Natural leaf turnover
An occasional yellow lower leaf on an otherwise healthy rex begonia is normal.
Diagnosis
Natural leaf turnover
What's happening
Rex begonias constantly retire their oldest leaves to fuel fresh, colorful growth from the rhizome. If only one or two of the lowest leaves are yellowing while the rest of the plant looks vivid and full, this is routine turnover, not a problem.
How to fix it
Gently pull or snip the spent leaf off where it meets the rhizome so it doesn't rot against the crown, and carry on with your normal care. Just keep an eye out that the yellowing stays limited to the oldest leaves and doesn't start spreading upward or coincide with soggy soil.
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