Begonia × hybrida 'Dragon Wing Pink Bronze Leaf'

🌿 Dragon Wing Pink Bronze Leaf Begonia is a hybrid cultivar that brings together vibrant flowers and striking foliage in one stunning package. This begonia belongs to the cane-type group, a cross between Begonia coccinea and Begonia aconitifolia. Native ancestors hail from tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, where they thrive in warm, humid understory environments. This variety is perfect for intermediate gardeners who want a reliable bloomer with low-fuss care. Fun fact: the bronze-toned leaves actually help the plant absorb light more efficiently in shadier spots, making it surprisingly adaptable.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This begonia grows in an upright, bushy habit with gracefully arching stems that give it a full, rounded appearance. The leaves are wing-shaped with pointed tips, glossy in texture, and display a gorgeous bronze-green colour that deepens in brighter light. Each leaf has a smooth surface with subtle veining, and the undersides often show a reddish tint that adds extra visual interest.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers are soft pink, hanging in loose clusters that dangle beneath the foliage like little chandeliers. Each bloom has four rounded petals with a delicate, almost translucent quality. There's no fragrance, but the sheer volume of blooms more than makes up for it. This begonia is a continuous bloomer, producing flowers from spring through fall without much coaxing. To encourage even more flowering, provide consistent moisture and feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light or partial shade; thrives with 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight daily
💧 Water: Keep soil evenly moist spring through fall, reduce in winter; water when top inch feels dry; bottom watering prevents leaf spotting
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-60% humidity but tolerates average home conditions
🪴 Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite
🏺 Potting: Plastic or glazed ceramic pot with drainage holes, 6-8 inches wide; repot every 1-2 years in spring
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate; reaches 12-15 inches in 6 months, mature height of 18-24 inches within 1 year
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Every 2-3 weeks spring through fall with half-strength balanced fertilizer; skip winter feeding
🐾 Pet friendly: No, toxic to cats and dogs; contains oxalates that cause mouth irritation, drooling, and digestive upset if ingested
WHERE TO PUT IT
This begonia shines on a covered patio, screened porch, or near an east-facing window indoors where it gets gentle morning light. It works beautifully in living rooms, sunrooms, or even bathrooms with good natural light and higher humidity. Avoid placing it in direct afternoon sun, which will scorch the leaves, or in dark corners where it won't bloom. Keep it away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and heating registers that can dry it out too quickly.