Rex Begonia 'Jurassic Watermelon'

🌿 Rex Begonia 'Jurassic Watermelon' (Begonia rex cultivar) is a stunning foliage plant from the Begoniaceae family, originating from the tropical and subtropical forests of India and Southeast Asia. This cultivar has been bred specifically for its bold, eye-catching leaf patterns that resemble watermelon rinds. It's an intermediate-level plant, requiring attention to humidity and watering but rewarding growers with some of the most dramatic foliage in the houseplant world. Fun fact: Rex begonias grow from rhizomes rather than traditional root systems, allowing them to store water and nutrients underground.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This begonia grows in a compact, mounding habit with leaves emerging from a central rhizome. The leaves are large and asymmetrical with a pointed, angular shape. Colouration features deep burgundy-red centres radiating outward into bands of silvery-green and darker green stripes, creating that signature watermelon appearance. The leaf texture is slightly puckered with a metallic sheen, and the undersides show rich purple-red tones.
FLOWER DETAILS
Rex begonias occasionally produce small, delicate flowers on thin stems that rise above the foliage. The blooms are typically pale pink or white and have a simple, unassuming appearance. They carry little to no fragrance and are generally considered secondary to the spectacular foliage. Flowering happens sporadically, usually in late winter or early spring under optimal conditions. While the flowers are charming, many growers remove the flower stalks to redirect energy back into leaf production. To encourage flowering, maintain consistent humidity levels above 50% and provide bright indirect light year-round.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS

🌞 Light: Bright indirect light is essential. Avoid direct sun which scorches leaves. East or north-facing windows work well. Needs 6-8 hours of filtered light daily.
💧 Water: Keep soil lightly moist during growing season (spring through fall), allowing top 2 cm to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter. Water from below or at soil level to prevent leaf spotting. Use room-temperature water.
🌡️ Humidity: Requires 50-70% humidity. Lower humidity causes leaf edges to brown and curl. Use a humidifier or pebble tray.
🪴 Soil: Light, airy mix with excellent drainage. Combine peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark in equal parts.
🏺 Potting: Shallow, wide pots work best due to rhizome growth habit. Terra cotta allows breathing but dries faster. Repot every 12-18 months in spring when rhizomes crowd the pot.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate grower. Produces 3-5 new leaves over 6 months under good conditions. Reaches 30-40 cm tall and 35-45 cm wide at maturity within 2-3 years.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Toxic to cats and dogs. Contains soluble calcium oxalates that cause oral irritation, drooling, and digestive upset if ingested.

WHERE TO PUT IT
Place 'Jurassic Watermelon' in bright bathrooms where natural humidity is higher, or in living rooms and bedrooms near east-facing windows with a humidifier nearby. It thrives in terrariums or glass cabinets where humidity can be controlled. Kitchen windowsills with morning light also work well. Avoid placing near heating vents, air conditioners, or drafty windows. Keep away from south or west-facing windows where afternoon sun can burn the delicate leaves. Not suitable for low-light offices or dark corners.