Polka Dot Begonia
Begonia maculata
An upright cane-stemmed perennial featuring distinctive dark green, asymmetrical, angel-wing shaped leaves adorned with silvery-white spots and deep red undersides.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours per day; protect from harsh direct afternoon sun.
- Water
- Water thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, and reduce watering slightly during the winter months.
- Growth
- Cane-like, upright perennial growing up to 2 to 5 feet tall with a clumping spread of 1 to 2 feet, featuring moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix and feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours per day; protect from harsh direct afternoon sun.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, and reduce watering slightly during the winter months.
Soil
Rich, well-draining potting soil with high organic matter, ideally with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA hardiness zones 10 through 11; typically grown as an indoor houseplant in cooler climates.
Growth habit
Cane-like, upright perennial growing up to 2 to 5 feet tall with a clumping spread of 1 to 2 feet, featuring moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Spring and summer, producing drooping clusters of small white or pink flowers.
Propagation
Easily propagated through stem cuttings placed in water or moist potting mix during the spring or summer months.
Common pests & issues
Prone to powdery mildew and botrytis if air circulation is poor and humidity is excessively high. Root rot can occur from waterlogged soil.
Similar species
Begonia corallina and other cane begonias, distinguished primarily by the specific shape and density of the silvery foliar spots and underside coloration.