Randi,

Rexes can be fussy but also are quite showy so you aren't crazy and you haven't spent a lot of money (you got a very good price).

You are right on the Iron Cross - it is fussy. I've lost several but I think I have stumbled upon the secret for these. Not that I have any right now but I do have masoniana maculata and thought it was a goner as well. I finally put a clear plastic cup over it and it is now putting out new leaves (albeit they are quite small right now).

The worst season to get through is winter. Most rexes defoliate during this time of year and can get mildew. If they get serious mildew - cut the leaf off and discard (or try propagating it). If the leaves defoliate and look healthy you might try propagating them but they may be too old.

If you plan on having them as a permanent houseplant, then give bright light, water as needed (light fertilizer applications when actively growing), and some humidity. The ones I have upstairs in the house have kept most of their leaves with a saucer for humidity and bottom watering; while the ones under lights in the basement have for the most part dropped all or most of their leaves. I am now putting plastic clear cups over most of mine in the basement. A plastic baggie will work as well. The best thing would be an aquarium to keep humidity as high as possible without over watering them.

I move mine outdoors for summer under high limbed trees and water 3 times a week with a sprinkler system. By September and October, they are the highlight of all the begonias.

Thank you for the quick reply! I will see how these do, and wait (for now, lol) on the Iron Cross.

Randi