• Biên tập: Dũng Cá Xinh
• Người dịch: Mai Nhung

ENGLISH

Begonia rex has been used extensively in hybridization with Begonia masoniana and other species and hybrids to give rise to the Rex Cultorum group of complex hybrids, known collectively as rex begonias. Rex begonias, with their showstopping foliage, are the kings of the begonia world. Shimmering colors reminiscent of fine ceramics on spiral-shaped leaves to 6 inches long are the hallmarks of these plants. Stunning patterns, ribbons, and marks of iridescent silver, glittering rose, and dark green and burgundy velvet create infinite variations from one plant to the next. Some have leaves with smooth margins and some have toothed, fringed, or lobed leaves. As with all begonias, leaves are asymmetrical. One side of the leaf is much longer and wider than the other side, which causes them to grow in a spiral or coil. The same phenomenon gives rise to the attractive but more sedate leaf shape of the angel wing begonias. Rex begonias kick it up a notch, however, and many have tightly coiled foliage. No two plants are alike, and most garden centers and nurseries offer a wealth of choices.

Flowers of rex begonias are pretty enough, but they’re small, pink, and completely upstaged by the dramatic leaves. These evergreen perennials generally spread to 2 feet but are only half as tall, short enough to do well under artificial lights. Some go dormant in winter and will even drop their leaves. If your plant does this, let it rest. Don’t let it dry out completely, but water it much less frequently and don’t fertilize it when it’s dormant. In the spring it will resume active growth and be drop-dead gorgeous once again.

OPTIMUM HOUSEHOLD ENVIRONMENT

Read the Introduction for the specifics of each recommendation.

MEDIUM LIGHT.

Light from an east window filtered by sheer curtains is ideal. Low light from a north window also works well, as does artificial light. Do not put rex begonias in direct hot sun because it will burn the foliage.

MODERATE TEMPERATURE.

Daytime 70 to 80°F, nighttime 60 to 70°F.

MODERATE WATER.

Water whenever the top of the potting medium becomes dry to a depth of 1 inch. Be careful not to overwater; these plants are susceptible to root rot.

HUMIDITY.

Rex begonias want high humidity, but don’t mist them because it encourages powdery mildew and gray mold. Put the pot in a saucer or tray of water, making sure the bottom of the pot never sits directly in the water by raising the pot up on pot feet or pebbles.

POTTING MEDIUM.

Use any good organic, well- drained, general-purpose potting soil that incorporates organic fertilizer, mycorrhizal fungi, and other beneficial microbes.