Angel Wing Begonia, Begonia coccinea, Before and After

 

This spring, I was gifted a small start of an angel-wing begonia shown above. At first, I placed it in my east-facing window, but it didn't thrive there, so I moved it to a north-facing window. Almost immediately, I noticed it starting to grow, and by fall, it had spread to a full three feet wide. I was so amazed by how much it flourished. I recently took two cuttings. One I placed in soil, and the other in water, to propagate

The Angel Wing Begonia (scientifically known as Begonia coccinea or sometimes Begonia hybrids) is a popular ornamental plant that belongs to the Begoniaceae family. It's prized for its attractive foliage and delicate flowers. 

Key Features:

1. Unique Foliage:

   • The Angel Wing Begonia has large, striking, angel-wing-shaped leaves. The leaves are typically pointed with a metallic or glossy texture and often have attractive patterns, ranging from deep green to silver or red, depending on the variety.

   • The undersides of the leaves are often a rich red color.

2. Flowers:

   • This plant produces clusters of small, pendulous flowers that can be white, pink, or red. The flowers are generally dainty and complement the bold foliage beautifully.

   • They bloom profusely, especially during the growing season (spring to fall).

3. Size:

   • In ideal conditions, Angel Wing Begonias can grow quite large, reaching 2–3 feet in height and spread, though they can also be kept compact if pruned regularly.

Care Requirements:

1. Light:

   • These begonias prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so it's best to place them near a window with filtered light.

   • Too little light can cause leggy growth and fewer flowers.

2. Watering:

   • Angel Wing Begonias like their soil to be kept lightly moist but not soggy. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

   • Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to make sure the pot has good drainage.

3. Humidity:

   • They thrive in higher humidity, making them ideal for bathrooms or kitchens, as long as there's enough indirect light. In drier environments, misting the leaves or using a humidity tray can help.

4. Temperature:

   • They do best in moderate to warm temperatures (60-75°F or 16-24°C). Avoid drafts and cold temperatures, as they can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

5. Soil:

   • Well-draining, slightly acidic soil is ideal for these plants. A standard potting mix for houseplants, or a mix designed for begonias, works well.

6. Fertilizing:

   • Feed them with a balanced, diluted fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant is less active.

7. Pruning:

   • Pruning is encouraged to keep the plant compact and bushy. You can trim back leggy stems to encourage more branching and prevent the plant from becoming too unruly.

8. Repotting:

   • Angel Wing Begonias don't mind being a bit root-bound, but repotting every couple of years into a slightly larger pot is helpful to ensure healthy growth.

Common Problems:

• Leaf Drop: This can happen if the plant is exposed to drafts, inconsistent watering, or too much direct sunlight.

• Pests: Like many houseplants, begonias can be susceptible to pests like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. Regular inspection and neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage these.

• Yellowing Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering, poor drainage, or too much direct sunlight.

Propagation:

• Angel Wing Begonias can be propagated through leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. Cut a healthy leaf or stem with a bit of the node, and place it in water or directly into moist soil until it roots.

Varieties:

• There are many different varieties of Angel Wing Begonias, some of which have different color patterns, leaf shapes, and flower colors. Popular varieties include the 'Bada Bing', 'Pink', and 'Dragon Wing' begonias.

Angel Wing Begonias are a fantastic option for both beginner and experienced plant lovers due to their striking beauty and relatively easy care. They add a tropical vibe to any space and are especially appreciated for their ability to bloom even indoors.