Begonia: rex vs cane vs tuberous
Quick answer
On Begonia, rex vs cane vs tuberous usually comes down to this: Begonia types differ fundamentally in their morphology, primary appeal, and horticultural needs: Rex begonias (Picta complex) are grown exclusively for asymmetric patterned foliage in spirals/crescents using iridescent anthocyanin and chlorophyll layers; Cane begonias (Sections Gaerdt and Jacksonia) grow bamboo-like semi-woody segmented stems reaching 3-10 feet with angel-wing leaf shapes and cascading flower clusters; Tuberous begonias (Sections Rubellione and Haageana) develop underground storage tubers for winter dormancy, producing large show-stopping flowers up to 6 inches in diameter in symmetric rosettes. The critical distinction is that rex and rhizomatous types are evergreen herbaceous perennials grown for foliage, while cane types are semi-woody shrubs with seasonal flowers, and tuberous types are true dormancy plants that die back completely to re-emerge from tubers in spring.
Start here:
- 1. Identify type by stem: smooth bamboo-like segmented = cane; rhizome spreading horizontally at soil surface = rex/rhizomatous; no visible stems above soil = tuberous
- 2. Rex/Rhizomatous: keep as evergreen houseplant, maintain 50-70% RH, bright indirect light, never allow dormancy
How to tell these apart on Begonia
Begonia spp.
Begonia types differ fundamentally in their morphology, primary appeal, and horticultural needs: Rex begonias (Picta complex) are grown exclusively for asymmetric patterned foliage in spirals/crescents using iridescent anthocyanin and chlorophyll layers; Cane begonias (Sections Gaerdt and Jacksonia) grow bamboo-like semi-woody segmented stems reaching 3-10 feet with angel-wing leaf shapes and cascading flower clusters; Tuberous begonias (Sections Rubellione and Haageana) develop underground storage tubers for winter dormancy, producing large show-stopping flowers up to 6 inches in diameter in symmetric rosettes. The critical distinction is that rex and rhizomatous types are evergreen herbaceous perennials grown for foliage, while cane types are semi-woody shrubs with seasonal flowers, and tuberous types are true dormancy plants that die back completely to re-emerge from tubers in spring.
What to do for Begonia
- 1
Identify type by stem: smooth bamboo-like segmented = cane; rhizome spreading horizontally at soil surface = rex/rhizomatous; no visible stems above soil = tuberous
- 2
Rex/Rhizomatous: keep as evergreen houseplant, maintain 50-70% RH, bright indirect light, never allow dormancy
- 3
Cane: prune in late winter to maintain bushy shape, propagate from stem cuttings in water or perlite, can bloom continuously in optimal conditions
- 4
Tuberous: induce dormancy in fall by stopping water, store tuber at 45-55°F in dry peat, restart in February-March at 65°F with increasing water
Avoid mixing these up on Begonia
Match begonia type to growing conditions: Rex types need 50-70% humidity and stable temps (60-75°F) year-round with no dormancy; Cane types tolerate wider ranges (40-70% RH, 55-85°F) but benefit from hardening-off in fall; Tuberous types require complete dormancy induction (stop watering in September, store tubers at 45-55°F) or they rot or fail to rebloom.