Begonia coccinea aka Angel Wing Begonia
Taxonomy
Begonia coccinea, also known as Scarlet Begonia or Angel’s Wing Begonia, is an evergreen perennial plant in the family Begoniaceae that is native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. It has straight stems, which reach a height of 24 inches (60 cm) with careful care and can reach a height of 40 inches (1 m). Begonia coccinea often spreads widely, with one rhizome producing a large number of shoots that quickly develop and grow. The underside of the leaves are a deep red color, and the plant produces beautiful blooms year round which can be left on the plant or clipped and displayed in floral arrangements. It is a popular houseplant that is very easy to maintain.
Common names
Angel Wing Begonia, Scarlet BegoniaHow to care for Angel Wing Begonia
Difficulty
Angel Wing Begonia requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Angel Wing Begonia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Angel Wing Begonia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Angel Wing Begonia prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Angel Wing Begonia to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Angel Wing Begonia is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
The Angel Wing Begonia is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The Angel Wing Begonia should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
The Angel Wing Begonia is clumping in nature, with new growth originating from the soil in close proximity to the original plant.
Region of origin
Angel Wing Begonia’s native range is Tropics and Subtropics worldwide.
Flower
If you provide your Angel Wing Begonia with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Begonia Genus
Begonia cucullata cucullata Begonia Cucullata
Begonia heracleifolia Starleaf Begonia
Begonia amphioxus Red Butterfly Begonia
Begonia chlorosticta Hardy Begonia
Begonia rex-cultorum Beefsteak Geranium
Begonia conchifolia Seashell Begonia
Begonia roseopunctata Begonia Roseopunctata
Begonia foliosa Fuchsia Begonia
Begonia dracopelta Begonia Dracopelta
