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Begonia Dejah Thoris
Begonia Dejah Thoris
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Begonia ‘Dejah Thoris’: A Fantasy-Inspired Foliage Queen
A Complete, Easy-to-Follow Growing and Care Guide for This Regal Rex Begonia
With a name straight out of science fiction and a look that’s otherworldly, Begonia ‘Dejah Thoris’ is a must-have for collectors and plant lovers who appreciate bold style. Named after the Martian princess from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom series, this Rex begonia flaunts deeply textured leaves, shimmering color contrasts, and an exotic vibe that’s pure drama.
It’s not just a plant—it’s a statement. Whether you’re building a bold begonia display or adding magic to your shelf, ‘Dejah Thoris’ is ready to rule your indoor jungle.
What Makes Begonia ‘Dejah Thoris’ So Special?
This begonia is stunning from every angle. The leaves are like shields, shimmering with color and movement.
Key features:
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Leaf Color: Iridescent silver or metallic lavender centers, fanned out into jagged edges of burgundy, purple, or deep black.
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Pattern: Radiating contrast lines that give the appearance of layered armor or brushstrokes.
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Texture: Velvety and highly textured, almost quilted in appearance.
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Growth Habit: Compact and mounded, generally 10–14 inches tall and wide.
It’s the kind of plant that stops people mid-sentence—and then draws them closer.
Light: Bright Indirect Light Brings Out the Shine
‘Dejah Thoris’ thrives in bright, indirect light, which enhances its metallic tones and sharp contrast.
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Indoors: Place near an east- or north-facing window, or a few feet back from a south-facing one with a sheer curtain.
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Outdoors: Grow in full shade only, or under a patio where it gets diffused morning light.
Direct sun can burn or fade the leaves, while low light will reduce the color intensity.
Watering: Keep It Even and Balanced
This Rex begonia prefers even moisture, but hates wet feet. A steady watering routine is key.
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Water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
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Use pots with excellent drainage to prevent soggy roots.
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Water at the soil line to avoid splashing the leaves, which can lead to spotting or mildew.
Think of it like hydration for royalty—regular, but never excessive.
Humidity: Thrives in Moist Air
‘Dejah Thoris’ loves moderate to high humidity—aim for 50–60% or higher.
Ways to boost humidity:
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Place on a tray of pebbles and water (keeping the pot above the waterline).
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Use a small humidifier in dry seasons.
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Group with other humidity-loving plants.
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Grow it in a plant cabinet or terrarium for a controlled environment.
Dry air leads to crispy edges and dull leaves—moist air helps this princess shine.
Soil: Airy and Fast-Draining
Use a light, well-draining soil mix that supports healthy roots without staying soggy.
Recommended mix:
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1 part peat moss or coco coir
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1 part perlite or coarse sand
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1 part high-quality potting soil
You can also use a begonia or African violet mix—perfect right out of the bag.
Feeding: Fuel the Fantasy
Feed once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength.
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Skip feeding in fall and winter, when the plant slows its growth.
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Avoid overfeeding—it can cause leaf burn or stretch out the compact form.
Light, steady feeding keeps the leaves strong, vibrant, and full of sparkle.
Temperature: Warm and Steady Wins
Begonia ‘Dejah Thoris’ prefers indoor temps between 60–75°F.
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Never expose it to temperatures below 55°F.
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Avoid cold drafts, direct blasts from vents, or sudden chills.
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If you grow it outdoors in summer, bring it inside before cooler nights return.
Warmth helps maintain healthy roots and strong color.
Grooming: Keep Her Looking Royal
This plant is relatively tidy, but benefits from regular grooming:
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Remove dead or damaged leaves to allow airflow and new growth.
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Wipe leaves gently with a soft, damp cloth to enhance their shimmer.
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Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth and a fuller silhouette.
Routine care helps your begonia stay vibrant and sculptural.
Propagation: Clone the Queen
Begonia ‘Dejah Thoris’ is easy to propagate by leaf cuttings or rhizome division.
Leaf cutting method:
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Select a mature leaf and cut it with a short stem.
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Press into moist soil, or lay the leaf flat and make small vein cuts.
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Cover with a clear humidity dome or bag.
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Place in bright, indirect light.
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Baby plantlets will emerge along the veins in 2–4 weeks.
A perfect way to share your favorite variety—or create a whole royal court of ‘Dejah Thoris’ clones.
Common Issues to Watch
Rex begonias are sensitive but rewarding. Here’s what to monitor:
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Powdery mildew – Prevent with good airflow and by avoiding leaf wetness.
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Spider mites or mealybugs – Look for fine webbing or fuzzy white clusters. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
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Root rot – Caused by overwatering or heavy soil. Always let the top layer dry before watering again.
Keeping your plant in clean, consistent conditions avoids most problems before they start.
Styling Tips: Showcase the Royal Drama
This begonia belongs on a throne—or at least somewhere eye-catching!
Try this:
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Pair it with black, metallic, or jewel-toned pots to echo its sci-fi, fantasy feel.
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Place it solo on a shelf, side table, or pedestal where it can be admired from all sides.
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Group it with other bold Rex begonias, like ‘Twisted Sister,’ ‘Fireworks,’ or ‘Harmony Baby Dragon Heart.’
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Use it as the centerpiece of a fantasy-themed collection—mosses, ferns, and dramatic foliage welcome.
It brings drama, color, and character to any room.
Why You’ll Love Begonia ‘Dejah Thoris’
This isn’t just a plant—it’s a work of art. ‘Dejah Thoris’ brings sci-fi mystery and botanical majesty together in one compact, showy package.
You’ll love it because:
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It’s rich in color and texture
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It fits beautifully in small indoor spaces
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It’s easy to grow with the right care
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It adds fantasy-inspired flair to your plant display
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It’s perfect for plant lovers who enjoy bold, beautiful foliage
Ready to add an out-of-this-world begonia to your collection? Begonia ‘Dejah Thoris’ brings shimmer, structure, and royal presence to every space she graces.
