Begonia - medium (ID#445)

Among the various types of begonias, Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful and stunning plants. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their showy, sometimes jaw-dropping leaf coloration. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. These plants are grown almost exclusively for their foliage—their blooms tend to be small and less showy, so many growers pinch off blooms to maintain breathtaking leaf displays. Some types of rex begonias go into dormancy during the winter. Light Rex begonias like bright, indirect light year-round. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. Soil Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. Water Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to over-water them. They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. Fertilizer Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or at half strength every two weeks.