Orange Rubra Begonia Begonia 'Orange Rubra' (C)

Water

The Begonia 'Orange Rubra', commonly known as Angel Wing Begonia, should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once a week, but the frequency may increase to twice a week during the warmer months or if it's in a particularly dry environment. When watering, use enough water to moisten the soil evenly throughout the pot, which can be around 16 to 32 ounces depending on the size of the plant and pot. Avoid shallow watering, as this can lead to poor root development. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating and causing root rot.

Light

Angel Wing Begonia thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves. The ideal spot would be near an east or north-facing window where it can receive plenty of light without the harshness of the midday sun. If natural light is limited, consider using grow lights to supplement the Begonia's light needs.

Temperature

Angel Wing Begonia prefers a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to temperatures below this as it can cause damage to the plant. They should be kept away from drafts and sudden temperature changes to prevent stress.

Pruning

Prune your Angel Wing Begonia to encourage a bushier growth habit and to remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Pruning is best done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut back any long, leggy stems to a node to promote new growth. Pruning every couple of months or as needed will help maintain the shape and health of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Orange Rubra Begonia should be light, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. A mixture of two parts peat, one part pine bark, and one part perlite or coarse sand works well. Ensure the mix has a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 5.5 and 7.0, as this suits the plant's needs for growth and flowering.

Repotting

Orange Rubra Begonia should be repotted annually or biennially. If the plant has outgrown its pot or the soil has significantly deteriorated, it's time to repot. The ideal period for repotting is during the spring or summer when the plant is in its active growing phase.

Humidity & Misting

Orange Rubra Begonia thrives best in high humidity levels, between 50-70%. Keeping these plants in a humid environment is essential for their growth, as low humidity levels can lead to leaf drop and inhibit blooming.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright, indirect light and high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Place in shaded area; protect from direct sun and frost.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Begonia 'Orange Rubra' begins life as a seed or more commonly from leaf cuttings or division, which are planted in well-draining soil with high humidity and indirect light. The cutting or divided rhizome sprouts roots and shoots, growing into a young plant with characteristic asymmetrical leaves and a thick stem. As the plant matures, it develops its vibrant orange-red flowers, often in the warmer months, given sufficient light but not direct midday sunlight. Following pollination, which is usually carried out by insects, the flowers may produce winged seed capsules that, once dried, release the tiny seeds to propagate the next generation, but many gardeners prefer vegetative propagation for maintaining cultivar traits. In its perennial lifecycle, Begonia 'Orange Rubra' enters a dormancy period during cooler temperatures or reduced daylight, where it may lose some leaves and appear to rest. With the return of favorable growing conditions, such as increased temperature and longer daylight hours, it resumes growth, continuing its cycle year after year.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The Begonia 'Orange Rubra', commonly known as Begonia, can be propagated most effectively via stem cuttings. This method is particularly advantageous due to its relative simplicity and high success rate. The ideal time for taking stem cuttings is during the active growing season, usually in late spring or early summer. To propagate, a healthy stem cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long with at least one node (where leaves are attached) is taken using a sterile, sharp instrument. The cutting is then inserted into a moist potting mix or a water vessel until new roots form, which can take a few weeks. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be transplanted into its own pot with fresh potting soil and cared for as an independent plant. It's crucial to keep conditions favorable, with indirect light and consistently moist soil during the rooting period.