How to Grow Coral Begonia
Coral Begonia
Begonia corallina
flowerBegonia corallina is a striking Brazilian begonia known for its large, spotted green leaves with red undersides and delicate pink or coral flowers. This semi-woody shrubby begonia grows as an upright, branching plant that can reach 3-6 feet tall indoors. It's prized for both its ornamental foliage and continuous flowering, making it a popular houseplant and tropical garden specimen.
When should you plant Coral Begonia in your zone?
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Example Coral Begonia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Coral Begonia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Coral Begonia blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Coral Begonia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives outdoors in zones 10-11; grows well as a houseplant everywhere
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Get my Coral Begonia timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plant develops root system and new leaf growth; may appear leggy initially
Provide bright, indirect light; keep soil consistently moist; maintain 60-75°F temperature; avoid direct sun stress
Vegetative Growth
2-3 monthsPlant produces increasingly large spotted leaves on woody stems; branching increases; red coloration develops on leaf undersides
Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth; fertilize bi-weekly with balanced fertilizer; increase humidity with misting or pebble trays
Flowering
Continuous, 2-3 months primary flush, then intermittentSmall clusters of pink, coral, or salmon-colored flowers appear continuously along stems; flowers bloom between leaf axils
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity; fertilize with phosphorus-rich formula to encourage blooms; do not overly disturb flowering branches
Mature Plant
Ongoing with seasonal pruningPlant reaches full size (3-6 feet indoors) with substantial woody stems; flowering continues throughout growing season
Prune to control size and shape in late winter/early spring; remove dead wood; thin crowded stems for air circulation
Winter Rest
3-4 monthsGrowth slows; flowering may decrease; older leaves may yellow and drop
Reduce watering slightly; maintain cooler temperatures (55-65°F if possible); hold back fertilizing; maintain humidity
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate infected plant; wipe leaves with alcohol-soaked cotton
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Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; neem oil treatments; isolate plant
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Improve air circulation; reduce leaf wetness from overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide if needed
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Ensure well-draining soil; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; repot in fresh soil if severe
Uses
Indoor Ornamental Display
HouseholdBegonia corallina serves as an excellent houseplant for bright, indirect light locations, adding tropical ambiance with its spotted foliage and coral flowers. Its upright growth habit makes it suitable for shelves, plant stands, or as a focal point near windows. [source]
Floral Arrangements
CraftThe delicate coral-pink flowers and attractive spotted foliage make excellent additions to floral arrangements and botanical displays. The long stems support well-formed flower clusters that last several days in water. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe continuous flowers attract hummingbirds and bees in outdoor tropical gardens, making it valuable for pollinator support in zone 10-11 landscapes. [source]
Air Quality & Humidity
HouseholdLike many tropical plants, Begonia corallina benefits from and contributes to humid indoor environments, making it useful in bathrooms or alongside other humidity-loving plants. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalIn tropical regions, begonias have been used in traditional folk medicine for skin conditions and inflammation, though scientific evidence is limited and ingestion is not recommended. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for food; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; pinch growing tips regularly for bushier form; propagate from stem cuttings (4-6 inches) in spring, rooting in moist vermiculite or water within 2-3 weeks
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Begonia corallina is sometimes called the 'Coral Begonia' or 'Angel Wing Begonia' due to the wing-shaped spotted leaves that resemble angel wings; it was introduced to cultivation from Brazil in the 1880s
- 🌱 The distinctive red pigmentation on leaf undersides contains anthocyanins, which help the plant photosynthesize in lower light conditions by reflecting light back through the leaf blade
- 🌱 Begonia corallina is a parent plant in many modern begonia hybrids; its genes were crossed with other species to create popular varieties like Begonia 'Escargot' and various large-leaved cultivars
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