Begonia Red Fred

Begonia 'Red Fred' - A large leaf rhizomatous begonia with rounded heart shaped 10-inch-wide leaves that are glossy maroon with green venation on the upper surface and red underneath. These leaves have a puffy texture between the leaf veins and are held on light green petioles covered with red scales.

To care for a Begonia 'Red Fred', provide bright indirect light, keep the soil moist but not soggy, ensure good drainage, and avoid overwatering; this variety prefers shade to partial shade, with temperatures between 45-95 degrees Fahrenheit, and thrives in well-draining soil, allowing it to dry out slightly between waterings; its large, attractive maroon leaves are the main feature, with smaller, less showy pink flowers. 

When you picture a begonia, you probably imagine the pink or red perennial that blooms in flower boxes and on suburban lawns. However, there are actually more than 2,000 types of begonias, and many of them don't flower at all. One of the most popular, the rex begonia, is a fantastic low-maintenance houseplant for new plant parents. Also called the king begonia (rex means "king" in Latin), it's known for its large, sprawling leaves with tie-dye-like green and purple patterns.

Even though the rex begonia is easy to care for, you should follow some simple guidelines to help your plant thrive. Ahead, we break down exactly what you need to know about caring for a king begonia, from watering and propagating to troubleshooting problems.

Sunlight

For the best growth results, place your rex begonia in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct light will scald its leaves, but too little light will result in a leggy plant with smaller leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, but a south-facing spot that doesn't get blasted with sunlight works too.

Soil and Fertilizer

begonias are very prone to overwatering and root rot, so make sure the soil or potting mix you use is well draining. When shopping for a potting mix, look for "quick draining" or "moisture control" on the package. You can also add pearlite, sand, or drainage rocks to regular potting soil.

These plants benefit from a well-balanced fertilizer every few weeks. You can opt for a liquid plant food or a firm fertilizer. However, once it starts to get cold, slow down on feeding. If you see burn-like signs on the leaf edges, you're adding too much plant food.

Water

Despite being prone to overwatering, rex begonias love a constant supply of moisture. Water your plant when the top layer of the soil begins to feel dry or the leaves start to flag (lightly wilt). If you notice your plant going dormant during the winter months, cut back on watering until it starts growing again.

Temperature and Humidity

begonias love room temperature—that's why they're such great indoor plants. Around 70 degrees (and dropping around 10 degrees at night) is perfect for these warm-weather plants. They like some humidity too: Keep it above 50 percent during the growing season.