Begonia ‘Corralina de Lucerna’ (Angel Wing Begonia)

There are over 1,800 species of Begonia, and I will do my best to address some confusion regarding the species, cultivar hybrids, and common names of a few varieties in question.

Common Names: “Angel Wing Begonia”; “Scarlet Begonia”; “Cane Begonia”

Note: Begonia ‘Angel Wing’ is a particular cultivar, a hybrid cross between B. coccinea and B. aconitifolia. To make matters more confusing, “Angel Wing Begonia” is a common name used to describe hundreds of different varieties of Begonia. This is a type of “Angel Wing Begonia”, but the cultivar is ‘Corralina de Lucerna’. Though this variety is spotted, “Spotted Begonia” or “Polka Dot Begonia” usually refers to Begonia maculata. Some people confuse “Angel Wing Begonia” with the Begonia hybrid ‘Dragon Wing’ as well, but “Dragon Wing Begonia” has no variegation on its leaves.

Scientific Classification:
Order: Cucurbitales (shared with the other “cucurbits” such as squash, pumpkin, cucumber, melon, etc.)
Family: Begoniaceae
Genus: Begonia
Cultivar: ‘Corralina de Lucerna’

Native To: Central and South America

Growing Specs:

Long-living evergreen perennial prized for its ornamental foliage.

• Appearance: Displays beautiful oblique, angel wing-shaped leaves (hence the name) with undulate edges. Leaves are green with a spotted and frosted pattern of pale white or silver dots with a metallic sheen. The undersides are coral. The long stems can grow up to 3 ft. tall.
  
• Flowering: Pink to red flowers bloom year-round.
• Hardiness: Lowest tolerable temperature is 50 degrees F.

Care Requirements: Thrives in high humidity, good air circulation, and bright indirect light/partial shade. Cane Begonias have long stems that tend to lean over and will need additional support. Make sure it gets no direct sun, as that can burn the leaves.

Propagation: Easily propagated by stem cuttings or division. Cut below a node, and place the cutting in water; it will readily grow roots. Can also be propagated by seed.

Toxicity: Species from the Begonia genus are toxic to pets. Check out my Pet Safety Guide for more information.

Xylem Rising’s Observations: I find that propping this baby up helps to allow it to grow optimally. It tends to lose its vigor if left to lean over. I use a small wood dowel (chopstick) to help support the tall growth. It really favors partial shade, but with more light, the leaves will become more vibrant and will develop brighter spots.

Sidenote: I grew this plant from a cutting I found in the window at a thrift store. I don’t think it was for sale, but the person at the counter let me pay $2 for it.

~CRK.

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All photo rights belong to Cristie R. Kiley. Please ask permission before taking.