Angel Wing Begonia
Angel Wing Begonia (Begonia coccinea) is an evergreen perennial plant native to the western regions of South America. It features strikingly large leaves in the shape of wings which can be solid colors of red, pink, orange or white. It produces dangling clusters of pink or white pendulous flowers during its growing season in the summer. It is an easy to care for houseplant that will look beautiful wherever you place it.
Water your begonia thoroughly when the soil is almost dry, and then allow it to drain well. During the summer months, water it more frequently, making sure it is consistently moist but never soggy. In winter, the plant should be kept barely moist and never allowed to dry out completely. Pay attention to your plant and adjust the watering requirements according to the humidity and temperature levels in your home.
Angel Wing Begonia requires bright indirect light. Place it in an east or west-facing window for optimum growth. Placing it in the shade or in a darker spot may result in smaller leaves or less colorful foliage. Direct sunlight may cause the leaves and stems to burn, so ensure that your angel wing begonia has some sort of light protection. Artificial lights such as LED lamps can also be used to supplement nature’s light during the darker days of winter.
Angel Wing Begonia prefers temperatures between 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 27 degrees Celsius). Keep it away from drafts and sudden temperature changes, low temperatures, and frost. If outdoor temperatures ever fall below 55°F (13°C), take the plant indoors.
Angel Wing Begonia prefers a humid environment. Mist the plant with water or use a humidifier as necessary. To create a humid environment without a humidifier, place a tray filled with pebbles and water near the begonia. Place the pot on top of the pebbles to create a humid environment around your begonia.
The optimal soil for Angel Wing Begonia is one with good drainage and a slightly acidic pH. A well-draining, peat-based compost is ideal. Be sure to avoid using overly rich composts or composts that contain high amounts of nitrogen. This could cause your plant to produce too many leaves and lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Fertilize your Angel Wing Begonia once a month during the growing season to ensure optimum growth. A liquid fertilizer specifically developed for indoor plants such as begonias is recommended. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half of the suggested strength and only fertilize the plant when the soil is moist.
Angel Wing Begonias can suffer from common houseplant pests such as aphids, mealybugs, thrips, scale, leaf miners, spider mites, fungus gnats, and whitefly. To get rid of the pests, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or an insecticide labeled safe for use on houseplants. If all else fails, you can also try applying rubbing alcohol to the affected areas. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any insecticide or pesticide.
Angel Wing Begonia should be re-potted every 1 to 2 years or when the roots become pot-bound. If possible, use a potting mix specifically designed for begonias. For best results, use a pot with drainage holes and never overpot the begonia. When re-potting your Begonia, be sure to gently loosen the roots to make sure that all of the old soil is removed.
Be sure to regularly prune your Angel Wing Begonia to promote dense growth and maintain its shape. Remove any dead, brown, and diseased leaves and stems with a pair of scissors. Prune any woody stems when necessary and cut off any old flowers to encourage new blooms.
Mulching your Angel Wing Begonia is not essential but can help improve drainage and aeration of the soil. For mulching materials, use an organic material such as bark, peat, or compost. Alternatively, you can also use an inorganic material, such as gravel or stones.
Angel Wing Begonia is relatively easy to propagate using stem cuttings. Take 3-4 inch cuttings from a healthy stem and remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Place the cuttings in soil and keep it slightly moist until it has rooted. The rooted cutting can be transplanted into a pot and will form a brand new plant.
Angel Wing Begonia can become quite top-heavy and may require support. Bamboo stakes, wooden dowels, and twine are good support materials. When using bamboo stakes, be sure to pay attention to how the root system is responding to the support. If the roots begin to form around the stake, you may need to switch to a different type of support.
Angel Wing Begonia requires a rest period between October and April. During this period, water your begonia less often and make sure that the soil is only slightly damp. To reduce the watering even further, reduce the temperature in the room where you keep your begonia. This will help the plant to stay dormant until the warmer months.
Angel Wing Begonia is not toxic to humans, birds or cats. However, it is toxic for dogs which means that it should not be placed in a home where a dog lives.
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