Angel Wing Begonia Leaf Tip Dieback: Water, Prune, and Light

Angel Wing Begonia Leaf Tip Dieback: Water, Prune, and Light

A 3-foot Angel Wing Begonia (Begonia coccinea), started from a cutting 18 months ago, bloomed twice but now has dry, curling leaf tips progressing up the leaf edge, with leaf loss.

Likely Causes

• Soil drying too much between waterings.
• Hard tap water (use filtered/distilled).
• Over-fertilizing.

Action Plan

1. Prune hard: Cut back to 6–12 inches. This rejuvenates the plant and removes leggy, leafless stems.
2. Water when top inch of soil is dry; use soft water.
3. Fertilize lightly, only when actively growing.
4. Provide bright indirect light.

For a pruning guide, email wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com.