Angel Wings Flower: Care and Identification

The term “angel wings” can refer to a few different plants. For many, it means the vibrant leaves of Caladium hybrids, while for others, it describes the soft, silvery foliage of Senecio candicans. Understanding the distinctions between these plants is the first step toward providing the right growing conditions. This guide will focus on these two common plants, clarifying their identification and care requirements.

Identifying Angel Wings Varieties

The most frequently encountered plant called “Angel Wings” is a type of Caladium. These plants have large, heart or arrowhead-shaped leaves that are exceptionally thin. Their foliage is the main attraction, showcasing a wide array of colors including pink, white, red, and green in complex patterns. Caladiums grow from a tuber and are often grown as houseplants or as annuals in cooler regions.

A different plant, Senecio candicans ‘Angel Wings’, is popular for its dramatic foliage. This variety features large, broad, silvery-white leaves with a unique velvety texture. Unlike Caladium, this plant is a succulent perennial that is more tolerant of dry conditions and has a mounded growth habit.

Some Begonia varieties are also referred to as “Angel Wing” Begonias. These are distinguished by their cane-like stems and asymmetrical, wing-shaped leaves, often dotted with silver or colored spots. This article will focus on the Caladium and Senecio types, as they are the most common sources of the naming overlap.

Comprehensive Plant Care

Caladium Care

Caladium hybrids thrive in bright, indirect light, which helps their vibrant leaf colors develop without scorching the delicate foliage. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, while too little light may result in less impressive coloration. They need a consistently moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A peat-based potting mix is a good foundation, as it holds moisture while allowing excess water to escape.

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. They are not forgiving of being allowed to dry out completely, which can stress the plant and lead to brown leaf edges. As tropical plants, Caladiums flourish in warm temperatures and high humidity and are sensitive to cold. They benefit from regular feeding during their active growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Senecio candicans Care

Senecio candicans prefers a much sunnier spot to maintain its signature silvery hue. This succulent does best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. When grown indoors, it should be placed in the brightest location available. It requires a grittier soil mix that does not retain a lot of water, such as a commercial cactus or succulent potting mix.

This plant will not tolerate consistently wet soil, which can lead to root problems. Water the plant deeply, then wait for the soil to dry completely before watering again. During the winter, when growth slows, watering can be reduced even further. It is adaptable to dry air, is heat-tolerant, and has low fertilizer needs, requiring only occasional feeding during spring and summer.

Propagation Methods

Propagating Caladiums

New Caladium plants are reliably created through the division of their tubers. This process is best done in the spring before the growing season begins. Carefully dig up the dormant tuber and use a clean knife to cut it into sections, ensuring each piece has at least one “eye” or growth point.

Allow the cut surfaces to dry and form a callus for a day to prevent rot. Once callused, the divisions can be planted in a well-draining soil mix. Plant them with the eye facing upward, and water sparingly until new growth emerges.

Propagating Senecio candicans

Propagating Senecio candicans is achieved through stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, use a sterile blade to cut a healthy section several inches long. For leaf cuttings, a single healthy leaf can be carefully removed from the main stem.

The cutting must be left in a dry place for several days to allow the cut end to callus over, which prevents rot. Once a callus has formed, the cutting can be inserted into a well-draining succulent mix. Water lightly and wait for roots and new growth to appear.

Common Issues and Solutions

Brown, crispy leaf edges on Caladiums are often a result of low humidity or the soil drying out too much. To resolve this, increase ambient moisture with a humidifier or by grouping it with other plants. Also, ensure a more consistent watering schedule.

Drooping or wilting leaves on either plant can indicate underwatering or overwatering. To diagnose the problem, feel the soil. If it is dry, the plant is thirsty; if it is soggy, the plant has been overwatered, which may cause root rot.

Spider mites and aphids can affect these plants, particularly indoor Caladiums. These pests can be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using a gentle insecticidal soap spray. Regular inspection of the leaves helps catch infestations early.

Loss of color in Caladium leaves is related to lighting. If the colors appear faded, the plant may be receiving too much direct sunlight. If the patterns are muted and the leaves are mostly green, it likely needs a brighter location with more indirect light.

Toxicity and Safety

Both plant types are considered toxic and should be handled with care. All parts of the Caladium plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested by humans or pets, these crystals can cause irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, plus difficulty swallowing and vomiting.

Senecio plants, including the ‘Angel Wings’ variety, are also toxic if consumed. To ensure safety, it is best to place both Caladium and Senecio plants in locations that are out of reach of children and pets. Always handle the plants with care and consider wearing gloves if you have sensitive skin.