Watermelon Rex Begonia
Product details
| Management number | 250423877 | Release Date | 2026/09/17 | List Price | US$9.00 | Model Number | 250423877 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | |||||||||
- Description
- Watermelon Rex Begonia Care Guide
- FAQ/Common Issues
-
![]()
Watermelon Rex Begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum) is a hybrid foliage plant in the family Begoniaceae, bred from Begonia rex and other rhizomatous species native to subtropical and tropical Asia. It grows as a compact houseplant prized for its patterned, colorful foliage and performs well in indoor environments with consistent humidity.
The leaves are large, asymmetrical, and slightly puckered, with a texture that catches the light across the surface. Each leaf is painted in overlapping zones of deep burgundy-red, silver-green, and pink, loosely echoing the pattern of a watermelon rind. 'Watermelon Rex' grows from a shallow rhizome and holds its leaves in a low, spreading rosette rather than climbing or trailing.
It can produce small clusters of pale pink flowers on slender stems above the foliage, typically in late winter or early spring. The blooms are modest and short-lived compared to the leaf display. 'Watermelon Rex' does produce pollen and can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals, so keep that in mind if placed in a bedroom or closed room.
Rotate 'Watermelon Rex' every few weeks so each side of the plant receives even light exposure. It does well near kitchen moisture and thrives in terrariums where humidity stays consistently high. Keep it on a high shelf or out of reach, as the sap can irritate skin and paws, and the plant should be kept away from small children and pets. Move it outside in summer to a sheltered spot, and make sure it has cover from rain to protect the leaves from water damage.
-
Watermelon Rex Begonia grows well under bright indirect light and tolerates office LED lighting without issue.
It needs watering every 7-10 days, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between sessions.
'Watermelon Rex' does best in a well-draining mix of peat or coco coir with added perlite for aeration.
It prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F and should be kept away from air conditioning and heating vents.
![]()
'Watermelon Rex' is a slow to moderate grower; feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
It is hardy in USDA zones 10-12, where frost temperatures rarely drop below 30°F. It grows outdoors year-round in Hawaii, southern Florida, and coastal Southern California. It also grows outdoors seasonally in parts of Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona where summer conditions match its needs.
-
Q: Where should I place a Watermelon Rex Begonia indoors?
A: East or north-facing windows work well. Keep it a few feet back from a south-facing window, as direct sun scorches the leaves and turns the patterned surface brown.
Q: How often should I water this plant?
A: Watermelon Rex Begonia wilts slightly when the soil has been dry too long, and the leaves feel softer than usual. Check the top inch of soil before watering and hold off if it still feels damp.
Q: Is 'Watermelon Rex' safe for cats and dogs?
A: Cats and dogs shouldn't be left to nibble or eat it, as ingestion can cause a reaction and the sap can irritate paws and skin on contact.
Q: Can I grow this plant in a terrarium?
A: 'Watermelon Rex' does well in a terrarium because the enclosed environment holds the humidity level it needs consistently.
Q: How do I keep 'Watermelon Rex' looking even on all sides?
A: Rotate the pot a quarter turn every two to three weeks so all sides receive comparable light and the growth stays balanced rather than leaning toward the light source.
Q: Can this plant go outside in summer?
A: 'Watermelon Rex' can move outside once nighttime temperatures stay reliably above 60°F, but position it under a covered area or overhang to shield the leaves from direct rainfall.
Correction of product information
If you notice any omissions or errors in the product information on this page, please use the correction request form below.
Correction Request Form