Plants are the top way to improve your house’s aesthetics without a high investment. Buying the different species will not break your bank and will help you add a unique touch to your home. The best part is that you can choose from various varieties such as Sansevieria cylindrica, Begonia maculata, and many more.
If you’re interested in planting Begonia maculata around your property, you must understand the species. This will help you care for the plant in the best way.
Knowing how to propagate the variety will also allow you to grow more plants from an existing one. Luckily, you don’t have to look far to learn these things.
This care guide about Begonia maculata will allow you to care for your plant and help it thrive.
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Table of Contents
- Common Name Of Begonia Maculata (Polka Dot Plant)
- Characteristics Of Begonia Maculata
- Is Begonia Maculata Hard To Care For?
- Is The Begonia Maculata Rare?
- Is Begonia Maculata Fast Growing?
- Begonia Maculata Care: All You Need To Know
- How Often Should You Water Begonia Maculata?
- How To Prune Begonia Maculata?
- How To Propagate Begonia Maculata?
- Common Diseases And Pest Problems
- FAQs
- Is Begonia Maculata Toxic?
- Why Are My Begonia Maculata Leaves Turning Yellow?
- Why Is My Begonia Maculata Dropping Leaves?
- Why Is My Begonia Maculata Dying?
- How Do You Bring A Begonia Maculata Back To Life?
- Where Can I Buy A Begonia Maculata?
Common Name Of Begonia Maculata (Spotted Begonia or Polka Dot Plant)
Many nurseries and plant shops have a vast knowledge about different plant species. However, this is not true for all. Some people may not know what you want when you use the name Begonia maculata. That is where the common name of this plant will help you. The best part is that it is relatively easy to remember.
Polka dot begonia and spotted begonia are the two other names for this plant. They have been given to the species due to their unique and stunning appearance.
This species is native to southeast Brazil, but you will encounter it in various countries. Many people choose the polka dot begonia for their indoor plant needs.
Characteristics Of Begonia Maculata
Begonia maculata is famous for its unique characteristics that you will not encounter in many plants.
Here are the top ones to help you understand and identify this species easily:
Spotted Appearance
This is the top feature of this plant that contributes to its common name, polka dot begonia. The dark green leaves of this species have small to large silver spots.
They offer an exotic appearance to the patterned foliage making the plant highly aesthetic. This is why many people keep it in their homes.
The best part about the dots is that they may give a metallic shimmer under specific lighting. This will make your property look more attractive and help it stand out.
Of course, the plant also purifies the environment and improves indoor air quality. So you can enjoy several health benefits by keeping Begonia maculata in your home.
Red Underside
Polka dot begonia plants are not just famous because of the top side of their foliage. Their underside is as beautiful as other parts of the plant contributing to the aesthetics.
The contrasting red shade beneath the leaves is another characteristic feature. This is the top way to identify this plant species.
The underside of Begonia maculata may also seem purple in some lighting. You may think of autumn leaves at times when seeing your polka dot begonia.
Many people also choose this plant to improve the office interior and offer a breathtaking view to workers. Silver dots and the red-purple underside is present in all varieties of this species.
Unique Foliage Shape
This plant has various interesting features that will encourage you to buy it for your home. The unique foliage shape makes polka dot begonia more attractive.
You can easily see that the leaves have a similar shape to angel wings. The primary difference is that their size is asymmetrical.
The front side is olive green or dark green, depending on the plant’s growth and variety. Meanwhile, crimson red highlights the undersides of the foliage.
Begonia maculata leaves are very green, and this color is the reason why many people choose this plant. It is the best option to add a splash of color to your property.
Flowering Plant
Many people buy the polka dot begonia plants for their leaves and spotted appearance. This is why they don’t realize that this variety also produces flower blooms.
White flowers emerge on one stem and form clusters to give a striking appearance. They also have a yellow center to enhance the plant’s beauty.
Begonia maculata mainly produces flower blooms during the spring to fall period. You must apply fertilizer to the plant adequately to ensure it grows well and give beautiful flowers.
The mixture will provide enough nutrients and energy to the plant for blooming. Of course, the species still look beautiful even if flowering does not occur.
No Fragrance
You may believe that your polka dot begonia will give a pleasant fragrance, especially after giving flower blooms. However, that is not true.
This plant does not give an odor in any condition. You should not expect a pleasant or unpleasant scent because the plant is not a fragrant type.
However, this feature is unique to Begonia maculata. Other Begonia varieties give a pleasant fragrance.
These include Begonia odorata Angelique and Begonia odorata Red Glory. They bloom beautiful flowers with a striking scent to improve your mood.
Is Begonia Maculata Hard To Care For?
Begonias maculata is not hard to care for because of the different requirements. It is a forgiving plant that does not require hours of maintenance daily.
You can easily take care of the plant while working an office job without worry. The only thing you must ensure is that the sunlight and watering requirements are being met.
You should keep the plant in the correct position and provide fertilizer when necessary. As long as you remember the basic needs, you don’t have to pay much attention to your Begonia maculata.
Keeping the species will allow you to enjoy beautiful flower blooms and healthy foliage. The best part is that this variety is easier to take care of than other Begonias.
Is The Begonia Maculata Rare?
Begonias were rare in the past because they’re native to Brazil, but that is not the case anymore. The popularity of this plant has increased with time, and many people bring seeds to their native country after trips. You will also find the plant easily in local plant shops in your region.
Many garden centers sell already grown Begonia maculata, while some provide seeds to customers too. The best part is that you can create more plants by propagating, so you don’t have to worry about buying new ones frequently.
Polka dot begonia plants are also available in various online shops.
Is Begonia Maculata Fast Growing?
A great feature of Begonia maculata is that it is a fast-growing plant, so you will not have long for results. The plant will show an increase in height within three to six weeks.
You will also encounter flower blooms from spring to fall if you meet the fertilizing needs. So you can enjoy a beautiful appearance.
Polka dot begonia plants also grow up to 12 inches every season, showing more growth than other indoor plants. The maximum height this species can reach is 24 inches which are equivalent to 60 cm. Its width also increases with time, and you may see an improvement of 4 inches.
The growing time also depends on plant care. If you meet all the requirements, your Begonia maculata will grow faster than the standard rate. If the growth is slow, you can use fertilizer to give the plant a nutrient boost.
Begonia Maculata Care: All You Need To Know
The best way to care for Begonia maculata is by understanding the different growth factors. These include sunlight, water requirements, soil type, fertilizing needs, humidity levels, temperature, and flowering needs.
If you get all these factors right, your polka dot begonia will show the best growth. So here is everything you need to know about these seven things and how to care for your Begonia maculata plant:
Sunlight Requirements
The top thing to remember is that a polka dot begonia requires bright but indirect light. You should always meet this requirement to prevent the leaves from severe damage. The plant can also withstand low light exposure to some extent if you don’t have a good spot around your house with indirect light.
However, you must ensure to keep the plant away from direct light during the afternoon. This is the time when intensity is relatively high and can harm the foliage.
It can scorch the leaves, and you will not be able to repair them. If you keep the pot near a window, placing a curtain barrier is suitable.
If the light around your house is low, you can use artificial lighting. Grow bulbs are designed to facilitate plant growth in shaded locations. The best part is that buying them will not break your bank.
Watering
Watering polka dot begonia plants can be relatively tricky because the species love to stay moist. However, that does not mean that the plant prefers wet conditions.
So you need to water appropriately to avoid damaging your Begonia maculata. You should also avoid getting liquid on the leaves because they are highly sensitive to water.
The best way to water the plant is by using a long-spout watering can. This will prevent the liquid from reaching the leaves.
Remember foliage is sensitive to getting wet and will suffer because of watering. So the liquid should be restricted to the soil. If you do get it on the leaves, gently dry that part using a cloth or tissue.
How Often Should You Water Begonia Maculata?
The best to determine when to water the plant is by checking the moisture level. You should do this by taking two fingers and rubbing them on the soil.
If the first half-inch or one inch is dry, your Begonia maculata requires water. So you should immediately use a can for watering.
You may also schedule watering if you forget to check to moisture condition. Once every week is suitable, but the frequency depends on the season.
Polka dot begonia loses more water in summer, so you will have to perform the action more frequently. Meanwhile, you can reduce the watering frequency in winter because the plant retains water well in colder conditions.
Soil
A well-aerated soil packed with essential nutrients is the best option for Begonia maculata plants. You should use a standard potting mix for indoor plants with additional perlite content. This will improve drainage and help the species grow better. Adding pumice and peat moss in equal parts will also help you create porous soil.
The top thing you should remember is that the plant loves moisture, so water retention should be high. An orchid bark can help with this and improve your polka dot begonia plant’s soil.
You can also test the potting mix by adding water to it. If it drains in a few minutes, the mix is good to use.
You should also use sterilized potting soil for your Begonia maculata. This will prevent the plant from suffering due to soil-borne diseases. So you can improve the lifespan and help your polka dot begonia thrive more easily.
Fertilizing
Like all plants, Begonia maculata also benefits from using fertilizers. The product offers essential nutrients to the plant for growth. It also helps you provide enough energy for flowering during spring to fall.
However, you must also not overdo it. Excess fertilizing will harm the plant and may cause severe irreparable damage.
The best way to fertilize is by using a water-soluble product diluted to half strength. You must also follow the instructions on the packet thoroughly to prevent adding excess fertilizer.
It is advisable to provide the mixture to parts with limited soil. Their nutrients will be more depleted than other parts.
Adding fertilizer to the plant every two or three weeks is suitable during the active stage. This refers to summer and spring because they are the growing seasons of Begonia maculata.
You should drench the soil using water every once in a while. This will remove excess salts present due to the fertilizer.
Humidity
As Begonia maculata is native to Brazil, it prefers a humid atmosphere for growth. You should maintain the natural environmental condition by ensuring high humidity in the room.
One way most plant owners meet this need is by misting the leaves with water. However, you should avoid this because of the foliage’s sensitivity to water.
Instead, you can mimic the condition by using a humidifier. It will help you maintain high levels in the room at all times. This is the best option because it does not require you to make any effort.
The tool will do everything for you; all you have to do is buy it. Amazon offers an extensive collection of air humidifiers for plants.
If you cannot afford the device, misting will be your only option. You should only water the leaves every once in a while, instead of frequently. Morning time is the best for misting because it prevents fungi from growing.
Temperature
The best part about Begonia maculata care is that you don’t have to worry much about temperature. This plant prefers a warmer environment due to its natural habitat.
So the standard home temperature is primarily suitable for fast growth. You should prevent your polka dot begonia from getting too cold because it can lead to browning.
A temperature range is 65°F to 86°F is the best for growing Begonia maculata indoors. You must prevent the plant from being affected by cold in winter.
Keeping it away from the window, especially at night, is suitable in a chilly atmosphere. Securely placing it in a warm environment will prevent freezing damage.
You may also use a heater in the room to prevent the plant from getting cold. However, you must maintain the correct temperature range to avoid damaging the leaves. Wrapping the foliage in a blanket may also be suitable in a freezing environment.
Flowering
The final requirement you must is the flowering needs of your Begonia maculata. You should let the plant receive adequate light for optimal growth.
This will encourage flowering from spring to fall. Regular fertilizing is also necessary if you want the white non-fragrant flowers to bloom.
Pruning is also essential to give your polka dot begonia the right structure and shape. It will also help you get rid of spent flowers to ensure your plant’s appearance is always at its best.
You must also allow the Begonia maculata to become rootbound for flowering. The plant prefers this condition.
Besides that, providing more humidity in a dry atmosphere will also help with flowering. Simply put, meeting all the earlier care requirements will allow you to help your Begonia maculata flower bloom. If you lack in any way, the plant will not give white flowers.
How To Prune Begonia Maculata?
Pruning is essential to encourage lateral growths to help the plant remain bushy and thick. This will give your Begonia maculata a better structure to grow healthily. You should prune the plant mainly in summer and spring so that regrowth is faster.
The technique will also allow you to get rid of damaged foliage and help the plant look beautiful. Of course, pruning can be done in multiple ways. Here are the two methods you should be aware of:
Cutting To The Base
You can cut the entire plant to its base when pruning. This will encourage your entire polka dot begonia to regrow.
The best part is that this time the plant will grow in the right direction with a more uniform structure. You should make the cut above the leaf node because it is the part from where the plant grows. Shears will help you with pruning.
Cutting The Branches
If you don’t want the plant to regrow, you can conduct pruning by cutting only the branches. Remove the ones with odd shapes and poor structure to make the plant look neater.
You may also cut some leaves above the node if they are diseased or dead. Removing spent flowers also comes under this pruning category.
How To Propagate Begonia Maculata?
Propagation refers to growing a new plant of the same variety by using parts of an already mature species. So you can use your old Begonia maculata to get more new plants instead of buying them.
You can propagate your polka dot begonia in water or soil. Here’s what you need to know about the two methods:
Water Propagation
You will need a clean pair of sharp scissors to cut the plant and get a part with a node. Remember node is the point from where new foliage grows.
So your leaf cutting must include this part if you want to produce a new plant. It is advisable to make various cuttings to increase the chance of getting a healthy new plant.
After that, you should place the cutting in a jar with water at room temperature. Keep the container in a bright room with indirect light for the best growth.
You must also ensure the leaves are above the water surface to avoid damaging the cutting. Change the water once every week or when it looks dirty.
In a few weeks, roots will develop from the cutting, indicating growth. When the roots reach two to three inches in length, you can transfer the plant to a pot with well-aerated soil.
You should also care for it as you would care for your mature Begonia maculata.
Soil Propagation
This step involves growing your plant in soil and involves the same first step as water propagation. You must use clean scissors to take a various leaf cutting with plant nodes.
However, this time you should not place the foliage in a jar with water. Instead, add the cutting to a small container with moist soil or potting mix.
Keep the plant in a bright spot with indirect light to meet the sunlight requirements. You should also keep the potting mix slightly moist for the next few weeks.
Avoid making the soil wet because it will limit growth. You can also maintain humidity by tying a bag over the leaves and removing it once during the day for air circulation.
After a few weeks, the root will sprout and become well-developed. You can check this by tugging at the stem and noticing resistance. If the plant is tough, you can start treating it like a mature one.
Repotting And Planting Tips
Repotting your Begonia maculata once every year is essential to help the plant’s growth. Of course, the species love being rootbound, so you can change only the potting mix annually. This means you don’t have to change the container every year.
If the plant has outgrown the pot, you can change it by shifting it one size up. The best way to know this is by checking the root system.
If it is forming circles inside the container, you need to change the pot. This will allow the roots more room for breathing and improve air circulation.
Here are some other planting tips that will help you:
- Fertilize once every two or three weeks in spring and summer
- Use an indoor potting mix to moisturize the soil
- Watch the leaves carefully for diseases and insects
- Do not water the plant if the soil is not dry from the top one inch
- Change the pot only if the root system is bent and requires more room
Common Diseases And Pest Problems
While polka dot begonias are relatively hardy, there are some diseases that you need to look out for.
Here are the solutions to the top diseases and pest problems that affect polka dot begonia:
Brown Lesions
Begonia maculata is not highly susceptible to pests, so you don’t have to worry much about this issue. Typically, mealybugs and whiteflies affect this plant by sucking its sap. This may cause brown lesions on the foliage affecting the surface.
The best way to tackle this issue is by preventing the pests from attacking your plant. You can do this by keeping an eye out for specific insects.
Removing them with your hand is the best option when you spot a pest. You may also get rid of the insects by misting neem oil or diluted dishwashing liquid on the plant.
Common Diseases
The top diseases your plant can suffer from are powdery mildew, stem rot, root rot, and botrytis. These are caused by pathogens that affect the plant in high moisture conditions. Overwatering and excessive humidity can lead to these diseases.
So you should avoid overwatering the plant by checking the soil moisture level. You can also lower humidity to normal by using an adjustable device. If the plant becomes affected with severe infection, you may use a fungicide to treat it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Begonia Maculata
Is Begonia Maculata Toxic?
Begonia maculata is considered a non-toxic plant as long as you don’t ingest it. If you eat the leaves, you may suffer from vomiting and nausea.
The plant is only toxic when eaten, so you should keep it away from children and pets. However, you don’t need to worry about health when keeping the plant in your home as a decorative piece.
Why Are My Begonia Maculata Leaves Turning Yellow?
Yellowing occurs when you overwater your plant, and the soil becomes soggy. You can fix it by ensuring a good drainage system so that the plant does not remain drenched in water.
Why Is My Begonia Maculata Dropping Leaves?
Dropping leaves can occur when environmental conditions are not being met. This means your plant may require more water or sunlight. Low humidity levels also lead to dropping leaves. You can resolve the issue by following the care instructions.
Why Is My Begonia Maculata Dying?
Several factors affect the health of your Begonia maculata. It may be dying because of bacterial or fungal diseases. Pests may also cause the plant to die.
The best way to prevent death is by checking for early signs and removing insects whenever you spot them. You may also cut diseased leaves to prevent the spread of infection.
How Do You Bring A Begonia Maculata Back To Life?
Pruning is the top way to get rid of infectious leaves and prevent infection spread. You can also apply an insecticide to prevent the plant from dying.
Changing the soil will also help if the plant is affected by a soil-borne disease.
Where Can I Buy A Begonia Maculata?
You can buy this plant from your local garden center, nursery, or plant shop. Amazon, eBay, and other marketplaces may also help you get a Begonia Maculata.
The plant is also available in specific online flower shops.
I hope these tips help you better understand what an amazing plant the Begonia Maculata is and how to care for one. If you have experience or tips with the polka dot begonia, be sure to leave them in a comment so others can benefit.
