Easy Perennial Toxic to pets

Angel Wing Begonia

Begonia corallina

Angel Wing Begonias are striking for their distinctive foliage and pendulous clusters of pink or red flowers.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

50–70 %
Temperature

18–29 °C

How to care for your Angel Wing Begonia

Everything you need to keep your Angel Wing Begonia healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Begonia corallina, widely known as Angel Wing Begonia, is a cane-type begonia celebrated for its beautiful, often spotted leaves and clusters of coral-pink to red flowers. Its striking foliage, resembling angel wings, makes it a popular houseplant, though it can thrive outdoors in warm, shaded conditions. This relatively easy-care plant prefers bright, indirect light and consistently moist, well-draining soil. Regular pruning encourages a bushier habit and more prolific flowering, while providing a stunning display throughout the growing season.

Watering your Angel Wing Begonia

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry.

How to know it needs water

Soil is dry to the touch
Leaves may show slight droop

How much light a Angel Wing Begonia needs

Bright indirect light

Bright, indirect light

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 2 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-west

Humidity and misting

50–70 %

Moderate to high Mist occasionally to boost humidity, especially in dry environments.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Fertilize monthly during active growth; reduce to bi-monthly in winter.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid fertilizer · 2-1-2

Repotting your Angel Wing Begonia

Every 24 months

Move to a pot one size larger with fresh, well-draining soil mix.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots circling the pot
Slowed growth

Pruning your Angel Wing Begonia

Spring or early summer Pinch back leggy stems to encourage branching and a fuller shape.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 11 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

11 J
8 F
7 M
6 A
6 M
6 J
6 J
6 A
7 S
8 O
9 N
11 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Contains soluble calcium oxalates; ingestion can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in pets. The roots are the most toxic.

Good to know

Named for its distinctive, often spotted, wing-shaped leaves.
Can grow quite large, making a dramatic statement as a potted plant.

Frequently asked questions about the Angel Wing Begonia

How do you care for a Angel Wing Begonia?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 50–70 %. Ideal temperature: 18–29 °C. Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry.

How often should you water a Angel Wing Begonia?

Every 7 days Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry. How to know it needs water : Soil is dry to the touch ; Leaves may show slight droop.

How much light does a Angel Wing Begonia need?

Bright indirect light Bright, indirect light 0 to 2 h a day

Is the Angel Wing Begonia toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Contains soluble calcium oxalates; ingestion can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in pets. The roots are the most toxic. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Angel Wing Begonia leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Angel Wing Begonia?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Move to a pot one size larger with fresh, well-draining soil mix.