Rex Begonias

Rex Begonias are primarily grown for their spectacular foliage. Flowers are produced in shades of pale pink to white. These "painted leaf" begonias are difficult to describe. Descriptions given are derived from the hybridizers description plus plants grown under greenhouse conditions. Leaf color varies from young to mature plants, and well as more or less exposure to sun or shade. Protect from direct, hot, mid-day sunlight. Let soil become slightly dry between waterings. Use a light porous potting mix. Remember, begonia roots are fine, so do not press potting mix hard or pack it. If this is done, the soil will stay to wet and the roots will rot. Feed plants regularly, using a well balanced fertilizer, at ¼ tsp. per gallon of water, with every watering. Fertilizer may be increased to ½ to 1 full tsp. per gallon of water during spring and summer, when plants are actively growing, depending upon the size of the plant. (Larger plants can handle more fertilizer.)