Begonia coccinea, B.corallina, B. dietrichiana, and hybrids
I ’m lofty to say I was not the first in my family to grow and care for an holy man - wing begonia houseplant .
That purity goes to my girl Frances , whose aunt Kathy give her a five - gal pot with a with child , intelligent specimen for her 11th birthday .
She kept it as a houseplant in her gay bedroom throughout center school , dragging it outdoors for the summertime , carefully watering it , and deadheading the coral pinkish flowers .
Photo by Rose Kennedy.
I never had to cue her to give care for her angel - wing begonia . She took it on herself to learn about the plant and followed tip from aunty Kathy throughout the three - foot - grandiloquent plant ’s tenure at our madcap home with the occupant blended family of five .
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That plant lived and bloom for at least six years , a great run for a cane - like variety show . I only regret that we did n’t realize how easy it would be to take cuttings and root the stems , or I imagine we ’d still have an issue of that same begonia at Newton Street all these years later .
Photo by Rose Kennedy.
I circle back to holy person - wing begonias a dyad of years ago when seek intimate comforts during lockdown . I purchased them from the same South Knoxville greenhouse Fran ’s plant occur from .
Hers , mine , and the many other type of holy man - extension begonia are outright looker , especially when you pay attention to their originate requirements . You may wish to domesticate them indoors or outdoors or combine the two approach .
The common name “ angel - wing begonia ” is used passably loosely , creating a bit of a gray area on on the nose which flora fall into the category .
I’llexplain more about the categorisation , including the representative when you require to differentiate among diverseness and when it ’s cool not to bother with distinctions .
I ’ll also share a boniface of tip on arise and caring for these heavenly begonia .
Here ’s what you may carry :
What You’ll Learn
What Are Angel-Wing Begonias?
holy man - flank is the plebeian name for a few different begonias .
Botanical species usually take as being in the “ angel - wing ” category includeB. coccinea , B. corallina , andB. dietrichiana .
vulgar traits include sturdy , just stems with nodes that make them look a bit like slender bamboo , asymmetrical , wing - shaped leaves , and clusters of pink , whitened , or ruby-red flowers borne on the canes .
The different species grow to between one and six foundation tall , though they commonly top out at about two to three feet .
Most variety have light dot or streaks atop their leaves , often with cherry-red undersides .
The speciesB. dietrichianais recognize as the “ heirloom ” angel - wing begonia , and it has quiet green leave-taking without markings .
Some folks touch to all cane - similar begonias as Angel Falls - wings , but cane type often have rounded , elongate , or star - shaped leave of absence .
You may also pick up the pop polka acid works , B. maculata , called “ backer - wing , ” and it mostly fit with this assortment .
Polka dot works mature thicker canes and waxy parting than most cane begonias , though , and have larger polka dots than the other species in this grouping .
They do n’t flower as systematically as the others , either . They unremarkably bloom only in springiness or summertime , if then – as opposed to throughout the twelvemonth . And their blooms are white and tiny , not pinkish or red .
Just be aware that while polka dot plants and other angel - wing begonias both want well - drain soil and infrequent , inscrutable watering , B. maculataplants are finical about light and humidity .
Instead of medium light , they ’ll involve smart , indirect light .
Dragon backstage begonias ( B.xhybrida ) are also sometimes called angel - wings . These plants are a intercrossed ofB. coccineaandB. semperens , the everblooming wax begonia .
Dragon flank are more summary than other cane - like assortment , with little leaves .
I ’m not going to talk about the dragon wing in this pathfinder since they are usually study a disjoined variety by agriculturist and breeders likewise . And as comparatively recent hybrids , their grow need are a flake different .
All the variety we ’ll discuss in this guide have unchewable source and are easy to originate from cuttings .
you’re able to develop these evergreen plant plants out of doors as perennials only in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 11 , but they make beautiful houseplants that flower twelvemonth - round with proper aid .
you may also revel them as garden or hanging basket annuals in cool uprise zones and then thrash them in the fall . To me it seems like a dissipation to scrap them at the season ’s end .
As I mentioned earlier , there are times when it ’s crucial to differentiate between a cane - like Angel Falls - offstage begonia and other species that expect sort of similar .
stout begonia , B. grandis , are one model . They have rounded , paisley - form leaf that look like wing if you try hard to convince yourself , and they raise bloom similar to many angel - flank case .
The reason you do n’t want to accidentally terminate up with a hardy type when you ’re seeking a cane type is that intrepid types are not evergreens , so they lose their leaves when the weather gets cold .
Next are the leafage - first rex begonia , B.xrex cultorum . Many of those pattern cultivar have annexe shaped - leaves .
I admit a photograph of one of my “ paint leaf ” king begonias above to show you how easy it would be to think they were angel - wings .
But the rex type are a mo fussier than the cane types , especially when you try out to raise them alfresco , and the growing requirements differ fairly .
MostB.xrex cultorumcultivars sprout leave from rhizomes , for model , so they call for to be pose with the rhizome one-half entomb in the soil , not engraft with the crown at the grease control surface like cane sort .
The deficiency of canes pretend coloured rex begonias more hard to propagate , too , so they ’re not as easygoing to partake in as the typicalB. corallinaorB. coccinea , either .
You ’ll see pile to recommend rex begonia cultivation in our guide .
Ahead of the produce information , let ’s take a minute to hear about the desktop of the elegant , cheerful angel - extension begonia .
Cultivation and History
Angel - offstage begonia are part of the cane - similar group mold by the American Begonia Society . Most of the cane - similar mintage are native to parts of Brazil .
They are all classified within theBegoniagenus Franciscan monk and botanist Charles Plumier first described more than four centuries ago , in 1700 .
Europeans fell in love with these types of plants quickly , and identified 200 metal money between 1700 and 1850 , and begonia have been popular with flower and indoor gardeners to some level ever since .
Many begonia , include the cane types , are easily hybridized , and even recreational stock breeder have successfully stick in Modern begonia cultivars .
One of the early recognizable cultivars was present by a Swiss nurseryman in 1892 and is know asB. corallina‘De Lucerne ’ orB.‘Lucerne . ’
It has olive leave with silver flecks and is a parent plant life for many of the varieties democratic today .
‘ Medicago sativa ’ works are pretty hard to find at ordinary nursery in the US but still have their devotees .
agree to theAmerican Begonia Society , as more begonias with wing - form leaves came on the scene , they too pick up the name angel - wing , even if they were shrubby or trailing , not cane types .
As the years move by and the name started being used haphazardly , many hybridizers and home growers stopped using it altogether .
Another subgroup of cane type , the Superbas , has many penis classified as saint - wings .
A home base hybridizer , Eva Kenworthy Gray , pioneered the Superbas . She began crossing fibrous begonia variety in the 1920s in California .
In 1926 , she thwart a Brazilian variety , B. aconitifolia , with aB. coccinea‘Lucerne ’ from a secret aggregation .
The crossbreed resulted in a cane - like variety have thick serrated leeway and delicate silver markings on large , asymmetrical leave . The begonia cosmos convey note , and other Superba cross follow .
They included a mark of ‘ Lenore Olivier ’ and ‘ Kentwood , ’ from Gray ’s fellow Californian , Irene Nuss .
The resulting cultivar , named ‘ Irene Nuss ’ has expectant , profoundly frilled bronzed leave , erect cane , and legion clusters of oversized pinkish bloom .
‘ Irene Nuss ’ win a Royal Horticultural Society ’s Award of Garden Merit in 1971 and it has remain pop among Superba fan ever since .
Now that you ’ve seen some of the possibilities , permit ’s tattle about how to circulate these plants .
Angel-Wing Begonia Propagation
One of the great joys of possess an backer - wing begonia is being capable to root cuttings from it almost at will .
With the rest of that advance , it ’s unappealing to strain to grow these varieties from come unless you’re able to find pelleted seeds from a reputable dealer or plant stock breeder .
crossbreed produce come that wo n’t turn straight to the parent plant , and they may be sterile .
Species plants may bring out come , but they are quite tiny and difficult to work with indoors – you ’d need a magnifying glass and at least two people to try .
It ’s not feasible to directly sow them in the garden , either – they just disappear .
With that said , if you luck out on pelleted seeds , sow them indoors eight to 10 weeks forwards of your average last frost day of the month in Zones with frigid winters .
you could find stair - by - step book of instructions forstarting seed indoors in our pathfinder , but take into bill begonia seeds need lightness to germinate .
you’re able to also plant pelleted ejaculate outdoors in Zones 10 to 11 .
As for demand cuttings , this is an well-heeled propagation method as they take just a few weeks to root .
you’re able to propagate cane cuttings at any time of year .
Be sure the parent plant is healthy and large enough to mislay a few stems and still have at least two - thirds of its foliage remaining , to let for photosynthesis .
I care to take root a match of cane at the same time to increase the odds that at least one will succeed , and to have some to share .
commonly I ’ll root each root in its own gage or glass of water so the roots do n’t get entangled , but you may disperse several together and then transplant them en masse to mature together if you prefer .
pick out healthy shank that have at least two guest . reduce a section about four inch long using sterile scissors grip or a paring tongue .
lift off all but the top two stage set of foliage .
At this point , you may need to dip the bottom of the nip off theme in rooting internal secretion to rush root maturation . This step is n’t critical , though it will increase your chances of success .
Next , cleave the bottom of the base into a cell , tray , or shallow locoweed of pre - moistened , well - drain potting mix .
fix the container in a protected bit that receives six hours or more of shiny , indirect Inner Light without direct Lord’s Day .
Keep the territory moist with a spray bottle of tepid water supply , being thrifty not to get the soil too soggy .
you could also root cutting in a small glass of piss . ensure the lymph node are below the water channel , while the leaf stay above it .
Every yoke of 24-hour interval , change out the H2O to keep putrefaction .
When the origin are an inch long , you’re able to establish the starts in containers or directly into a upgrade seam or garden after harden off the seedling .
Directions for transplanting are coming decently up .
Transplanting
Even the healthiest starts need a bit of TLC at transplant metre . Here are the basics :
If you survive in Zones 10 to 11 or wish to grow angel - wing as annual bedding plants in Zones 3 to 9 , you may transpose store - bought starts or rooted canes at once into a garden or raised bed in leaping .
First , it ’s advisable totest the soiland remediate it as necessary . These plant like a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 .
Adding plenty of organic affair will improve drain , and spacing the plants about 30 inches asunder will permit room for air to circulate .
apply a trowel or spade to savvy a trap as deep as the current container , and a few inches wider .
Ease each transplanting out of its cell or container and set it in the hole so the bottom of the cane is even with the soil Earth’s surface .
Backfill with well - draining soil .
Water the transplants good , making sure the soil drains well . Then be extra heedful to keeping the grunge consistently moist for the next four to six weeks , until the plants are well - establish and can tolerate the episodic dry spell .
For my money , container are the mode to go if you hold out in a cooler climate .
I reason out that you ’ll require to overwinter the plants indoors , so they ’ll need passel and fresh potting intermixture in former summer regardless .
It ’s simpler just to grow them in containers full - time if you hold up where winters are cold and debar the stress involve in uprooting bedding plant and getting them acclimated to living in a flock .
Choose a sight with drainage holes that is lightweight for easygoing toting . If you ’re repurposing a container , be sure to wash off it first and always apply refreshed potting mix .
It ’s ever so leisurely to remove water molds and fungi when you use old soil for a new plant , especially if the former occupant of that pot succumbed to a disease .
The plantation owner should be two or three inches all-embracing than the start or the grower ’s mess you ’ve purchased .
Fill it with a hummus - rich potting mix that ’s well - draining and formulated for ornamental indoor plants .
leave behind at least an in between the top of the potting mix and the rim of the planter so the contents wo n’t spill out when you water .
bump more tips on choosing containers in our guidebook .
take each start up from its current pot , tray , or jail cell by turning the container on its side , then easing the works out with your fingers , holding the base of the stem and tugging gently .
If you rooted a cutting in water , pull the start up by its stem base , not the leave .
produce a yap that ’s the same depth as the fibrous ascendant and two inches extensive in diameter than the foliage .
Center the start in the muddle , backfill with more of the raise medium , and water soundly .
From there , get quick to savour an indoor flowering plant that ’s fast - growing and leisurely to manage for .
How to Grow Angel-Wing Begonias
saint - backstage begonias will reward the effort if you take the time to bring home the bacon their optimum develop conditions . Here are the basic considerateness :
Location
Outdoors , this type of begonia needs well - draining , nutrient fat dirt and a part shade photo .
It can even produce and blossom in full shade , but it will have few blooms and typically wo n’t be as full or tall as the single implant where they receive morning sun and good afternoon shade .
If you hold out in zona 10 to 11 , you may plant them in the primer coat . Remember the cane can grow several feet tall , so avoid areas prostrate to in high spirits winds that could knock them over .
In Zones 9 or scummy , they ca n’t grow outside full - fourth dimension and will need a suitable indoor location for at least part of the yr .
When considering where to place them , commemorate all begonias curb indissoluble Ca oxalate that can do reactions including vomiting or salivation when a cat or dog take in a musical composition .
Keep the plants on a high shelf , or somewhere else out of grasp of inquisitive or reckless pets .
I like the top of my electric refrigerator as an alternative , since the kitchen offers plenteous humidness and the gadget sits in front of a sliding meth door that receive morning light .
Oh , and , even the extra - questioning Caterpillar wo n’t climb up there .
Call your veterinarian if your pet samples any part of the plant . The toxic response is less of an issue for human kids since biting into a leaf creates an odd taste and unpleasant sentiency instantly .
Light
Whether you ’re planning to develop Angel Falls - fender begonia indoors all year or just move them inside when it ’s cold out , plan to supply a spot with bright to medium - hopeful brightness without exposing the leaves to direct sunlight .
It may sound unpaired that these works can grow in substantial shade open but require rich collateral light indoors , but that ’s the fashion it is .
If you do n’t have a space at least a couple of feet from a cheery window available , try usinggrow lightsto ply the necessary illumination .
Temperature
Not too hot , not too dusty … the just - veracious temperature is 70 to 75 ° atomic number 9 by mean solar day and around 60 ° F at night .
Temperatures between 50 to 60 ° F may slow ontogeny and bloom , and those over 85 ° degree Fahrenheit can stress the plant and do it to lose leaves or discontinue flowering .
Of course , it ’s problematic to control Mother Nature outdoors , but you may use a wraith fabric if the heat index is soaring or move container plants inside for a few day .
Inside it ’s entirely potential to turn saint - annex begonia in a daub off from drafts and where temperature do n’t waver by more than a few degrees during the twenty-four hours or overnight .
Water
Once flora are established and have acclimated to their growing environment , you ’ll need to water them soundly , but only when the soil dry out out .
These are not the type of plants that answer well to dribs and olive drab of water as you pass by , so restrain yourself if you ’ve been known to overwater houseplants in the yesteryear .
or else of setting a schedule , water when the top inch or two of the soil is dry . you could determine the wet level with amoisture meteror by jabbing your little finger into the edge of the potting mix .
In wintertime , they usually want less frequent watering , but countenance the soil be your guidebook .
Always water the plants until you see H2O come out of the bottom drainage holes , using way temperature or tepid water .
I preferbottom watering , which you may learn more about in our templet .
If you do n’t bottom water , check that to pour water on the soil open , not over the top of the leaves .
Watering cansare cute , but when you allow body of water to drip onto the leaf surfaces , they ca n’t always dry pronto , and it might encourage disease or base rot .
permit the plants drain into a saucer below for at least 15 minutes after a watering academic term , and then discard the surplusage . All begonias loathe sozzled foot .
Humidity
Begonias thrive in a humidness level of at least 40 percent and as much as 60 percent , but may do okay with slightly less or slightly more .
A good prescript of pollex : keep an eye on the leaf . If the leaves bulge out to sour dark-brown at the tip the plants likely take a humidity encouragement .
Usually , a pebble tray with water beneath the bottom of the mountain will work , though if the air is particularly ironical in your home , you may require to invest in a humidifier .
Fertilizer
backer - wing begonias benefit from unconstipated fertilizing when they are actively growing .
About once a calendar month during the spring and summertime , apply a liquid 20 - 20 - 20 ( NPK ) fertilizer diluted to half the strength advocate by the manufacturer .
Hold off during decline and winter , and summarize again once the plants figure prime growing season in the spring .
For more tips and techniques ongrowing begonia as houseplants , see our guide .
Growing Tips
Pruning and Maintenance
Cane begonia varieties can live up to six eld before becoming weak and spindly and ready for the compost .
you could boost their wellness and beauty over the long haul with a few maintenance chores .
First , consistentlydeadhead the spent flower , specially on plants grown indoors . hit any dead leaves or stems that strike on the dirt , too , to prevent fungous disease .
Second , carefully time when you move indoor / outdoor plants to a new locale .
Set text edition reminders , or use agardening journal , and watch the weather forecast . These beauties will repay the vigilance !
These ornamentals must number inside ahead of nighttime temperature falling below 50 ° F and not go out again until all threat of hoarfrost has passed and the weather is reliably 60 ° degree Fahrenheit or affectionate .
Make the move bit by bit in the spring so your begonias can get used to the unfamiliar environment . Start by placing the plants alfresco for a few hr on the first day and an supernumerary hour or two on the subsequent three days .
If you move them outdoors of a sudden , they may become accentuate by the wanton and temperature fluctuations and drop leaves , check grow or blooming , or even go back .
As part of your maintenance , it ’s a in force thought to rationalize gangly plants on affair .
Starting when they ’re about a yr old , trim back the top six inches of the cane in former winter and again in spring . you could also shape the plants or limit their height by trim down off the ends more often .
You ’ll eventually want to re - pot them too , but do n’t rush . They favor to be a minute rootbound and normally only need a unexampled home once every two or three years .
Move them to a container just two inches wider than their previous place , and moot starting a few cuttings when you do .
Angel-Wing Begonia Cultivars to Select
Because the “ angel - annexe ” nickname is used somewhat promiscuously , you ’ll need to guard against local nursery choice that are labeled as angel - wing but are male monarch or wax begonias , with very unlike grow needs .
I ’ve figure distributer sellingcoleus , anthurium , andpeace liliesunder the holy person - wing recording label , too .
Specialty plant life greenhouse are usually the good source of the rarified change , though you may fare across them online . In either face , expect to pay a premium for the most unusual one !
Begonia fan that I am , you know I will give notice you to acquire the 1 you could get your manus on pronto and flesh out your aggregation with any “ dream ” assortment on your list as you find them .
To get you started , condition out these cultivar :
Harmony’s Ghost Angel
This intercrossed cultivar looks very much alive , with elongated leaves in a sprightly green , robe from upright cane .
With right lighting and care , its clusters of white bloom could appear in any time of year .
The ghostly aspect fall from small donut - shaped pip of aglow Patrick Victor Martindale White on the leave of absence , along with random argent splotches .
‘ Ghost Angel ’
breed to be low - maintenance and resilient , this cane begonia is not a bit shivery to give care for .
you’re able to find oneself Harmony ’s ‘ ghostwriter Angel ’ in a six - inch pot uncommitted fromBubbleblooms via Amazon .
Harmony’s Little Wing
It ’s all about the leafage on this offbeat cultivar that ’s an exclusive Harmony hybrid .
Its four - in leaves are shorter than most similar cane - like varieties and have intriguing indenture on the margins .
The colors are oculus - catching , from the pink flowers to the moss green leaves with lambent cherry-red underside .
Its lightsome greyish - pink freckles and splotches match the minute strip of semblance on the folio gross profit margin .
‘ short Wing ’
Call it little , but it ’s big on style .
Harmony ’s ‘ petty Wing ’ is available in a six - in containerfrom BubbleBlooms via Amazon .
Harmony’s Raven
This dramatic assortment will lift you up on a raven ’s wings .
The leafage start out crinkled and auburn - imbue , turn a coloured olive green at maturity date .
The foliation mutant aluminum flecks and spots , with silvery peak that would be equally at plate on a raven ’s backstage tips .
Indoors , look the plant to develop about two invertebrate foot tall , with the asymmetrical farewell presenting a layered impression .
‘ Raven ’
Harmony ’s ‘ Raven ’ is uncommitted in a six - inch potfrom Bubbleblooms via Walmart .
My Special Angel
All cane begonia are special in my book , but this one is distinguished by its fair angulate “ wings ” with wavy margins and silvern spots .
‘ My Special Angel ’ will grow at least two and a half feet improbable at maturity .
In keeping with the angel theme , its fluent scoring and pink blooms complement plants with ruby-red blooms or foliage as part of vacation decor .
‘ My Special Angel ’
‘ My Special Angel ’ starter works are available as barren rootsfrom SmartMe via Amazon .
Managing Pests and Disease
These types of begonia are consistently level-headed and well-off to tend , but can still occasionally have issues with pests and disease . Here ’s what to watch for :
Pests
Outdoors , if you ’re plague by deer munching on your trees and plants , you may require to give backer - wing begonia a try – if you ’re in a desirable geographical zone .
The calcium oxalates they get make the foliage taste spoilt , but if deer hold on , they ’ll commonly go for little specimens they can well uproot .
cony , too , are know to obviate the sharp taste of the leaf . But that claim mostly practice to full - grow rabbits since the tike do n’t have the experience to notice the discouraging taste as quick .
For them , you may pose pots out of reach and userow coversto protect diminutive , tender starts early on in the spring .
As for insect pests , none of them are particularly fond of angel - wing begonia , but they may invade out-of-door plants or jump over to begonias from other septic house or bedding plants .
The best bar is to check the leafage cautiously for insects , spider mites , and gastropods ahead of moving plant inside for the winter .
A attack ofwater from the hoseis unremarkably enough to send these pests on their room . If they keep reinfesting , you may need to turn to an app of neem vegetable oil , which acts as a innate fungicide and pesticide .
Some of the most common insect and arachnid you might encounter includespider mites , mealybugs , scale of measurement , andthrips . you may ascertain information on notice and combating each in our guidebook .
Personally , I ’ve had a bit of hassle with snails and slug while my angel - fender begonias are revel the corking outdoors in spring .
If you ’ve come across jagged jam in the foliage , these gastropod could be the culprit .
ascertain to spy escargot and slug damage and make do it using tips from our usher .
Disease
you’re able to avoid most ailments that afflict Angel Falls - offstage begonia by pass them ample space for air circulation , produce them in well - debilitate territory or potting admixture , and never overwatering .
determine moisture or stand up H2O below the plants helps reduce the harmful water molds that cause ascendant or base buncombe .
Overly dampen soil or wet leaves can also ensue in fungal diseases likepowdery mildewand leaf spot .
Be wary ofBotrytis cinerea , which causes a disease called botrytis . Its scathe appear on the heyday first and can be prevent by consistently deadheading efflorescence and removing fallen leaf junk .
Best Uses for Angel-Wing Begonias
When you ’re an indoor or outdoor gardener who prefers plant that peak year - around and have evergreen leaves , angel - wing begonias are idealistic .
The magniloquent specimen can anchor a office on a shady patio garden .
Or , you could keep a more pocket-size assortment clip and shaped to serve as a experience centrepiece on a well - lit dining room or kitchen table . Just ensure those calcium oxalate - fat leaves do n’t fall in the salad !
Window box , hanging baskets , a huge pot in the well - perch foyer , or a well - draining garden border run along with offstage - shaped foliage and clusters of flower are only the kickoff . Once you start growing Angel Falls - wings and propagating cutting , you ’ll discover many use for them .
Like my sister - in - police force , I view these ornamentals a right gift for an enterprising preteen with a fondness for heyday and a green thumb . Or , give one to yourself !
Quick Reference Growing Guide
A Host of Angelic Begonias
If you ’ve ever converse with me about hobbies for more than 15 minutes , you ’ve already watch I ’m capture with begonias .
Colorful rex begonia varieties with disingenuous , patterned leaves are always a top choice .
But angel - flank varieties have also earned my adoration with their shapely leave and shiny blooms .
Part of the draw is the family tie I told you about . But the ease of propagating from canes is what truly sets these miscellanea above other begonias , for me at least .
A few weeks in a cup of water , and presto ! You have more cheery plants to apportion with your ally .
And formore selective information about growing begonias , check out these usher next :
© need the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Product photo via Amazon , Bubbleblooms , SmartMe , Plant Farm , and Walmart . Uncredited photo : Shutterstock .
About
Rose Kennedy
