earth, one part turf earth, one part peat, and one part coarse-grained river sand. This medium is called a substrate. You can add the bark from coniferous trees, vermiculite, leaf, or turf humus, and finish the substrate off with some turf humus. Because of this, the soil will be able to breathe. At the same time, you need to pay attention to the fact that there is good drainage present so that the water in the container does not gather and become stagnant.

When doing a transplant, it is important to select a vessel that is wide but not too deep. This is because the root system of begonia is structured in the way that it is.

You have the option of planting numerous begonias of various types in a single container that is appropriate for their number. The end result has the potential to be an extremely unique decorative composition.

Pruning

Only prune the royal begonia when it’s absolutely essential. To accomplish this, remove any leaves that are withered or infected from the plant. Because the bush is already densely packed, it does not require any formative pruning at this time.

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How to Make Royal Begonia (rex) Bloom?

Does rex begonia bloom? The decorative leafy crop known as Rex begonia is mostly planted for its foliage. However, there are those cultivators who are intent on witnessing her in full bloom. In order to accomplish this, the plant is cultivated in ideal conditions, which are as follows:

• There is a lot of ambient light.
• Blend of soil that is both fertile and well-drained.
• Be sure to give the shrub just the right amount of water at the right time. Take precautions to prevent the substrate from becoming dry in the container.

If each of these conditions is satisfied, then there is a good chance that the shrub will produce flowers. Despite this, there are instances in which the bush is well-cared for but does not produce flowers despite this. It’s possible that this is related to the fact that he:

• Experiences a severe lack of minerals in their diet;
• Has a disease;
• Placed in a container that is too small for it, or it has not been moved in a long time and its root system has become so established that it has taken over the entire clod of soil.

How long does Royal Begonia (Rex) last?

Your rex begonia, much like other kinds of begonias, will probably only live for two or three years at the most. One of the best ways to obtain additional plants from your original rex begonia is to propagate it.

How to Propagate Royal Begonia (Rex)?

– Cuttings and leaves from the plant

The most straightforward and typical method for the propagation of Royal Begonia (Rex) is the use of cuttings. A leaf or cutting is removed from the parent plant by using a knife that has been treated with disinfectant. It is then placed in a solution that encourages the development of new roots. You might use regular water that has been allowed to settle instead. In just a few days, the young roots will become visible. It is recommended that the stalk, together with its roots, be put in a second, smaller container.

– Propagation by tubers and roots

It’s best for novice gardeners to stay away from this method of reproduction. Realistically, a rhizome’s growing bud will need to be located. However, this method of flower growth is frequently used by seasoned flower producers. Remember that root division is rarely done to varietal begonias.

– Growing from seed

However, begonias grown from seed are notoriously difficult to cultivate. Due to the fact that seed material is more like dust, problems develop right at the planting stage. In addition, the seed germination rate is quite poor. When developing new types of begonias, breeders typically start with seeds.

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Pests and diseases

Flowers producers sometimes neglect the royal begonia because of its simplicity. And that can lead to the development of illnesses or even the plant’s demise.

– Diseases

Diseases including gray rot, powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt are common in this type of bloom. Incorrect watering practices or infrequent top dressing are usually factors in the emergence of these illnesses.

– Pests

A variety of pests, including spider mites, scale insects, thrips, and whiteflies, tend to make the shrub their home. It is common practice to employ insecticidal products or home treatments, such as a soap solution, to exterminate unwanted bugs (prepared from laundry soap). However, keep in mind that pests often enter the plant from a neighboring bush, so it is advisable to process all the flowers in the home.

Is Rex Begonia Toxic to Cats?

All kinds of begonia are hazardous to cats; ingestion results in severe tongue burning and irritation. To add insult to injury, ingesting it will make your pet drool excessively, throw up, and maybe even have trouble swallowing.

Why do cats get sick from begonias?

The begonia plant has high levels of oxalate, a chemical that can cause kidney stones. Crystals of oxalate can anchor themselves in different tissues and cause irritation if consumed, and they can also break down into oxalic acid, another powerful irritant.

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Are rex begonia annual or perennial?

Since Rex Begonias are herbaceous perennials that thrive in zones 10-12, the state of Connecticut treats them as annuals or considers them to be houseplant specimens. Although they are mostly grown for their breathtakingly colorful and intriguingly textured foliage, rex begonias do produce dainty blooms occasionally.