Begonia rex 'Hugh McLauchlan' – Striking Foliage, Care Tips, and Buying Guide


Begonia rex 'Hugh McLauchlan' stuns with deep burgundy leaves brushed with metallic silver and emerald green, accented by rich red undersides. Each leaf displays a swirling, artistic pattern that shifts under light, making this compact rex hybrid a real centerpiece. With proper care, 'Hugh McLauchlan' maintains a bushy, vibrant appearance — perfect for desktops, shelves, or terrariums.


Begonia rex 'Hugh McLauchlan' – Key Features

 
Growth Habit: Compact, clumping form reaching 30–45 cm in height and width
 
Leaf Texture: Soft, velvety surface with multicolored iridescence
 
Color Palette: Deep burgundy, silver, emerald, and wine-red undersides
 
Growth Speed: Moderate, faster in warm, humid conditions
 
Longevity: Long-living perennial with proper care


Origins and Natural Adaptation
Begonia rex 'Hugh McLauchlan' is a cultivated hybrid derived from Begonia rex ancestors native to the humid forests of Northeast India and Yunnan, China. In the wild, these begonias grow across moist, shaded forest floors, adapting to warm temperatures and consistently high humidity. Indoors, this cultivar retains the humidity-loving, rhizomatous growth habit typical of rex types.


Complete Care Guide for Begonia rex 'Hugh McLauchlan'
Light and Placement

 
Thrives in bright, indirect light.
 
Medium light tolerated, but colors fade in low light.
 
Keep away from direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.


Watering and Soil

 
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry.
 
Use filtered or rainwater to avoid mineral deposits on leaves.
 
Grow in an airy substrate mixing coconut coir, perlite, and orchid bark.


Humidity and Temperature

 
Prefers 60–80% humidity for best foliage quality.
 
Optimal range: 18–24 °C. Avoid exposure below 15 °C.
 
Use pebble trays or humidifiers in drier climates.


Potting, Fertilizing, and Maintenance

 
Repot every 1–2 years using shallow pots with good drainage.
 
Fertilize monthly with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer.
 
Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth to maximize light absorption.


Propagation Options

 
Leaf Cuttings: Best method — lay sections on moist substrate with veins facing down.
 
Rhizome Division: Separate pieces of thick rhizome when repotting.


Adaptation to Semi-Hydroponics

 
Can be adapted to semi-hydro setups with LECA.
 
Requires careful watering — no standing water.


Common Problems and Solutions
Leaf Issues

 
Brown edges: Low humidity — increase ambient moisture.
 
Drooping leaves: Caused by over- or underwatering, or cold exposure.


Pest Problems

 
Spider mites: Fine webbing — boost humidity and treat with neem oil.
 
Mealybugs: Cottony masses — remove manually, use insecticidal soap.
 
Fungus gnats: Sign of consistently wet soil — allow top layer to dry before watering.


Fungal Risks

 
Powdery mildew and Botrytis can develop in stagnant, overly moist conditions.
 
Improve air circulation and avoid wetting leaves directly.


Special Care Tips

 
Place near north- or east-facing windows for ideal light balance.
 
Best suited for warm, stable, humid indoor environments — perfect for terrariums.
 
Trim yellowing leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth.


Etymology and Botanical History
The genus Begonia honors Michel Bégon, a French botanical patron. The species name rex means "king" in Latin, referring to the regal, highly ornamental foliage of the group.


Frequently Asked Questions

 
Why are my Begonia leaves fading?
Likely due to low light. Move to a brighter spot with filtered sun.
 
Can I grow Begonia rex 'Hugh McLauchlan' in a terrarium?
Yes — it thrives in high-humidity enclosed environments.
 
How do I keep the plant bushy?
Pinch back stems regularly and rotate the pot for even growth.


Shop Begonia rex 'Hugh McLauchlan' Online


Ready to add bold texture and metallic color to your space? Shop Begonia rex 'Hugh McLauchlan' online today at Foliage Factory and grow something extraordinary!