Angel Wing Begonias are cherished houseplants, admired for their distinctive foliage and vibrant blooms. While these plants thrive indoors year-round, winter presents unique challenges. Adapting care routines is important to ensure their continued health and vigor.
Understanding Winter’s Environmental Shifts
Winter brings notable changes to indoor environments that impact plant physiology. Shorter daylight hours significantly reduce natural light, leading to decreased photosynthesis. Indoor heating systems lower ambient humidity, creating drier air. These changes signal reduced growth for Angel Wing Begonias. Their metabolic rate slows, altering water and nutrient requirements.
Essential Winter Care Adjustments
Light Management
During winter, Angel Wing Begonias benefit from bright, indirect light. Placing them in an east or west-facing window provides suitable conditions, as they tolerate some direct winter sunlight which is less intense than summer light. If natural light is insufficient, supplemental grow lights provide illumination. Adequate light maintains leaf coloration and encourages flowering.
Watering Practices
Angel Wing Begonias require less frequent watering during cooler months due to slower evaporation and decreased growth. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common issue when plants are not actively growing. Water until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess. Using room temperature water avoids shocking the roots.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Maintaining a consistent temperature for Angel Wing Begonias is important, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and no lower than 60°F (15°C) at night. Exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage. Dry indoor air, common with heating systems, requires increased humidity; aim for 40-60%. Achieve this with a plant humidifier, a pebble tray, or by grouping plants. Avoid placing plants near drafty windows or heating vents, as fluctuations and direct air blasts stress them.
Fertilization Schedule
During winter, Angel Wing Begonias enter a period of slower growth or dormancy, making fertilization unnecessary. Halt feeding during this time. Resuming a regular fertilization schedule in spring, when active growth recommences, provides necessary nutrients. Over-fertilizing during dormancy can lead to salt buildup, harming the roots.
Troubleshooting Common Winter Issues
Angel Wing Begonias may show distress signs if care is not adjusted.
Leaf Drop and Browning Edges
Leaf drop can occur due to overwatering, insufficient light, low humidity, or sudden temperature changes. Proper watering and stable conditions mitigate this. Browning or crispy leaf edges indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing humidity and consistent watering alleviate symptoms.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth, characterized by long, sparse stems, points to inadequate light. Moving the plant to a brighter location or providing supplemental lighting encourages bushier growth. Pruning helps manage legginess, but addressing light deficiency is more effective.
Pests
Pests like spider mites are more prevalent in dry, warm indoor winter conditions. They thrive in low humidity, causing speckled leaves and webbing. Increasing humidity, rinsing leaves, or using insecticidal soap controls infestations.