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Painted Leaf Begonia Begonia – Rex Types

Phonetic Spelling
beh-GO-nee-ah
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

This informal group includes the species Begonia rex and the many hybrids derived from it. They are members of the Begonia family (Begoniaceae). Its native range is from Bhutan to Northern Myanmar and is found primarily in subtropical regions. The species was introduced into cultivation in the 1850s. It became very popular as a houseplant, and hybrids began to appear with many different leaf patterns.  

It is a rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial with vibrant, colorful, variegated foliage. The rex begonia is perfect for hanging baskets, windowsills, outdoor containers or houseplants. In warmer climates, it does well in the landscape. The plants vary in color, shape, texture and size. They are commonly called the painted leaf begonia or fancy-leaf begonia. They have a dense habit and grow 12 to 18 inches tall. The leaves are found in colors of green, red, pink, silver, gray, lavender and maroon with a somewhat metallic appearance. The foliage is showy and eye-catching, frequently overshadowing the small pinkish-white flowers. 

Rex begonias prefer bright but indirect sunlight, moist, well-drained soil, and high humidity. To prevent disease, avoid misting and overwatering. The plants will do well in bathrooms or kitchens that have increased humidity. The plants can also be placed on trays of wet pebbles to encourage higher humidity. 

Rex begonias are mainly grown indoors and may be a challenge. Their vibrant and colorful leaves will be a wonderful addition to your home or patio. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for mealybugs. Overwatering can cause root rot. Fungal diseases such as botrytis and powdery mildew can occur. Provide good circulation and remove dead leaves to prevent disease. Bacterial leaf spots can also occur.

More information on Begonia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Avatar'
    silver, pale green leaves that are accented with light purple and pink, deep purple veins, frilly leaf edges
  • Begonia rex (Painted Leaf Begonia)
    8 to 12 inches tall, large, variegated leaves of green, red, silver, and purple
  • 'Black Magic'
    deep greenish-black, angel wing leaves with raised dots and red undersides
  • 'Curly Fireflush'
    pale yellowish-green leaves, burgundy leaves, pale lilac center
  • 'Emerald Wave'
    spiraling emerald green and deep plum purple leaves
  • 'Froggy'
    olive green leaves accented with black resembling spiderwebs, small white blooms
  • 'Joy's Jubilee'
    leaves have deep green outer banding with magenta center, ruffled edges
  • 'Paso Doble'
    spiral leaves with spirals of green, silver, dark red, and maroon colored heart in the center
  • 'Raspberry Swirl'
    spiraling leaves, leaf edges are silver and green, raspberry red heart shape in the center
'Avatar', Begonia rex (Painted Leaf Begonia), 'Black Magic', 'Curly Fireflush', 'Emerald Wave', 'Froggy', 'Joy's Jubilee', 'Paso Doble', 'Raspberry Swirl'
Tags:
#houseplant#interesting leaves#hanging baskets#dappled shade#herbaceous perennial#variegated#acidic soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#problem for horses#contact dermatitis#container plant#wet soils intolerant#partial shade
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Avatar'
    silver, pale green leaves that are accented with light purple and pink, deep purple veins, frilly leaf edges
  • Begonia rex (Painted Leaf Begonia)
    8 to 12 inches tall, large, variegated leaves of green, red, silver, and purple
  • 'Black Magic'
    deep greenish-black, angel wing leaves with raised dots and red undersides
  • 'Curly Fireflush'
    pale yellowish-green leaves, burgundy leaves, pale lilac center
  • 'Emerald Wave'
    spiraling emerald green and deep plum purple leaves
  • 'Froggy'
    olive green leaves accented with black resembling spiderwebs, small white blooms
  • 'Joy's Jubilee'
    leaves have deep green outer banding with magenta center, ruffled edges
  • 'Paso Doble'
    spiral leaves with spirals of green, silver, dark red, and maroon colored heart in the center
  • 'Raspberry Swirl'
    spiraling leaves, leaf edges are silver and green, raspberry red heart shape in the center
'Avatar', Begonia rex (Painted Leaf Begonia), 'Black Magic', 'Curly Fireflush', 'Emerald Wave', 'Froggy', 'Joy's Jubilee', 'Paso Doble', 'Raspberry Swirl'
Tags:
#houseplant#interesting leaves#hanging baskets#dappled shade#herbaceous perennial#variegated#acidic soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#problem for horses#contact dermatitis#container plant#wet soils intolerant#partial shade
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Begonia
    Family:
    Begoniaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Leaf Cutting
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Bhutan to Northern Myanmar
    Distribution:
    Native: Assam, East Himalaya, Myanmar; Introduced Bangladesh, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Haiti
    Play Value:
    Colorful
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Maintenance:
    High
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Insignificant
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Description:
    The flowers are small, pinkish-white, and appear in clusters on an erect 12 inch long stalk. The spectacular leaves over shadow the flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The showy leaves vary in color, texture, and size. Some can measure up to 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. They have prominent vein and are sparsely hairy. The leaf colors can range from green, silver, burgundy, pink, or purple. Depending on the hybrid, the edges and center of the leaf usually have contrasting colors. The under surface is usually red.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Black Walnut
    Humidity
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    If ingested, Kidney failure (in grazing animals), vomiting, and salivation in dogs/cats. The most toxic part is the underground roots. Sap can cause skin irritation.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    calcium oxalate
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Roots
    Sap/Juice