How to Grow Rex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss'
Wikimedia Commons
Rex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss'
Begonia rex-cultorum 'Midnight Kiss'
flowerRex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss' is a dramatic foliage houseplant prized for its deep burgundy to black leaves with striking silvery-pink veining and pale undersides. Despite its name, it produces delicate pink flowers, though the ornamental foliage is the primary attraction. This tropical plant is grown indoors in most climates and makes an excellent specimen for containers and shade gardens in warm regions.
When should you plant Rex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Rex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Rex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Rex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11 outdoors; typically grown as a houseplant or in warm, humid greenhouses
Sign up free to see if Rex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Rex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss' timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation/Establishment
4-6 weeksNew plantlets from leaf cuttings or rhizome divisions develop small roots and initial leaves
Keep soil very moist and warm (68-75°F); provide high humidity; bright indirect light; mist frequently
Vegetative Growth
2-4 monthsPlant develops multiple stems and new leaves emerge with characteristic burgundy and silver patterning
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity; feed with dilute liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season; rotate pot weekly for even growth
Mature Foliage
Ongoing with proper carePlant reaches full size with dense, vibrant foliage displaying deep burgundy leaves with prominent veining
Continue regular watering and feeding; remove any dead or yellowing leaves; pinch back stems to encourage bushiness
Flowering
Variable, spring to summerDelicate pink flowers appear on thin stems above the foliage; flowers are secondary to the foliage display
Flowers are optional; pinch off to redirect energy to foliage if desired; flowering often triggers rest period
Winter Rest
2-3 monthsPlant slows growth; leaves may appear less vibrant; dormancy period occurs
Reduce watering and feeding; maintain temperatures above 60°F; continue bright indirect light; lower humidity is acceptable
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Improve air circulation; reduce humidity slightly; apply sulfur spray or neem oil; avoid wetting foliage
-
Increase humidity; mist leaves regularly; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if severe
-
Isolate plant; remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap
-
Reduce humidity; improve air circulation; remove affected leaves; water only at soil level
-
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; use well-draining soil; repot if severely affected
Uses
Indoor Ornamental Display
HouseholdRex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss' serves as a striking houseplant for desks, shelves, and table displays, adding dramatic color and texture to interior spaces. The deep burgundy foliage with silver veining creates a sophisticated aesthetic in any room. [source]
Low-Light Plant Option
HouseholdUnlike many colorful houseplants, Rex Begonias thrive in bright indirect light rather than full sun, making them ideal for offices, bathrooms, and shaded corners where other plants struggle. [source]
Humidity-Loving Terrarium Plant
HouseholdThe high humidity requirements make Rex Begonias perfect candidates for terrariums, Wardian cases, and humid groupings in bathrooms or kitchens. [source]
Propagation and Plant Collecting
CraftRex Begonias are easily propagated from single leaves, making them popular among plant collectors and enthusiasts for sharing cuttings and building collections. [source]
Indoor Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen flowering, the delicate pink blooms attract beneficial insects indoors, supporting biodiversity in houseplant collections. [source]
Harvest Tips
Rex Begonias are foliage plants, not harvested for food. Remove dead or damaged leaves at any time to maintain appearance. Pinch stem tips regularly to encourage branching and fuller shape. Leaf cuttings can be propagated year-round by laying leaves vein-side-down on moist propagation medium.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rex Begonias were first hybridized in the 1850s in Europe from Begonia rex, a species native to Southeast Asia, and are now among the most diverse foliage houseplants with hundreds of cultivar variations.
- 🌱 'Midnight Kiss' is named for its extremely dark, almost black foliage that appears to be kissed by midnight—an unusual and dramatic coloration among Rex Begonias.
- 🌱 Rex Begonias can be propagated from a single leaf: place a healthy leaf vein-side-down on moist soil, pin it down, and within weeks tiny plantlets will develop along the leaf veins.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Rex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Rex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Rex Begonia 'Midnight Kiss' timeline →