Rex Begonia (mini)

Yes — Rex Begonia (mini) (Begonia rex) thrives in a closed terrarium. The sealed glass traps the constant, high humidity it needs, and it tolerates the lower light inside a covered vessel.

It isn't recommended. Rex Begonia (mini) (Begonia rex) wants the constant humidity of a sealed, closed terrarium and will quickly dry out and crisp up in an open, airy one.

Rex Begonia (mini) suits a medium terrarium — bowls & mid-size. It has a upright growth habit, so plan its position with that in mind and trim or divide it if it starts to outgrow the glass.

Rex Begonia (mini) is rated moderate to care for in a terrarium. Grown for jaw-dropping leaf colour — silver, plum, emerald. Loves humidity, hates soggy crowns. It hates a soggy crown — water pooling around the base rots it quickly. Keep moisture in the substrate and off the fleshy stem base.

Rex Begonia (mini) does best in medium to bright indirect light. Keep it out of direct sun, which magnifies through glass and scorches leaves. Feature it as a centrepiece where its silver, plum and emerald leaves catch medium to bright indirect light — good light deepens the colour.

Rex begonia (Begonia rex) is toxic to cats and dogs: it contains soluble calcium oxalates (most concentrated in the roots) that cause mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting if chewed.