Some Brazilian beauties, no wonder people find it hard to get the Begonia maculata wightii from begonia to angel wings. Both have spectacularly mottled, speckled, drooping leaves in a brilliant ripple of scarlet and silvery green. But a keen eye can tell them apart, and I’ll give you some tips to get you started.
The Begonia macula wightii It is a tall plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall, with large, lopsided leaves covered in distinct silvery-white “peas.” Angel wing begonias are typically smaller, no more than 2.5 feet, with deer foliage dotted with tiny silver or white spots.
Let us examine the various differences and similarities between the Begonia maculata wightii and the angel wing begonia.
Begonia Maculata Wightii | Angel wing | |
USDA hardiness zone | Areas 10-11 | Areas 10-11 |
Scientific name | Begonia maculata wightii | Begonia x Corallin |
adult size | 5 feet (152cm) | 1-2.5 feet (76cm) |
adult width | 1 foot (30 centimeters) | 1-2 feet (30-60cm) |
Rate of growth | moderately fast | Moderately rapid, new growth in six weeks. |
Habit | spreadable sticks | spreadable sticks |
Light requirement: | bright, indirect light | bright, indirect light |
the type of soil | Moist, well-drained soil. | Moist, well-drained soil with abundant organic matter. |
soil pH | neutral to acid | neutral to acid |
Water frequency: | When the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry | When the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry |
harmful | mealybugs, whiteflies | mealybugs, whiteflies |
Diseases | Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot, Root Rot | Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot, Root Rot |
Contents
Difference Between Begonia Maculata Wightii and Angel Wing Begonia

Let’s start by looking at some of the main differences between these two beautiful begonias. Although they look alike, there are several ways a keen eye can tell the difference.
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As the most defining characteristics, begonia leaves are a great way to tell them apart.
the leaves of the begonia maculata They are asymmetrical, with a broad, graceful wing that is deep scarlet below, and an upper surface covered in regularly placed silver spots.
On larger plants, the leaves are often impressively large. Surprisingly, even without flowers, these begonias are often grown exclusively for their beautiful foliage.
Although angel wing leaves are similar, they tend to be smaller, with more symmetry to the leaf. Occasionally they can become stabby and sharply angular.
Although the spots are typical, they look more like a layer of freckles than the large, dramatic spots on the face. maculata. Sometimes the plant can produce leaves without spots!
flowers
begonia maculata It blooms from spring to fall, producing delicate clusters of white flowers with bright yellow centers. On the other hand, angel wing produces flowers in a wide variety of colors, from bright red to orange, pink and white.
Although they typically bloom from late winter through fall, they sometimes bloom year-round with the right light and careful fertilization.
growth habit
Both plants belong to the cane begonia family, and it shows in their growth. That said, the begonia maculata it grows thicker and stronger stems, and while it’s not a bad idea to plant to control outrageous growth, it is possible maculata grow as you please.
In contrast, the corner wing has thinner, more delicate sticks and benefits from additional support. I’ve had great success with lightweight bamboo canes, and even lightweight tomato canes will do. Angel Wing will grow differently and you may explode your treasure.
Height
The most obvious difference between these two plants is probably their height. an adult begonia maculata it can reach an impressive height of 5 feet (150 cm), although a houseplant can naturally prevail with judicious pruning. I recommend sticking with all cuttings, as begonias propagate easily from cuttings when placed in water.
Angel’s wing, on the other hand, is a much more manageable plant, reaching a mature height of around 75cm. They require less effort to control their growth.
Similarities Between Begonia Maculata Wightii and Angel Wing
Potentially important similarities between the begonia maculata and angel wing boil down to the fact that they are both cane begonias.
They are related plants and this shows how fundamental their similarities are. The main light, water and soil needs remain the same for our two begonias, as we will see below.
Light requirement:
These two beautiful begonias benefit from bright, indirect light and thrive best when they are the center of attention in your collection. In fact, they never sleep, and with enough light they bloom even in winter.
However, your begonias will do just fine with less light, although you risk your plant becoming ‘long’, with long stems and few leaves, growing for whatever light it can find.
irrigation needs
Consistent humidity is the best approach for these begonias. Avoid soggy or overly soggy soil, but they like soil that stays moist.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, but maintain a consistent level of moisture below. Depending on your situation, this may be every 4 or 5 days during hot, dry summers, or as infrequently as twice a month during cooler months.
Usually I
I have often found that a plant’s soil needs reflect its water needs and vice versa. This applies to these two begonias. Both benefit from “heavy” but well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Its intricate root systems benefit from something substantial but well-drained. Some experts even recommend growing them in a mix that has more organic matter than soil.
fertilizer
During the growing seasons, both plants benefit from frequent applications of liquid fertilizer. Spring and summer growth is hard work, and the characteristic bright flowers of begonia need a lot of nutrition.
A mixture with more phosphorus promotes flowering and a mixture with more nitrogen promotes more leaves. Regardless of what you want, regular fertilizing will help your begonias perform at their best.
Plagues and diseases
Unfortunately, the same basic similarities in physiology make these two begonias susceptible to many of the same pests and diseases.
Watch for powdery mildew, leaf spot and root rot. When it comes to pests, mealybugs, and whiteflies, your begonias like to annoy you, so keep an eye out for that as well.
Toxicity
All begonias are poisonous, especially the root system. They can cause vomiting, excessive drooling, skin irritation and diarrhea, and make the throat so swollen that it is difficult to swallow. I suggest you keep curious animals and children away from all begonias.