A Collector's Curiosity
Begonia Page 13 is one of those intriguing cultivars that catches the eye of collectors looking for something a little different. With its unusual colouring and distinctive leaf variations, this begonia offers something beyond the ordinary Rex varieties found in every garden centre. The name itself hints at a plant with a story, as if discovered on the thirteenth page of some botanical treasure hunt.
Part of the vast Begoniaceae family, which contains over 2,000 species and thousands of cultivated hybrids, Begonia Page 13 showcases the incredible diversity possible within this genus. The foliage displays the characteristic asymmetrical, heart-shaped leaves that make begonias so beloved, but with its own unique twist on colour and pattern.
What makes this cultivar particularly appealing is its relative ease of care. Unlike some of the more demanding Rex begonias that require precise humidity levels and constant attention, Page 13 thrives with minimal fuss once you understand its basic needs. It's a begonia that rewards good care without punishing occasional lapses.
Light Requirements
Provide bright indirect light for the best leaf colour and compact growth. Position near a window where the plant receives good light without direct sun exposure. Morning sun through an east-facing window works well, but avoid harsh afternoon rays which can scorch the leaves and fade the distinctive colouring.
Too little light causes leggy, stretched growth as the plant reaches toward any available light source. The leaves may also lose colour intensity in dim conditions. If natural light is limited, begonias respond well to artificial grow lights, making them excellent candidates for well-lit offices or rooms with smaller windows.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, typically every one to one and a half weeks during warmer months, extending to every two weeks in cooler periods. When you water, do so thoroughly, allowing excess to drain away completely. Never let the pot sit in water.
The key with begonias is avoiding two extremes: constantly wet soil which leads to root rot, and bone-dry conditions that stress the plant. Stick your finger into the soil; if the top few centimetres feel dry, it's time to water. If still moist, wait a few more days.
Importantly, avoid getting water on the leaves. Begonias are susceptible to fungal issues like powdery mildew, and wet foliage in poor air circulation creates the perfect conditions for disease. Water at the base of the plant, directing water to the soil rather than splashing the foliage.
Humidity and Airflow
While many Rex-type begonias demand high humidity, Page 13 performs well in moderate household humidity levels. The trade-off is that good airflow becomes essential. Begonias in stagnant air are prone to fungal problems regardless of humidity levels.
Position your plant where air moves gently, avoiding both cold draughts and the direct blast of air conditioning. A spot near other plants can create beneficial humidity through transpiration while still allowing adequate air circulation around the foliage.
Temperature
Maintain temperatures between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius for healthy growth. These tropical plants dislike cold and may enter dormancy or drop leaves if temperatures fall below 15 degrees consistently. Keep away from cold windows in winter and protect from sudden temperature fluctuations.
If your plant enters dormancy during cooler months, reduce watering and wait for new growth to emerge as conditions warm. Dormancy is a natural response and not cause for concern, provided the rhizome remains firm and healthy.
Potting and Soil
Use a standard well-draining indoor potting mix. Begonias grown from rhizomes prefer shallow, wide pots rather than deep containers, as their root systems spread horizontally rather than growing deep. Terracotta pots work particularly well as they allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Repot when the rhizome reaches the edges of the container, typically every year or two. Go up only one pot size at a time; begonias don't appreciate being overpotted in containers much larger than their root system requires.
Feeding
Feed with Growth Technology Foliage Focus at 3ml per litre every second watering during the active growing season (spring through summer). Reduce or stop feeding during autumn and winter when growth naturally slows. Over-fertilising can cause leaf burn, particularly on lighter-coloured portions of variegated leaves.
Grooming
Remove any yellowing or spent leaves promptly to maintain plant health and prevent fungal issues. Keep the soil surface clear of debris. If the plant becomes leggy or develops bare sections of rhizome, you can cut back the rhizome to encourage branching and bushier growth.
Perfect For
- Begonia collectors seeking unusual varieties
- Bright indoor spaces away from direct sun
- East-facing windowsills
- Indoor plant displays and groupings
- Those wanting foliage interest over flowers
- Plant parents ready for something beyond basics
- Tabletop and shelf displays
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my leaves getting powdery white spots?
This is likely powdery mildew, a common fungal issue with begonias. It thrives in humid, stagnant conditions. Improve air circulation around your plant, avoid wetting the leaves, and remove any affected foliage promptly. Severe cases may require treatment with neem oil or an appropriate fungicide.
My plant dropped most of its leaves over winter. Is it dead?
Probably not. Many begonias enter dormancy in cooler months or when light levels drop. Check the rhizome; if it's firm and not mushy, reduce watering and wait for spring. New growth should emerge as temperatures warm and day length increases.
Why are the leaf colours fading?
Usually indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter position with more indirect light. Colour intensity develops best with adequate light exposure, though direct sun should still be avoided.
Can I propagate Begonia Page 13?
Yes, rhizomatous begonias propagate readily from rhizome cuttings or leaf cuttings. Cut sections of healthy rhizome and plant in moist potting mix, or take leaf cuttings and root them in a mix of perlite and sphagnum moss.
Please Keep in Mind
Begonia Page 13 is a foliage plant grown for its decorative leaves rather than flowers. Some leaf variation and imperfection is normal and adds to the plant's character. Good airflow is essential for preventing fungal issues. Avoid getting water on the leaves when watering. This plant may enter dormancy in cooler months with reduced light, which is a natural response rather than a sign of problems. Contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep out of reach of curious pets and children.
If you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant, we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au
Shipping & Greenhouse Collection
Let's Talk About How Your Plants Get to You!
Alright, so here's the deal with shipping - we try our best to send all our plants potted and ready to go, but sometimes due to larger orders or when we're moving through some big changes, we'll send some plants semi-bare rooted. If you haven't come across this before, it basically means we carefully remove a bunch of the soil before packing them up. I know that might sound a bit scary if you've never ordered plants online before, but trust me, this is actually a really smart way to do it! The main reason we do this is because it creates so much more room in the box, which means we can fit way more plants in one shipment for you. More plants in one box = more green goodness arriving at your door at once! The plants honestly handle the journey better without all that heavy, wet soil sloshing around too. Just make sure you've got some fresh potting mix ready to go when your green babies arrive, because they'll want to get tucked into their new home pretty quickly!
Now, let's chat about what actually fits in our boxes. We can safely fit about 4-6 plants in one box, or if you're stocking up on supplies, one box can hold 3 bags of medium plus 1L of Growth Technology. We really don't recommend adding heavy items with your plants though - it just puts extra stress on your precious plants during transit and limits how many we can fit. If your order ends up being heavier than our standard box can handle, we'll reach out to you about additional postage fees. We're always transparent about costs, no sneaky surprises!
When Does Everything Ship Out?
Here's how our timeline works - we process and ship orders the week after you place them. So if you order on a Tuesday, your plants will get packed and sent out sometime the following week. We ship Monday through Friday (because let's be real, we all need weekends to recharge!), and we're aiming to get your order out within 4-6 business days of processing. Sometimes things take a tiny bit longer because we're a small but mighty team, and we take absolute care in making sure every single plant is packed perfectly. Like, we're talking individual attention for each plant here. We don't rush this stuff!
Once your order ships, you'll get an email with your tracking number. If you haven't received that tracking email, it just means we're still working on your order - it hasn't left us yet. Please be patient with us! We promise we're working as fast as we can while still making sure everything is done right. We pack orders in chronological order to keep things fair for everyone, so no one's getting special treatment or jumping the queue. First come, first served, that's how we roll!
The Journey to Your Doorstep
All our orders ship with Australia Post, and here's something cool - they operate 24/7! That means even if your order gets sent out on a Friday afternoon, it's still making its way to you over the weekend. The postal system doesn't sleep, and honestly, that's pretty amazing for getting plants to you quickly. You can generally expect your plants to arrive within 2-7 days after we ship them, depending on where you are in Australia. Metro areas tend to be quicker, regional spots might take the full week, but either way, your tracking number will keep you in the loop the whole time.
And here's the thing that always blows people's minds - our plants are absolute troopers. We've tested this extensively, and they can genuinely survive in their boxes for up to three weeks if needed. Obviously we don't want them sitting around that long, but life happens, mail gets delayed sometimes, and we want you to know that your plants are prepped and ready to handle whatever the postal system throws at them. While we do our best to avoid delays, occasional unforeseen circumstances may slightly impact delivery times, but rest assured, your plants are packed with extra care and are tougher than you think!
Quarantine States (WA, NT, TAS)
We currently only ship directly to non-quarantine states. Unfortunately, biosecurity restrictions make it pretty complicated to send plants to Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. But don't worry, we've got a solution for you! If you're from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase plants from us, we recommend using Paradise Distributors' concierge service. They're absolute legends and can handle all the biosecurity paperwork and requirements for you. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing so they can give you all the details and help you out: info@rareplants.net.au
Come Visit the Greenhouse! (Rockdale)
If you're local or just love the idea of picking up your order in person, we've got you covered! Greenhouse collection from our Rockdale location is available the same week you make your purchase. Our opening hours are always changing, so make sure to check booking availability on our 'Visit the Greenhouse' page before purchasing. After you've paid for your order, just head over and book a time slot that works for you. You'll get to pick up your plants AND have a wander through the greenhouse while you're here, which honestly is such a vibe. Just please wear a mask if you're feeling unwell - it's a small space and we want to keep everyone safe and healthy!
Catch Us at Markets!
We do regular markets around Sydney and would love to meet you in person! If you'd prefer to skip shipping altogether and grab your order at one of our market stalls, just email us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com and we can arrange collection at an upcoming market. It's a great way to chat plants face-to-face, see what else we've got on the day, and save on postage!
Questions? We're Here for You!
If you've got any questions about shipping, tracking, or literally anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com. We love chatting with you guys and we're always happy to help troubleshoot, answer questions, or just talk plants!
Much love from the GG's Team 🌱
