Origin
South America
Light
Dappled shade
Watering
Twice a week
Care
Expert
Flowering
Foliage
Indoor
Bégonia Rex
Asymmetric spiralled leaves in silver, purple and metallic green — grown for foliage, never for flowers.
Care Profile
A guide to ensuring your botanical companion thrives.
Origin
India
Light
Bright indirect
Watering
Weekly
Maintenance
Moderate
The stowaway in a crate of orchids
The original species comes from Assam, in India. It is said to have reached Europe in the mid-nineteenth century by accident, hidden in an orchid shipment sent to an English nurseryman.
Thousands of cultivars descend from it, every one selected on leaf pattern alone: spirals, marbling, metallic sheens, purple margins.
"Arrived by mistake, kept for its beauty."
01
Styling Tip 01
Humidity without wet leaves
It likes humid air but hates water on the foliage: a damp pebble tray yes, misting no.
02
Styling Tip 02
Water from below
Soak the pot for ten minutes, then drain: water spots and a wet crown invite powdery mildew.
03
Styling Tip 03
Winter rest
It slows sharply in winter, sometimes dropping its leaves: cut back watering and wait for spring.
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Origin
Southeast Asia
Light
Low to bright
Watering
Weekly
Care
Easy
Flowering
Foliage