Leaf Begonia, Begonia rex: Care from A-Z

Do you want to design your home with houseplants, but you don't have the green thumb? Choose leaf begonias! Attractive varieties with brightly colored foliage are available. We give tips on care.

Location

Begonias need a bright place without direct sunlight. They do well on the windowsill, but shouldn't be placed over a heater in winter. Leaf begonias love warmth, temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees and high humidity are ideal. In warm regions, the decorative leaf plants are suitable for planting balcony boxes.

Note: Too dark a location has a negative effect on the drawing of the leaves.

Substrate

If you mix standard potting soil with sand, you will get a perfect substrate for leaf begonias. We recommend adding a drainage layer to the pot, because the plant cannot tolerate waterlogging.

Tip: Pour the expanded clay into an old stocking before you put it in the flower pot. This makes it easy to separate when repotting later, because you can use the expanded clay several times.

to water

Water regularly, but not too heavily. Waterlogging and drought must be avoided. You can tell when the time is right by the condition of the substrate surface. When this is dry, the begonia can use some water. Even in winter, the leaf begonia needs regular but reduced watering. Use room warm water to water your houseplants.

Fertilize

The plants, also known as royal begonia, require regular fertilization during the growing season from March to September. Fertilize every two to three weeks with regular house plant fertilizer. Alternatively, you can use fertilizer sticks for long-term fertilization. Note: Freshly repotted or newly purchased plants do not need any fertilizers in the first eight weeks.

Repot

Leaf begonias grow quickly, especially in width. Repot your leafy begonia every one to two years in a larger, as wide as possible pot. Plants that are grown outdoors and potted plants should be dug up and potted in late autumn before moving to winter quarters. Work carefully to avoid damaging the fleshy parts of the plant.

Overwinter

Royal begonias, which are housed as houseplants, overwinter in a bright place at around 15 degrees Celsius. Potted plants should be provided with a base made of styrofoam or wood. No fertilizer is required in winter. Water the plants when they are dry.

Cut

Leaf begonias do not need to be cut. Remove dead flowers and leaves.

Multiply

Begonia rex is propagated through sowing, leaf cuttings or division. We recommend propagation by leaf cuttings, because this is very easy.

instructions

• Cut off the begonia leaf with a two-centimeter long stem
• use a clean, sharp knife
• put in a flower pot filled with potting soil
• pour on
• cover with foil

Alternatively, you can place the cutting in a glass of water and watch the roots form. After two to three weeks, the cutting is then planted in the ground.

Note: The curling of the leaf while rooting is a normal reaction to reduce the evaporation area. The cutting uses its power to form roots.

Toxicity

All plant parts of the leaf begonia are poisonous. Most of the toxins are in the roots. For sensitive people, children and Pets allergic reactions can occur when coming into contact with the sap. Put on gloves when repotting, dividing and pruning. Place leaf begonias out of the reach of pets and children. Even the water that is caught in the trivet can contain toxins.

Therefore contact in case of symptoms of poisoning such as

• Malaise,
• Vomiting and
• skin rash

the family doctor or veterinarian.

Diseases and pests

mildew

Leaf begonias are prone to mildew. This forms especially when there is too much moisture. The fungal disease becomes visible through a whitish coating on leaves and stems.

recommendation: Do not water until the upper substrate layer is dry. Do not spray the leaves. Use humidifiers or set up bowls of water to achieve the required humidity.

Gray mold

If the humidity is too high or if parts of the plant are wetted with water, gray mold can develop in leafy begonias. At first the leaves turn brown, later you can see mold.

recommendation: Cut off the diseased parts of the plant with a sharp, clean knife. Dispose of the affected parts in the household waste or in the organic waste bin. Thoroughly disinfect the knife after processing. Separate the infected plant from other houseplants for a few weeks. Put them in a place with low humidity. Do not use fungicides until these measures are insufficient.

Aphids

Especially in winter, leaf begonias can be attacked by aphids. the black, brown or red insects are densely packed on the shoots.

recommendation: Wipe off the aphids with a wooden stick. Then rinse the begonia with lukewarm water. Afterwards, dry the leaves with a soft cloth to prevent fungal infections.

frequently asked Questions