Angel wing begonias are fairly easy to keep and make great houseplants. They should be planted in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not soggy or wet.
These plants prefer bright indirect light, although they will tolerate some shade during the hottest part of the day. Angel wing begonias should be fertilized every month during the active growing season with a balanced fertilizer at a reduced rate.
During the winter months, reduce fertilizing and water less often. Prune occasionally to promote new growth, and pinch off dead blooms and leaves as needed.
Will begonias survive indoors?
Yes, begonias can survive indoors. In fact, with the proper care, they can thrive indoors. Begonias prefer a humid atmosphere, so low humidity can be a challenge, but it doesn’t mean you can’t grow them in your home.
With the right type of begonia and a few care tips you can keep them blooming inside.
When growing begonias indoors, give them bright, indirect sunlight, but avoid exposing them to direct, harsh sunlight. Choose a potting mix formulated for indoor plants and one that drains well. Place your begonias in a spot where they receive at least six hours of bright light a day, but avoid putting them in a spot with very hot, direct sunlight.
Water begonias when the top inch of the soil is completely dry. These plants prefer moist soil that drains well, so don’t let the soil become soggy. Begonias also need regular fertilization with a diluted liquid plant fertilizer, typically once a month.
Deadhead spent blooms to remove, as this encourages new flowers. Finally, mist your begonias several times a week to increase the humidity.
How long do potted begonias last?
Potted begonias typically last one to four years indoors, depending on the variety and care. If weather permits, begonias can also be grown outdoors, where they usually last a few years until they need to be divided or discarded.
When cared for properly, begonias indoors can last three to four years without needing to be replaced. Proper care includes watering regularly and providing proper light, either through natural or artificial methods.
It’s also important to make sure that the container used for the begonia is the right size and has adequate drainage. Pruning and fertilizing will also help the begonias to last longer. If you are looking for a long-lasting houseplant, potted begonias might be the perfect choice for your home.
Do you deadhead begonias?
Yes, it is recommended to deadhead begonias to help encourage new blooms. Deadheading involves removing the faded flowers from the plant. This encourages the begonia to funnel its energy into producing new blooms rather than producing seeds.
Deadheading also prevents the begonia from developing seed heads, which can cause the plant to become leggy. To deadhead begonias, simply pinch off the faded flower beneath the stem. It is also important to remove any old or dead leaves as this can help with disease prevention and overall health of the begonia.
Can begonias be kept indoors over winter?
Yes, begonias can be kept indoors over winter. To keep begonias healthy indoors during winter, it’s best to place them in a bright, sunny location. However, indirect light is best as direct sunlight can burn the sensitive foliage.
If indoors, you’ll want to keep the soil moist but not soggy, fertilize them every few weeks, and water them regularly. Since they’re susceptible to getting too dry, you may want to consider misting them.
To keep the humidity level higher, you can place a pebble tray or humidifier nearby, as well as keeping them away from sources of dry air or heating vents. Keep in mind that you may need to pinch back the stems and leaves to keep the plant compact.
Lastly, it’s important to make sure you watch out for insect pests, as they can quickly become a problem indoors.
Do begonias come back every year?
No, begonias are not perennial plants and will not return in the same location each year. However, some species of begonias are considered to be semi-perennial, meaning that some of them may regrow from tuberous begonias after a period of dormancy and provide multiple growing seasons.
Tuberous begonias need to be lifted for the winter months and stored in a cool, dark place where temperatures are around 50°F. They can also be propagated from cuttings.
Can I save begonias for next year?
Yes, you can save begonias for the following year. Before winter weather sets in, you should cut off the stems at the soil line and then bring the plants indoors. Remove any dead foliage and give the plants some time to dry out before storing them in a cool, dry place.
During the winter months, keep the begonias in an area with temperatures ranging from 45-60 degrees F and water them lightly. When the danger of frost has passed, you can then place the plants back outside and they should be ready to resume growing.
What is the lowest temperature begonias can tolerate?
Begonias are quite resilient and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Generally speaking, begonias like warm climates, with temperatures between 65 and 80°F (18 and 27°C). They can tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for short periods of time with care and protection, although temperatures below 40°F (4°C) may cause damage to the leaves and flowers.
Begonias also prefer humid climates and should have an average humidity level of around 40-50%. To maintain this level of humidity, misting or placing a humidifier near the begonia can work well. Too much humidity can lead to fungal and bacterial growth, leading to wilting and discoloration of the leaves.
Finally, sudden or drastic changes in temperature should be avoided, as this can cause stress on the plant.
How much light do begonias need indoors?
Begonias are a type of flowering plant with an incredible variety of species, so the amount of light they need can vary by variety. However, it is generally recommended that indoor begonias should be placed in bright, indirect light.
If possible, choose a location that gets a few hours of direct sunlight, such as near a south-facing window. Some variegated varieties may require more direct light for optimal foliage color, particularly those with yellow or golden leaves.
Begonias can tolerate lower levels of indirect light, but this should be monitored to ensure that the plant does not become leggy or lose its vibrant foliage color. Additionally, it is important to protect begonias from extreme variations in temperature, direct drafts, and close heating and cooling sources.
Do angel wing begonias like sun or shade?
Angel wing begonias prefer bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate some direct, morning or afternoon sun. Generally, they do best when they are in partial shade where they are exposed to some, but not too much sun.
When growing angel wing begonias outdoors, position them where they receive bright, indirect light for most of the day, but keep them out of the full, harsh midday and afternoon sun. When growing angel wing begonias indoors, find a spot for them near a window that receives bright, indirect light for most of the day.
Ensure that direct, midday and afternoon sun is not hitting them directly as this could damage their delicate leaves.
Are angel wing begonias hard to care for?
No, angel wing begonias are not hard to care for. They are typically quite easygoing, preferring bright, indirect light and damp soil with good drainage. During the hotter months, it’s important to keep the soil moist, but it’s best to avoid overwatering.
For fertilizer, use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season. As with any houseplant, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of stress and adjust the care as needed.
Most common problems with angel wing begonias can be prevented by providing the right environment for them, such as bright light and adequate humidity. In general, angel wing begonias are a great choice for any indoor plant enthusiast and should bring pleasure to even the novice gardener.
Can you propagate angel wing begonia from a leaf?
Yes, angel wing begonia can be propagated from a leaf. This means that you can take a single leaf off the mature angel wings begonia and use it to grow a new plant. To do this, you’ll need to cut off a leaf that has a stem still attached to it.
Once you have the leaf, place it on a damp paper towel and place that in a plastic bag or container. Place the plastic bag or container in a warm and well-lit location, such as near a sunny window. Monitor the leaf every couple of days and once you start to see root development, you can move the leaf to soil.
Be sure to use well-draining soil mixture and submerge the stem of the leaf partially into the soil. Keep the soil damp, but not soggy, and in time, you should begin to see new growth. With proper care, the propagated angel wing begonia should take root and begin growing.
How do I make my begonia Bushy?
Making your begonia bushier is a relatively simple process. The most important factor is proper lighting. Begonia plants need bright indirect sunlight or filtered sun for at least four to six hours a day.
It’s also important to keep your begonia in a spot that doesn’t experience any sudden changes in temperatures.
The second most important factor to making your begonia bushier is pruning, especially if your plant is large and leggy. Pinch off the top of the plant, directly above a node, using your finger and thumb, cutting off the top third of the stem.
This will encourage the plant to become bushier instead of growing tall and lanky.
Finally, proper fertilization and watering are also key to keeping your begonia healthy and bushier. Begonias prefer soil that is kept moist but not soggy. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer.
During the winter, fertilizer should be reduced since the plant is mostly dormant.
Following these steps will help your begonia become bushier and more vibrant.
Do you cut back angel wings plant?
Yes, it’s important to cut back angel wings plants when they get too large. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant looking neat and to encourage healthy new growth. You can prune off any dead or damaged leaves and stems as well as any that are growing in an undesired direction.
The best time to prune angel wings plants is in late winter or early spring. Start by removing any dead leaves or stems and then use a pair of sharp, sterilized pruning shears to cut off any stems that are spreading in a way that doesn’t complement the shape of the plant.
Additionally, you can trim off the tips of stems that are growing too tall and lopping off any shoots that are growing outside the desired area in order to encourage the plant to grow bushier and fuller instead of leggy.
Are Angel Wings easy to grow?
No, Angel Wings are not easy to grow. These unique-looking plants require very specialized care to thrive, including bright, indirect light and periodically misting of the leaves with water. In addition, Angel Wings are prone to developing white scale, a type of insect, which needs to be promptly dealt with to protect the plants from damage.
Lastly, Angel Wings require plenty of fertilizer during the growth season and proper watering in order to grow successfully. All of these factors make Angel Wings challenging to grow and maintain but they can still be a rewarding addition to any home.
