leaf drop on Begonia Rex
Quick answer
If your Begonia Rex has leaf drop, the most likely cause is: Begonia rex drops its leaves in winter when the surrounding air temperature falls below the plant's tolerance. The painted-leaf begonia is native to the tropical rain forests of Assam where winter temperatures stay around 60°F/16°C, so a cool, under-heated room in a temperate home can push the plant below its minimum and trigger leaf abscission on the soft foliage.
Start here:
- 1. Move the begonia to a warmer room where the minimum temperature is held at 55°F/13°C or just above through the winter months.
- 2. Keep the compost just moist in winter, watering only every 7 to 10 days, so cold damp roots do not add to the cold-stress that is causing the leaves to fall.
Why Begonia Rex gets leaf drop
begonia rex
Begonia rex drops its leaves in winter when the surrounding air temperature falls below the plant's tolerance. The painted-leaf begonia is native to the tropical rain forests of Assam where winter temperatures stay around 60°F/16°C, so a cool, under-heated room in a temperate home can push the plant below its minimum and trigger leaf abscission on the soft foliage.
How to reverse leaf drop on Begonia Rex
- 1
Move the begonia to a warmer room where the minimum temperature is held at 55°F/13°C or just above through the winter months.
- 2
Keep the compost just moist in winter, watering only every 7 to 10 days, so cold damp roots do not add to the cold-stress that is causing the leaves to fall.
- 3
Place the plant in bright light but out of direct sun during the recovery period so the remaining foliage can support the plant until new leaves emerge in spring.
Keep leaf drop off this Begonia Rex
Maintain a steady winter minimum of 55°F/13°C around the Begonia rex, never let it sit in a cold draught or an unheated room, and keep the compost only just moist rather than wet through the darker months.