Begonia coccinea aka Angel Wing Begonia

Begonia coccinea thrives in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and no lower than 60°F (16°C) at night. Keep your plant away from cold drafts, heating vents, and air conditioning. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause serious damage or kill the plant. Consistent temperatures are important—sudden fluctuations can stress the plant and cause leaf drop.

The most famous cultivar is Begonia 'Corallina de Lucerna' (often called 'Lucerna' or 'Lucerne'), created in 1892 in Switzerland, featuring olive-green leaves with silver spots and rose-pink flowers. In 1926, 'Lucerna' was crossed with B. aconitifolia to create the angel-wing begonia hybrids we know today. Popular cultivars include 'Anna Christine', 'Charles Jaros', 'Esther Albertine', 'Silver Wings', 'Looking Glass', and 'Torch' which features year-round red blooms.

Begonia coccinea can grow outdoors year-round only in USDA zones 10-11 where temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). In other climates, it can be placed outdoors during warm months in a shaded location protected from direct sun and heavy rain. Bring it indoors before temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C). The plant cannot tolerate frost and will die if exposed to freezing temperatures.

Prune Begonia coccinea in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Cut back bare or leggy stems to about 6 inches from the base to rejuvenate the plant. Pinch growing tips when the plant reaches 6 inches to promote lateral branching. Remove dead flowers, yellow leaves, and spent blooms throughout the year. Use clean, sharp pruning scissors to prevent disease. The removed cuttings can be used for propagation.

Repot Begonia coccinea in spring when it becomes extremely root-bound—it actually prefers being slightly pot-bound. Choose a pot only one size larger with drainage holes. Use well-draining soil such as commercial potting mix with perlite added. Never repot while the plant is flowering as the shock can end the bloom cycle. Clay pots are preferred as they allow better air circulation to roots.

Begonia coccinea propagates easily from stem cuttings. Take 3-4 inch cuttings just below a leaf node, remove lower leaves leaving 2-3 at the top, and remove any flowers. Root in water by submerging nodes (not leaves) in a clear container, or in moist vermiculite or potting mix with rooting hormone. Place in a warm, bright location and expect roots in 2-4 weeks. Once roots are 2-3 inches long, pot up in regular potting mix. Spring and summer are the best times for propagation.

Gently wipe Begonia coccinea leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust. Do not mist the foliage directly as wet leaves can promote fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation around the plant. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves promptly. If you notice pests like mealybugs, dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Yellow leaves on Begonia coccinea are most commonly caused by overwatering and root rot—check if soil is soggy and roots are mushy. Other causes include insufficient light (move to brighter location), natural aging of lower leaves, nutrient deficiency (fertilize monthly during growing season), or pest infestations. Reduce watering if soil stays wet, ensure pot has drainage holes, and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Brown leaf tips and edges on Begonia coccinea typically indicate low humidity or underwatering. Chlorinated tap water can also cause browning—use filtered or distilled water. Direct sunlight causes brown, scorched patches on leaves. Increase humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray, grouping plants together, or using a humidifier. Aim for 50-55% humidity and bright indirect light only.

Drooping leaves usually signal inconsistent watering—either too much or too little. Check soil moisture: if soggy, reduce watering and check for root rot; if dry and crispy, water thoroughly. Temperature stress from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes can also cause drooping. Ensure consistent temperatures between 65-75°F and protect from drafts. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen, can also cause droopy, weak growth.

Leaf drop in Begonia coccinea is commonly caused by overwatering leading to root rot, sudden environmental changes (temperature, location, or light), or dry air from central heating. Underwatering can also cause leaves to drop after wilting. To prevent leaf drop, maintain consistent watering, keep humidity at 50% or higher, avoid moving the plant frequently, and protect from temperature fluctuations.

Slow growth in Begonia coccinea is often due to insufficient light—move to a brighter location with indirect light. Other causes include being root-bound (though slight root binding is normal), nutrient deficiency during growing season (fertilize monthly April-October), too cold temperatures, or dormancy during winter. Note that these plants naturally slow their growth in fall and winter, which is normal. Ensure proper care and growth should resume in spring.

Common pests include mealybugs (white cottony masses), spider mites, and thrips. Control mealybugs by dabbing with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs. Fungal diseases include powdery mildew (white powder on leaves) and botrytis (gray mold). Prevent fungal issues by maintaining good air circulation, avoiding wet foliage, and not overcrowding plants. Pythium root rot occurs from overwatering—ensure proper drainage and let soil dry between waterings.

Begonia coccinea produces both male and female flowers on the same plant (monoecious). The showy flowers attract pollinators including bees, butterflies, and small birds. In cultivation, hand pollination can be done by transferring pollen from male flowers (with prominent yellow stamens) to female flowers (with the winged ovary behind the petals). However, most cultivated plants are propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings rather than from seed.

Begonia coccinea flowers typically have no significant fragrance. The plant is primarily grown for its ornamental foliage and colorful flower clusters rather than for scent. Some angel-wing begonia cultivars have been bred for fragrance, but the species itself and most common varieties are not notably fragrant.