Rex begonias, with their stunning and vibrant foliage, are a popular choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts. When it comes to light requirements, these plants prefer bright, indirect light. This means that they thrive in well-lit areas, but not in direct sunlight.
It’s important to note that rex begonias can be sensitive to excessive direct sunlight. If exposed to too much sun, their delicate foliage can easily burn and become damaged. To prevent this, it’s best to place them in a location where they receive bright, indirect light throughout the day.
The ideal light intensity for most rex begonia varieties is between 1,500 to 2,200 foot-candles. Foot-candles measure the amount of light that falls on a surface, and this range provides a good balance for these plants.
To determine the light intensity in your home or garden, you can use a light meter or app specifically designed for this purpose. This will help you ensure that your rex begonias are getting the right amount of light for optimal growth and health.
In my personal experience, I have found that placing rex begonias near a north-facing window or in a room with bright, filtered light works well. This way, they receive enough light to thrive, but are protected from the harsh rays of direct sunlight.
If you have limited natural light available, you can also use artificial lighting to supplement the light requirements of your rex begonias. LED grow lights or fluorescent lights can be effective in providing the necessary brightness for these plants.
To sum up, rex begonias prefer bright, indirect light and are sensitive to excessive direct sunlight. Providing them with a well-lit location with a light intensity of 1,500 to 2,200 foot-candles will help them thrive. By understanding and meeting their light requirements, you can enjoy the stunning foliage of rex begonias in your indoor or outdoor space.
