Urophylla Begonia
begonia urophylla
Also known as: ["Wing Begonia","Urophylla Begonia"]
Overview
A tropical flowering plant with distinctive wing-like leaves and showy flowers, native to South America.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Cucurbitales |
| Family: | Begoniaceae |
| Genus: | Begonia |
| Botanical Name: | Begonia urophylla |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, humid room
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix with peat, perlite, and organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months during growing season; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to lower light in summer to prevent leaf burn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from direct sun; place in east-facing windows for optimal indirect light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid south-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).
Use a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–75°F (18–24°C); prefers stable temperatures; cooler nights (60°F/15°C) may be tolerated.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from vents; maintain consistent room temperature.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), every 3 months with slow-release fertilizer in fall and winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize after watering; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with leaf nodes; can also propagate via division.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting with leaf nodes.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F/21–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also use water propagation.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems to encourage branching; trim spent flowers at the base.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth, spent flowers, and yellow leaves to encourage bushier growth and improve air circulation.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; remove spent flowers; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without saturating the soil; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot due to reduced water uptake.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and dehydration due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; dilute fertilizer; water before feeding; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest parts of Begonia urophylla. The insoluble calcium oxalates can cause discomfort, but severe toxicity is rare. The plant is not considered highly toxic to cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Begonia urophylla can lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalates. The plant is not typically considered highly toxic to dogs, but ingestion should still be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicBegonia urophylla contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause mechanical irritation to the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion. The effects are generally mild to moderate and are not considered life-threatening unless large quantities are consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Begonia urophylla?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7-10 days, avoiding waterlogging.
Q: Does Begonia urophylla require direct sunlight?
A: No, it prefers bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.
Q: Is Begonia urophylla toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Begoniaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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