Rex begonia guide

Begonia rex-cultorum, also called painted-leaf begonia, king begonia, Begonia rex

Published 2026-11-08

Quick care

Light: Medium
Water: When the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Keep water off the leaves.
Humidity: 50% or higher
Temperature: 16 to 24°C (60 to 75°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
Soil: Light, airy houseplant mix with perlite
Feeding: Half-strength fertilizer every two to four weeks in spring and summer
Pets: Toxic to cats and dogs. The roots and rhizomes are the most toxic.
Difficulty: Moderate
Mature size: 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) tall
Propagation: Stem cuttings, or leaf cuttings for rex begonias
Where to buy: Common

This page covers what makes rex begonia different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the begonia care guide.

What it is

Rex begonias are grown for their leaves. Each leaf is painted in swirls of silver, pink, red, purple, and green, often with a spiral at the center. Hundreds of named kinds exist, grouped as Begonia rex-cultorum. They grow from a creeping rhizome and stay low. Select-A-Plant lists them at 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) tall.

How to tell it apart

Plant	Leaves	The tell
Rex begonia	Round, swirled colors, low plant	Bold color patterns and a low rhizome
Polka dot begonia	Long wings with silver dots	Tall canes and dots
Angel wing begonia	Wing-shaped, green, pink flowers	Tall canes and flower clusters

Care differences

Rex begonias want more humidity than cane begonias, 50% or more. They like medium light. Direct sun bleaches and burns the colors.

They often slow down or drop leaves in winter. Water less and wait for spring growth.

Grow it from a leaf cutting

Cut a leaf, nick the main veins on the back, and lay it flat on moist mix. Pin it down. New plants grow from the cuts in six to eight weeks.

Pet safety

Like all begonias, rex begonia is toxic to cats and dogs.

Buying it

Rex begonias are common at garden centers. Look for firm, colorful leaves with no powdery white spots.