The main difference between Dragon Wing and angel wing begonia is their foliage shape. Dragon Wing begonia has waxy, oval-shaped green leaves with red undersides, while angel wing begonia has darker green, wing-shaped leaves that have a more glossy, velvety texture.
In addition, Dragon Wing begonia produces more flowers than the angel wing variety, making it the better choice if you are looking for a flowering begonia. Dragon Wing begonia also tends to grow and spread more quickly than angel wing begonia, so it may be better for larger areas.
The flowers of both varieties come in a range of colors, from white to pink to red, but Dragon Wing begonia usually produces larger blooms.
What is another name for angel wing begonia?
Another common name for angel wing begonia is cane begonia. This is due to the shape of the leaves on the plant, which resemble the wing of an angel. It is also sometimes referred to as wax begonia due to its waxy appearance.
It is a species of begonia with large wavy lobed leaves that come in a variety of colors including shades of red, pink, and white. It is also known for its long thin stems with fuzzy flowers often appearing in clusters.
It is a popular houseplant and can be grown outside in warmer climates.
Are there different types of angel wing begonias?
Yes, there are several different types of angel wing begonias. The most popular varieties include the Angel Wing Begonia, Begonia Maculata, Begonia ‘Big’. Angel Wing Begonia is a clumping, upright begonia that grows to about 18 inches tall with striking foliage.
Its leaves are dark green with light green markings, forming an intricate network of interlacing veins. Its clusters of pink, red, and white flowers appear in batches throughout the summer months.
Begonia Maculata, also known as the Polka Dotted Begonia, has large polka-dot-patterned leaves with green, silver and red tones. Its flowers tend to be pink and white, with both single and double bloomers available.
Begonia “Big” is an larger version of the Angel Wing Begonia, up to 24″ tall, with the same dark green with light green markings. And it has clustered pink, red, and white flowers that appear in the summer months like the Angel Wing Begonia.
All of these types of angel wing begonias need moderate to bright indirect light, and moist but well-draining soil. They also prefer high humidity and regular fertilizer, and may need repotting every two to three years to keep them healthy and vigorous.
What type of begonia is a dragon wing?
Dragon Wing begonias (Begonia X hybrida) are a type of tuberous hybrid begonia that are known for their vibrantly-colored flower petals and lush green foliage. The foliage of Dragon Wing begonias is dark green in color and grows up to 10 inches in length.
Its leaves are often waxy and have pointed tips, and are slightly lobed. The flowers of the Dragon Wing begonia are semi-double, meaning they have several layers of small petals that overlap each other.
They come in a variety of colors including pink, red, yellow, white and orange. The flowers bloom from spring to fall, and often last up to three months. Because it is a tuberous hybrid, Dragon Wing begonias are quite easy to care for.
They prefer sunlight but can tolerate shade, and need to be watered regularly to keep their soil moist. Dragon Wing begonias also require plenty of humidity, so it’s a good idea to use a humidifier or place the pot in a water tray filled with stones.
Should you cut back dragon wing begonias?
Yes, you should cut back dragon wing begonias. This will encourage them to form more lush and full foliage. To cut them back properly, use sharp, sterilized pruning shears and make sure to remove any dead or damaged stems.
Begin by cutting about one third of the stems back to their base, then move on to the remaining stems. If the begonia is overgrown, you may need to cut even more than one third of them back. Always make sure to leave some foliage on the plant because this will help it to recover quickly.
Once all the stems have been cut back, move the plant to a sunny spot and water it well. With proper care and pruning, dragon wing begonias can become lush and full.
What does a dragon wing begonia look like?
A dragon wing begonia is a striking plant with colorful, bright foliage and abundant blooms. It is an evergreen perennial that grows to about 1-3 feet in height and 1-3 feet in width. The leaves of the dragon wing begonia are large, oval-shaped and have pointed tips.
The foliage is bronzy green with deep red or purple undersides. From late spring to fall, the plant is covered with pink or white flower clusters. The dragon wing begonia does best in partial shade with loamy soil and consistent moisture.
It prefers warm, humid conditions and may need to be protected from strong winds and cold temperatures. With its beautiful foliage and long blooming period, the dragon wing begonia is an eye-catching addition to perennial beds and container gardens.
Are dragon wing begonias wax begonias?
No, dragon wing begonias (Botanical name: Begonia ‘Dragon Wing Red’) are not the same as wax begonias. Though both are members of the Begonia genus, they have different characteristics. Dragon wing begonias have a distinctive upright habit and large, glossy leaves that are typically solid green or have red margins.
They also have larger and more showy flowers than wax begonias, which have small, single or double blooms. The “dragon wing” in their name refers to the unique “wing-like” shape of their leaves. Unlike wax begonias, dragon wing begonias require more sunlight and are tolerant of a wider range of temperatures.
They are also generally a bit bigger and more demanding in terms of water and feeding requirements. However, they are also surprisingly tolerant of drought.
How do you take care of a Begonia Dragon Wing?
Taking care of a Begonia Dragon Wing is relatively easy and can be accomplished by following a few simple steps.
First, water your Begonia Dragon Wing when the top two inches of the soil are dry. Use room temperature water and make sure not to over water. Too much water can cause root rot, so always take care to avoid over-watering.
Second, make sure to give your Begonia Dragon Wing plenty of indirect sunlight. These plants thrive best when placed near a sunny window that receives several hours of morning or late-afternoon sunlight.
However, avoid putting them directly in the sun, as they may become sunburnt and dry out.
Third, fertilize your Begonia Dragon Wing every other week with a general-purpose fertilizer. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer with water to one-half strength or wait until the plant is actively growing.
Finally, monitor your Begonia Dragon Wing for pests and fungus. Spider mites and mealybugs can become a problem if not controlled early, so always keep an eye out for signs of infestations and act accordingly.
If your Begonia Dragon Wing develops any fungal issues, you may need to increase the air circulation around the plant or reduce the amount of water.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Begonia Dragon Wing stays healthy, vibrant, and able to thrive for years to come.
Do dragon wing begonias do well in shade?
Yes, dragon wing begonias do very well in shade. These plants native to Central America are also known as Rex Begonias, and they do perfectly fine in anything from full sun to deep shade. While they prefer bright, indirect light, they can also tolerate partial shade.
Additionally, these plants are loved for their attractive large green and silver leaves, and are often used as an indoor plant. When given plenty of indirect light and humidity, this plant will give you vibrant and healthy growth in shaded areas.
Make sure to keep the soil moist but not overly wet and fertilize them once a month. They can also become dormant in the winter, so don’t be alarmed if they stop growing during this time. With proper care, you will enjoy the lovely foliage of your dragon wing begonia for many years to come.
How much sun can dragon wing begonias tolerate?
Dragon wing begonias are one of the most tolerant and easy-care plants available. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and can even tolerate part-sun locations. They prefer temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit and well-draining soil.
While they tolerate light shade, be sure not to place them in a totally shaded area as this will significantly reduce their growth and performance. A spot near a north-facing window is ideal for these plants as it will provide them with the filtered sun that they need to thrive.
When grown outdoors, dragon wing begonias should be protected from the hottest afternoon sun and winds. With the right amount of sun, water, and fertilizer, these begonias will produce an abundance of large and colorful leaves and blossoms.
How do I keep dragon wing begonias from getting leggy?
To keep dragon wing begonias from getting leggy, regular pruning is key. Start by removing any dead or dying branches, and then trim the stems back by about one-third. This will encourage healthy, compact growth.
It is also important to keep the begonia in a spot that receives bright, indirect light, such as an east- or west-facing window. Keeping the plant from direct sun will minimize legginess. Additionally, using a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season will help keep the begonias happy and healthy.
Lastly, don’t forget to water regularly, but be sure not to overwater, as it can lead to root rot.
Can begonias be trimmed back?
Yes, begonias can be trimmed back. Begonias are extremely versatile and can be trimmed back in order to promote bushier and more compact growth. Depending on the variety of begonias, they can be pruned back to maintain a desired size or shape or again to encourage fuller growth.
When pruning back, you should use sharp, sterile scissors or pruning shears and remove the stem from just above the node (the part of the stem where the leaves and flowers attach). Make sure to prune selectively and not cut back too much at once – this will help to prevent damage to the plant.
In addition, removing dead or damaged stems or branches is beneficial for the overall health of the plant.
How long do begonias live for?
Begonias are generally long-lasting and low-maintenance plants. In the right conditions, they can live for several years or even indefinitely. They will thrive when given the correct amount of light, water, and fertilizer for the specific type of begonia.
Some of the more robust types, such as wax and angel-wing begonias, will live for several years with the proper care. These long-lasting plants may even flower again after they are mature. Other more fragile types, such as the rex begonia, may not live as long.
These types of begonias require more care and must be repotted more often. With the right care and attention, begonias can live for many years.
Is angel wing begonia the same as Begonia maculata?
No, angel wing begonia (Begonia coccinea) and Begonia maculata are two different species of begonia. Angel wing begonia is a trailing, tuberous group of plants with bright green, oval-shaped leaves and pendulous clusters of pink, red, or white flowers.
It is native to South America and tolerates moderate light and moderate humidity. Begonia maculata (also known as Polka Dot Begonia) is a stunning upright type of begonia with bright green, ovate leaves with spots or flakes of silver, pink or red on the undersides.
It is native to tropical Africa and Asia and likes bright, indirect light but dislikes long periods of direct sunlight.
What colors do angel wing begonias come in?
Angel wing begonias come in a wide range of colors including white, pink, red, and salmon. They also come in yellow, apricot, and various shades of green, as well as dusty rose and a range of bi-colors.
Angel wing begonias may also have speckled and veined foliage, as well as flower and leaf combinations in numerous color combinations, including but not limited to burgundy, purple, and bronze. With Hybrid varieties, the color range continues to expand and each plant can have unique combinations of leaf and flower color.
Can you propagate angel wing begonia from a leaf?
Yes, propagating angel wing begonias from a leaf is possible. You first need to take a healthy leaf from the plant and prepare it for propagation. This can be done by dipping the leaf in rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of bacteria and then allowing it to air dry.
After the leaf is dry, you can place it on a bed of moist potting mix or vermiculite. Make sure that the leaf isn’t completely covered with the medium, as it needs to be exposed to light and air. Place the pot in a warm and bright location in your home and water it lightly when the soil is dry.
In a few weeks, you should start to notice tiny white bumpy roots developing. Once the roots are strong and the plant is stable, you can then move it to a permanent pot.