Rex begonias at HD!

17 years ago

Oh boy, now I've really done it! I also posted on the begonia forum, but that forum doesn't get much traffic, so thought I'd tell you guys I found Rexes at HD! I've never seen any for sale, ever, at any of the garden centers near me. I was so excited and shocked! They had several cultivars (forgot to write down the names, of course) and I ended up buying Alburquerque Midnight Sky, Capricorn and Mini Buttons. I have always admired them online, but never saw rexes in person, and even though I've read they are temperamental and fussy, I couldn't resist. Oh. . .they also had Iron Cross, but everything I've read about them is that they are very difficult. So I resisted, but am still sorely tempted to go back and get it. These little beauties are in 4" pots and they were only $2.97 each. I live in the desert, and its very arid here. I have them on pebble trays, but I hear they don't like to be misted. Any suggestions would be great. Also, what cultivars do you guys have, and do they do OK indoors for you? Anyone have success with Iron Cross? Should I go back and get that one too????

Randi

Comments (4)

naturelover_mtl
17 years ago
I know! I know! I know!

The HD here also has some beautiful begonias available. I picked up the 'Pandora'. There are a couple more that I liked. I might return this weekend to get them. Not sure yet...

I think that you should pick up the plant and try it out. The price is just right. But I'm the wrong person to ask because I could never leave behind something stunning that's priced to go!

Here's a link with photos of different rex begonias:

Begonias Galore!
greenelbows1
17 years ago
Just as a matter of record and for what it's worth--several of those aren't rexes. They're all rhizomatous, but Emerald Jewel and Shamus and I forget which others aren't Rexes. Oh, Iron Cross (really B. masoniana)--maybe another one or two.
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Randi, Rexes can be fussy but also are quite showy so you aren't crazy and you haven't spent a lot of money (you got a very good price). You are right on the Iron Cross - it is fussy. I've lost several but I think I have stumbled upon the secret for these. Not that I have any right now but I do have masoniana maculata and thought it was a goner as well. I finally put a clear plastic cup over it and it is now putting out new leaves (albeit they are quite small right now). The worst season to get through is winter. Most rexes defoliate during this time of year and can get mildew. If they get serious mildew - cut the leaf off and discard (or try propagating it). If the leaves defoliate and look healthy you might try propagating them but they may be too old. If you plan on having them as a permanent houseplant, then give bright light, water as needed (light fertilizer applications when actively growing), and some humidity. The ones I have upstairs in the house have kept most of their leaves with a saucer for humidity and bottom watering; while the ones under lights in the basement have for the most part dropped all or most of their leaves. I am now putting plastic clear cups over most of mine in the basement. A plastic baggie will work as well. The best thing would be an aquarium to keep humidity as high as possible without over watering them. I move mine outdoors for summer under high limbed trees and water 3 times a week with a sprinkler system. By September and October, they are the highlight of all the begonias.
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They came in pots that were about 3 inches. The plants were nice size for such small pots and they all looked really healthy. They package them well, so that they stay in tact....unless the postal workers turn them upside down, then you might get a little leaf damage. But I've ordered plants online before that were not as nicely shipped as these. Thanks for answering my ? I guess i should move my plants to a better lit room. I think I read yesterday for the 1st week or 2 to keep them in a darker spot....now I can't remember why. Too much info stuffed into my brain at once. thanks again! Penny
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yah, I know they won't recover. well, the temp in Miami was sometimes 77F indoors, but they were to the side of the window in eastern early slanted sun for an hour or 2 at most. my other rexes were not in the sun at all...so...interesting. and they don't have this problem. but now they are not in the sun at all and this still continues. what worries me is that slowly older leaves succumb. could it be oedema? from too fast water absorption? I see it on my philos and African masks when I water them after they were kept much drier and then all of a sudden got a good amount of water. the leaves in places get translucent. if I put them on heat mat the spots go away, if they are cooler or get more water still the tissues go necrotic. so when the pots are very small the plant can absorb less water, as it drains fast (my mix is 40% perlite) and then the problem is avoided. I mean ultra small pots :). I transferred this rex to a slightly larger shallow dish in feb in Mia (as they were getting huge and were still in 3oz cups) . and they were ok for sev weeks. and then it started. all my other rexes are still in 3.5" pots and drying up fast. I am thinking perhaps I should down size? to keep them drier?
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I love to chat about Begonias but this question is so vague. One would have had to have had all available types of Rex in various conditions to make this comparison. If you do identify a name, finding it would be tricky unless you consider online. The selection at any particular store would be unlikely to include any specific named Begonia. There are so many. If you see one you like, get it. It may be the only time you see it. The tricky part for me for any new plant, not just Rex Begonias, seems to be the store soil. Once I get one growing beyond that, they have been easy plants to have around. In the shade for summer, near a sunny window for winter, never let it get too dry or expose to freezing air. The first thing I do with a new Rex is to propagate a few leaves as insurance in case the transition away from store soil doesn't go well. Once that is accomplished, "just add water."
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seaecho1
Original Author
17 years ago
Greenelbows - thanks for pointing out that they aren't all rexes. I had always thought Iron Cross was, but after reading about it online I found its considered a rhizo. Naturelover, your Pandora is very similar to my Mini Boston - dark background with pink spots. I went to my OTHER local HD last night and got a Savannah Pink Parfait and a Tornado! Now, of course, I just HAVE to go back and get an Iron Cross from the other HD (the one last night didn't have it) before I go crazy. I can't get it out of my mind - its haunting me, and I won't sleep until I have it in my hot little hand!

Randi
seaecho1
Original Author
17 years ago
OK, I went back this morning and GOT THE IRON CROSS! Yep, I knew I'd never forgive myself if I didn't. My husband thought I was nuts. There were a few left, but many of the others were gone - there were only about half as many left, and its only been two days since I went to the first HD in this small rural town. So they are going fast. New York Swirl was there, and so was Raspberry Swirl and Denver Lace. But I figured SIX was enough for now - especially if they all end up croaking on me! They'd better not!

Randi

Rex begonias at HD!

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Rex begonias at HD!

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