How to Grow Rex Begonia 'Red Taffeta'
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Rex Begonia 'Red Taffeta'
Begonia rex-cultorum 'Red Taffeta'
flowerRex Begonia 'Red Taffeta' is a stunning foliage houseplant prized for its large, velvety leaves featuring deep red coloring with silvery-pink highlights and dramatic texture. Unlike flowering begonias, rex varieties are grown primarily for their ornamental foliage rather than blooms. This variety makes an excellent indoor decorative plant and is perfect for creating tropical, humid microenvironments.
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Example Rex Begonia 'Red Taffeta' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Rex Begonia 'Red Taffeta'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Rex Begonia 'Red Taffeta' blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10b-11; primarily grown indoors as a houseplant in all zones
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Get my Rex Begonia 'Red Taffeta' timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation/New Growth
2-4 weeksSmall leaf cuttings or rhizome sections begin rooting; tiny leaves emerge
Maintain high humidity (70%+) using a humidity dome or misting. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sun; provide filtered light only
Establishment
4-8 weeksNew leaves unfold; plant develops stronger root system and multiple leaf shoots
Gradually acclimate to normal humidity if in a dome. Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F). Begin light feeding with diluted fertilizer
Vegetative Growth
8-16 weeksPlant produces increasingly larger leaves with full coloration; characteristic red-burgundy with silver-pink patterns develops
Provide bright indirect light to enhance leaf coloration. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with diluted balanced fertilizer. Monitor for pests
Mature/Foliage Display
OngoingPlant reaches full size with large, dramatic velvety leaves; may produce small flowers (typically insignificant)
Maintain consistent humidity and temperature. Prune leggy growth to encourage bushier form. Continue regular feeding during growing season
Dormancy/Winter Rest
2-3 monthsGrowth slows significantly; plant may drop some older leaves
Reduce watering and feeding. Maintain temperatures above 60°F. Provide continued bright indirect light
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation, reduce leaf wetting, apply sulfur-based fungicide if severe, maintain humidity below 80% at night
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Isolate plant, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, manually remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab on affected areas
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Increase humidity to 60%+, spray with water mist, apply miticide or neem oil if infestation persists
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Remove manually with soft brush or alcohol swab, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
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Repot in fresh, sterile soil, improve drainage, reduce watering frequency, ensure pot has drainage holes
Uses
Foliage Houseplant & Interior Décor
HouseholdRex Begonias are excellent decorative houseplants for adding tropical color and texture to indoor spaces. Their striking red-burgundy foliage with silver accents makes them popular in terrariums, plant collections, and as statement plants on desks or shelves. [source]
Humidity Monitoring & Tropical Environment
HouseholdRex Begonias thrive in humid conditions and can help indicate when humidity levels are appropriate for other tropical houseplants. Growing them successfully signals you've created an ideal microclimate for humidity-loving plants. [source]
Leaf Cuttings for Propagation & Plant Sharing
CraftRex Begonias are exceptional for propagation projects; individual leaves can be cut and placed on moist soil to produce entire new plants. This makes them excellent for plant propagation workshops and sharing with fellow plant enthusiasts. [source]
Non-Toxic Houseplant for Homes with Pets
WildlifeRex Begonias are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them safe houseplants for pet-owning households. While not edible, they present no poisoning risk if ingested. [source]
Collection & Horticulture Hobby
HouseholdRex Begonias are highly collectible among plant enthusiasts, with many named cultivars offering diverse color patterns and textures. They're popular in begonia societies and among serious houseplant collectors. [source]
Harvest Tips
Rex Begonias are not harvested but are maintained as foliage houseplants. Remove dead or diseased leaves as they appear. Prune leggy growth in spring to encourage bushier growth. Propagate by leaf or rhizome cuttings in spring or early summer
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rex Begonias can regenerate from a single leaf; if you cut off a healthy leaf and place its veins in contact with moist soil, multiple new plants will develop from the leaf
- 🌱 'Red Taffeta' is named for the fabric-like texture and deep red coloring of its leaves, which resemble the vintage textile material
- 🌱 Rex Begonias originated from Southeast Asia and were first hybridized in Victorian England during the 19th century, becoming obsessively collected during the 'Begonia Mania' period
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