Hello, dedicated caretaker. I am your Angel Wing Begonia, a being of light, air, and delicate structure. To help me truly thrive and reward you with my cascading clusters of flowers, you must understand my world from my perspective. Here is what I need.
In my ancestral home, the dappled light of the forest canopy was my constant companion. I crave bright, but indirect, light. A spot near an east or west-facing window is ideal, where the gentle morning or late afternoon sun caresses my wings. Direct, harsh midday sun will scorch my beautiful, spotted leaves, leaving them brown and crisp. If my stems become long and leggy with few leaves, I am desperately stretching towards a light source that is too dim. Please, find me that perfect balance.
My stems are succulent, holding water for drier times. I desire consistently moist soil, but I abhor wet feet. Water me thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to your touch. Allow the water to flow through my pot's drainage holes, and never let me sit in a saucer of water. Soggy soil suffocates my roots, leading to a swift and tragic end from rot. In winter, when my growth slows, I will need even less to drink. Listen to my soil; it will tell you when I am thirsty.
I am a tropical soul, thriving in the warmth you enjoy. Keep me in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C), and shield me from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops. The dry air from your heating and cooling systems is my challenge. It crisps my leaf tips and discourages my blooms. Please, increase the humidity around me. You can mist me lightly, place my pot on a tray of pebbles with water, or group me with other plants to create a tiny, humid ecosystem I so love.
To produce the energy for my magnificent, pendulous flower displays, I need nourishment. During my active growing season in spring and summer, feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every two to four weeks. This gives me the strength to push out new leaves and those gorgeous clusters of pink, red, or white flowers. In the fall and winter, please let me rest; I do not need food during my dormant period.
As I grow, I may become tall and require support to prevent my canes from leaning or breaking. Do not be afraid to pinch my growing tips in the spring; this encourages me to become bushier and fuller. Regularly remove any spent flowers or yellowing leaves to direct my energy towards new growth and to keep me looking my best. If I become too large, you can propagate me from stem cuttings in water or soil—a gift of myself for you or a friend.
