Begonia Coccinea – Scarlet Begonia | Angel Wing Begonia

Begonia Coccinea – Scarlet Begonia | Angel Wing Begonia

These beautiful shrubs are known for their striking, asymmetrical leaves that resemble the iconic shape of angel wings. These leaves are usually dark green with red or purple undersides and marked with silver, cream, or white “polka dots.” These leaves can reach up to 6 inches long.

Cane begonias are relatively easy to care for, and angel wing begonias are known for being some of the more easygoing members of this group. Here’s how to take the best possible care of your plant!

Temperature

One of the most important parts of growing a healthy angel wing begonia is keeping it warm! These plants like a steady temperature range of 65-72 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures drop below 50 degrees, it can kill your plant in a flash! Keep your begonia well away from drafts from vents and cold doors or windows, and avoid heating vents and fireplaces as well. Keep those temperatures as steady as possible to encourage growth and flowering!

Light

Angel wing begonias need sufficient light to produce flowers, so make sure to provide your plant with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. The best placement for this is usually in an east-facing window, or near a south- or west-facing window, but far back enough that the strong midday and afternoon sun won’t shine directly on the leaves. Angel wing begonia leaves will scorch easily when exposed to direct sunlight, so avoid this!

A north-facing window probably won’t provide enough light for these plants to flower, but if that’s all you have, you can always supplement with a grow light. We love these bulbs you can simply insert into regular light fixtures for the ideal balance of light and aesthetic appeal!

Light is crucial for these plants to bloom, but if you’re going for greenery and not necessarily flowers, a north-facing window or even partial shade can do the trick.

Humidity

These plants love humidity! Angel wing begonias are native to the tropics, so humidity is essential for keeping these delicate leaves soft and supple.  Keep your plant in a steamy bathroom or kitchen or set up a humidifier near your plant, especially if you live in a dry area.  A humidity tray is also a great option if your plant is small. You can purchase one of these online or at a garden center, or make your own by filling a shallow tray with water and pebbles and placing your plant on top, pot and all. Just make sure the roots don’t touch the water. As the water evaporates, it will create a little more humidity around your plant’s leaves.

Soil and Potting

Plant your angel wing begonia in a rich, peaty soil mix. Indoor potting mix with a handful or two of peat moss and a little perlite works well. You could also add a little compost for extra nutrition. If you buy a bagged potting mix or make your own from scratch, go for a neutral pH level of about 7.

Use a pot with drainage holes to let out excess water, and pick a size that’s just a little larger than your plant’s root ball. Terracotta is an excellent material for potting angel wing begonias because it wicks a little extra moisture from the soil. It can be tricky to get the moisture balance right with such rich soil, but this helps!

Watering

Angel wing begonias like evenly moist (but not soggy) soil. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch or when a moisture meter reads 4. (We highly recommend a moisture meter, by the way, because it gives you a better idea of the overall moisture level of the soil beyond the top few inches!)

Fertilizer

Fertilize your plant regularly with a balanced, gentle liquid fertilizer like Indoor Plant Food. We recommend using Indoor Plant Food with each watering during the growing season to encourage growth and blooming.

NOTE:  Images are illustration purpose only. Actual item maybe different due to plants grow. Price may varies with Pots and Features.