Polka Dot Begonia
Begonia maculata
An evergreen perennial featuring distinct elongated, angel-wing shaped dark green leaves speckled with white spots and a deep red or maroon undersurface.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 4 to 6 hours daily, avoiding harsh direct sun which can scorch the leaves.
- Water
- Water thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Allow excess water to drain completely and avoid letting the pot sit in standing water. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months.
- Growth
- Upright, cane-like perennial growing to a mature height of 2 to 4 feet with a spread of 1 to 2 feet, featuring a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, plant in well-draining potting mix, and feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 4 to 6 hours daily, avoiding harsh direct sun which can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Allow excess water to drain completely and avoid letting the pot sit in standing water. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months.
Soil
Rich, loose, organically fertile potting mix with excellent drainage and a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 11 when grown outdoors; primarily cultivated as an indoor houseplant in cooler regions.
Growth habit
Upright, cane-like perennial growing to a mature height of 2 to 4 feet with a spread of 1 to 2 feet, featuring a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Clusters of small, pendant white or pink flowers appear primarily during spring and summer under ideal indoor or greenhouse conditions.
Propagation
Propagated easily through stem cuttings placed in water or moist potting mix, or through leaf cuttings during the active growing season.
Common pests & issues
Prone to powdery mildew and root rot if overwatered or kept in poorly draining soil with low air circulation. Pests such as mealybugs and spider mites may occasionally appear.
Similar species
Begonia corallina and other cane-like begonias, which can be distinguished by variations in leaf shape, spot coloration, and flower cluster size.