This stunning Begonia stands out in any collection. With shimmering green textured foliage webbed with deep forest-shade green all tinted with maroon, and packaged in droplet-shaped leaves, what's not to love? Adding colour, texture and character to any houseplant collection, this Rex Begonia is sure to be a star. Keep it happy with above-average humidity and moist soil, and a spot in bright light that's out of direct sun, and it'll keep you smiling at its sparkly personality.
Scientific Name
Begonia rex 'Dew Drop' (Begon's king plant, cultivar: dew drop)
Synonyms: Platycentrum rex, Begonia amabilis, Begonia dominiana, Begonia marginata, Begonia picturata
B. rex was first described in 1857 and still has the same name it was given then.
Common Name
Dew Drop Begonia, King Begonia, Painted Leaf Begonia, Fancy-Leaf Begonia
Origin
The species B. rex is native to Myanmar, Assam and East Himalaya.
Light
Your Begonia will like bright, indirect light but can cope with some shade.
Water
Begonias will love their soil to be consistently moist, but not soggy - so make sure your plant isn't sat in a puddle. Water when the top of the soil feels dry, and remember to water less in winter.
Humidity
Grow in above-average humidity if possible; a well-used kitchen is ideal. Make sure there is some airflow around the plant as its leaves don't cope well with being too damp.
Soil
Plant in fast draining, but moisture retentive soil. A mix with added coir or bark, or one designed for Syngoniums, would be ideal. Repot once the plant and roots are crowding the pot.
Food
Feed 3-4 times throughout the growing season (usually May- September).
Temperature
Likes warmer temperatures above 20°C - don't keep somewhere where temperatures drop below 13°C in winter.
Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.
Sprouts Top Tips
Water directly into the soil, or bottom-water - these Begonias don't like getting their leaves wet. Because of this we also wouldn't recommend misting here as it will leave the leaves too damp.
