Care guide · moderate care
How to care for Rex Begonia
Begonia rex
Written by Benjamin — a plant parent, not a search engine.
How often should I water Rex Begonia, and what light does it need?
Rex begonias show off iridescent, spiraled leaves in silver, pink and burgundy. They want bright indirect light, moist-but-not-wet soil and humidity. Water it every 4–6 days while it is growing and every 7–10 days in winter, always checking the soil first. Give it bright, indirect light. It is toxic to cats and/or dogs — more detail below.
Last updated August 14, 2026
At a glance
- Watering style
- evenly moist
- 4–6 days growing · 7–10 days winter
- Light
- Bright, indirect light
- Humidity
- high
- Pet safety
- Toxic to pets
The short version
The one-sentence rule
Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy — soggy soil rots rex begonias fast. High humidity keeps the iridescent leaves from crisping.
Light, made concrete
What bright, indirect light actually means
Bright, indirect light — right beside an east or north window, or a little back from a sunny one, with no direct rays touching the leaves.
Pet safety
Is Rex Begonia toxic to cats or dogs?
Yes — Toxic — the tubers and leaves can cause vomiting and drooling if eaten. If your pet chews the plant, expect possible mouth irritation or an upset stomach, and call your vet if symptoms are more than mild. Keep it out of reach where you can.
Good to know
Who this plant is for
- ✓colorful foliage
- ✓humidity lovers
- ✓pet-free households
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