Midnight Magic Begonia Begonia 'Midnight Magic' (R)

Water

To properly water a Dragon Wing Begonia, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, roughly once a week, but frequency can vary based on environmental conditions like heat and humidity. Each watering should consist of enough water to moisten the soil throughout the pot, which might be about 16 to 24 ounces for a standard indoor pot size. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water as this can lead to root rot. During winter, reduce watering frequency as plant growth slows down.

Light

Dragon Wing Begonias prefer bright, indirect light away from direct afternoon sunlight which can scorch their leaves. They thrive in east or west-facing windows where they receive some gentle morning or evening sunlight. If growing indoors, a spot that gets 4 to 6 hours of filtered light per day is ideal for keeping your Dragon Wing Begonia healthy and encouraging vibrant leaf coloration.

Temperature

Dragon Wing Begonias flourish in temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit as they are sensitive to cold. The ideal indoor temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is comfortable for most households, to promote healthy growth. They cannot tolerate frost and should be kept in a warm environment during the colder months.

Pruning

Pruning Dragon Wing Begonias encourages bushier growth and should be done when the plant begins to look leggy or after a bloom cycle to promote new flowers. Use clean, sharp scissors to remove dead or dying leaves and to shape the plant, ideally in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning once or twice a year is usually sufficient to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The ideal soil mix for Begonia 'Midnight Magic' should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, such as a combination of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 to allow optimal nutrient uptake and plant health.

Repotting

Begonia 'Midnight Magic' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when the plant appears to be root-bound. Fresh soil replenishes nutrients and provides space for growth, ensuring the plant's health and vitality.

Humidity & Misting

Begonia 'Midnight Magic' thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 50% to 70%. Maintaining this humidity range will help promote lush foliage and robust growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Shelter from harsh sun; keep moist in warm, shaded area.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Begonia 'Midnight Magic' begins its life as a seed, germinating in warm, moist soil where it establishes its root system. As a seedling, it prioritizes leaf development, growing its characteristic dark, velvety foliage. The plant then enters the vegetative stage, where it matures and expands in foliage, occasionally being pinched or pruned to encourage bushier growth. Following the juvenile phase, it reaches maturity and starts its reproductive phase, developing clusters of delicate flowers that can be pink, white, or red, depending on the variety, attracting pollinators and sometimes capable of producing viable seed. After flowering, if conditions are not favorable or at the end of the growing season, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates, during which growth slows or stops and the plant conserves energy. With the return of favorable conditions, Begonia 'Midnight Magic' can resume its growth cycle, or if it was an annual variety, the cycle concludes, relying on seed for propagation.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The Begonia 'Midnight Magic', a striking plant known for its dark foliage and blooms, can be propagated by various methods, including seed, division, leaf cuttings, and stem cuttings. However, the most popular and effective method for this plant is through stem cuttings. During the active growing season, typically from spring to summer, is the ideal time to propagate to ensure the cuttings have the best chance to root and grow. To do this, select a healthy stem with at least two nodes and cut it just below a node using a sterilized pair of scissors or a knife. Leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, especially if they will be submerged when placed in water or soil. The cutting can then be placed in water or a rooting medium such as a mix of peat and perlite. If rooting in soil, the environment should be kept humid by covering the pot with a plastic bag and placing it in bright, indirect light. Roots typically emerge within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be potted into regular potting soil and cared for as a mature plant.