Appearance and growth habit

Begonia Rex ‘Spitfire’ is a bold foliage Begonia with beautifully patterned leaves featuring deep green, silver and rich red to burgundy tones. Its textured foliage gives it plenty of personality, while its compact, bushy growth makes it ideal for indoor plant collections, shelves or humid displays. This is one Begonia that definitely did not come to blend into the background.

Care requirements

Give Begonia Rex ‘Spitfire’ bright, indirect light and keep it warm, ideally around 18–28°C. It enjoys moderate to high humidity and should be watered when the top layer of the growing medium begins to dry. Use an airy, well-draining mix and avoid keeping the roots constantly wet. Feed lightly during active growth to encourage strong, colourful foliage.

Troubleshooting

Brown or crispy leaf edges can indicate low humidity, underwatering or too much direct sunlight. Yellowing leaves are commonly caused by overwatering or poor drainage, while leaf drop can occur after sudden changes in temperature, humidity or watering. Keep conditions stable, provide good airflow and avoid wetting the leaves regularly to help prevent fungal issues.

Pet and reptile safety

Begonia Rex ‘Spitfire’ should be treated as not pet safe. Begonias contain calcium oxalates, which can cause irritation if eaten. It is not recommended for reptiles that may nibble on the foliage, so choose a confirmed reptile-safe plant for enclosures where animals have direct access to plants.