Begonia Rex 'Putz'

🌿 The Begonia Rex 'Putz' is a stunning foliage plant belonging to the Begoniaceae family, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. This cultivar showcases the classic Rex Begonia characteristics with its own distinctive twist. It's an intermediate-level plant, rewarding patient growers with continuous visual interest. Fun fact: Rex Begonias were first introduced to European gardens in the 1850s and quickly became prized for their ornamental leaves, which were considered living works of art by Victorian collectors.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This Rex Begonia grows in a compact, mounding habit with leaves emerging from a rhizomatous base. The foliage displays intricate patterns with deep purples, silvers, and greens swirling across each asymmetrical leaf. The surface has a slightly puckered, almost quilted texture that catches light beautifully. Each leaf feels substantial yet delicate, with fine hairs along the edges and veins that add to its tactile appeal.
FLOWER DETAILS
While Rex Begonias can produce small clusters of pink or white flowers on thin stems, they're grown primarily for foliage rather than blooms. The flowers are delicate and lightly fragrant, appearing sporadically throughout the growing season. Most growers actually pinch off flower buds when they form because flowering can drain energy from leaf production. If you want to see blooms, maintain consistent care with slightly cooler temperatures in early spring, though the true beauty of this plant lies in its spectacular leaves rather than its modest flowers.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. Avoid direct sun which scorches leaves. North or east-facing windows work well.
💧 Water: Keep soil lightly moist spring through fall, reducing in winter. Water when top inch feels dry. Bottom watering prevents leaf spotting.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-60% humidity. Lower levels cause leaf edges to brown and curl.
🪴 Soil: Light, airy mix with good drainage. Combine peat, perlite, and orchid bark for ideal structure.
🏺 Potting: Shallow, wide pots in terracotta or ceramic. Repot every 18-24 months in spring when rhizome fills container.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate growth. Adds 3-4 new leaves per month in growing season. Reaches 30-40cm wide and 25-30cm tall at maturity within 2-3 years.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly spring through summer with half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. Skip fall and winter feeding.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Contains oxalates that cause mouth irritation, drooling, and digestive upset in cats and dogs if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
Place your Rex Begonia on a shelf or plant stand in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices where it receives filtered natural light. Bathrooms with windows can work well due to higher humidity. Group with other humidity-loving plants to create a beneficial microclimate. Avoid drafty areas near heating vents, air conditioners, or frequently opened doors. Keep away from south or west-facing windows unless you can diffuse direct sun with sheer curtains. This isn't a plant for dimly lit corners or dry environments.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
sought-after