Rex begonias (Begonia rex) are tropical plants, prized for their colorfully patterned and intriguingly shaped leaves. Although they are at home in a shady garden, they are also popular as houseplants.
Rex begonia hybrids have been developed to have unusual markings, leaf shapes, and colors. The leaves grow on short leaf stalks, from the underground rhizome. The leaf edges and undersides are covered with short red hairs. The leaves of the plant are asymmetrical, the leaves are usually 4–9 inches long and variegated in shades of green, red, pink, purple, silver, and brown. The flowers are usually pink, but are small and incidental. It’s usually recommended that you cut the flowers and allow the plant's energy to go into growing the leaves. The flower stalks are usually removed to allow the plant's energy to be focused on growing leaves.
