Rex Begonia 'Arctic Twisted'

🌿 Rex Begonia 'Arctic Twisted' (Begonia rex-cultorum group) is a rhizomatous perennial native to the understory forests of Southeast Asia, particularly regions of India and China. This cultivar showcases dramatically spiralled leaves with silvery-white centres and deep purple edges, creating a metallic, almost frosted appearance. Classified within the family Begoniaceae, Rex begonias are grown exclusively for their ornamental foliage rather than flowers. This is an intermediate-level plant that requires attention to humidity and watering habits. Here's a fun fact: the spiralling leaf structure of 'Arctic Twisted' is actually a genetic mutation that causes the leaf blades to grow in a corkscrew pattern as they unfurl.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This begonia grows in a compact, bushy mound from a thick rhizome at the soil surface. The leaves emerge in tight spirals, eventually flattening slightly but maintaining their twisted character. Each leaf displays a silvery-white metallic sheen across the centre with deep burgundy-purple margins and pronounced veining. The texture is slightly hairy and puckered, giving the foliage a three-dimensional quality that catches light beautifully.
FLOWER DETAILS
Rex begonias occasionally produce small, pale pink or white flowers on thin stalks rising above the foliage. These blooms are delicate and have a subtle, barely noticeable fragrance. While not particularly showy, the flowers add a gentle accent during late winter or early spring. Most growers remove flower stalks as they appear to direct the plant's energy back into foliage production, which is the main attraction. If you want to encourage flowering, maintain consistent warmth and humidity levels, though honestly, the leaves are the real show here.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright, indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. Direct sun will scorch the delicate leaves. North or east-facing windows work perfectly.
💧 Water: Keep soil lightly moist but never soggy. Water when the top 2 cm feels dry. In winter, reduce frequency. Water at soil level, avoiding the leaves and rhizome to prevent rot.
🌡️ Humidity: Requires 50-60% humidity minimum. Mist around the plant (not directly on leaves) or use a humidifier. Bathroom or kitchen locations help.
🪴 Soil: Light, well-draining mix. Equal parts peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark works well. Needs air circulation at the roots.
🏺 Potting: Shallow, wide pots with drainage holes. Terracotta or ceramic. Repot every 18-24 months in spring. Rhizomes like to spread horizontally.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate. Produces 3-5 new leaves over 6 months. Reaches mature size of 25-35 cm tall and 30-40 cm wide within 1-2 years.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Every 3-4 weeks during spring and summer with diluted (half-strength) balanced liquid fertilizer. Stop feeding in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Contains soluble calcium oxalates that are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing oral irritation, drooling, and digestive upset.
WHERE TO PUT IT
Place this begonia on a side table, shelf, or plant stand in a living room, bedroom, or bathroom where it can receive filtered light without direct sun exposure. Grouping it with other humidity-loving plants creates a beneficial microclimate. Avoid placing near heating vents, air conditioners, or drafty windows, as sudden temperature changes and dry air will cause leaf damage and browning. Keep away from high-traffic areas where leaves might get bumped or touched frequently.