{"product_id":"begonia-rex-purple-blush","title":"Begonia rex 'Purple Blush'","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWith its richly coloured foliage and intricate patterns, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia rex\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e ‘Purple Blush’ is a true showstopper. Large, spiralling leaves combine shades of deep purple, silver and green, creating a striking display that changes beautifully as the plant matures. Grown for its spectacular foliage rather than its flowers, this compact begonia brings colour and texture to any bright indoor space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia rex\u003c\/i\u003e ‘Purple Blush’ (rex begonia)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe genus \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e belongs to the Begoniaceae family, which contains over 2,000 species found across tropical and subtropical regions. ‘Purple Blush’ is a cultivated rex begonia, bred for its dramatic foliage and vibrant colouring. Like other rex begonias, it is prized for its ornamental leaves rather than its blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRex Begonia, Purple Blush Begonia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDerived from \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia rex\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, which is native to north-eastern India, southern China and Vietnam. ‘Purple Blush’ is a cultivated variety developed for ornamental houseplant collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePrefers bright, indirect light. A position close to an east- or north-facing window is ideal. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and cause the colours to fade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKeep the compost lightly moist, allowing the top couple of centimetres to dry before watering again. Avoid leaving the plant sitting in water, as rex begonias are susceptible to root rot. Reduce watering slightly during winter when growth slows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThrives in moderate to high humidity, ideally above 50%. Bathrooms, kitchens or rooms with a humidifier are ideal. Avoid misting directly onto the leaves, as prolonged moisture can encourage fungal problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eUse a light, well-draining houseplant compost enriched with perlite and bark to provide good drainage while retaining some moisture. Repot every 1–2 years during spring if the plant becomes rootbound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFeed every 2–4 waters during spring and summer using a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser. Reduce feeding during autumn and stop during winter if the plant is not actively growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemp\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePrefers temperatures between \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e18–24°C\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Protect from temperatures below \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e15°C\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, cold draughts and sudden changes in temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNo. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e species are toxic if ingested by pets or humans due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, with the rhizomes containing the highest concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRex begonias dislike extremes, so aim to keep conditions as consistent as possible. Even moisture, good humidity and bright indirect light will help maintain vibrant foliage and encourage healthy new growth. Remove any damaged or ageing leaves to keep your plant looking its best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe stunning colours of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia rex\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e ‘Purple Blush’ become even more pronounced under bright, indirect light. Its compact growth habit makes it perfect for shelves, side tables or terrariums where its intricate foliage can be admired up close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe dazzling metallic sheen found on many rex begonias is created by specialised cells within the leaves that reflect light. This natural effect helps give varieties like ‘Purple Blush’ their remarkable iridescent appearance and ever-changing colours throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"13cm","offer_id":58387941917053,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.co.uk\/es\/products\/begonia-rex-purple-blush","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}