Begonia Rex Red Jive

The Begonia Rex 'Red Jive' is a cultivar with beautifully formed and contrasting leaves. Its textured leaves are cordate and pointed with a lamina of a lovely bright light green. The edges are undulate, accentuated by a deep purple to red hue. Place the Begonia Rex in bright but indirect light with fairly high ambient humidity of around 60 to 70% and a well-drained substrate, which will preserve the beauty of its foliage. It tolerates reduced light levels but the vibrancy of its colours will be less intense.

The Begonia Rex 'Red Jive' also known as 'Jive' belongs to the Begoniaceae family. The perennial species Begonia Rex is rhizomatous, also called Begonia rex-cultorum and referred to as Royal Begonia or cultivated Rex Begonia. These are Begonias grown or selected from the Rex group. Begonias are plants native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, primarily found in South America, Central America, Africa, and Asia.

As a houseplant, the Begonia Rex has moderate growth, typically reaching a height of 45 cm and a spread of 40 cm. Its habit is compact and bushy. Its large, heart-shaped, sometimes spiralled leaves (known as 'snail' leaves) are borne on long, coloured petioles and feature dentate and occasionally lobed edges. Their colour palette is striking: often metallic patterns blend with shades of pink, purple, and green. Some varieties display fine, delicately fuzzy foliage, making their care more demanding. In late winter, subtle pink flowers appear. Their appeal is usually overshadowed by the splendour of the foliage, thus often leading to their removal.

The genus Begonia includes over 1,800 species mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. These plants are typically found in humid environments such as the undergrowth of tropical forests where they thrive in partial shade.

To cultivate the Begonia Rex 'Red Jive' indoors, it is best to provide bright, indirect light avoiding direct sunlight which could scorch its delicate leaves. Ambient humidity should be maintained between 60 and 70%, achieved by grouping plants together or using a humidifier. Maintain at least above 50% ambient humidity. The ideal temperature ranges between 18 and 25°C, not dropping below 15°C. Regular watering is necessary, keeping the substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged, and well-drained to prevent root rot.

The Begonia Rex ‘Red Jive’ adds an artistic and colourful touch to any room. To showcase it, place it on a light wood piece of furniture or a minimalist stand near a window with sheer curtains to soften the sunlight. For a lovely contrast, pair it with a Pilea 'Moon Valley’, with its crinkled lemon-green leaves, or a Fittonia ‘Joly Josan Red’ striped with red.