How to Grow and Care for Begonia Maculata

Begonia maculata, also known as the polka dot begonia, is a tropical perennial and one of the most striking begonias. The spotted, elongated leaves are dark green, sometimes ranging from olive to forest green. The plant's spots are a pale grey to silver color, and the undersides of the leaves are a rich burnt orange. Begonia maculata grows best in tropical-like conditions that emulate its native areas: rich, acidic soil, average humidity, and temperatures between 65°F and 70°F. Begonia maculata is toxic to animals.

Begonia Maculata Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing Begonia maculata.

• Give the plant partial or indirect sunlight.
  
• Plant in a high-quality potting mix that is very well-draining.
• Water twice a week and only if the top 1/2 inch of the soil is dry; never overwater this plant.
• Offer Begonia maculata only average humidity.
• Do not keep the plant in a room where the temperature may fall below 60°F.

Light

This begonia does best in partial sunlight. Indirect sunlight is best indoors, near a window. You may want to relocate it occasionally as the sunlight moves around according to the seasons, especially in winter as daylight hours grow shorter.

Soil

The polka dot begonia prefers moist, rich soil. Since it is most often grown in containers or indoors, a good potting mix should suffice, or a sandy loam soil. 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. Overwatering can cause root rot, which may eventually kill the plant. Watering no more than twice a week should be sufficient, but this varies depending on humidity levels in your home; you can gauge the right amount by checking the soil with a finger before watering.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant is rather fussy about its ideal temperature. Being a tropical, its perfect growing conditions should emulate its native areas. Temperatures between 65°F and 70°F are best. Temperatures below 60°F can cause the plant to wilt.

Begonia maculata needs a steady level of humidity around 45-50%. You can use a humidifier, place in or near bathrooms and kitchens, or place a on a pebble tray. However, too much humidity and the resulting moisture can cause problems such as mildew or fungal rot, so monitor your begonia for any issues.

Fertilizer

A fertilizer can help liven up the blooms on your polka dot begonia. A basic slow-release liquid fertilizer in a 10-10-10 formula works fine; use this in spring and apply it once every two to three weeks to increase blooms as needed.

Types of Begonia Maculata

Some plants in the Begonia genus may look just like Begonia maculata, such as Begonia coccinea and Begonia corallina. Here are a few types of Begonia maculata to look for, each with varying leaves and spots:

• Begonia maculataˈWightiiˈ: This cultivar's dark green leaves are dotted with silvery-white spots along with the signature red leaf undersides.
• Begonia maculata 'Tamaya': Elongated leaves have silver spots.
• Begonia maculata ‘Annan Grace’: Frillier leaves have multitudes of overlapping silver and white spots.
• Begonia maculata 'Flamingo Queen': This cultivar produces bright pink flowers and silver-edged speckled leaves.
  
• Begoniaxalbopicta: This hybrid is a cross betweenBegonia maculataandBegonia olbia and is also white-spotted.

Pruning

Your polka dot begonia also needs regular pruning to keep it from getting too overgrown or leggy. The best time to do this is late autumn or after a period of bloom when the flowers start to drop off and fade. Use a sharp, small pair of snips to make a clean cut.

Pruning Tip

Looking for the best pruners for your polka dot begonia? We tested over 10top-rated pruning shearsin our Lab to make sure your plants stay happy and healthy.

Propagating Begonia Maculata

You can propagate this plant with small cuttings. The best timing for propagation is when there are the fewest flowers on the plant, such as late winter.

1. Use scissors to make a clean cut from the plant. Some gardeners recommend dabbing the cut spot with ground cinnamon to heal it and prevent disease.
2. Place the end of the cutting (the stem, not the leaf) in a glass container with filtered water in a spot with bright but indirect light.
3. Change the water every three to five days. The roots take a while to grow, so be patient; it may take several weeks to two months.
4. Plant the rooted cutting in a container with a well-draining potting mix; water when the soil becomes dry, just as you would a mature begonia.
   

Potting and Repotting Begonia Maculata

As your begonia grows, you will want to transfer it into a larger container and refresh the soil occasionally. Do this in early spring before the active growing season. Wait to transplant until the soil no longer feels loose in the container; gently shake old soil from the roots and refresh the potting soil.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

This plant is somewhat susceptible to spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs. Turn to insecticidal soaps or 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 as powdery mildew, can be treated with fungicides, including neem oil. Bacterial diseases, such as leaf rot, can take hold of the plant when the bacteria infect the stems and other parts of plants. Sanitize your hands and gardening tools when working with the plant. Discard affected parts of the plant.

How to Get Begonia Maculata to Bloom

Bloom Months

Under good growing conditions, this plant normally blooms from April to July, and sometimes there is a second period of bloom in late winter (January or February). 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.

How to Encourage More Blooms

Begonias are often thought of as shade plants but Begonia maculata needs a good amount (at least six hours) of indirect sunlight to bloom. If your window doesn't provide adequate light, add a grow light. Fertilizing too much can also prevent flower formation and instead will encourage the vigorous growth of leaves and stems only. Cut back on fertilizing to see if that produces blooms. Overwatering can also hinder blooms and can lead to root rot.

Deadheading Begonia Maculata Flowers

This plant also benefits from deadheading and clearing away of dried or rotted plant material. Keep the surface of the soil clean from debris as well.

Common Problems With Begonia Maculata

This very sensitive plant can be well worth the time and effort of figuring out its needs. Most of its issues occur if the plant is overwatered or lives in a space with too much humidity. Watch for these issues.

Drying, Pale Leaves

If you see leaves with brown patches or turning pale, the plant could be getting too much bright light and becoming scorched and dehydrated. Move the plant to another spot.

Wilting Leaves

If your begonia is wilting, it may not have enough access light, or might be overwatered. Be sure to check for root rot.

White Substances on Leaves

Luckily, white spots on the bottom of the leaves are mealybugs, which can be wiped off with rubbing alcohol. White powder is powdery mildew, which can be removed with a fungicide. Then, discard the affected leaves and make sure the plant has enough air circulation around it.

From: thespruce