Rex begonia varieties
Treat Rex begonia as a rhizomatous foliage group, then compare leaves: ‘Silver Queen’ is silvery with green veins and a purple center, while ‘Orient’ has dark green leaves with red undersides.
Check the species, variety, group or trade name
Plant names and labels
- Taxonomy
- Begonia rex is the exact species in this draft, while RHS places retail Rex begonias within the broader rhizomatous houseplant group. That group is not all begonias.
- Group
- The exact profile describes a tender, evergreen, rhizomatous foliage plant, and RHS groups Rex begonias with other rhizomatous begonias grown for their foliage.
Compare visible shape, pattern and size
How the varieties differ
RHS profiles ‘Silver Queen’ with large silvery leaves, green veins and a purple center, while ‘Orient’ has matt dark-green leaves and brilliant dark-red undersides. The Rex group varies in leaf shape, color and markings.
Change care only for a named difference
Care differences
The cited Rex profiles and RHS group guide point to partial or filtered light, high humidity, free but well-drained watering in summer and a drier surface in winter. The named profiles do not establish different routine thresholds, so foliage choice is the supported differentiator.
Treat an unverified identity as uncertain
Limits of plant labels
Sources
- Royal Horticultural SocietyBotanical Details; Name Status; How to Grow; Suggested planting locations
- Royal Horticultural SocietyCultivation notes > Rhizomatous begonias; Care > Rex and other rhizomatous begonia; Cultivar Selection
- Royal Horticultural SocietyDescription; Growing conditions; Botanical details
- Royal Horticultural SocietyDescription; Horticultural Group; How to Grow