COMMON NAME:
► Rex Begonias
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
► Begonia Rex
GROWER HINTS:
► Rex begonias like plenty of humidity but like other begonias, they don’t like to be over watered (see below). Setting the pot on a saucer filled with pebbles and water will help increase humidity. If you are growing outdoors in the shade, try watering down the floor and or the nearby foliage on hot dry days. If your begonia gets so big it overgrows the pot them replant in a new pot two inches larger. Use light planter mix. Other than that your begonia is ready to grow and be beautiful for another season.
GROWTH HABITS:
► In the winter your Rex begonias will slow down. Sometimes they go almost dormant. During this resting period keep your rex on the dry side. Don’t fertilize. (The premium Great American Series of Rex Begonias that Weidner’s carries has been especially hybridized and selected to not lose leaves in the winter.) When spring arrives and your begonia comes back into growth you may cut back the rhizomes if they are hanging over the pot or look too big or ugly. The rhizomes are those furry brown twisted stems at the base of your plant. Sort of like an above ground root.
SHADE/SUN:
► Grow your rex in the shade. Some experts say bright shade and others say heavier shade. See where your begonia seems the happiest.
FEEDING AND WATERING:
► Water your Rex begonia when the soil begins to get dry. Don’t over water or allow the soil to be soggy wet. Use your finger to test the soil. Your finger is the best and cheapest water meter there is. Fertilize with any good liquid feed every two weeks in the spring and summer.
FLOWER/FOLIAGE COLOR(S):
► Wide variety of foliage colors and patterns. Small inconsequential flowers.
SEASON(S) CARRIED AT WEIDNERS:
► Spring/Summer
CONTAINER OR GROUND:
► They grow best in pots rather than in a soil bed.
PARTICULAR PESTS:
► Mildew can be a problem. Watch for mealy bugs.
