Begonia rex ‘Escargot’ is a rhizomatous perennial that produces these striking patterned leaves that spiral attractively.  This Begonia cultivar’s eye-catching, spiralling form is rather like the coiled form of snail shells, hence the name ‘Escargot’.

This Begonia makes a handsome houseplant.  If you’re considering growing Begonia rex ‘Escargot’, ensure that your plants are safeguarded from cold winter temperatures.  Provide your plants with a minimum temperature of 15C (60F).

Begonia rex ‘Escargot’ plants require very humid conditions to grow well and look their best.  As gardeners, we often tend to mist or spray our houseplants’ leaves with water to increase humidity levels, but Begonia rex ‘Escargot’ plants do not do well when their leaves are wet.  This plant tends to be both happier and healthier when it is grown as part of a group of plants.  Plants thrive in a humid bathroom or laundry room.  These Begonia also do well grown in a container, placed above a tray or saucer of pebbles and water.  To grow Begonia rex ‘Escargot’ successfully, it’s important to find (or create) a humid environment that does not involve moistening the Begonia’s leaves, as doing so increases the plant’s chances of developing mould or mildew.  Avoid wetting the crown of the plant, as this may also encourage rot.

Begonia rex ‘Escargot’ plants grow to around 30cm (12 inches) tall.

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