Begonia maculata, also known as the Polka Dot Begonia, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to the tropical regions of Brazil and parts of Central and South America.
It is one of the more popular species of begonias in cultivation, known for its striking foliage consisting of paired or whorled leaves of either an olive-green or bronze color and covered with varying numbers of silver spots.
Its showy, pink or white flowers are also particularly noticeable, standing out against the spotted leaves.
Begonia maculata is a rhizomatous species, growing from a network of horizontal underground stems which can be easily isolated and divided at the nodes, allowing for propagation and growth in a range of soil types and conditions.
The plant is often cultivated in containers or hanging baskets, typically indoors, though it can also be grown out of doors, as long as it is in a sheltered position where the temperatures remain above 10 °C.
What is another name for angel wing begonia?
The scientific name for angel wing begonia is Begonia x Cucullata, but it is commonly referred to by many other names including cane-stemmed begonia, dragon wing begonia, and hanging-basket begonia. The plant is distinguished by its winged, bright green stems and large, waxy leaves with scalloped edges.
This type of begonia is a hybrid created through cross-pollination, and it is moderately easy to care for. It is often grown as a houseplant in hanging baskets, where it can cascade over the sides, or in containers on a patio or balcony.
The angel wing begonia is appreciated for its long-lasting, showy blooms in shades of pink, white, and red.
Is Begonia Maculata an angel wing begonia?
Yes, begonia Maculata is an angel wing begonia. It is a tropical plant that features colorful foliage and blooms of pink or white flowers. The angel wing begonia has large, wing-shaped leaves that can reach up to 8″ long and are often marked with silver, reddish-bronze, or chocolate spots.
It is a succulent that can tolerate some drought but prefers a humid environment with soil that is kept evenly moist. This plant is perfect for hanging baskets, outdoor planters, or as ground cover in shady beds and borders.
The maculata variety of angel wing begonia is especially known for its striking foliage that can reach up to 10″ across. To ensure the health of your begonia Maculata, it is important to give it plenty of bright, indirect sunlight, avoid over-watering, and plant in well-draining soil.
Furthermore, make sure your begonia maculata isn’t exposed to too much cold because it is a tropical plant and prefers temperatures above 61 degrees F.
Are there different types of angel wing begonias?
Yes, there are different types of angel wing begonias. The most common type of angel wing begonia is the Begonia x coralline, which has striking deep green leaves and red or pink veins. Another popular type is the Begonia veitchii, which has vibrant red undersides of the leaves and orange veins.
Other popular varieties of angel wing begonias include the Begonia salmonea, with its yellowish-green leaves and red veins, and the Begonia luxurians, featuring curled, cream-colored stems and red and white flowers.
There are also several varieties of variegated angel wing begonias, such as the Begonia polyphylla spotless variety and the Begonia heracleifolia ‘Silver Spot’, and some with more pendulous habits such as the Begonia ‘Red Dragon’.
How long do angel wing begonias live?
Angel wing begonias typically live for a few years, depending on how well they are cared for. Proper care, such as providing adequate sunlight, water, and fertilizer, can help these plants last up to three years indoors.
Outdoor angel wing begonias may last longer, up to five years, if they are properly mulched and properly fertilized. Additionally, they benefit from being occasionally pruned to keep a bushier, more vibrant appearance.
With proper care, angel wing begonias can be enjoyed as an attractive, easy-care garden addition for many years.
How do I tell what kind of begonia I have?
The first and easiest is to look for any tags or labels that may have come with the plant when you purchased it. If these are not present, you will need to use the plant’s physical characteristics to figure out the variety.
There are four main types of begonias; tuberous, fibrous, rex, and rhizomatous.
Tuberous begonias are the easiest to identify due to their showy and large blooms. They are usually grown in pots or hanging baskets and have large, showy flowers.
Fibrous begonias often have smaller blooms, with leaves that can become as large as 5 inches in diameter. Their stems have a woody tone and the foliage has a deep glossy green color.
Rex begonias are some of the most decorative, with their unique foliage patterns in the form of spots, stripes, or splotches. These begonias can also have elaborate blooms and will often have a short mounding, or trailing habit.
Rhizomatous begonias are some of the most low-maintenance. The leaves are often diamond-shaped, with green/purple/silver or bronze/purple coloring. They also have an upright habit, which can range from a low mounding to a taller upright shape, depending on the variety.
If you can’t find any tags with the plant, and you’re unable to identify it using the physical characteristics, it may be best to research each type of begonia online and compare your plants to the pictures and descriptions.
This is usually the best way to determine the variety of your begonia.
Are angel wing begonias tuberous?
No, angel wing begonias are not tuberous begonias. Tuberous begonias have a swollen, bulb-like structure called a tuber at the crown of the plant. The swollen tuber stores water and nutrients, allowing them to survive even in dry conditions and even in dormancy.
Angel wing begonias are a type of wax begonia, which is different from tuberous begonia. Wax begonias have small, waxy-looking leaves that are often colorful. The flowers of both types of begonias come in many colors and can be single or double.
Although wax and tuberous begonias look very similar, they differ in how they store nutrients and water, as well as how they propagate. Wax begonias are propagated vegetatively, while tuberous begonias are grown from seed or from tubers.
Do angel wing begonias come back every year?
No, angel wing begonias are not cold-tolerant, so they will not survive temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In cold climates, they are grown as annuals and need to be replaced each year. In warmer climates, they may die back in the winter and reemerge in the spring, blooming again in the summer.
It is best to protect them from frost and freezing temperatures, such as by covering them or moving them indoors. In some climates, they may not survive even with protection, so it is best to check with local garden centers to find out what is appropriate for the local temperatures.
How do you identify a Begonia maculata?
Begonia maculata, also known as the Spotted Begonia, is an easy-to-identify species of the Begonia genus. The plant’s foliage produces broad, elliptic to oval-shaped, alternate leaves. These succulent, dark green leaves can grow up to 15 cm wide and an additional 8 cm long.
Each leaf has a unique pattern of silver-gray spots or blotches along their veins which give the species its name. The leaves are also somewhat glossy. In terms of flowers, this Begonia species produces clusters of delicate white or pink flowers.
However, they rarely bloom indoors and require additional care to do so. Begonia maculata can grow up to 24” tall and should receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. The soil should be kept moist and fertilized regularly to ensure proper growth.
The Spotted Begonia has a slight tolerance for colder temperatures but does not fare well in direct sunlight or extreme heat. By identifying the spotted leaves, tall size, and its need for bright, indirect sunlight, Begonia maculata can be easily identified.
Is maculata a begonia?
No, maculata is not a begonia. Maculata is a term used to describe something with spots or blotches, and it can be applied to a variety of different species in the plant kingdom. For example, the maculata tiger beetle (Cicindela maritima maculata) is a species of beetle with distinctive black, orange, and white markings on its back.
There are also maculata varieties of other plants, such as the elderberry (Sambucus canadensis maculata) and the mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia maculata). Begonia’s conversely are a genus of flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae and include over 1,000 different species, all of which feature showy flower clusters.
Is begonia Angel Wing same as maculata?
No, begonia Angel Wing (Begonia x corallina) and begonia maculata (Begonia maculata hybrid) are two different species of begonias. Begonia Angel Wing is a cultivar of the Begonia x corallina species, while the Begonia maculata hybrid is a cross between Begonia heracleifolia, Begonia blancii, and Begonia thiemii.
Begonia Angel Wing is a semi-upright, woody stemmed shrub that grows up to 18″ tall and wide. It has big, glossy, deep green leaves with silver markings on the edges and bloomed flowers in colors of pink, red, and white.
The leaves are usually serrated and can reach up to 6-8″.
Begonia maculata hybrid is an upright, densely branched shrub that grows up to 16-24″ tall and wide. It has dark green, glossy leaves with silver spots. The flowers are five-petaled, bright pink or rose-coral and can reach up to 3-4″ wide.
Both of these begonias require bright, indirect light and need to be kept evenly moist.
What is the rarest begonia?
The rarest begonia is Begonia blancii, which is native to the forests of Vietnam and China. The plant is critically endangered and listed as one of the top 25 most threatened plants in the world due to the rapid destruction of its natural habitat.
It is the only known species of Begonia that is only found in the wild, making it the rarest of all begonias. The flowers of this rare species produce one to three white, pink, or lavender petals which makes for a truly unique display.
Begonia blancii also grows quickly and is great for borders, hanging baskets, and in terrariums.
Is angel wing begonia and Polka Dot Begonia the same?
No, angel wing begonia and Polka Dot begonia are not the same. Angel wing begonia (Begonia coccinea) is a tropical plant native to Mexico and Central America and is part of the Begoniaceae family. This type of begonia is characterized by its large heart-shaped foliage and its deep green leaves that are tinged with red or pink.
Angel wing begonias usually produce deep pink or white flowers with a white center and require full sun exposure and moist soil. On the other hand, Polka Dot begonia (Begonia maculata) is also a tropical plant native to Brazil and is in the same family as angel wing begonias.
This type of begonia is recognizable by its striking pattern of white or silver spots on the foliage and its pinkish-white flowers. Polka Dot begonias prefer a humid environment and allow them to have partial shade with moist soil.
Are begonia angel wings rare?
Yes, begonia angel wings are quite rare. These begonias were developed in 2001 by Ludwig Taschner and were named ‘Angel Wings’ for their unique wing shaped leaves. The wing shape gives them a delicate, lacy look and the green leaves are edged with silver and white.
They are considered rare because they are difficult to reproduce and are not widely available, due to a low rate of seed germination. For this reason, these plants tend to be more expensive than other varieties.
They have become increasingly popular over the years due to their unique beauty and fragile nature.
What is the difference between angel wing begonias and dragon wing begonias?
Angel wing begonias tend to have narrower leaves with a curled or ruffled edge. They can also appear more waxy and have a glossy texture. The foliage of angel wing begonias is usually a medium green color, and often feature spotted or marbled patterns in different colors, particularly pink or red.
Angel wing begonias are compact and bushy plants that form clusters of rose-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, or red.
Dragon wing begonias have obliquely-shaped leathery leaves that are wider than those of angel wing begonias. The foliage of dragon wing begonias is typically a darker green with silver markings. Their flowers are star-shaped, in shades of white, pink, and red.
Dragon wing begonias can grow quite large, and their stems may become leggy and flop over. They prefer bright but indirect sunlight and moist soil.
Should I trim my angel wing begonia?
Yes, you should trim your angel wing begonia. Pruning angel wing begonias encourages lush, healthy, and attractive growth. Pruning angel wing begonias involves cutting back the stems, removing dead or dying leaves, and occasionally trimming the flower buds.
The best time to trim is directly after a period of active growth, usually during the spring or summer. It’s important to use sharp scissors or pruners, and make sure to cut just above the nodes (the places on the stem where the leaves are attached).
Be careful not to cut back too much at once or too close to the stem. To ensure maximum growth and blooms for your angel wing begonia, trim it regularly throughout the growing season in order to keep it from becoming leggy and unruly.
Additionally, make sure to remove any dead or dying leaves as these can detract from the plant’s appearance and can spread disease or unwanted pests.