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As its name suggests, the Angel Wing Begonia’s foliage is shaped like something resembling the wings of an angel.
First grown in Brazil, South America, this plant is a perennial tropical plant that belongs to the Begoniaceae family.
It grows on tall stems and has intriguing dotted leaf patterns, vibrant colors, and a spectacular array of delicate flowers.
The botanical name of the cheerful angel wings begonias is Begonia coccinea x Begonia aconitifolia.
The Angel Wing Begonia is commonly found growing indoors in warm and humid climates.
However, these plants can be potted outside but should be taken indoors in cold climates – especially when temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Angel Wing Begonias grow modestly, with considerable growth observable in as little as six weeks.
When fully mature, the plant reaches a height of about 12 to 30 inches and a width of about 12 to 24 inches.
You’d notice the Angel Wing Begonias blooming in summer and early fall.
Angel wing begonias are the most popular begonias to grow (other than the wax begonia). You can also grow them as indoor plants.
If placed in the appropriate location, the Angel Wing Begonia will produce saggy flower clusters.
Angel Wing Begonia has large pink to red flowers in various colors, including white, orange, pink, and red. Its flowers are in bloom all year.
As with any indoor plant, the appropriate lighting and feeding will encourage flowering.
Angel Wing Begonias are perfectly suited to be grown indoors if you can give them the warmth and humidity they need.
You can use this plant to decorate your windowsill during winter as they can endure direct sun rays and provide a fantastic look.
As the plant grows, its stems may become brittle.
To prevent harm to its stem, it is strongly advised that you stake up the canes of larger Angel Wing Begonia plants.
Angel Wing Begonia Varieties
Numerous begonia hybrids have been created due to several intensive and long-term crossbreeding programs by plant experts.
The Angel Wing Begonia variety is a generic name for hundreds of distinct Begonia varieties.
Some of the most beloved Begonia varieties include the Begonia ‘Super cascade’, Begonia ‘Million Kisses Elegance,’ Begonia ‘Apricot Shades,’ and Begonia Daredevil.’
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for growing Angel Wing Begonias is 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keeping an angel wing begonia in your home will require you to maintain a high level of humidity and warmth.
However, temperatures lower than 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit will probably damage or possibly kill your Angel Wing begonia.
Light
If you are considering what lighting is best suited for the Angel Wing Begonia plant, you are looking at bright indirect light.
Positioning your Angel Wing Begonia in direct sunlight can damage the plant. Angel Wing Begonia thrives in partial shade or indirect light.
The development of flowers on your Angel Wing Begonia depends on the amount of sunlight it receives.
During winter, placing the plant in a position where it can receive direct sunlight in the early hours of the morning light is very beneficial to its growth and bloom.
However, bright light is still advisable in the afternoon, but make sure it’s in a more shaded position.
Watering
To prevent leaf edge browning, Angel Wing Begonias require constant watering.
It’s important to avoid standing water in the planting container or even in the soil outside.
Although angel wings fare better in moist soils, you should be careful not to make the soil soggy by excessive watering.
It is best if you allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Soil
Angel Wing Begonias grow well in moist but well-drained soil.
Planting begonias in well-drained soil will prevent root rot, stem rot, and fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Without drainage, you can easily over water your plant.
If you want a healthy Angel Wing Begonias plant, you should consider planting it in soil with good drainage and a degree of moistness.
Fertilizer
When applied in the spring and fall, fertilizer has a positive effect.
Keep your Angel Wing Begonia looking healthy and fresh all year round by applying high potassium diluted feed of 5-10-5 (at a half-strength) to it every two weeks.
To get the greatest results from your Angel Wing Begonia in spring or late winter, switching to a high-phosphorus fertilizer is better.
Repotting
Angel Wing Begonias tend to fare better when they are root-bound.
If you want to repot your begonia, you should wait till early spring soon as new growth begins to emerge.
Using a clay pot with a drainage hole and a new potting mix will help it grow better.
Propagation
Cuttings of the Angel Wing Begonia plant are quite easy to get. By using Begonia leaf cuttings, plant the cuttings in potting soil.
Remember only to snip off three to six inches of the leaf tip.
A minimum of one node should be present in your cutting, but it should not have any blooms on it.
Pruning
The best method to make your Angel Wing Begonia bushy is by pinching it back.
You may also use a knife or clean, sharp scissors to trim the stems back until they reach a leaf node.
It is at a leaf’s node that it connects to the stem. Trim begonias by 3 to 5 inches from the soil to help them recover.
Also, at the end of August, in colder areas, remove old, brown canes from the ground to give them a neater look.
FAQ
Can You Grow Angel Wing Begonia Indoors?
For those who are looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant, Angel Wing Begonias are a great option! To avoid root rot and moist soil, water often but not excessively. Remember to stake the stems of bigger Angel Wing Begonia canes.
Do angel wings begonias like the sun?
For best results, Angel Wing Begonia should be kept in shaded places with strong indirect sunlight to encourage growth and blooming. Alternatively, if you wish to cultivate your Begonia just for the beauty of its dark green foliage rather than for the blooms, you might try putting it in a gloomy location with low light.
How much sun do Angel Wing Begonias need?
Bright, indirect light is good for angel wing begonia plants all year long. They aren’t as sensitive to direct light as rex begonias, but they can’t handle the direct sunlight of a wax begonia, which is why they don’t grow well in the sun. To bloom, Angel Wing Begonias need a lot of light, but not too much, especially during their blooming season. If you want to grow begonias for their leaves, put them in areas that get little sunlight.
Conclusion
Have you ever stopped to contemplate the grand beauty of these tropical plants?
Angel Wing Begonias are popular because of their large, gorgeous heart-shaped leaves, which draw the eye.
Besides producing stunning blooms that bloom throughout the year, they are also known for their magnificent leaves.
Angel Wing Begonias are simple to grow, and you could even have a good time doing it.
Other Types of Begonias to Consider
There are many types of begonias to think about when choosing a plant for your home or garden.
For example, cane begonias have tall, tuberous begonias are small, compact plants used for bedding or fibrous begonia for their flashy blooms.
Look further for other types of Begonias to grow in your garden.
References
Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden.