Scarlet Begonia (Begonia coccinea) – Flowering plants

Scarlet Begonia (Begonia coccinea) is the most popular ornamental perennial flowering plant. It has thick, jointed stems and fairly large nodes. The leaves are 4-6 inches long and 2-3 inches wide, glossy, Angel wings-like shaped with slightly toothed, undulate edges and the leaf surface is grass green-tinged at the edges with red above and dull red bellow. It produces waxy, coral red flowers that appear in large, drooping clusters on red stalks from early summer to mid-autumn.

The flowers are irregular, unisexual, and in axillary, pendulous cymes with red peduncles. The male flowers have two large, pink tepals and two small tepals in opposite pairs at right angles to each other. There are numerous stamens with short filaments and yellow anthers. The female flowers have five pink tepals of unequal sizes attaches above the inferior ovary. The ovary is three-winged and dark pink with three styles and a golden yellow, convoluted stigma. The fruit is a triangular capsule, up to 3 inches long and three winged. Scarlet Begonia is a perfect choice for brightening any room and decorative on a small table or windowsill.

Scientific classification:

Family: Begoniaceae
Genus: Begonia
Species: B. coccinea
Scientific Name: Begonia coccinea Hook.
Synonyms: Pritzelia coccinea
Common Names: Angel Wing Begonia Plant, Scarlet Begonia, Coral Begonia, Begonia Dragon Wing, Cane Begonia

How to grow and care for Scarlet Begonia (Begonia coccinea)

Light

It grows well in bright indirect sunlight originating from a south, east, or west window. It also thrives under fluorescent lights. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the leaves.

Soil

It requires a well-drained, peat moss-based soil, such as African violet potting mix.

Water

Water your plant regularly during the growing season and always keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. You can allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out between each watering. During the winter months, reduce watering. Overwatering will cause leaves to turn yellow.

Temperature

It prefers an average room temperature of 65 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit / 18 – 24 degrees Celsius. Begonia is not cold-tolerant and can be harmed by temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit / 13 degrees Celsius.

Fertilizer

Feed every two weeks spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Do not feed your plant during the dormant period.

Pruning

To keep your Scarlet Begonia well-formed and within the size, you can manage indoors, prune back stems and pinch out stem tips that are growing too tall. Pruning will encourage new growth making the plant look much rounder and healthier.

Propagation

Scarlet Begonia can be easily propagated by stem cuttings or stem cutting. Take stem cuttings in spring and root in fresh potting mix. Keep the soil lightly moist. Cover the whole container and plant with a plastic bag or cloche to hold in humidity. Begonia seeds are slow to germinate. You can sow seeds in the spring, but it can take several months to grow.

Pests and Diseases

Begonia has no serious pest or disease problems. It is susceptible to attacks from spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids.