How to Start an Angelwing Begonia

An Angelwing Begonia is a flowering houseplant that grows best in USDA zones 10a to 11. It produces dark green to burgundy foliage and pink blooms and attracts birds, bees and butterflies. An Angelwing Begonia can be started either from seed or from a cutting taken from an existing plant. The plant will grow one to two feet tall and generally blooms all year long. It is a low maintenance plant and grows well in containers.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Seeds or cuttings
• Soil
• Pot
• Water
• Clear plastic

Planting from Seed

1. Fill a pot with a soil that is loose and drains easily. If drainage seems to be a problem, adding a layer of gravel to the bottom of the pot will help. Wet the soil thoroughly and allow it time to drain.
2. Poke one or two holes in the soil that are about 1/2 inch deep and drop two to four seeds in the hole. Cover the seeds loosely with soil. Do not pat it down.
3. Cover the pot with clear plastic wrap or a clear plastic container. Place it in a window that receives bright sunlight from the North or East. Avoid direct sunlight from the South as it will burn seedlings.
4. Check the soil for moisture weekly and add small amounts when needed. Seedlings will begin to appear within six to eight weeks.

Planting From Cutting

1. Fill a container with an equal mixture of coarse sand and peat moss. Wet the medium thoroughly and allow it to drain.
2. Cut a leaf from an existing Angelwing Begonia. The leaf will need to be healthy and come from a well established plant.
3. Plant the leaf into the rooting medium deeply–enough to allow it to stand on its own. Place the pot in a sunny location such as a window.
4. Keep the soil moist while allowing it to dry out slightly in between waterings. Roots will begin to appear in six to eight weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Take cuttings from plants during early spring.