This shimmering, shining cultivar of Rex Begonia is a colourful and stylish addition to any plant collection. The deep emerald of its leaves is overlaid with shimmering silver and highlighted by a blush of shining cerise, particularly visible on new growth. Shades of green, red and shining silver are not the only attraction with this foliage - its rounded, almost heart-like shape is a bubbly addition to your home. Growing best in bright but indirect light, your Begonia will appreciate above-average humidity - but doesn't want soggy leaves, so take care when watering! Look after it well and it will grow and flourish into a beautiful, shimmering foliage plant.
Scientific Name
Begonia rex ‘Hugh McLauchlan’ (Begon's king plant, cultivar: Hugh McLauchlan)
Synonyms: Platycentrum rex, Begonia amabilis, Begonia dominiana, Begonia marginata, Begonia picturata. This cultivar was named after Hugh McLauchlan, a Scottish horticulturist known for his work in plant breeding and horticultural writing. The name if often misspelt as ‘McLaughlan’ due to the similarity in pronunciation.
B. rex was first described in 1857 and still has the same name it was given then.
Common Name
Hugh McLauchlan 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. Take care not to wet the leaves when watering.
Humidity
Grow in above-average humidity if possible; a well-used kitchen is ideal. Make sure there is some airflow around the plant to keep its leaves from getting 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.
