Underwatering
Dry soil with limp, yellowing lower leaves means it went too long without a drink.
Diagnosis
Underwatering
What's happening
Rex begonias have thin leaves and a shallow root system that holds little reserve, so they wilt quickly once the mix dries out completely. The oldest leaves yellow and go limp first, and the lightweight peaty mix shrinks and pulls away from the side of the pot, letting water run straight past the roots.
How to fix it
Rehydrate by bottom-watering: set the pot in a few inches of water for 20–30 minutes until the surface feels damp, then let it drain fully so the rhizome never sits in standing water. Going forward, check the soil every few days and water once the top inch is dry — rex begonias like steady, even moisture and won't tolerate drying out hard the way a pothos can.
What fixes it
- A long-spout watering can — A long-spout can lets you water deeply right at the soil without splashing the leaves or crown.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Rex Begonia care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this