Begonia Maculata, or Polka Dot Begonia is a splashy show-stopper that looks fantastic with its olive-green leaves and contrasting spots. It’s a houseplant that is likely to turn heads in your home, and thankfully it isn’t too difficult to care for. The head-turning Begonia Maculata is trending now, but it’s been around for a while. Plant Size Small: 4 inch standard nursery pot. Medium: 6 inch standard nursery pot. Light Grow in a spot with bright light (enough that it casts a medium to strong shadow most of the day). If it does not get enough light, it will grow tall and spindly, with weak stems and no flowers. In Northern areas, it is usually able to take some direct sun through a window, especially in the winter. In more Southerly areas, it may suffer sunburn if it gets a lot of direct afternoon light. Water Water when the top few inches of the potting mix start to dry to the touch. It is rather susceptible to root rot if overwatered (especially if it doesn’t get enough light). If it stays too dry, your polka dot begonia may develop brown, crispy leaf tips or edges. It may even drop new leaves as they develop. Plant Specific Care HumidityNative to South America, polka dot begonia appreciates above-average relative humidity levels, but typically tolerates average indoor humidity. If the air in your home or office is dry, grouping your polka dot begonia with other houseplants may help. You can also place a small humidifier nearby or grow it on a large pebble tray filled with water (so that the pot sits on top of the pebbles, above the water). FertilizerYou can fertilize your polka dot begonia in spring and summer if you choose for more/faster growth. Any general-purpose fertilizer labelled for use on houseplants will do. Just be sure not to exceed the directions on the product’s packaging. PruningPruning usually isn’t necessary. If your plant gets too tall and lanky, with no leaves at the base, pinch it back to promote more bushiness and branching. This creates a fuller-looking plant. Pet-Friendly Plant No.
Begonia Maculata, or Polka Dot Begonia is a splashy show-stopper that looks fantastic with its olive-green leaves and contrasting spots. It’s a houseplant that is likely to turn heads in your home, and thankfully it isn’t too difficult to care for.
The head-turning Begonia Maculata is trending now, but it’s been around for a while.
Small: 4 inch standard nursery pot.
Medium: 6 inch standard nursery pot.
Light
Grow in a spot with bright light (enough that it casts a medium to strong shadow most of the day). If it does not get enough light, it will grow tall and spindly, with weak stems and no flowers. In Northern areas, it is usually able to take some direct sun through a window, especially in the winter. In more Southerly areas, it may suffer sunburn if it gets a lot of direct afternoon light.
Water
Water when the top few inches of the potting mix start to dry to the touch. It is rather susceptible to root rot if overwatered (especially if it doesn’t get enough light). If it stays too dry, your polka dot begonia may develop brown, crispy leaf tips or edges. It may even drop new leaves as they develop.
Plant Specific Care
HumidityNative to South America, polka dot begonia appreciates above-average relative humidity levels, but typically tolerates average indoor humidity. If the air in your home or office is dry, grouping your polka dot begonia with other houseplants may help. You can also place a small humidifier nearby or grow it on a large pebble tray filled with water (so that the pot sits on top of the pebbles, above the water). FertilizerYou can fertilize your polka dot begonia in spring and summer if you choose for more/faster growth. Any general-purpose fertilizer labelled for use on houseplants will do. Just be sure not to exceed the directions on the product’s packaging. Pruning
Pruning usually isn’t necessary. If your plant gets too tall and lanky, with no leaves at the base, pinch it back to promote more bushiness and branching. This creates a fuller-looking plant.
Pet-Friendly Plant
No.