T Rex Ruby Slippers Rex Begonia - 1 Gallon

Begonia T-REX 'Ruby Slippers' is a rhizomatous, herbaceous begonia belonging to the Rex-cultorum group — commonly called painted-leaf or fancy-leaf begonias — a group bred for spectacular, oversized ornamental foliage. The leaves of 'Ruby Slippers' are this series' defining feature: exceptionally large, broadly heart-shaped, and intensely glossy with a mirror-like surface that catches and amplifies light. The leaf color is a deep, saturated ruby red — described by its breeders as the largest and truest ruby red leaf of any Rex-type Begonia — with a dramatic black stripe running along the central midrib and subtle dark edging that frames the leaf like a painting. The underside of the leaf is a contrasting red, and the surface has sparse fine hairs. The plant grows in a neat, dense mounding habit and produces small clusters of soft-pink flowers on erect stalks reaching about 12 inches above the foliage from late spring through fall. Foliage is consistently described as evergreen in frost-free climates. This cultivar holds US Plant Patent PP24,992 and EU Grant EU43392.

Begonia T-REX 'Ruby Slippers' is rated for USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11 as a perennial. In these zones — which include much of Southern California, coastal areas, and frost-free regions — it may remain in the ground year-round with light protection and mulching. It has demonstrated notable cold resilience for a Rex Begonia, reportedly surviving brief dips to approximately 29 degrees F when grown under trees with mulch protection in the Pacific Northwest. In Zones 8 and colder, grow it as a warm-season annual outdoors and bring it inside before the first frost to overwinter as a houseplant. Preferred temperature range is 65 to 75 degrees F. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 60 degrees F, cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or heating registers, all of which can cause stress and leaf damage.

'Ruby Slippers' performs best in full shade to partial shade. It thrives in bright, indirect light indoors — such as near a window with a sheer curtain or several feet away from a bright east- or north-facing window. Outdoors, dappled shade beneath a tree canopy or a north- or east-facing covered patio are ideal placements. While some morning sun is tolerable, avoid direct afternoon sun, which will scorch and fade the glossy leaves and diminish the vibrant ruby-red color. In deep shade, the plant will slow somewhat in growth and the leaf colors may be slightly less vivid, but it is far more tolerant of low light than many other dramatic foliage plants. Good, consistent indirect brightness rewards the plant with the richest leaf color and most vigorous growth.

For best performance, plant 'Ruby Slippers' in fertile, rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. It absolutely requires good porosity — dense, compacted, or clay-heavy soils promote root rot and should be avoided or heavily amended before planting. In containers, use a lightweight potting mix formulated for begonias or houseplants, or blend standard potting soil with perlite or vermiculite to ensure excellent drainage while retaining adequate moisture. Preferred soil pH is slightly acidic, in the range of 6.0 to 6.5. Amend native garden soil with compost, aged bark, and coarse perlite when planting in the ground. Never allow the root zone to remain waterlogged, as this begonia's rhizomatous roots are highly susceptible to rot in saturated conditions.

'Ruby Slippers' prefers consistently moist but never waterlogged soil. Water thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch, then allow excess water to drain freely from the pot. Never allow the plant to sit in a saucer of standing water. Outdoors in garden beds, water regularly during the growing season, taking care not to wet the foliage — overhead watering can promote fungal spotting and leaf disease on the large, ornate leaves. Water directly at the base of the plant. Indoors or in containers, moderate drying between waterings (allowing the top inch or two to dry) helps prevent root rot. During cooler months or dormant periods, reduce watering frequency. High humidity — ideally 50% or more — helps the leaves maintain their glossy appearance and prevents browning at the leaf margins. Set the container on a pebble tray filled with water, or use a nearby humidifier to elevate ambient humidity indoors.

Feed 'Ruby Slippers' regularly during the active growing season (spring through early fall) to support its fast growth and vivid foliage. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength every 4 to 6 weeks. A fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio such as 10-10-10 or one formulated for foliage plants works well. For greenhouse and container production, target a feed rate of approximately 150 to 200 ppm nitrogen with a solution electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.2 to 2.4. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause soft, leggy growth and reduce the intensity of leaf color. Cut back on fertilizing in fall and suspend feeding during winter dormancy or low-growth periods. Always water the plant before applying liquid fertilizer to avoid root burn on dry soil.

'Ruby Slippers' requires minimal pruning but benefits from routine maintenance to keep it looking its best. Regularly remove any yellowing, browning, or dead leaves at the base using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears — this improves air circulation and reduces the risk of fungal disease. Spent flower stalks can be pinched or snipped off at their base once blooming finishes. To encourage a fuller, bushier shape, gently pinch back growing tips during the active season. Avoid crowding this plant with other plants, as poor air circulation promotes disease. Dust the large leaves gently with a soft, damp cloth periodically to keep them clean and maximize light absorption — avoid using leaf-shine products, which can clog the pores of the leaves. Do not disturb the rhizomes unnecessarily during routine maintenance.

Before planting, hydrate your 'Ruby Slippers' thoroughly by watering it well or briefly submerging the root ball in a container of water for 10 minutes. Choose a location in full shade to bright indirect light. In garden beds, dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and amend the native soil generously with compost and perlite to create a rich, well-draining planting medium. Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its nursery container — do not plant too deep, as burying the rhizome crown can cause rot. Backfill gently, firm the soil, and water in thoroughly. Space plants 16 to 18 inches apart to allow for mature spread and adequate air circulation. In containers, select a pot with ample drainage holes and fill with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Avoid pots that are dramatically oversized, as excess soil volume stays wet too long. After planting outdoors, apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around (but not touching) the base of the plant to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature.

'Ruby Slippers' is an exceptional container plant and is perhaps most commonly grown this way, both outdoors on shaded patios and indoors as a houseplant. Choose a container with multiple drainage holes. A pot that is 8 to 12 inches in diameter is well-suited to a single specimen. This begonia actually prefers being somewhat snug in its pot — avoid overpotting. Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix blended with perlite (roughly 1 part perlite to 3 parts potting mix). Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry, and empty drainage trays promptly. Feed every 4 to 6 weeks with a diluted balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Repot every 1 to 2 years when the plant becomes root-bound, stepping up only one pot size at a time and refreshing the potting mix. Containers can be moved outdoors to a shaded patio or deck for summer and brought back inside before temperatures drop below 60 degrees F in fall. Display indoors near a bright, north- or east-facing window for best results year-round.

'Ruby Slippers' provides outstanding ornamental interest across an exceptionally long season. Its deep ruby-red foliage is the primary attraction, remaining vivid and glossy from spring planting through the first frost — and year-round in frost-free climates where it behaves as a true evergreen perennial. Small clusters of soft-pink flowers appear on upright 12-inch stalks from June through October, adding a delicate floral element that complements the bold leaf color without competing with it. In fall, as temperatures begin to cool, the foliage can take on even richer tones before going dormant in cold climates. Indoors as a houseplant, it maintains its spectacular foliage display throughout winter, providing vivid color and tropical beauty during the months when outdoor gardens are bare. Its reliable, non-stop color makes it one of the most rewarding shade foliage plants available for multi-season garden and interior design.

'Ruby Slippers' is a bold, versatile design plant suited to a wide range of landscape and interior applications. Use it as a dramatic focal point specimen in a shaded mixed container or as a thriller plant in a "thriller, filler, spiller" container combination. It works beautifully as a showy accent in a shaded border or woodland garden edge, where its reflective, jewel-like foliage brightens dark areas under trees or along north-facing walls. Mass plantings create a stunning carpet of ruby red in deep shade situations where few other colorful plants thrive. It performs exceptionally well in covered entryways, under pergolas, on shaded decks and porches, and as an indoor specimen on a bright windowsill or in a well-lit interior space. In mild-winter climates (Zones 9-11), it can serve as a reliable perennial groundcover accent in shaded landscape beds.

• Coleus — shares the same shade and moisture preferences; lime green, chartreuse, or deep purple coleus varieties create a striking color contrast with the ruby-red foliage.
• Impatiens — ideal shade companion with similar light and water needs; coral, white, or lavender impatiens soften and complement the bold begonia foliage.
• Black Mondo Grass — the near-black blades create a dramatic, high-contrast foil that accentuates the glossy red leaves in containers or shaded borders.
• Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) — its cascading chartreuse foliage spills beautifully over pot edges, creating a vivid color contrast with the deep red begonia leaves.
• Boston Fern — lacy, fine-textured fronds provide a soft, airy contrast to the large, glossy begonia leaves; both thrive in humidity and indirect light.
• Caladium — fellow shade-loving foliage plant with tropical flair; mix white-and-green or pink-and-red caladiums for a layered, textural foliage display.
• Fiber Optic Grass — adds vertical movement and fine texture that plays beautifully against the broad, flat begonia leaves in mixed containers.
• Torenia (Wishbone Flower) — delicate blooms and similar care requirements make it an elegant, low-growing companion that adds seasonal flower color without overshadowing the begonia.

While generally vigorous, 'Ruby Slippers' can be susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Inspect plants regularly and address issues early for best results.

• Mealybugs — white, cottony clusters at leaf axils and stem joints; treat with insecticidal soap spray or wipe with a damp cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
• Aphids — soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth; knock off with a strong water spray or treat with insecticidal soap.
• Spider Mites — thrive in hot, dry conditions; look for fine webbing and stippled leaves; increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Thrips and Whitefly — occasional problems; use yellow sticky traps for monitoring and treat with appropriate insecticidal products if populations rise.
• Powdery Mildew — white powdery coating on leaves; caused by poor air circulation and inconsistent moisture. Improve ventilation and avoid wetting foliage.
• Botrytis (Gray Mold) — fuzzy gray mold on leaves or stems in cool, damp, poorly ventilated conditions. Remove affected tissue and improve air circulation immediately.
• Root Rot — caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Ensure containers drain freely and allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
• Bacterial Leaf Spot — irregular water-soaked spots on foliage; avoid overhead watering and crowded growing conditions. Remove affected leaves promptly.

'Ruby Slippers' is most easily propagated by leaf cuttings or rhizome division, and the process can be very rewarding for home gardeners looking to multiply their plants.

• Leaf Cuttings: Select a healthy, mature leaf and cut it from the plant with a small section of petiole (stem). Insert the cut end into a small container of moist, well-draining propagation mix (such as a 50/50 blend of perlite and peat or coco coir). Keep in a warm location (70-75 degrees F) with bright indirect light and high humidity — cover loosely with a clear plastic bag or dome to retain moisture. Roots typically develop in 2 to 4 weeks, with new plantlets emerging at the leaf base within 4 to 8 weeks.
• Rhizome Division: When repotting, carefully divide the horizontal rhizome, ensuring each section has at least one growing point or stem node. Allow cut surfaces to callous briefly before potting into fresh, well-draining mix.
• Note: As a patented cultivar (PP#24,992), vegetative propagation of this plant for resale or commercial purposes is prohibited without a license from the patent holder.

'Ruby Slippers', like all Rex Begonias, contains soluble calcium oxalates and is considered toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, oral irritation, and difficulty swallowing in pets. The underground portions of the plant — roots and rhizomes — are considered the most toxic parts. The sap may also cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals when handling the plant. Keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and small children. If pet ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian or animal poison control immediately. Despite its toxicity to pets, it poses no issues when enjoyed responsibly by adults and is widely grown as both a houseplant and outdoor container specimen.