Begonia ×rex-cultorum ("Rekkusubegonia")

Japanese name: レックスベゴニア
Scientific name: Begonia ×rex-cultorum

[Overview]
A group of garden cultivars created by crossbreeding, based on Begonia rex (Begonia rex).
A succulent evergreen perennial.
In many cultivars the stems extend sideways and spread in all directions.
The leaves are simple and alternate, and asymmetrical left to right.
The size and shape of the leaves vary widely, but many are distorted ovate to heart-shaped, and some are cut in a notched pattern.
The leaf margins vary from serrate to dentate.
In some, the base of the leaf curls in a spiral.
The flowers are pale pink and borne in cymes, with male and female flowers.
The male flowers consist of 2 petal-like sepals and 2 smaller petals, and the female flowers consist of 2 petal-like sepals and 3 petals.

[Uses]
Appreciated for its varied leaf shapes and leaf colors.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by division or leaf cuttings.
It prefers airy, well-drained soil with moderate water retention.
From autumn to spring, keep it in a sunny place; in summer, strong sunlight causes leaf scorch, so keep it in cool partial shade.
It prefers a well-ventilated place.
Protect it from frost; it can overwinter if kept at 5 °C or higher.
It tolerates dryness, and root rot occurs easily when the soil is too wet.
In spring and autumn, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; in winter, keep it on the dry side.
In spring and autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer once a month, or liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks.
In summer the plant weakens in the heat, so do not fertilize, and water only enough to prevent extreme dryness.
Pests and diseases seen include gray mold, powdery mildew, bacterial leaf spot, aphids, spider mites and leafroller caterpillars.

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