The spotted, elongated leaves are dark green, sometimes ranging from olive to forest green.
Begonia maculata is toxic to animals.
Begonia Maculata Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing Begonia maculata.
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Light
This begonia does best in partial sunlight.
Indirect sunlight is best indoors, near a window.
Soil
The polka dot begonia prefers moist, rich soil.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Ensure adequate drainage is provided; this can be improved by adding perlite.
Water
It’s essential not to overwater your begonia.
Let the top 1/2 inch of soil dry out before watering.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Overwatering can cause root rot, which may eventually kill the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant is rather fussy about its ideal temperature.
Being a tropical, its perfect growing conditions should emulate its native areas.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Temperatures between 65F and 70F are best.
Temperatures below 60F can cause the plant to wilt.
Placing it in or near the bathroom or kitchen will help increase the humidity levels.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Placing saucers of water near the plant can help keep humidity consistent.
Fertilizer
A fertilizer can help liven up the blooms on your polka dot begonia.
Use a sharp, small pair of snips to make a clean cut.
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Pruning Tip
Looking for the best pruners for your polka dot begonia?
We tested over 10top-rated pruning shearsin our Lab to see to it your plants stay happy and healthy.
Propagating Begonia Maculata
it’s possible for you to propagate this plant with small cuttings.
Do this in early spring before the active growing season.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
This plant is somewhat susceptible tospider mites,whiteflies, andmealybugs.
Turn toinsecticidal soapsor run a cotton swab saturated with rubbing alcohol over the leaves.
Refreshing the soil helps cut back on unwanted pests and diseases.
Fungal diseases, such aspowdery mildew, can be treated with fungicides, including neem oil.
Discard affected parts of the plant.
This plant can bloom up to three times per calendar year in optimal conditions.
What Does a Begonia Maculata Flower Look and Smell Like?
Begonia maculata produces hanging clusters of tiny flowers that range from white to pink to coral.
The blooms have a delicate, sweet fragrance.
If your window doesn’t provide adequate light, add a grow light.
Cut back on fertilizing to see if that produces blooms.
Overwatering can also hinder blooms and can lead to root rot.
Keep the surface of the soil clean from debris as well.
Most of its issues occur if the plant is overwatered or lives in a space with too much humidity.
Watch for these issues.
Move the plant to another spot.
Wilting Leaves
The plant may not be getting enough light.
It also may be overwatered.
Check forroot rot, as well.
White powder is powdery mildew, which can be removed with a fungicide.
Then, discard the affected leaves and check that the plant has enough air circulation around it.
Plants You Might Also Like
For most regions, Begonia maculata is an indoor houseplant.
If you live in USDA zone 10, you might be able to grow this plant outside.
No, do not mist a begonia maculata.
Misting does not raise the humidity at all.
If you find your begonia maculata root-bound, transfer it to a new pot.
ASPCA
Bacterial Leaf Spots, Blights, Cankers, and Rots.University of California Integrated Pest Management Program.
