Rex Begonia Begonia 'Expresso Rose' (Expresso Series) (S)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

The Begonia 'Expresso Rose' from the Expresso Series showcases a stunning array of colors and textures, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add vibrant hues and lush foliage to their collections. The plant features rich, chocolate-brown leaves that possess a unique, glossy quality, capturing light in a way that highlights the intricate veining on the leaf surface. The contrast is striking when the rose-pink flowers bloom, presenting a dramatic and delightful play of colors. The flowers of the Begonia 'Expresso Rose' are notable for their delicate, soft appearance. Petals are rounded, layering in a classic begonia blossom form, which appears in clusters above the foliage providing a long-lasting display that can add a pop of color to any area. These blossoms may attract the attention of onlookers and pollinators alike with their brightness and gentle fragrance. In addition to the remarkable foliage and flowers, the plant presents a dense, bushy habit that is lush and full. The leaves have a slightly serrated edge, giving them a textured look that further enhances the plant's ornamental appeal. This tactile quality, combined with the plant's overall color palette, makes it a tactile and visual treat. The Begonia 'Expresso Rose' is versatile and can be grown in various settings, from garden beds to containers, where it can be admired for its decorative attributes. Its foliage and flowers create a sophisticated combination of elegance and dynamism, ensuring that it stands out as a centerpiece or complementary plant within a garden's design.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Begoniaceae
- Synonyms
  Expresso Rose Begonia
- Common names
  Begonia 'Expresso Rose' (Expresso Series) (S)
Toxicity
- To humans
  Begonias, including the Begonia 'Expresso Rose', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, they can cause irritation if ingested, so it is not advisable to eat any part of the plant. Some people might experience mild stomach upset if they consume the leaves or stems. It is best to keep the plant away from children, who might be tempted to chew on its parts.
- To pets
  Begonias, such as the Begonia 'Expresso Rose', are known to be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, or difficulty swallowing due to the irritant substances in the plant. The sap can also cause irritation to the skin and mouth. It is recommended to keep the plant out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Mixed
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
- Spread
  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  Varies
- Native area
  Tropical and subtropical regions

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: The Begonia 'Expresso Rose' has striking foliage and rose-pink flowers, adding aesthetic value to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Compact Growth: Ideal for small spaces, balconies, or as a houseplant due to its relatively small size.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in shaded areas where other plants may struggle, making it a versatile addition to varied garden spaces.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides a lengthy display of flowers from late spring to frost, offering visual interest for an extended time.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings or division, allowing gardeners to create more plants affordably.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, requiring less frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond regular watering and occasional feeding, making it suitable for busy or novice gardeners.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- As a natural dye: The leaves and flowers of the Begonia can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or paper, providing a range of colors from greens to pinks depending on the mordant used.
- In terrariums: With its compact growth habit, Begonia can serve as an attractive addition to terrariums, adding color and texture to these miniature ecosystems.
- As a companion plant: Begonias can be planted alongside other shade-loving ornamentals in a mixed container, helping to fill in space and complement the overall arrangement.
- For edible arrangements: While not widely known, Begonia flowers are edible and can add a splash of color and a citrusy taste to salads and desserts.
- In art projects: The distinctive leaves and flowers of the Begonia can be pressed and used in botanical prints or other craft projects, like making bookmarks or cards.
- As living mulch: When planted densely, Begonias can help to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture, acting as a living groundcover or mulch.
- In butterfly gardens: Begonias may attract butterflies and other pollinators, making them a good choice for wildlife or butterfly gardens.
- For educational purposes: Begonias can be used in school projects or educational kits to teach children about plant growth and floriculture.
- As a photography subject: With their unique form and vivid colors, Begonias make an excellent subject matter for botanical photography.
- In Feng Shui: Some practitioners believe that having Begonias in the home can bring positive energy and good fortune, following the principles of Feng Shui.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Begonia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Begonia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Beware: Begonias are often associated with a warning to be cautious or on alert, hinting at potential missteps or unseen dangers.
- Gratitude: This plant is also a symbol of gratitude, with begonia flowers given to express thanks or appreciation for someone's kindness.
- Individuality: The unique look of the Begonia 'Expresso Rose' can be seen as encouragement to embrace one's own uniqueness and to stand out from the crowd.
- Harmony: As a decorative houseplant that enhances the home environment, it represents the balance and harmony that should be nurtured within domestic spaces.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

60%

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Wax Begonias, including the 'Expresso Rose', prefer a consistent watering schedule, requiring water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It is typically recommended to water them once a week, but this frequency can increase to twice a week during hot, dry periods. When watering, aim to provide enough water to soak the soil thoroughly, using approximately 16 to 24 ounces of water for a standard pot size.
Light
Wax Begonias thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place 'Expresso Rose' near a window where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to the harsh midday sun. East or west-facing windows are ideal spots, as they provide the moderate light conditions the plant prefers.
Temperature
Wax Begonias are comfortable in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, which is their ideal growing range. They can survive minimum temperatures of 50°F; however, they should not be exposed to temperatures below this threshold. Protect 'Expresso Rose' from extreme heat and drafts to maintain their health.
Pruning
Pruning Wax Begonias like 'Expresso Rose' encourages bushier growth and removes dead or fading leaves and flowers. Trim as needed, removing old blooms and leaves to promote new growth and improve air circulation. The best time to prune is during the spring or summer months, avoiding heavy pruning sessions during the fall and winter.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Begonia 'Expresso Rose' is a well-draining, airy mix composed of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark with a pH around 6.0 to 7.0.
Repotting
Begonia 'Expresso Rose' should typically be repotted once every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & Misting
Begonia 'Expresso Rose' thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 50% to 70%.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
- Outdoor
  Keep in partial shade, protect from strong sun and cold.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
Begonia 'Expresso Rose', commonly known as Begonia, starts its life cycle as a seed that germinates in warm, moist soil, typically in the spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic foliage and begins to form a tuberous root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing lush, ornate leaves and branching stems. The adult plant will then produce clusters of rose-pink flowers over the summer months, attracting pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow. During the fall or as temperatures drop, the foliage dies back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy where the tuberous roots store energy for the next growing season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Summer
- The Begonia 'Expresso Rose', part of the Expresso Series, is most commonly propagated through leaf cuttings. The best time to propagate this begonia is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by leaf cuttings, a healthy and mature leaf is chosen and then carefully cut from the plant with a sharp, sterile knife or scissors. The petiole, or leaf stem, should be trimmed to about an inch long, or 2.54 centimeters, and then the leaf is laid flat on a moist propagation mix or directly inserted into the soil with the petiole buried. It's essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide the cutting with bright, indirect light. Roots usually emerge within a few weeks, after which the new plant can eventually be potted up individually as it grows.