Angel wing begonias

I know next to nothing about begonias. However, in April 2011 I received an angel wing begonia cutting as part of a plant trade. I potted it up and it actually flowered that first year. Since then I’ve been given cuttings of another type of angel wing begonia and they, too, have thrived. Technically, angel wing begonias are “cane-type” begonias because they produce sturdy canes with bamboo-like internodes.

As you can see in the next photo, my angel wing begonias live in a protected spot on our front porch, protected from the sun and the wind. Initially I wasn’t sure whether begonias would survive outside so the first cutting spent the winter of 2011 inside the house. Last winter, however, all my angel wing begonias stayed put on the porch and they did just fine without any supplemental protection.

From December through February I watered them very occasionally, maybe every three weeks. With the arrival of spring, I increased the frequency and now, in the summer, I water them every week. They’re in plastic pots filled with moisture-retentive soil and this regimen seems to suit them fine. (Begonias are native to the tropics and love lots of water.)

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Angel wing begonias are a cross between several begonia varieties, including Begonia aconitifolia and Begonia coccinea. Many hybrids have been developed; most of them have leaves with white or silver specks on top and a red underside.

In the next photo you can clearly see the differences between the two varieties I have. The one on top has much larger leaves with a darker coloration and more pronounced spots. Incidentally, I have no idea what either of my varieties is called. If you know, please leave a comment below.

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Here are some close-ups of the larger-leaved variety.

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The smaller-leafed variety is blooming right now. The flowers are almost heart-shaped when viewed from the front or back.

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Viewed head on, you can see the yellow anthers inside.

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Recently I bought another variety called ‘Gryphon’. This one has leathery leaves with silver splotches and a deep red underside. I’m hoping it will soon look like this.

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A few years ago I would never have thought that I’d be growing begonias. However, I’ve gotten quite fond of them. They add a much-needed splash of green to a corner of the front porch that is too shady for many other plants.

Comments

  1. Alas, I'm down to a single type of begonia, as I find them difficult to overwinter here (indoors). Yours look great though!

    I also am not overly attracted to the blooms -- I'd rather they just skipped the flowering. :)

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    1. The flowers don't bother me but I'm glad there are only a few. I wouldn't want them covered with flowers the way wax begonias are.

      Let's face it, even the most attractive begonia flowers aren't much to write home about :-).

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  2. Funny enough our introduction to angel wing begonias are via cuttings given by friends and have kept them going ever since. No problems overwintering here, that is out for the summer, indoors for the winter.

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  3. I have the angel plant that was in your first picture. I never knew these beautiful plans for a begonia let alone bloomed flowers. Mine is tall with leaves that are not portioned on the stock so I've been wanting to cut it so it'll regrow but don't want to kill it so my question is do you know where to cut it so it will regrow thank you for any answers.

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    Replies
    1. I have found these angel wing begonias to be very easy to care for and propagate. I literally just cut off a piece and stick it in soil. I've never paid attention to WHERE I make the cut. I don't think it matters. Good luck!

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