Silver King Begonia Begonia 'Silver King' (R)

Water

Rex Begonia should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this can be every 7 to 10 days, but you need to adjust the frequency depending on the humidity and light conditions. When watering, use lukewarm water and pour it directly onto the soil until it begins to drain out of the bottom of the pot, indicating the roots have received sufficient moisture. Between watering, allow the soil to partially dry out, but do not let it become completely dry. As a general guideline, provide the Rex Begonia with approximately 8-12 ounces of water each watering session, but be guided by the plant's response and the soil moisture level.

Light

Rex Begonia prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant foliage coloration. Shield it from direct sunlight, especially during the hot afternoon hours, to prevent leaf scorch. A spot near an east or west-facing window where the plant receives gentle morning or evening sun would be ideal. Too much shade can lead to leggy growth, so ensure it gets sufficient light without being exposed to harsh sun.

Temperature

Rex Begonia thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, which are typical indoor conditions. Make sure to protect the plant from temperatures below 50°F, as cold drafts or sudden temperature drops can cause damage. The ideal temperature range promotes healthy growth and prevents stress, which can occur if the plant is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Pruning

Pruning Rex Begonia is essential for maintaining its shape and encouraging bushier plant growth. Remove any dead or damaged leaves as soon as you notice them to prevent potential diseases. The best time for significant pruning is in the spring, just before the new growth starts. Generally, pruning once a year should be sufficient for keeping the plant in good condition.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Begonias such as 'Silver King' thrive in a well-draining soil mix composed of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark fines. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for these plants.

Repotting

'Silver King' Begonia typically needs repotting every one to two years, best done in spring or early summer to allow the plant to establish in the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

'Silver King' Begonia prefers a humidity level of around 50-60% to thrive; avoiding excessive dryness is crucial for its well-being.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place 'Silver King' Begonia in bright, indirect light and avoid dry air indoors.

• Outdoor

  Grow 'Silver King' Begonia in shaded areas; protect from strong sun and frost.

• Hardiness zone

  'Silver King' Begonia is suitable for 10-11 USDA.

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Begonia 'Silver King' begins with seed germination, where under the right conditions of warmth and moisture, the small seeds sprout and develop into seedlings. The next stage is vegetative growth, where the plant grows leaves and stems, showcasing its characteristic silver-green foliage with a metallic sheen. Following vegetative growth, the Begonia 'Silver King' matures and enters the flowering stage, producing clusters of delicate flowers that can vary in color. After pollination, which can occur through the assistance of wind or pollinators, the plant produces seeds, thereby completing the sexual reproduction cycle. In favorable environments, the Begonia 'Silver King' can also propagate vegetatively through leaf cuttings or division, which allows the plant to spread and produce new individuals identical to the parent. Over time, as the plant ages, it enters a phase of senescence, where growth slows and the plant may eventually die, completing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Begonia 'Silver King' can be most effectively propagated using leaf cuttings, a method that is popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The optimal time to take leaf cuttings for propagation is during the warmer growing season, typically spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing and the temperatures support quicker rooting. To propagate by leaf cuttings, a healthy, mature leaf is selected and carefully removed from the plant, ensuring that a small portion of the stem is also taken. This leaf is then laid flat on the surface of a well-draining potting mix or inserted with the stem end down into the soil. To encourage rooting, the surface should be kept consistently moist and placed in indirect light. With proper care, the cutting will develop roots and new growth, eventually growing into a replica of the parent plant.