A Painted Leaf Begonia plant is commonly known by a number of names, including a Begonia Rex, a Fancy-Leaf Begonia, as well as King Begonia. This flowering plant originates from India and is known for its beautiful colors. However, people usually nurture this plant for its vast, colorful leaves rather than its tiny pink flowers.
You can find the begonia rex plant in different color combinations, shapes, sizes, and patterns. Even though caring for this plant is not easy, this article will help you understand the basics. Once you figure out the proportion of water, light, food, and humidity needed, caring for the Begonia Rex Plant will be a breeze.
Factors to Consider When Caring for a Painted Leaf Begonia Plant
Light
Even though the Begonia Rex Plant requires loads of bright, indirect light, it does not need any direct sun. It must be kept in mind that the Begonia Rex blooms only sometimes.
If you cannot find a source of indirect light, you can also place the plant underneath fluorescent lights and watch it grow.
Water
Before you water the Painted Leaf Begonia, make sure that 50 percent of the soil is dry. When watering this plant, make sure you do not overwater it. Begonias should only receive even water at regular intervals. They like discipline.
When winter arrives, the plant does not grow much. Hence, you do not need to water it as much as you would in the summers.
Fertilizer
Springtime is when the Begonia Rex starts to see new growth. This is the best time to fertilize the plant. Every two weeks, bring out the fertilizer and feed it balanced plant food. However, make sure to dilute it to ¼ of the recommended amount as the Begonia cannot tolerate strong fertilizers.
Once again, you need to reduce the food intake as the seasons change. Start by feeding the plant less fertilizer in the fall and completely put a stop to this practice once winter arrives.
Temperature
As you may have already guessed, the Painted Leaf Begonia thrives in average to warm temperatures and is healthiest during this time.
When the temperature falls below 60 degrees, this plant can become extremely sensitive. This plant does not cope well when the temperature changes too drastically; hence you must always keep an eye on its growth.
Humidity
While the Painted Leaf Begonia thrives in high humidity, you should never mist the plant itself. This creates a powdery form of mildew on the plant leaves, which can damage them in the long run.
The best way to grow the Begonia Rex is to create a mini-greenhouse effect by clustering them together. You can also place the plant in a wet pebble tray. This will help raise the humidity levels. However, do not place the plant directly in water as this will only cause it damage.
If you keep these things in mind, there is nothing easier than growing a Painted Leaf Begonia. Good luck!
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