rex begonia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/ˌrɛks bɪˈɡəʊnɪə/US/ˌrɛks bɪˈɡoʊnjə/

Technical/Horticultural

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “rex begonia” mean?

A type of ornamental houseplant known for its colorful, textured, asymmetrical leaves.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A type of ornamental houseplant known for its colorful, textured, asymmetrical leaves.

A popular cultivar of begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum) prized for decorative foliage rather than flowers, often used in indoor gardening and horticulture.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical differences; spelling and pronunciation are consistent.

Connotations

Associated with houseplant enthusiasts and gardeners in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to gardening contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “rex begonia” in a Sentence

grow + rex begoniawater + the rex begoniathe leaves of + the rex begonia

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
rex begonia plantrex begonia leavesrex begonia cultivar
medium
grow a rex begoniacare for rex begoniapropagate rex begonia
weak
beautiful rex begoniaindoor rex begoniavariegated rex begonia

Examples

Examples of “rex begonia” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • I shall re-pot my rex begonia tomorrow.
  • She carefully misted the rex begonia.

American English

  • I will repot my rex begonia tomorrow.
  • She carefully misted the rex begonia.

adverb

British English

  • The plant grew rex begonia-like leaves.
  • She arranged them rex begonia style.

American English

  • The plant grew rex begonia-like leaves.
  • She arranged them rex begonia style.

adjective

British English

  • The rex begonia display was stunning.
  • She has a rex begonia collection.

American English

  • The rex begonia display was stunning.
  • She has a rex begonia collection.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare, except in horticultural trade or garden centre marketing.

Academic

Used in botany, horticulture, and plant science papers.

Everyday

Used by houseplant owners and gardening hobbyists.

Technical

Standard term in plant taxonomy and cultivation guides.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “rex begonia”

Strong

Begonia rex-cultorum

Neutral

foliage begoniapainted-leaf begonia

Weak

fancy-leaf begoniaornamental begonia

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “rex begonia”

flowering begoniawax begoniafibrous begonia

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “rex begonia”

  • Using 'rex' as an adjective separately (e.g., 'rex plant') instead of the full compound noun.
  • Misspelling as 'rex begonia' without the space or as 'rexbegonia'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It requires specific conditions like high humidity and indirect light, so it can be moderately challenging for beginners.

Yes, but its small flowers are insignificant compared to its showy foliage, and they are often removed to direct energy to leaf growth.

Typically no, they are tender perennials grown as houseplants in most climates, as they are sensitive to cold and direct sun.

Commonly through leaf cuttings or division of the rhizome, placed in a moist, warm growing medium.

A type of ornamental houseplant known for its colorful, textured, asymmetrical leaves.

Rex begonia is usually technical/horticultural in register.

Rex begonia: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛks bɪˈɡəʊnɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛks bɪˈɡoʊnjə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • None

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'King (Rex) of the begonias' for its regal, colourful leaves.

Conceptual Metaphor

PLANT IS DECORATIVE ART (its leaves are like painted canvases).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The is known for its beautiful, patterned leaves rather than its flowers.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary ornamental feature of a rex begonia?