Polka Dot Begonia
Begonia maculata
Begonia maculata is a cane-stemmed begonia characterized by its distinctive dark green, angel-wing shaped leaves adorned with silvery-white spots and deep red undersides.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours per day; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorching.
- Water
- Water thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Drought tolerance is low, and overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Growth
- Perennial cane-growing subshrub with an upright and slightly arching growth form, reaching mature heights of 2 to 5 feet with a spread of 1 to 3 feet.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight, and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Use a well-draining potting mix and feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours per day; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorching.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Drought tolerance is low, and overwatering can lead to root rot.
Soil
Rich, well-draining potting mix with organic matter and a slightly acidic pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 10 to 11; grown primarily as a houseplant in cooler temperate regions.
Growth habit
Perennial cane-growing subshrub with an upright and slightly arching growth form, reaching mature heights of 2 to 5 feet with a spread of 1 to 3 feet.
Bloom season
Clusters of small, delicate pink or white flowers appear during spring and summer.
Propagation
Propagated easily through stem cuttings placed in water or moist propagation mix during the spring or summer growing season.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis if humidity is too high with poor airflow. Pests include mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats, which can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Similar species
Begonia corallina and other angel-wing begonia hybrids, distinguished primarily by the specific shape, depth of green, and pattern of silvery dots on the foliage.