Elegant and full of character, Begonia ‘Sophie Cecile’ is a beautiful cane Begonia grown for its angel wing-shaped leaves, decorated with shimmering silver spots against rich green foliage. As the plant matures, it produces clusters of soft pink flowers that dangle gracefully above the leaves, making it a stunning choice for bright indoor spaces.
Scientific Name
Begonia × corallina ‘Sophie Cecile’
‘Sophie Cecile’ is a cane-type Begonia, belonging to a group of hybrids developed from South American Begonia species. It is prized for its vigorous growth, striking spotted foliage and impressive floral display.
Common Name(s)
Angel Wing Begonia, Cane Begonia, Sophie Cecile Begonia
Origin
Cultivar developed from Begonia species native to the tropical forests of South America.
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. A little gentle morning or late afternoon sun is beneficial, but avoid strong midday sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Water
Allow the top 2–3cm of compost to dry before watering thoroughly. Cane Begonias prefer to dry slightly between waterings and dislike sitting in wet compost. Water less frequently during winter.
Humidity
Enjoys average to moderately high humidity but adapts well to typical household conditions. Avoid misting directly onto the foliage, as prolonged moisture can encourage fungal problems.
Soil
Plant in a light, free-draining houseplant compost enriched with perlite and a little fine orchid bark. Good drainage is essential to keep the roots healthy. Repot every 2–3 years or when rootbound.
Food
Feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser at half strength to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Temp
Thrives between 18–24°C. Protect from temperatures below 12°C and avoid cold draughts.
Pet-safe
No. Toxic if ingested, so keep out of reach of cats, dogs and other pets.
Sprouts Top Tips
Pinch out the growing tips occasionally to encourage a bushier, fuller plant. Mature stems can become tall over time, so don’t be afraid to prune them back in spring if needed. With plenty of bright, indirect light, ‘Sophie Cecile’ will reward you with both spectacular foliage and beautiful clusters of flowers.
Extras
Very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply cut a healthy stem below a node and root it in water or moist compost during spring or summer.
Did You Know?
Unlike many Begonias grown purely for their foliage, ‘Sophie Cecile’ is celebrated for offering the best of both worlds—its silver-spotted leaves provide year-round interest, while mature plants can produce abundant clusters of delicate pink flowers for many months of the year.
