The polka dot begonia, botanically known as Begonia maculata, is a very gorgeous ornamental plant characterized by distinctive silvery spots with red undersides on bright green leaves. It is one of the most popular plants these days because of its fresh and pleasing variegation. If you're thinking of adding this indoor flowering plant to your collection, here's how to care for polka dot begonias and how to propagate the plant.
Justin Hancock is the brand marketing manager for Costa Farms, which produces more than 1,500 plant varieties on 5,200 acres.
What is polka dot begonia?
Polka dot begonias are sugarcane begonias, also known as “angel wing” begonias because of their bamboo-like stems and long, wing-like leaves. It is fairly easy to grow compared to Rex and other non-cane begonias.
“What I like about it is the overall tolerance,” said Justin Hancock, brand marketing manager for Costa Farms. “As long as it's warm and bright and the humidity is above average, it's pretty okay.” In addition to its spectacular foliage, polka dot plants produce clusters of white flowers with yellow centers on a single stem. Flowering usually occurs from spring to summer.
This plant is becoming a popular choice as an indoor houseplant. “Personally, I think the emergence of polka dots in home designs has also helped,” says Hancock. “It fits perfectly with some of the trendy millennial design themes.”
Anastasia Tretiak
Types of Begonia maculatas
The main Begonia maculata is a classic variety with dark green leaves with white polka dots. However, there are subtypes of the Begonia maculata plant that are similar but unique in their own ways. Here we will introduce some representative types of polka dot begonias.
Waiti has larger leaves and more pronounced spots. Tamaya is a compact variety with much smaller leaves and a bushier growth habit. Curly fireflash begonias have spiral leaves with more prominent spots. Spotted night plants are characterized by dark green leaves with white spots. Although they are very similar, they are a specific variety of Begonia maculata and may not be as widely distributed. Waity My Special Angel Plant is another variety with white, silver, and green markings. Medora has smaller leaves and grows more upright.
Indoor care for polka dot begonias
Given the right growing conditions, Begonia maculata makes an excellent houseplant. “If you're new to growing plants and are comfortable giving them the light and water they need, it's a great starter plant,” says Hancock. If you can accommodate all your needs, polka dot begonias will amaze you and your visitors. Here's what Begonia maculata needs to grow:
soil
Plant polka dot begonias in loose, well-drained soil. A typical home planting mix should work well. You can use perlite to loosen the soil if it seems too heavy.
light
Polka dot begonias prefer homes with limited bright light. Too much direct sunlight will cause the tips of the leaves to turn brown and fade. They prefer bright, indirect light, but can survive in less bright areas.
water
Keep the soil moderately moist to keep your polka dot plants happy. However, moist soil is not good. “Like other houseplants, Begonia maculata can develop root rot if overwatered,” warns Hancock. To determine moisture levels, check the soil every few days by sticking your index finger about an inch into the soil. When the soil is dry, water it thoroughly until water flows to the bottom of the pot.
temperature and humidity
This tropical plant requires moderate temperatures and high humidity. A temperature of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Humidity levels above 45% will help prevent the leaves from drying out. If your home is dry, especially during the winter, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water or use a humidifier.
feeding
For good-looking foliage and flowers, feed your Begonia maculata with a basic houseplant fertilizer every time you water the plant during the spring and summer. There is no need to fertilize during autumn and winter.
Pruning and propagation tips
“What's really interesting, and what surprises many people, is that over time, this can grow into a large plant. I've seen healthy specimens of Begonia maculata over 5 feet tall. “I've been there before,” Hancock said. If your plant starts to grow taller than you'd like or feels spindly because it needs more light, it's a good idea to prune it. “Cut back the stems to encourage side buds and give them a fuller, fuller appearance,” he suggests.
It is easy to create new polka dot begonias from those you have already successfully grown. Plants are propagated by placing cuttings in water. Here's how:
Cut 4-inch cuttings from healthy stems. Place the cutting in a glass of water and place it on a window sill or other area that receives bright, indirect light. Refill water as needed. Roots should appear in 4-6 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, place them in soil and grow them until they take root.
Common issues that need troubleshooting
Polka dot begonias suffer from the same common problems that most houseplants experience. Here are some issues to be aware of and ways to prevent them from occurring.
brown leaf tips and edges
According to Hancock, if the plant is too dry, the air is too dry, or there is too much fertilizer, the tips of the leaves and the edges of the plant can turn brown. Water your plants properly and apply houseplant fertilizer only every other watering and only during spring and summer.
powdery mildew
“If begonias are kept in a darker, cooler area than they prefer, (downy mildew) can be a problem,” says Hancock. Please keep it in a bright and warm place without too much direct sunlight.
root rot
Overwatering Begonia maculata will cause root rot. Maintain a healthy watering schedule to ensure your plants get plenty of water but don't oversaturate the roots.
Draft sensitivity
Because polka dot begonias have thin leaves, they can be damaged if exposed to air temperatures that are significantly warmer or colder than the surrounding area. “So keep it away from heating and cooling vents,” says Hancock. “Also, avoid placing it near exterior doors in areas with cold climates, especially during the winter.”
Begonias don't bloom
Polka-dotted begonias can sometimes be difficult to bloom. If your begonias don't bloom, it may be due to too much or too little water. Begonias need the right amount of water and proper lighting and humidity to bloom. After all, these plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, so they need a jungle-like indoor environment.
To encourage your begonias to bloom, make sure that the soil (loose) is moist but not oversaturated and that you give it plenty of water. It should not be sticky. It should be moist. If your plant is getting too much direct sunlight, move it to a warm, humid location where it gets indirect light but not too much. If your begonia still doesn't bloom, try loosening the soil with perlite or fertilizing it.
FAQ
Are polka dot begonias toxic to children and pets?
Polka-dotted begonias can be mildly toxic if ingested by animals or small children. It can cause allergic reactions such as mouth and throat irritation (burning and swelling) and vomiting. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Can Polka Dot Begonias be grown indoors or outdoors?
Polka dot begonias can be grown indoors or outdoors. It grows best in indirect but bright light. Therefore, planting them in a shady area of the garden is the most ideal option.
How big do polka dot begonias get?
Polka-dotted begonias can grow up to 3 to 4 feet tall, with some reaching 5 feet tall, Hancock said. You can also grow small white flowers in clusters to give the flowers a little more height.