Hilo Holiday Begonia Begonia 'Hilo Holiday' (R)

Water

The Angel Wing Begonia should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering approximately once a week. To water the plant, apply water evenly around the base until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the plant receives a thorough soaking. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. During the growing season, in spring and summer, you might need to water more frequently, while in fall and winter, reduce watering. Depending on the environment's humidity and temperature, the plant may need around 8 to 16 ounces of water each time.

Light

Angel Wing Begonias thrive in bright, indirect light. The best spot for this plant is near an east or north-facing window where it can receive ample light without being exposed to harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. However, some gentle morning sun is beneficial and can promote vibrant leaf coloration and flowering.

Temperature

Angel Wing Begonias prefer a warm climate and perform best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be protected from temperatures below 58 degrees Fahrenheit as cold temperatures can damage the plant. Avoid placing the begonia in areas with cold drafts or sudden temperature changes for optimal growth.

Pruning

Prune your Angel Wing Begonia to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. It's best to prune in the spring when the plant is coming out of its dormant winter period. Remove any dead or dying leaves and stems, and trim back leggy growth to promote more branching. Pruning can be done every few months as needed to keep the plant looking its best.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for a Hilo Holiday Begonia should be light, well-draining, and rich in organic material. A mix of peat, pine bark, and perlite in equal parts is often recommended. The ideal soil pH for Hilo Holiday Begonia should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Hilo Holiday Begonia should generally be repotted every one to two years, or when you notice that the plant has outgrown its current container. It is best to repot in spring or early summer when the plant is entering a period of active growth.

Humidity & Misting

Hilo Holiday Begonia thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 50-60%. It may require additional humidity measures like a pebble tray or humidifier if indoor air is too dry, especially in winter.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil lightly moist.

• Outdoor

  Shade or semi-shade, sheltered; avoid frost and excessive sun.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Begonia 'Hilo Holiday' begins its life cycle from seed or vegetative propagation, with seeds germinating in warm, moist soil and cuttings rooting in similar conditions. The germinated seed or rooted cutting then grows into a juvenile plant, developing leaves and a root system. As it matures, the plant forms a bushy structure with characteristic wing-shaped leaves that are often variegated or patterned. The mature Begonia 'Hilo Holiday' then blooms, producing clusters of showy flowers in various colors, typically during summer or the warm months of the year. After the flowering period, this perennial may go through a dormancy phase if exposed to cooler temperatures or adverse conditions, during which growth slows down or stops temporarily. With the return of favorable conditions, the plant will resume active growth, completing its life cycle and potentially producing seeds or being propagated again for new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Begonia 'Hilo Holiday', commonly known as Hilo Holiday Begonia, is typically propagated by stem cuttings, a method that is both effective and popular for its simplicity and high success rate. This form of propagation is best done in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by stem cuttings, select a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches long with at least two sets of leaves. Cut the stem just below a node using a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a couple of leaves at the top, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting can then be inserted into a moist potting mix, ensuring at least one node is buried where roots will form. The pot should be placed in a warm location with bright, indirect light and kept consistently moist until new growth indicates the cutting has successfully rooted, typically in a few weeks.