Begonia Rex-Cultorum (Painted-leaf Begonia)

Also known as "rex begonias", these are among the most handsome of the species, grown for their beautifully colored leaves rather than their flowers, which tend to be insignificant. The heart-shaped leaves, which can be up to 1 ft in length, bear striking patterns made up of variations of red, black, silver and green. Leaf texture also varies: some hybrids have smooth leaves; this one has a rippled or pimpled surface.

Mini-climate
Warm, shady.

Size
These plants can grow up to 1 foot in height with a 3feet spread. Young specimens 2-3 inch high are offered for sale.

Feeding
Feed with standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer.

Potting
Divide overcrowded clumps and repot in spring every three years using peat-based potting mixture in a shallow container.

Special points
Water less in winter. Destroy any powdery mildew you may find.

Similar-shaped species
Begonia masoniana has a deep-red, cross-shaped pattern on its pale-green leaves.