Begonia rex, the king begonia, fancy-leaf begonia, or painted-leaf begonia is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae. It's a rhizomatous begonia first brought to England from Assam, and documented in 1857. [3]
These plants are noted for their dark leaves with prominent silvery grey bands. When this species was introduced into cultivation, it became popular as a houseplant. Hybrids began to appear with varying leaf patterns as Rex begonias hybridize quite freely.[5]
Rex Cultorum
The "original" Rex, Begonia rex ‘Putzey,’ was thought to be a distinct species until molecular taxonomy revealed that Begonia rex ‘Putzey’ is likely only one cultivar within a large complex of closely related begonias with similar appearances, all of which make up the species. The species and it's progeny are collectively referred to as the Begonia Rex Cultorum. [6]
Begonia rex ‘Putzey’ is in the parentage of over 500 cultivars in the Begonia Rex Cultorum Group of houseplants.[7]
Other cultivars that have also received Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit include: 'Carolina Moon', 'China Curl', 'Curly Fireflush', 'David Blais', 'Dewdrop', 'Emerald Beauty', 'Green Gold', 'Helen Lewis', 'Hilo Holiday', 'Ironstone', 'Martin Johnson', 'Mikado', 'Orient', 'Pink Champagne', 'Princess of Hanover', 'Red Robin', 'Regal Minuet', 'Rocheart', 'Roi de Roses', 'Sal's Comet', 'Sea Serpent', 'Silver Cloud', and 'Silver King'.[8]
Light
Rex begonias do well in bright, indirect light. Foliage of these plants could burn when plants are exposed to excessive direct sunlight. The ideal light intensity for most Rex begonia varieties is 1,500 to 2,200 foot-candles.[9]
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Begonia 'Benitochiba'
Begonia 'Escargot'
Begonia 'Fireworks'
Begonia 'Midnight Magic'
Begonia 'Namur'
Begonia 'Silver Queen'
