Rex Begonia
Begonia rex
Also known as: Painted-Leaf Begonia, King Begonia
A complete guide to growing and propagating Rex Begonia: its care needs, how to take cuttings and root them, how long propagation takes, and how to fix the most common problems.
Rex Begonia care at a glance
Track your rex begonia cuttings & propagation in SnipLog
Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline â free on iPhone.
How to propagate Rex Begonia
Leaf cuttings
- Cut a healthy leaf and nick across the major veins on the underside.
- Lay it vein-side down on moist, airy mix and pin it flat.
- Cover with a clear dome to keep humidity high and warm.
- Baby plantlets sprout from the cut veins; pot them up once they have a few leaves.
Division
- Unpot and cut the rhizome into sections, each with roots and a growth point.
- Pot each section into airy mix.
- Keep warm and lightly moist until new leaves appear.
Common Rex Begonia problems & fixes
Yellow leaves
Usually overwatering. Let the soil dry more between waterings and confirm the pot drains well.
Brown, crispy leaf tips
Low humidity or salt buildup. Raise humidity and flush the soil with plain water occasionally.
Leggy growth / small new leaves
Too little light. Move to brighter indirect light and prune to encourage fuller growth.
Track your rex begonia cuttings & propagation in SnipLog
Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline â free on iPhone.
Toxicity notes are a general guide based on ASPCA-style classifications â if a pet ingests any houseplant, contact your vet. Care needs vary with your home's conditions.