How to Care for Angel Wing Begonias Outdoors

Angel Wing Begonias, with their signature spotted leaves, are often grown as houseplants but can be moved outdoors during warmer months. These plants, native to Brazil, bring a unique elegance and vibrant color to garden spaces. Moving them to an outdoor environment can promote more robust growth and flowering, provided their specific needs are met.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Location

Angel Wing Begonias require bright, indirect light. Direct afternoon sun will scorch their delicate leaves, so place them in a location that receives filtered sunlight. An east-facing spot is ideal, as it provides gentle morning sun that is less likely to cause damage.

The plant’s brittle, bamboo-like canes need protection from strong winds to prevent snapping. In USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, begonias can be grown in the ground year-round. In all other climates, they are treated as seasonal outdoor plants.

Outdoor Planting and Soil Needs

Angel Wing Begonias require well-draining soil to prevent root rot, which is often caused by soggy conditions. A quality, peat-based potting mix is a good starting point for containers.

Enhance drainage by amending this mix with perlite, pumice, or orchid bark to create a lighter medium. For containers, ensure there are ample drainage holes. If planting in a garden bed, heavily amend the native soil with compost and organic material to improve its structure.

Routine Outdoor Care

Outdoor conditions cause soil to dry out quickly. Check the soil often, and when the top one to two inches feel dry, water thoroughly. Allow water to run from the pot’s drainage holes, and use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.

During the spring and summer growing season, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks. Dilute it to half-strength to prevent fertilizer burn. To encourage more flowers, a fertilizer with higher phosphorus can be used in the spring.

Pruning maintains a desirable shape and encourages fuller growth. Throughout summer, pinch back the growing tips to prompt more side shoots and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Regularly remove yellowing leaves or spent flowers to redirect the plant’s energy.

Overwintering Angel Wing Begonias

These begonias are not frost-tolerant and must be brought indoors before the first frost if you live outside zones 10-11. Start this process when nighttime temperatures consistently drop into the 50s Fahrenheit. A gradual two-week acclimation period is recommended to help the plant adjust to indoor conditions.

Bring the plant inside for a few hours daily, gradually increasing the time until it is fully indoors. Before the final move, inspect the plant for pests and treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. This is also a good time to prune excessive growth to create a manageable size for its indoor space.

Common Outdoor Pests and Problems

Outdoors, begonias can attract pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, which cause distorted growth. Aphids cluster on new growth, while mealybugs look like small white cottony spots in leaf axils. Manage these pests by spraying the plant with water or applying neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Powdery mildew, a fungal issue, appears as white patches on leaves in humid weather. Prevent this by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding wet foliage when watering. If mildew appears, promptly remove affected leaves to stop its spread.