Begonia medora Angel Wing
Quick Stats:
Care Level: Easy
Light: Dappled, Part Shade
Humidity: Mid-Range, tolerant of higher humidity
Plant Size: 30-60cm
Terrarium Size: Very Large
Placement: In Soil
Introduction to Begonia medora Angel Wing
This beautiful, bushy begonia is easy to care for, but it gets big! It is most happy with mid-range humidity, but will tolerate high humidity levels as well. In a garden, it would prefer to be planted below other leaves to create the dappled light effect it loves, but in the terrarium, shade or part shade will keep it happy as well. Plant it in a roomy space in the back of your terrarium for nicest effect!
Lighting, Watering, and Humidity Requirements:
Begonia medora likes to be in a dappled, or partly shady location. If you can set it up with some background decor like cork bark, or a larger plant above it if you have the space, it will be extremely happy. With the size of this plant, expect some portions to end up in full sun eventually. You may have to do some adjusting as it grows to keep it comfortable. Moderate watering is best for medora. Allow it to dry out between waterings and don’t soak its roots consistently or it will begin to rot. If you plant it on a slight incline and water it every few days you’ll have the best results. This begonia isn’t terribly picky about humidity, but optimally you want to aim for mid-range, 30-60%. It is tolerant of higher and lower humidity though, just be sure to adjust your watering schedule as needed if your humidity keeps the substrate extra moist.
Terrarium Placement:
This big plant needs a very roomy spot in the background of your extra-large terrarium. It is classified as a shrub, so it’s going to get bushy! If you plant it slightly elevated from any plants that prefer wetter soil, you’ll have an easier time when you have to water. Plant it straight into the substrate and leave lots of room for root and leaf expansion. If you’re working with a huge terrarium, such as something for a monitor lizard, you could plant this begonia in a hanging basket, but remember that it likes dappled light so don’t hang it too high or near your lighting.
Maintenance and Seasonal Care:
Begonia medora is easy to care for over time, as long as you give it ample space. You can prune back any dead leaves and it will accept some mild shaping, as long as you go slowly. It produces beautiful, showy pink flowers, and will bloom repeatedly throughout the year in a terrarium setting. It doesn’t require any extra seasonal care, and is happy at the same temperatures year-round. It will flower more often if you allow the temperature to drop at night.
Cool Facts:
-It will grow from stem clippings, so you can start new plants from your existing one!
-Prefers a mildly acidic soil Ph, from 6.1-7.5.
-Produced by Eva Kenworthy Gray in 1926!
