Tony O’Neill , expert nurseryman and best - sell author of the famous “ Simplify Vegetable Gardening , ” “ Composting Masterclass , ” and “ Your First Vegetable Garden , ” combines lifelong warmth and expert cognition to simplify horticulture . His mission ? Helping you cultivate a prospering garden . More on Tony O’Neill

{ “ statusCode”:401,”message”:”License paint missing ” }

Its backer flank - shaped leaves feature silver spot , while the undersides are dark red . And although there are several varieties and hybrids of Begonia plant life , the most famous and centre - catching one is the spotted begonia .

Begonia Maculata on a table in a planter image

And the good newsworthiness is that this arresting plant life is not so difficult to take care of . With some help , you may produce your Begonia Maculata healthily and beautifully .

Here are some tips that will come up in handy :

Table of content

Begonia Maculata leaves

Basic Care Tips for Polka Dot Begonia

Begonia maculata are evergreen perennial that have their origin in the tropical forests of Brazil .

They can grow comparatively quicker as compared to other houseplant . However , it does prefer a spot that is consistently strong and undimmed .

For this , one should consider placing it around 2 fundament from the east or west - face window .

Begonia Care Guide Infographic

Also , begonia maculate know humidness , make the kitchen and bathroom great spots for them as they are of course humid areas .

Light Requirements for Polka Dot Begonia

Although begonia maculate prefers to grow under bright , indirect sun , it can survive under low light conditions .

But an unequal amount of light can lead to tall-growing development . If your plant is not puzzle enough light , you may notice the yellowing of leaves .

This may even worsen if the situation is not improved and may chair to the shedding of leaves .

Begonia Maculata flowering

However , you would want to keep your plant away from the scorching afternoon Lord’s Day as it could incinerate the leave-taking , pass off its livid - silver point , and even make the plant life dry out out . This would also require you to water the flora more often .

Watering Routine for Polka Dot Begonia

Begonia maculata does not prefer staying dry for a farseeing time . It is good to insure that the soil is comparatively moist .

However , excessive weewee may even result in sloppy roots that may damage the plant . So , ensure the top layer of the soil is dry enough before you water your flora again .

To avoid overwatering , you should break up a plantation owner with drainage holes . This will ensure that all the excess water drains away and does not cause root rot .

Begonia Maculata in a planter

Your industrial plant must be watered more often during the outpouring and summer seasons . This is because , at this time , Begonia maculata is actively growing .

Moreover , the temperature starts move up , and the Sunday skin brighter , which will dry up your plant more frequently .

However , water Begonia maculata in the winter can be a little tricky . Although the plant life does not go hibernating , its increment slows down during this time , so it does not call for as much weewee .

Flowering on Polka Dot Begonia

Other than flaunting some beautiful leaves and colors , the plant also grows gorgeous bloom . If you take good care of your plant , it may have some extra nutrients to help it produce blossoms .

If you may extend your Begonia Maculata under the right-hand conditions , it can produce bragging clusters of bloodless or pink flowers with promising yellow centers on one single stem .

An outdoor mature Begonia Maculata flora usually blooms from outflow to descend . So , if your industrial plant is not blooming , it is belike because you are growing it indoors .

You may go ahead and cull the flowers when they have full bloomed . This will encourage your plant to make more blossoms again .

Usually , increasing the luminousness can help the plant produce more blossom . So , you may try on let on your indoor flora to the morning or afternoon sun , as this may give your Begonia Maculata a blossom humour .

Fertilizing Polka Dot Begonia

To keep your Begonia Maculata thriving , one should consider fertilizing it frequently – usually every two weeks .

This will aid you get much bigger and more beautiful leaves and allow the plant to produce stunning blossom .

However , it is usually advised not to fertilize your plant during the twilight and winter ; it would need some relief .

For the fertilizer , you do not demand a special solution . you could use a balanced intermixture of NPK to dilute and course your plant frequently .

Pruning Polka Dot Begonia

If your plant is leggy or decrepit , you may well get it back in physique through pruning and pinching .

This will help your plant give a bushier , healthier , and fuller look . You should turn over cut back if your plant has grown to be too tall .

Usually , the best fourth dimension to prune is in late fall , especially if your goal is to assure the length of the plant .

This is because , during this time , the plant is coming to the last of its growing and flowering season and is now approaching the resting phase .

you could dress down the tall stem , which will also assist the plant save some vitality during winter . But you do not have to worry , as the plant will grow back to normal during the next spring season .

On the other hired man , top can be done anytime during its active grow season . All you demand to do is use a fingerbreadth and pollex to pinch the minor stems branch off from the large shank .

If you are going for important pruning , you should do it only twice a class . But if you design to go less acute , you could lop every few weeks when raw growth egress .

Propagating Polka Dot Begonia

Once you have pruned off the stems , do not flip them out , as you’re able to use them to propagate your Begonia Maculata .

With each stem turn potentially growing an entirely new flora , this is a gem for you .

you may even place them back in the plant life to give it a fuller look . Other than this , there are two methods of disseminate Begonia Maculata :

Conclusion on Polka Dot Begonia Ultimate Care Guide

Begonia Maculata is one of the most sensational houseplant . So , even if you have to go the extra mile to see to it it grow well , it is worth it . We hope this information will help you enjoy those lush , big , spotted leaves that will catch everyone ’s care .