Rose Begonia Begonia 'Roi de Roses' (R)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Begonia 'Roi de Roses' is a vibrant and ornamental plant with a lush and striking appearance. The plant features a dense foliage of glossy, broad leaves that can vary in color from deep green to a mix of green with red, pink or silver speckles or edging, depending on the variety. The leaves are often heart-shaped or wing-like with a slightly rippled or wavy edge, lending a rich texture to the overall plant. Begonia 'Roi de Roses' is known for its eye-catching blooms that come in a wide range of colors, including various shades of pink, red, orange, or white. The flowers are typically double or semi-double, resembling the petals of a rose, giving them a full, rounded look that is both elegant and showy. The blossoms are clustered together in groups, creating a lush, floral display that can easily become a focal point in any garden or indoor space. The blooms can appear throughout the growing season, offering a long-lasting splash of color. This begonia variety tends to have a bushy, mounding growth habit, creating a full and abundant presence wherever it is planted.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Begoniaceae.
- Synonyms
  King of Roses Begonia, Royal Roses Begonia, Roi de Roses Begonia.
- Common names
  Begonia 'Roi de Roses'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant in question is commonly known as Begonia. Begonias are generally considered non-toxic to humans, but they can cause irritation if ingested. Eating parts of Begonia plants can cause oral irritation, a burning sensation in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and stomach upset. It is important to keep in mind that children might be more sensitive to the potential irritants in the plant.
- To pets
  The Begonia plant is toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. If a pet ingests part of a Begonia, they may exhibit symptoms such as oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to kidney failure in pets. It is advised to keep Begonias out of reach of pets and seek veterinary attention if you suspect your pet has ingested this plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  Varies
- Native area
  Tropical South America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Provides vibrant colors and unique foliage, enhancing the aesthetics of gardens and indoor spaces.
- Low Maintenance: Requires relatively minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of reduced watering, which is beneficial in water-scarce regions.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, expanding landscaping possibilities in low-light conditions.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers an extended display of blooms, providing color and interest for a significant portion of the year.
- Variety: Comes in several forms and colors, allowing for a personalized selection to suit individual tastes and garden themes.
- Compact Growth: Its contained growth habit makes it ideal for smaller gardens, terraces, or as a houseplant.
- Propagation Ease: Can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings or division, facilitating the expansion of plant collections without additional costs.
- Pest Resistance: Displays a certain degree of resistance to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Seasonal Interest: With flowers and foliage that change throughout the seasons, it provides visual interest throughout the year.
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
- Education and Research: The Begonia can be grown and studied in educational settings, such as schools and universities, to teach students about plant biology and hybridization processes.
- Photography Subjects: Due to their vibrant colors and unique patterns, Begonias are often used by photographers as subjects for botanical photography and art.
- Wedding Decor: The Begonia's striking appearance can be utilized in wedding arrangements and venue decorations to add natural beauty and elegance.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for edibility, the petals of some Begonia species may be used as colorful garnishes in high-end culinary dishes.
- Herbarium Collections: Botanical enthusiasts and institutions may include Begonias in herbarium collections for preservation and scientific documentation.
- Floral Perfumery: The essence of Begonias can be captured and used in crafting bespoke floral perfumes, although this is not a common practice.
- Bioindicators: Begonias can be used as bioindicators to monitor environmental conditions and the effects of climate change on plant life.
- Art and Craft Inspiration: The unique patterns and shapes of Begonia leaves can inspire artists and crafters to create designs for fabrics, wallpaper, or jewelry.
- Theme Gardens: Begonias can be featured in specialized theme gardens, like Victorian or tropical gardens, to create a specific visual aesthetic.
- Social Plant Swaps: Begonia enthusiasts may propagate and exchange varieties with other collectors through plant swap meets or online communities.

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
- Caution or Warning: Begonias are often associated with caution or warning, suggesting one to think twice before proceeding in a particular situation.
- Individuality: With its unique appearance and variety of colors, the begonia signifies individuality and uniqueness, celebrating differences in personality and style.
- Gratitude: In some cultural contexts, giving begonias can be a way to express thanks or appreciation for someone's efforts.
- Harmony: The begonia can represent a balance and a sense of harmony, especially in the house, as it is a popular plant for home decor.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

500 - 2500 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For Begonia 'Roi de Roses,' which is commonly known as Rose Begonia, the plant should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Water generously until water runs through the drainage holes, approximately every 7 to 10 days. Use around 16 to 32 ounces per watering session, depending on the size of the plant and pot. It is crucial not to let the plant sit in water as this can lead to root rot. During the winter, reduce watering frequency as plant growth slows down.
Light
Rose Begonias thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. A spot near an east or west-facing window where they receive gentle morning or late afternoon sun complemented by daylight is ideal.
Temperature
Rose Begonias prefer to be kept in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They should not be subjected to temperatures below 50°F as cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations can damage the plant. The ideal growing conditions are around 65°F to 70°F.
Pruning
Pruning Rose Begonias encourages healthy growth and flowering. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and spent blooms to maintain the plant's appearance. Pruning is best done in the spring or early summer, which allows time for new growth to flourish. Prune lightly but regularly to shape the plant and promote denser foliage.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Begonias prefer a well-draining soil mix consisting of peat moss, perlite, and compost in equal parts. An ideal pH level for Rose Begonia is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.
Repotting
Rose Begonias should be repotted every 2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the roots during the process.
Humidity & Misting
Rose Begonias thrive in high humidity conditions, optimally between 60% and 70%. Consistent humidity is crucial for their well-being.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Bright, indirect light with high humidity suits indoor Rose Begonias.
- Outdoor
  Partial shade, sheltered locations best for outdoor Rose Begonias.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA.
Life cycle
Begonia 'Roi de Roses', commonly known as Begonia, starts its life cycle with seed germination, where favorable conditions of warmth and moisture stimulate the growth of a new plant from a seed. As the seedling emerges, it develops primary leaves and a root system, before growing into a vegetative juvenile plant. During this phase, the Begonia experiences vegetative growth with the formation of a robust stem, more complex root architecture, and larger leaves adapted for efficient photosynthesis. Once maturity is reached, the plant enters the flowering phase, characterized by the development of vivid and colorful flowers that attract pollinators, a key process for sexual reproduction. After successful pollination and fertilization, the plant produces fruit that contains seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Eventually, as the plant ages, it may experience a period of senescence, with a decline in vitality leading up to the end of its life cycle, although many Begonias are treated as annuals or perennials depending on the climate.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Summer
- Propogation: The Begonia 'Roi de Roses', commonly known as King of Roses Begonia, is typically propagated through leaf cuttings. This method, which is the most popular for this type of begonia, can be carried out in late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a healthy leaf is chosen and sliced into wedges, ensuring that each piece contains at least one vein. These segments are then placed on moistened potting mix, and clear plastic can be used to cover the setup, creating a greenhouse-like environment which helps maintain humidity. Within a few weeks, new plants will begin to form at the veins, and roots will develop. Once the new plants have established a sufficient root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots.