Did you already know what this plant was without me telling you?
Without the plant label, I would have had no clue this plant was actually begonia. A spotted begonia nonetheless! But hybrid begonias are all the rage right now in the indoor plant world.
When I think of begonias, I think of upright flowering plants grown in pots and window boxes in cooler climates and grown as bedding and border plants in warmer regions. But always grown outside. Wrong!
Begonias are semitropical and tropical perennial plants that are prized for their beautiful flowers and stunning foliage. For this reason alone, begonias should be grown indoors as a houseplant for year-round thrills.
Emphasis on stunning foliage because it’s all about the dots. Do you see them? Are you marveling at those silver/white dots?
There are thousands of begonia species because they are so easy to hybridize. Let me tell you about the hybrid spotted begonia zorro because this houseplant is going to make you happy.
How the hybrid begonia zorro is actually a cane begonia
Begonia species and cultivars display an amazing spectrum of flower and foliage colors, patterns and shapes.
The begonia zorro is a cane begonia, also called an “angel wing” begonia that can be identified by its thick and chunky bamboo-like tough stem.
Cane begonias like the spotted begonia zorro have large split leaves with silver dots or splashes on them and can be up to 14 inches long.
My plant is supposed to boast shrimp pink blossoms which I have never had the opportunity to see firsthand as it has never bloomed.
However, I am content with those delightful silverish dots. Until then, I plan on starting to moderately fertilize the plant to see if that does the trick.
The spotted begonia zorro tends to get leggy. But this spindly nature only increases the plants visual appeal as the older canes charmingly cascade over the side of the pot.
In warmer climates like Florida and California, the begonia zorro would be excellent in a hanging basket. But I live in New York where the begonia zorro is strictly an indoor plant.
How begonias are grouped!
Since there are thousands of begonias these days with all the hybrids, they are divided into groups based on their growing habits, as well we their stem and leaf characteristics.
All varieties fall into three groups.
1.) fibrous-rooted type, 2.) Tuberous-rooted 3.) rhizomatous
The fibrous-rooted types, which have a central stalk, are extremely variable in foliage and flowers an include many free-flowering forms.
Tuberous-rooted kinds are mainly summer-flowering, with large camellia-type single and double flowers. Think large, showy flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, red and orange. These are your pot and hanging basket begonias.
The rhizomatous types are distinguished by creeping rhizomes and large and small, beautiful leaves.
Why the hybrid begonia zorro is a such a unique plant
Aside from its stunning foliage and potential of pinkish flowers (keeping my fingers crossed) there’s lot to love about the begonia zorro.
Cane begonias or angel wing begonias as ones grandmother would have affectionately called them are famous for their longevity.
One can also easily control the size of the plant. Their size spans the gap between a foot to several feet in height, if you wish it to grow tall. Or keep pruning for a smaller, more manageable indoor plant.
Best of all, the hybrid begonia zorro is a non-fussy plant. You can probably tell from the photos that although the plant is getting adequate humidity in my bathroom, it’s not getting tons of bright light. There’s only one small window.
Yes…this is probably why it isn’t flowering for me. But still, the plant is thriving all pot bound in the small hanging planter.
Finally, it’s mind blowing how some leaves boast numerous dots while others remain a dark green with barely a few speckles. The leaf variation is extraordinary!
Caring for the hybrid spotted begonia zorro at home – water requirements
I’ve had a begonia zorro for roughly five years now. It’s still alive and thriving as it cascades over the sides of this hanging wall planter. And it’s in my bathroom over the toilet. (In case you were wondering).
It’s not a plant that is particularly picky or complains too much when life is not perfect.
High light exclusive of direct sunlight is of first importance. It’s the bright light that encourages the intensity of the dots!
The potting soil must be kept moist. Drying out weakens the plant, making it susceptible to disease, fungus and bugs. Similarly, good aeration is of the utmost importance.
The begonia zorro never wants to sit in standing water so its roots can be tempted to rot. So never overwater. Once a week is ideal, unless, when you go to water the soil still feels wet. Then wait a few days until watering.
The begonia zorro is strictly an indoor plant~ it’s going to die if taken outdoors unless you live in a sunny and warm climate down south.
Potting the spotted begonia zorro & indoor temps
Plant a begonia zorro in a rich, humusy mix. Cane-like begonias tolerate a heavy mix to support tall growth. Those thickish bamboo-like stems get heavy!
Most other begonias prefer a coarser, more porous mix. So adding sand and perlite to your potting mix are a good idea for those types. Re-pot in the spring or summer.
Most cane-like are not picky about temperature or humidity. If you are comfortable in a temp range, so is your plant. But if the leaves get brown tinged on the edges, then the humidity is too low.
Pruning is essential or the plant will form one humongous stem that will get so heavy that your plants future could be in jeopardy. Even your heavy potting mix can’t make up for the sheer weight of the plant.
Prune in winter or early spring. Remove old and woody canes and even shorten the green ones to about four or five nodes. New canes just starting should be left alone. Pruning is essential to encourage, fresh, supple canes and stems.
This is also the time to repot, give your begonia zorra fresh potting mix for a new lease on life. Begonias like to be slightly pot-bound.
In fact, in the above picture, I just snipped that bamboo-like stem and am currently rooting it in water. I’ll keep you posted on my progress!
Propagating the begonia zorro
Nothing could be easier than propagating the begonia zorro. Because those canes tend to get heavy, it’s a good idea to clip an end to propagate.
I always prefer to propagate in water. It’s almost foolproof! You almost always end up with long, thick white roots that can be transplanted in fresh potting soil when you go to pot it.
However, there’s no guarantee the plant will thrive. It may just die. This is because the white roots which easily developed in water go into shock mode when transplanted into soil.
But more often or not, the white plushy roots do make their way and end up taking to the soil. And then you have another plant for yourself or to share with family or a friend.
Rooting in water has always been much more successful for me than trying to root it dirt, which almost always fails. But that’s just my opinion.
To my knowledge, the begonia zorro does not seed so cuttings are the only way to multiply the exact replica of the plant.
So if you’re really passionate about begonias, you can always join the American Begonia Society!
The begonia zorro sure is a pretty plant. I love leafy shape and vibrant green color.
Me to Cynthia! It’s fun to look at every time I enter my bathroom.
a really neat plant
I would have taken those dots as spots and thought my plant was ill! Now I know better, so thank you 🙂
I know this plant as a Angel Begonia because of the shapes of its leaves. My Ex’s Mom took a piece of a Spotted Begonia from a plant at the courthouse that she and her husband were married at. She brought it home rooted it in water and than transplanted it to dirt where it thrived and she than started several slips to share with family members and friends. She said as long as the main plant stayed alive her marriage would thrive. That planted withstood her husband passing in 1992 and than her death in 1996. I kept the plant healthy for years and starting several new plants for the Grandchildren so they had a piece of their Grandparents to share for years to come. I broke up with my ex years ago and not sure if the plant thrived much after that as he also passed away in 2010. But when that plant flowered it had the most pretty pink hug flowers from it. Thanks for sharing this it brought back such sweet memories for me.
Thanks so much for sharing your unique story with us Sandra, I know they as angel wing begonias as well..it’s the more “old fashioned” name if you will. But like all things….they are coming back in style. I love this plant because it tends to thrive despite neglect. Thanks for being such a sweet reader =)
Congratulations on having your plant a good 5 years! Angel Wing Begonia is the name I’ve always used for that particular leaf shape; AND, those spots are spectacular! Do post a picture if your plant blooms. Thanks for sharing!
i love this plant!!
Lovely variety
love to learn more
Begonias would look good in the copper boot tray.
What a pretty plant
I love this plant!
I think this is a beautiful plant .
Love begonias!!
Great info and tips!
Always thankful for any tips.
My mom grew the most beautiful begonias in pots. Does the spotted ever have flowers that bloom?
Love the beautiful plants and tips are great.
Interesting plant. I have seen one before.
A pretty plant. Thanks for the helpful pruning tips.
It’s a beautiful plant.
I didn’t know spotted begonias existed until now.
what a lovely plant
Beautiful plant.
One of my favorites!!
Pretty plant!
Thank you for information about this lovely plant
I love that it has freckles! I have them too. It’s a beautiful plant.
Beautiful plant!
I have never had a spotted begonia plant, but my mom has several. She was blessed with a green thumb unlike me.
I’d like to get one of these.
I just found this web site and I am loving it
How lovely…. I have to add begonias to my garden!
I dont know why I just have never been a big fan of these.
I have been wanting to try some begonias and now I am convinced that I want them!
Interesting plant. I enjoyed reading the article.
It’s a beautiful hybrid and your tips help keep it alive-my downfall
I’ve never seen this type of Begonia before.Thanks for “spot lighting”it in this blog.I love receiving your emails and seeing all your different post,and learning from your experts.Keep doing what you do.Your page bring Sunshine to my day-Every Day!
I used to have begonias and loved them, but since I moved south I can’t seem to keep them alive.
By looking at the plant, I would think it had been attacked by bugs!
I love the leaf color and I would love one on my patio. I’m enjoying all the information you shared I now feel I could care for it properly.
Hybrid begonias seem wonderful. I do not know much about them, but this is all great info!
Thanks for the information. That’s a beautiful plant.
I have a couple of varieties of angel wing begonias
Love begonias and have had several of the plants over the year. Thanks for the info on them. We plan to try out the raised garden this year for vegetable and floral gardens.
I have many plants but not this one. It is very pretty! Thanks for the info
I like the spotted begonia. Such unique varieties of this plant.