Begonia Corallina de Lucerna 'Angel Wing'

🌿 The Angel Wing Begonia (Begonia corallina de lucerna, family Begoniaceae) is a classic hybrid begonia that's been cherished in homes since the early 1900s. Originally bred from Brazilian species, this plant gets its common name from the distinctive wing-shaped leaves that seem to flutter with every breeze. It's surprisingly forgiving for beginners, tolerating a range of indoor conditions while still putting on a show. Here's something interesting: the stems develop a beautiful bamboo-like segmented appearance as they mature, adding architectural interest even when the plant isn't blooming.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This begonia grows upright with cane-like stems that can reach impressive heights indoors. The leaves are asymmetrical and pointed, resembling angel wings in profile, with a deep olive-green upper surface scattered with silver-white spots. The undersides flush a rich burgundy-red that catches light beautifully. Leaf texture is smooth with a slightly waxy feel, and new growth emerges with a bronze tint before settling into its mature colouring.
FLOWER DETAILS
Coral-pink to red flowers appear in pendulous clusters that dangle gracefully from the stems, each bloom shaped like a tiny hanging lantern. The flowers have no fragrance but make up for it with sheer abundance—when happy, this begonia can bloom continuously from spring through autumn. The cascading flower clusters create a waterfall effect against the spotted foliage, which is genuinely eye-catching in person. To encourage more blooms, provide bright indirect light and maintain consistent moisture during the growing season. Reduce watering slightly in winter to give the plant a natural rest period, then resume regular care in early spring to trigger the next flush of flowers.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 4-6 hours daily. Morning sun is fine, but avoid harsh afternoon rays that can scorch the leaves.
💧 Water: Keep soil lightly moist spring through fall. Water when the top inch feels dry—usually every 5-7 days in summer, less in winter. Water at the base to avoid leaf spotting.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-60% but adapts to average home humidity of 40-50%. Group with other plants or use a pebble tray if your home is very dry.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining mix with peat, perlite, and a bit of bark. Needs to hold some moisture without getting waterlogged.
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, 6-8 inches wide for young plants. Terracotta works well. Repot every 1-2 years in spring when roots fill the pot.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to fast. Can grow 12-18 inches in a year under good conditions. Mature plants can reach 4-5 feet tall indoors with proper support.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed every 3-4 weeks spring through summer with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer. Skip feeding in winter months.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Contains oxalates that can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and digestive upset if chewed by cats or dogs. Keep out of reach of curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
This begonia thrives in bright living rooms, sunrooms, or near east-facing windows where it gets gentle morning light. It works beautifully as a floor plant in a corner that needs vertical interest, or on a plant stand where the flowers can cascade freely. Bathrooms with windows can be ideal if they get enough light. Avoid placing it in dark hallways, windowless rooms, or right next to heating vents that will dry it out. Keep away from cold drafts and don't let leaves touch cold windowpanes in winter.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
common