Angel Wing Begonia
How To Care For The Beautiful Angel Wing Begonia
The angel wing begonia is a popular hybrid, created in 1926 by Eva Kenworthy Gray, who was an avid plant breeder in California. The most prominent characteristics of the angel wing begonia are the striking mixed and marbled leaves, some large and green with pearl white markings, and others smaller adorned with a glistening gold color. The leaves are often red on the underside. The gorgeous flowers, usually pale or medium pink to red, tend to extend over the foliage on a heavy stalk, though there are varieties which take on a much fuller and more evenly distributed bloom. A plant which is indigenes to the humid rainforest climates, and does indoors if you live in a less temperate region.
To grow and nourish the angel hair begonia, you will need to be sure that they will not be affected by even the slightest wind, and that the sunlight they receive will be defused or indirect. Being native to the rainforest, where nary a breeze will blow and the larger plants shelter it from the harsh sun, the angel wing begonia is a bit delicate, so keeping to its original roots is best. If you can not provide these assurances outdoors, then an indoor begonia garden is what you should shoot for. When planning to begin, be sure that you have a hearty potting soil mixture and some peat moist to retain the same level of moisture that the angel wing begonia might experience in the rainforest.
The begonia is a shallow rooted plant, so you shouldn’t need to infuse the soil any deeper than six inches from the surface of the soil. For the best results during your starting process, use cuttings from an established angel wing begonia root, about 4 inches long. The depth for planting should not exceed three inches, though you can go more to the shallow side if you have a good moistness established with your peat moss mixture. Maintaining a steady amount of moisture will be crucial during this first stage.
These wonderful plants will not withstand even the slightest frost, so be sure that you bring them in or cover them up if an advisory is announced. The angel wing begonia can gain heights of 5 feet, and these larger stalks will need to be supported with a bamboo stake. It is important that you decrease the begonia’s water supply toward the end of fall, tapering it off to about one light watering per week during the dormant winter months. Your angel wing begonia will let you know when it’s time to wake up and increase its moisture allowance. Enjoy your beautiful tropical wonder.