Begonia rex ‘Kotobuki’

Begonia rex 'Kotobuki' (Begonia rex 'Kotobuki') is grown for foliage that spirals: each leaf coils into a tight snail shell at the base, patterned in silver, plum and deep green. It stays small at about 300mm tall and 400mm across, which makes it a table plant or a shaded courtyard pot rather than a garden shrub. The flowers are insignificant.

Why you'll love it

• Foliage with a spiral. The leaves coil at the base into a distinct swirl, which is what separates 'Kotobuki' from the flat leaved rex begonias.
• Patterning that shifts with the light. Silver, plum and deep green banding changes tone depending on how bright the position is.
• It stays small. At 300mm by 400mm it fits a shelf, a desk or a small pot without needing to be moved on.
• Humidity is welcome. Unlike most indoor plants it enjoys a humid bathroom or a sheltered subtropical courtyard, and leaf cuttings strike readily if you want a second plant.

Where it works best

Indoors. Bright indirect light is the sweet spot: near a window but out of direct sun, which scorches the thin leaves. A bathroom or kitchen with reasonable light suits it, because the humidity keeps the leaf edges from crisping.

Pots and courtyards. A 200mm pot with drainage is enough for a mature plant. On a shaded balcony it works in warm temperate, subtropical and tropical gardens, though it must come inside before the first frost.

Small shaded gardens. In frost free areas it can be grouped in a shaded bed at about 300mm apart, under a canopy that keeps sun and heavy rain off the foliage.

Growing Begonia rex 'Kotobuki' in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light indoors, or dappled to full shade outside. It is frost tender and suited to tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates, so in cool temperate gardens it is an indoor plant only.

Soil. A light, free draining potting mix with plenty of organic matter, ideally one blended for indoor plants. Rex begonias grow from shallow rhizomes, so a wide shallow pot suits them better than a deep one.

Water and feed. Moderate water. Let the top two centimetres of mix dry, then water thoroughly and empty the saucer. Water the mix, not the leaves, which mark easily. A half strength liquid feed monthly through the warm months is enough.

Pruning. Remove tired or damaged leaves at the base as they age. If the plant becomes leggy, cut it back and it will reshoot from the rhizome.

What to expect when it arrives

This one comes as tubestock: young plants with a few small leaves that need a season in a 150mm to 200mm pot before the spiral pattern is fully expressed. You are buying a plant to grow on, not a mature specimen.

Begonias have soft foliage and travel less comfortably than most, so a bruised or dropped leaf on arrival is normal. Place it in bright indirect light, water lightly and expect two to three weeks of stillness before new leaves appear. Delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95, minimum order of $300 before delivery, with our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Start with our indoor plant tips for beginners.
• Read how to keep your indoor plants alive for light and watering.
• Browse the full indoor plant range.
• See other plants for partial shade for a sheltered courtyard.

Common questions

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

No. Begonias contain soluble oxalates and are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, bringing on mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. Keep it on a shelf out of reach in a home with animals.

Why are the leaf edges going brown and crisp?

Dry air, most often from air conditioning or heating. Group it with other plants, stand the pot on a tray of pebbles and water, or move it to a bathroom.

Does it need a big pot?

No. A 200mm pot is ample, and wide and shallow beats deep, because the rhizome sits near the surface. Overpotting holds too much wet mix around the roots.