Miniature Rex Begonias Make a Bold Small Houseplant

Virtues:  We love miniature rex begonias named for their colorful foliage that brightens up a winter windowsill. Typically growing just 8 to 10 inches tall, these mini begonias doesn't take much space.

Common name: Miniature rex begonias -- assorted cultivars. Shown: 'Flamenco'.

Botanical name:Begonia rex-cultorum group

Flowers: Grown for foliage.

Foliage: Textural, colorful leaves with prominent veins. Color and shape depends on variety. The leaves are typically arrow shape, though cultivars with spiral leaves exist.

Habit: The leaves of miniature rex begonias give the plant a mounding habit. They typically grow 8 to 10 inches tall or smaller, with specific size depending on the the cultivar.

Season: Year-round, for foliage.

How to grow miniature rex begonias: The care of mini rex begonias is the same as that of standard-size rex begonias. They can take sun or shade, though they need to be protected from harsh direct sun at midday. The level of light they receive can make their leaf colorings and markings more or less vivid. Repot with fresh soil once a year, using row a light-textured potting mix and allow it to dry slightly between waterings. Mini begonias may need watering every day, because small pots can dry out quickly, especially if they are made of clay, which seems the best choice for rex begonias as it lets air circulate to their fine roots. Feed regularly with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer, following the directions on the package.
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Display mini begonias and other houseplants in the Free Standing Ivory Gothic House Terrarium.

Get a specially priced set of houseplant-related resources, including a book by Tovah Martin, with the Growing an Indoor Garden Value Pack.

Create a beautiful garden of potted plants indoors or out with Small-Space Container Gardens.