You must have heard the popular saying, “the grass is always greener on the other side.” But does it apply to exotic angel plants too? Can they endure and flourish beyond the windowsill, in nature itself? This article will tell you if you can grow an Angel wing plant outside or not!
The day when I decided to move my exotic angel plant outdoors is forever etched in my memory. The sun was shining, and I had already gained a considerable amount of experience with the indoor plants that made me feel prepared for the next stage, growing them outdoors. After spending months researching and taking care of them, it was time to take things up a notch!
As I held my cherished angel plant, hundreds of questions were bombarding my mind. Would it survive this new environment? Was the outside air and sunlight enough to nurture its growth? All I could do was wait for time to tell.
What motivated me to take this step in the first place? Let’s just say I felt a tad rebellious. Everyone warned me that exotic angel plants were too fragile for outdoor weather and could only thrive inside, but I wasn’t too sure about it and wanted to see for myself.
With a passionate love for my plants, I was determined to prove everyone wrong. Let’s finally address the elephant in the room: Can exotic angel plants grow outside?
Can you Plant Angel Wing Begonia Outside?
Nurturing plants has been a long-time passion of mine, and I’ve tried my hand at growing anything from succulents to vegetables. Despite this, exotic plants have a special place in my heart and the Angel wing begonia was no exception.
I was delightfully enchanted with the beautiful Angel wing as soon as I saw it. Its sparkly heart-shaped leaves and thick colorful flowers made me realize that my indoor garden needed this exquisite plant in its life.
So, I finally mustered up the courage to take the plunge and plant an angel wing plant outside!
Where Should I Plant Angel Wings?
Before venturing into this quest, I had to ask myself where should I plant my Angel wings begonia? Should I put it in a pot or plant it directly in the ground? After some research, I learned that both ways are safe!
But, to be honest, the curiosity, can you plant angel wings in the ground really made me ponder. And, so I decided to give it a go!
Can You Plant Angel Wings in the Ground?
Where should I put them? After careful consideration, I started searching my yard for the ideal place to position my angel wing begonias outdoors. It had to be a spot with good sunlight exposure and well-drained soil – not too much or too little of either one. At last, I found just the right location that met all these criteria!
With a shovel in hand, I started readying the ground. I scraped away layers of soil and cleared any rocks or debris out from within before mixing organic compost to enrich the quality of the soil below me.
Moving forward, I carefully removed my Angel wing begonia from its pot and delicately split up the roots. Then I laid it in the hole before replenishing with soil, ensuring to firmly press around the plant’s base.
After getting it settled in the ground, I ensured to provide my Angel wing begonia with adequate watering – until the top soil didn’t feel dry anymore.
Taking Steps to Retain Moisture
I also laid down a blanket of mulch to both hold in the moisture and drive away any pesky weeds looking for residence.
The Aftercare – Growing Requirements
With the planting done and dusted, I now addressed tending to my angel wing begonias. It was crucial to get the water levels and temperatures right, as well as use soil with proper nutrients in order for them to thrive.
As I tended to my plants, I made sure not to douse them with too much water as excessive watering can trigger root decay. Moreover, I also made sure to let the soil dry out between watering sessions.
To ensure my plant was getting the nourishment it needed, I fed it a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks.
To ensure my plants stayed healthy, I routinely inspected them for any pests and employed organic measures to keep the bugs out.
If you live in zone 10, these plants should easily thrive as tender perennial. I had no problems growing them in my own garden!
Angel wing begonias thrive in temperatures of 60-75°F (15-24°C). Although they can withstand slightly lower degrees, these delicate plants are susceptible to frost; thus, I brought them indoors during the winter months.
As far as the soil is concerned, I used a well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Tip: Prior to planting, make sure that the soil has been readied by removing any rocks and debris, then amended with nutrient-rich compost for improved quality. Additionally, a layer of mulch should be added on top to help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth.
The Results
As the weeks went by, I eagerly anticipated the growth of my angel wing begonias. The dark green foliage and vivid flowers in pink and red captivated me as it grew larger each day. Before long their beauty filled my garden with a spectacular display that left me breathless!
I was astounded at the success of my plants when I took them outside. They were flourishing in their new home, filling me with a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that I had managed to grow them outdoors!
The Challenges of Growing Angel Wing Begonia Outside
Growing my Angel wing begonia outdoors definitely came with a few issues, especially the wind. Since the plant was accustomed to being sheltered indoors before this point, I had to grapple with winds that were often much stronger than usual in my area.
To make sure my plant didn’t get uprooted in the wind, I secured it with a few bamboo poles and firmly attached them together with some twine. This gave the plant just enough support to grow strong and tall without any worries of getting destroyed by gusts of air.
The outdoor environment was teeming with pesky bugs and insects that were relishing the prospect of feasting on my Angel Wing Begonia. To keep these creatures away, I sprayed a natural insecticide every few weeks to discourage them from entering the space..
The Rewards of Growing Angel Wing Begonia Outside
Despite the obstacles, nurturing my Angel wing begonia outside was one of the best moments of my gardening journey.
My Angel wing begonia grew exceptionally in the outdoor environment, soaring to greater heights than it ever did indoors. The lush vegetation and captivating blooms were a result of consistent fresh air, abundant sunlight, and nature’s elements.
The addition of this plant to my garden created a symphony of colors, attracting all sorts of wildlife that I hadn’t noticed before. Butterflies and bees fluttered among the blooms with delight. It was a miraculous sight! This small but elegant plant reminded me how significant an impact something so tiny can have on its surrounding environment – truly powerful stuff!
Conclusion
So, the bottom line is that exotic Angel plants can be grown outside. While it is more difficult to maintain these plants in an outdoor environment than when they are kept inside, careful monitoring and researching the plant’s needs can create a thriving external habitat. When done right, you get to admire their beauty while they thrive outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How big do angel wing plants grow?
Angel wing plants can grow between 12 to 30 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide.
Does angel wings plant spread?
Yes, The Angel wing begonia can quickly and easily fill a container or garden area, thanks to its unique ability to produce shoots from the main stem. These offshoots will eventually develop leaves and blossoms, making this an ideal choice if you’re looking for a fast-growing plant with pretty flowers.
Is the plant angel wings hardy?
No. Angel wing begonias are not particularly hardy plants, and prosper outdoors in zone 10 and higher only. Therefore, those residing in climates with cold temperatures should bring them indoors during the winter to avoid potential frost damage.
What is eating my angel wings plant?
If your angel wings plant is being nibbled on, it’s likely due to animals like rabbits, deer or pesky snails and slugs. Take a closer look at the foliage so you can identify who the culprit is and take action quickly before more damage is done!
How do you prune an angel wing plant?
Pruning an angel wing plant is not that difficult. All you need is a pair of sharp scissors or shears. Begin pruning by snipping off any dead, decayed leaves and stems, then clip shoots that are too lengthy or misplaced. Additionally, pinch the tips of branches to energize its growth into a fuller shape. When trimming your plant be sure not to surpass one-third of its entire development!
