17 Common and Rare Rex Begonia Varieties

Rex begonias are a beautiful and diverse group of plants that captivate gardeners with their striking foliage and unique patterns. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them an exciting addition to any indoor or outdoor garden. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, these begonias offer something for everyone.

In this article, we will explore 17 common and rare rex begonia varieties to help you understand what makes each one special. You’ll find many options to enhance your plant collection from vibrant colors to intriguing leaf shapes. Let’s dive into the world of rex begonias and discover what makes these plants so enchanting.

1. Begonia ‘Silver Rex’

Begonia ‘Silver Rex’ is known for its striking silver leaves. The foliage features a metallic sheen, making it a standout in any garden or indoor plant collection. This variety also has a hint of green along the edges, adding a touch of contrast.

We should place it in an area with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light may dull their vibrant color. Keeping the soil slightly moist, but not waterlogged, is crucial for healthy growth.

Regular misting can help maintain the humidity levels that ‘Silver Rex’ prefers. Additionally, avoiding drafts and sudden temperature changes can prevent stress on the plant.

2. Begonia ‘Torsa’

Begonia ‘Torsa’ is a stunning variety known for its large, textured leaves. The foliage can display a mix of deep greens, silvers, and purples, often with a metallic sheen.

Thanks to its impressive size and unique coloring, we appreciate how ‘Torsa’ stands out in a collection. This variety is ideal for adding a dramatic touch to indoor gardens. ‘Torsa’ thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil. Regular watering is essential, but it’s important to avoid waterlogging.

3. Begonia ‘Red Tango’

Begonia ‘Red Tango’ is a beautiful variety known for its striking foliage. The leaves display a mix of red and green hues with a dark center and green margin. Frosty white blushes to pink between these colors, creating a unique and lovely pattern.

This begonia stands out due to its stunning leaf coloration and design. The foliage often has a metallic sheen, adding a touch of elegance to any garden or indoor space. The plant also features pink blossoms that bloom throughout the season.

‘Red Tango’ thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity. Regular fertilization and average soil moisture help it grow well. To stay healthy and vibrant, it prefers a limited temperature range.

4. Begonia ‘Escargot’

Begonia ‘Escargot’ is known for its unique spiral-shaped foliage. The leaves curl in a pattern that resembles a snail’s shell, hence the name. This striking pattern features shades of green, silver, and chocolate, creating a mesmerizing display. The small pale pink flowers are a nice bonus, but the true star is its leaf design.

It’s an evergreen, rhizomatous perennial that thrives in humid environments. We recommend pairing1sa it with plants that have similar care needs to keep the humidity levels consistent. Its aesthetic makes it a standout piece in any indoor garden.

This variety isn’t just about looks. It’s a relatively easy plant to care for, as long as you maintain the right humidity and light conditions.

5. Begonia ‘Benigo Pink’

Begonia ‘Benigo Pink’ is a stunning variety known for its vibrant foliage. The leaves are primarily pink with green edges, creating a striking contrast.

This plant loves partial shade and thrives in a spot where it gets indirect sunlight. It needs average watering, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. This begonia variety often draws attention due to its unique color combination. It can add a pop of color to any garden or indoor plant collection.

6. Begonia ‘Marmaduke’

Begonia ‘Marmaduke’ stands out with its large, swirling leaves. These leaves possess distinct red and amber tones, which can change based on the amount of sunlight the plant receives.

‘Marmaduke’ is known not just for its size, but also for its unique color pattern. This makes it a striking addition to any garden or indoor space. It prefers humid conditions, making it ideal for places like bathrooms or kitchens. Regular watering is key, but avoid letting the roots sit in water to prevent rot.

7. Begonia ‘Jurassic Pink Shades’

Begonia ‘Jurassic Pink Shades’ is a striking variety with bright and cool foliage. This plant flourishes in deep shade, making it perfect for low-light areas. It has beautiful pink tones that stand out in any indoor garden.

We should place this begonia in a spot with bright, indirect light. It doesn’t need direct sunlight, which can damage the leaves. It can also grow under artificial light.

Let the top of the soil dry out before watering again. The plant enjoys a good soak but prefers to dry out between watering sessions. It likes warmer temperatures and shouldn’t be kept below 60°F (16°C).

8. Begonia ‘Fireworks’

Begonia ‘Fireworks’ is a standout variety that captivates with its vivid and unique foliage. The large leaves feature dark purple centers, purple-pink margins, and iridescent silver-white areas in between. This striking color combination feels almost electric.

This variety is an evergreen, rhizomatous perennial. It is mostly grown for its foliage, but it also produces delicate pink flowers. Although the flowers are lovely, the real showstopper is the vibrant leaves.

We recommend placing ‘Fireworks’ in a spot with bright, indirect light to highlight its colors. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, dulling their appearance. This Begonia can be a beautiful addition to indoor and outdoor gardens with proper care.

9. Begonia ‘Harmony’s Red Robin’

Begonia ‘Harmony’s Red Robin’ is one of the most striking Rex Begonias we have seen. This variety has vivid colors with a black center, iridescent gray surrounding it, and a border of brilliant red and chocolate brown.

What sets this Begonia apart is its compact growth habit. It stays under 8 inches in height, making it ideal for smaller spaces. The leaves are colorful and have a unique texture, adding to its visual appeal.

10. Begonia ‘African Violet’

Begonia ‘African Violet’ is an eye-catching variety known for its vibrant purple foliage. The leaves feature a deep, velvety texture, reminiscent of the African Violet flower, which gives this plant its name.

It adds a pop of color to any collection and thrives in well-draining soil with moderate sunlight. Though not as common as other varieties, it is a favorite for its striking appearance and ease of care.

11. Begonia ‘Green Gold’

Begonia ‘Green Gold’ is an eye-catching variety known for its shiny, chartreuse leaves. The foliage often has darker green veins, creating a striking contrast.

This begonia thrives in partial shade, making it perfect for shaded garden spots or indoor settings. Regular watering is essential, but it should never be waterlogged.

12. Begonia ‘Dark Mambo’

Plant Profile:

• Botanical Name: Begonia ‘Dark Mambo’
• Plant Type: Annual
• Sun Requirements: Partial Shade
• Water Needs: Average
• Height: 8-10 inches
• Width: 8-10 inches
• Leaf Color: Dark with pink margins

Begonia ‘Dark Mambo’ is a striking variety known for its deep, almost black foliage. The leaves have a glossy texture, giving them a unique, attractive appearance. This variety stands out with its contrasting pink margins and blooms, adding color to the dark leaves.

We can appreciate how the ‘Dark Mambo’ grows well in partial shade, making it a good choice for indoor settings or shaded garden spots. This plant requires average water needs and does not demand constant attention, making it relatively easy to care for.

Its compact size allows it to fit well in smaller spaces, making it perfect for apartment dwellers or those with limited garden space. With proper care, ‘Dark Mambo’ can be a stunning addition to our collection of begonias.

13. Begonia ‘Loncon Velvet’

Begonia ‘Loncon Velvet’ is a stunning hybrid known for its rich, deep colors. Its leaves are covered in a velvety texture that enhances its overall appearance. The leaf color typically ranges from dark green to almost black, with vibrant red veins running through them. This creates a striking contrast that makes it a favorite among begonia enthusiasts.

The plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers humid conditions. It’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to indoor gardens.

14. Begonia ‘Kapitan Cook’

Begonia ‘Kapitan Cook’ is a striking variety known for its unique foliage. The leaves are large and dark green with a metallic sheen, adding a touch of elegance to any collection.

We find that this variety thrives in bright, indirect light. It prefers a humid environment, making it an excellent choice for indoor spaces.

Regular watering is essential, but be careful not to let the soil become waterlogged. The ‘Kapitan Cook’ adds beauty and character with its vibrant leaves and manageable care needs.

15. Begonia ‘Erythrophylla’

Begonia ‘Erythrophylla’, also known as the Beefsteak Begonia, is an attractive plant with thick, glossy leaves. These leaves have a rich, dark green color on top and a striking reddish underside. This contrast makes the plant visually appealing from any angle.

We appreciate the adaptability of Begonia ‘Erythrophylla’. It thrives in medium to low light conditions, making it an excellent choice for indoor spaces. The plant is also easy to care for, needing only moderate watering.

16. Begonia ‘Rainbow Love’

One of the most captivating varieties, Begonia ‘Rainbow Love’ displays an array of colors on its leaves, blending shades of green, pink, and silver. These leaves have a unique spiral pattern that sets this variety apart.

Begonia ‘Rainbow Love’ thrives in moderate light conditions and needs well-drained soil to prevent root rot. We should water it when the top layer of soil feels dry.

This variety works well as a houseplant or in shaded outdoor containers, offering a pop of color and texture to any space.

17. Begonia ‘Princess of Hanover’

The Begonia ‘Princess of Hanover’ is a stunning rex-cultorum variety. It grows from a creeping rhizome and has large, spiral leaves with colorful patterns. These leaves can feature a mix of colors, making them quite eye-catching.

This plant thrives in filtered light and can take some sun during winter. The soil should be moist and peat-based for optimal growth.