Why Are Your Begonia Rex Plant Leaves Turning Yellow:
Causes and Solutions

Begonia rex is a popular houseplant appreciated for its beautiful, colorful foliage. The leaves of this plant come in different shades of green, pink, red, and silver. However, if the leaves of your begonia rex plant start to turn yellow, it may be a sign that something is wrong. In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of yellowing leaves in begonia rex plants and provide some solutions to help you keep your plant healthy.

Causes of Yellowing Leaves in Begonia Rex Plants

Overwatering or Underwatering

Overwatering or underwatering begonia rex plants can cause the leaves to turn yellow. When you overwater your plant, the soil becomes too saturated, and the roots can’t get enough oxygen. This can cause root rot and lead to yellowing leaves. On the other hand, if you underwater your plant, the soil becomes too dry, and the roots can’t absorb enough water. This can also cause stress to the plant and result in yellow leaves.

Poor Drainage

Begonia rex plants need well-draining soil. If the soil doesn’t drain well, it can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. Ensure that you use a pot with drainage holes and use a well-draining soil mix.

Nutrient Deficiency

Another cause of yellowing leaves in begonia rex plants is nutrient deficiency. These plants need specific nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to thrive. If they don’t receive enough of these nutrients, their leaves can start to turn yellow.

Too Much Sunlight

Begonia rex plants prefer bright but indirect sunlight. If they receive too much direct sunlight, their leaves can burn and turn yellow.

Pests or Diseases

Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can infest begonia rex plants and cause their leaves to turn yellow. Diseases like bacterial leaf spot and powdery mildew can also cause yellowing leaves.

Solutions for Yellowing Leaves in Begonia Rex Plants

Watering

The first step in solving the problem of yellowing leaves in your begonia rex plant is to ensure that you’re watering it correctly. Make sure that you’re not overwatering or underwatering your plant. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out.

Soil Mix

Ensure that you’re using a well-draining soil mix for your plant. You can add some perlite or sand to improve drainage.

Fertilizer

Feed your begonia rex plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. This will provide it with the necessary nutrients it needs to thrive.

Sunlight

Ensure that your plant is not receiving too much direct sunlight. Place it in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.

Pest Control

If pests are causing the yellowing leaves, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them. If diseases are causing the problem, remove the infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.

FAQ

Q: Can I save my begonia rex plant if its leaves have turned completely yellow?

A: It depends on how severe the damage is. If only a few leaves have turned yellow, you can remove them and take measures to prevent further damage. However, if most of the leaves have turned yellow, it may be difficult to save the plant.

Q: Can I propagate my begonia rex from a leaf that has turned yellow?

A: No, it’s best to use healthy leaves for propagation as yellow leaves indicate stress or damage in the plant.

Q: How often should I fertilize my begonia rex plant?

A: Fertilize your begonia rex plant every two weeks during its growing season (spring and summer). You can reduce this frequency during fall and winter when growth slows down.

In conclusion, if you notice that the leaves of your begonia rex plants are turning yellow, it’s important to identify the cause quickly and take appropriate measures to address it. Proper watering, soil mix, fertilizer application, sunlight exposure, pest control measures are some of the steps you can take to keep your begonia rex plant healthy and thriving.