Dragon Wing Begonia Plant Growing And Care Tips

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Dragon Wing Begonia, also known by the common names of:

  • Begonia ‘Dragon Wing Red
  • Dragon Red Wing Begonia
  • Cane Begonia

… and is a perennial flowering hybrid species of the family Begoniaceae.

fowering Angel Wing BegoniaPin

Professionally known by the scientific name begonia x hybrida ‘Dragon Wings’, the plant was first grown in South America and is prized for its lush green foliage and colorful flowers.

Another reason for the Dragon’s popularity is its high tolerance for heat and humidity.


Dragon-wing begonias are often confused with Angel-wing begonia.

While both of them qualify as cane begonias and both are hybrid varieties, they are different plants.

Dragon Wing Begonia Quick Care Tips

  • Botanical Name: Begonia dragon wing
  • Common Name(s): Dragon Wing Begonia
  • Synonyms: N/A
  • Family & Origin: Begoniaceae family, native to South America
  • Growability: Easy to grow
  • Grow Zone: USDA zones 9-11
  • Size: Grows up to 2 feet tall
  • Flowering: Blooms all year round
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light
  • Humidity: Requires high humidity levels
  • Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F
  • Soil: Well-draining soil
  • Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
  • Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 weeks during growing season
  • Pests & Diseases: Susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and powdery mildew
  • Propagation: Propagated through stem cuttings or division
  • Plant Uses: Great for adding color to indoor or outdoor spaces, can be used in hanging baskets or as a ground cover.

The leaves are the key to identifying the difference between the two varieties.

Angel-wing begonia has spots or a frosted pattern on the leaves, whereas the leaves of dragon wings do not vary. You’ll find both at local garden centers.

Dragon Wing Begonia Care

Size and Growth

Dragon wing begonias grow vigorously but don’t grow very high – the maximum height is about 2’ feet.

Dragon Wing Begonia plant with green and red leaves and small pink flowers. The plant is in a pot and is sitting on a wooden deck or patio.Pin

This plant is known for its shiny and dark green attractive wing-shaped leaves, which are wing-shaped and long, often growing up to 8” inches.

It is very easy to grow and typically forms a bushy mound. Give this begonia plenty of room to grow.

Flowering and Fragrance

Dragon red-wing begonia produces loose clusters of small tuberous (bell-like) white, pink, or scarlet-red flowers from late spring to fall (till the beginning of frost season), further enhancing the plant’s attractiveness.

Dragon wing begonia is a highly popular garden plant due to its long blooming period and abundant production of showy flowers, even during scorching summers.

Light and Temperature

The light requirements for Dragon Wing begonia are simple. This plant will thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.



This begonia hybrid species is heat-tolerant and continues to bloom, adding color to landscapes even during blazing temperatures.

However, avoid direct sun and hot afternoon sun because it can burn the leaves.

However, it cannot tolerate much cold and is winter hardy to USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

Large red flowers in pot against brick wall.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @doughandsplinters

When grown in other USDA zones, it is recommended that the dragon wing begonias be dug up before the beginning of the frost season or that the containers be brought indoors.

Store the plants in a dormant condition in a cool and dry place through winter.

While the cane begonia can handle sun or shade and can easily tolerate full sun, it is recommended that it be provided with partial shade, particularly when the temperature is very high.

An ideal site for growing the cane begonia variety is one that gets some afternoon shade, good air circulation, and protection from strong winds.

Just like the red-wing begonia can tolerate full sun, it can survive in full shade, but it will affect flowering.

The hybrid Dragon wing grows best and produces more flowers when it receives bright, indirect sunlight (part sun) year-round.

Moreover, this tropical plant needs around 50% to 60% humidity levels. You can maintain the humidity levels with a humidifier or pebble tray.

Watering and Feeding

Begonia ‘Dragon Wing Red’ prefers moist soil, so water the soil adequately and regularly to maintain moisture.

However, make sure not to over-water.

Red flowers with green leaves, dew drops visible.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @ringlespaugh

When watering dragon red wing begonia, watering less is better than over-watering because the plant is somewhat drought tolerant.

The rule of thumb for watering dragon begonias is to let the top 2″ – 3” inches of soil get dry between waterings.

Feed your dragon begonia with a diluted (by half) balanced liquid fertilizer once every two weeks during the spring and summer seasons.

Reduce fertilizing to once a month in fall and winter.

To avoid fertilizer burn, always fertilize plants when their soil is moist.

Soil and Transplanting

Red begonias thrive in light, rich, moist, and well-draining soil.

Regarding soil types, loamy and sandy soils are the best choices for growing the dragon wing.

As mentioned above, the dragon prefers moist soil but doesn’t like soggy soil.

Therefore, in addition to preventing over-watering, ensure the soil is well-draining.

With regard to soil pH, the plant prefers soil with acidic or neutral pH.

When container-grown, ensure there are adequate drainage holes to avoid overwatering.

Grooming and Maintenance

Dragon wings are not only easy to grow but are also trouble-free and hence, easy to maintain.

It doesn’t need any grooming or maintenance, not even deadheading.

Propagating Dragon Wing Begonias

While the begonia dragon wing produces seeds, they are sterile.

The best and simplest way to propagate Begonia ‘Dragon Wing Red’ is through stem cuttings.

In spring or early summer, take tip cuttings about 3” to 4” inches long from the non-flowering stems and root them in a moist, sterile potting mix.

Make sure that each cutting has a node to develop roots.

The division is another method for propagating dragon wings.

But, for this, you need to have multi-stemmed plants.

Examine the base of all your dragon wing begonias and choose the one with more than one base stem.

Dig up the plant before the first frost, separate the stems, and replant them individually.

Dragon Wing Pest or Diseases

Angel Wing begonias are prone to pests, including aphids, mealybugs, mites, thrips, and whitefly infestations.

It can sometimes get affected by chewing insects, root rot (overwatering), and powdery mildew, but they hardly ever go beyond control.

Avoid over-watering or planting in poorly draining soil, as wet soils can lead to root rot.

Red-wing begonia attracts hummingbirds but is deer and rabbit-resistant.

Dragon Wing Begonia Uses

Due to its ease of growth, low maintenance, beautiful clusters of flowers, colorful blossoms, and long blooming period, dragon begonia is widely grown in gardens, parks, and as a houseplant.

Vibrant red begonia flowers with glossy leaves.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @appy_mg

While they are planted anywhere, they particularly make great displays when grown in beds and borders, pergolas, patios, and window boxes, hanging baskets.

Because of its constant bloom, this plant also works well as an accent or edging in shade gardens, mass plantings, and large planters.