How to Grow Angel Wing Begonia Indoors
Cane-type begonias are among the most efficient and easy begonias to cultivate. They’re second only after wax begonias for their ease of cultivation and are second in appearance.
The most famous cane-type begonias are called angel wings begonias. Originating from the Brazilian tropical region, the plant is a tall stem with attractive dotted leaves, distinct shades, and an impressive flower display. The plants aren’t too difficult to cultivate and can be can be grown all year round indoors if you meet the basic prerequisites. They’ll be growing moderately fast and show signs of growth after just six weeks.
Botanical Name | Begonia x corallina |
Common Name | Angel Wing Begonia |
Plant Type | Perennial shrub |
Mature Size | 12-30 in. tall, 12-24 in. tall, 12-24 inches wide |
Sun Exposure | Partial shade |
Soil Type | Well-drained, but moist. |
Soil pH | Acidic to neutral |
Bloom Time | Early fall, summer |
Flower Color | White, pink, red and orange |
Hardiness Zone | 10-11 (USDA) |
Native Area | South America |
Toxicity | Toxic to cats and dogs |
Can You Grow Angel Wing Begonias Indoors?
Angel wing begonias are wonderful indoor plants. They originate from forests of Brazil but are ideally suited to indoor cultivation due to the humidity and warmth they need. In the winter months they can also withstand some direct sunlight. They look fantastic on a window with a selection of winter-blooming flowers (including their close relative the Rieger begonia).
Angel Wing Begonia Care
The plants may grow to be big and can develop fragile stems. You should take larger plants to avoid damage to their canes as the foliage is very attractive.
Light
Angel Wing begonias enjoy indirect light that is bright all year long. They aren’t more sensitive to direct sunlight as rex, but are not able to handle the direct sun of the wax begonia. If you don’t wish for your plant to bloom in the summer, a shaded area can allow it to flourish without producing flowers.
Artificial Light
Make sure your plant has artificial lighting if you don’t have enough sunlight exposure to provide your plant at minimum 2 to 4 hours sunshine during the winter and fall months.
Water
Angel wing begonias need to remain consistently wet. You will notice if they aren’t in water if the surface of their leaves begin to darken. After the soil has dried around an inch away off the ground, cover the plant with water and let it drain.
Temperature and Humidity
Angel wing begonias flourish in the 65-75 degree range Any lower than 50degF is a risk of damage and even death. Make sure this plant is protected from cold breezes or drafty air that can come coming from an open window in winter, or AC in summer. Angel wing begonias are also thriving in humid conditions, so make sure you keep a humidifier near by and place them on pebble tray or keep it in a room that is humid such as the bathroom or kitchen.
Fertilizer
For optimal growth and best color ensure that your plant is fed liquid fertilizer once a week (at half strength) or biweekly (at half strength). When the flowering season is in full swing (in the spring or later in winter) change to a fertilizers with high phosphorous content to increase the likelihood of blooming.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning is the most effective way to keep begonias with angel wings looking nice, round and large. When the plant is 6 inches, you can pinch off the shoot that is growing at the top. By pinching off the plant, it allows it to produce additional lateral branches. Get rid of any shoots that develop in a different direction from the others. After a complete period of growth, trim the plant down to six inches twice per year at the beginning of winter, and then again in the late spring.
Pollination
Angel wing begonias can be propagated via cuttings. Therefore, it’s not essential to pollinate angel wings begonias in order to produce seeds. If they are grown outdoors, the plants self-pollinating. However, when they are kept indoors, and trying to pollinate, hand-pollinating could increase the chance of success at pollination.
Angel Wing Begonia Varieties
Begonia with angel wings forms the mainstay of a large long-term, sustainable hybridization program. This has led to the development of numerous named hybrids and different species fall under the category of canes. Be sure to look for hybrids, such as favourites such as “Lucerna” and “Carriere” with attractive leaves as well as many flowers that are not fully opened. The angel wings of all begonias share the same requirements for growth So taking care of them all in the same way is safe.
Propagating Angel Wing Begonia
Angel begonias with wings (and other begonias of the cane type) are easy to grow using cuttings. When new growth starts to appear in spring, be sure to remove a 2 to 3 inch leaf-tip cut that doesn’t have flowers and place it with the cut-side facing down into the soil that is potting. Keep the cutting in a warm and moist place until the new growth starts. A rooting hormone can increase chances of success however, it’s not a necessity since begonias can easily take root from cuttings when they are in the right conditions. As with other hybrids, angel begonias with wings don’t reproduce correctly from seeds (meaning they won’t produce an exact replica of the plant that originated) Therefore, only plant begonia from seeds when you’re certain of the source of the seed (a seed company, for example.). The average life span of angel wing begonias can be anywhere from five to six years. Cuttings taken every spring can keep your collection healthy. Get rid of (or compost) any plants that aren’t ideal for adulthood. They tend to become sloppy when conditions aren’t perfect, especially cold and cold.
Container and Size
Begonias don’t care regarding the kind of container they’re placed in. They require one thing: plenty of drainage. Begonias prefer to be slightly rootbound, so when you’re sizing the container, you should only increase it to a container that is one to two inches bigger.
Potting Soil and Drainage
Begonia your angel wing in the moist (not waterlogged) soil mix that is full in organic material. A little “heavy” soil will allow the huge root system to grow properly and support its large stems correctly. To ensure that the soil of your plant isn’t sloppy and sloppy, place your angel wing begonia inside an terracotta pot or clay, which will help to wick away water.
Potting and Repotting Angel Wing Begonia
Angel-wing begonias are known to flourish when they are somewhat pot-bound, therefore only pot them when it is necessary (such such as the time when your plant has used up its potting media or when the pot is tipped over). If you’re planning to repot your begonia plant, do it in the early spring, right when the first flurry of new growth begins to appear. But, don’t try to pot a plant that is when it is in bloom, since the shock can cut short the blooming.
Moving Angel Wing Begonia Outdoors for the Summer
It is possible to move your begonias outside during the summer months However, because they are substory plants that are native to rainforests they require the same growing conditions. Be sure to adjust your plant to the outdoor conditions slowly. Begin by placing the plant in the sun for a period of two hours and then for three hours next day, after which it will be four hours. The process of getting the plant accustomed changes in the weather gradually reduces the likelihood to suffer from plant shock.
Considerations
This plant won’t stand temperatures at night that are in the 50s So, bring them inside when temperatures drop to that level. On the other hand angel wing begonias are able to take temperatures as high as 85 F. The sun’s rays can be harmful to the plant and cause it to burn and crack. It is important to keep the plant in a shaded spot which only receives only filtered sunlight or dappled sun. Angelwing begonias love moist soil and are able to withstand outdoor rain, provided the container has drainage holes for the excess water drainage.
When to Bring Angel Wing Begonias Back Inside
Get ready to prepare the plants from being indoors when temperatures begin to cool. Acclimatize the plant for two weeks with the same strategy of taking it inside for two hours, and then three hours, and finally four, over the course of two weeks.
Check the plants for insect activity before taking them inside. The plant should be treated with Neem oil or a horticultural spray in order to rid the plant of any insects.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Like other houseplants, the angel wing begonia may come down with several frequent ailments that can quickly turn into an issue. One of the most frequent concerns is powdery mildew however they can also be afflicted with mealybugs, rot and whiteflies.
If you see evidence of pests on your plant, put it in a place that is isolated (to keep it from infecting other plants in your house) Then apply an insecticide that is mild or the oil of horticulture (like the oil of neem) until all signs of infestation have been gone.
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