Here’s how to care for a polka dot begonia:
- Maintain moist soil
- Provide bright, indirect light
- Use well-draining potting soil
- Choose semi-porous pot like glazed clay
- Set temps to 65-85°F and 45% humidity
- Fertilize monthly during active growing season
How do you grow a polka dot begonias?
Northerly-facing windows are another great choice, especially for plants that can’t tolerate bright sunlight such as the begonia. These windows, while sunny, never receive direct light. The polka dot begonia must have well-draining soil to prevent standing water. You don’t need to go out of your way to procure soil for your begonia.
How to care for begonias maculata?
One of the most critical aspects of begonia maculata care is getting the humidity right. Begonias need at least 45% humidity and that is more than the average room. The three ways to get the air moisture levels right are these: grow them together with other plants, place on a pebble water tray, or use a humidifier.
Why does my polka dot Begonia have dry leaves?
Polka Dot Begonia dry leaves are most commonly caused by direct sunlight burning and scorching them. While the plant likes sunlight, it must be filtered to prevent burnt leaves. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning everything there is to know about providing care for the Polka Dot Begonia.
How often should I water my polka dot begonias?
If you ramp up your watering habits in the warmer months, don’t panic. Like you need to stay hydrated more frequently in the summer, so too does the polka dot begonia. This begonia doesn’t exactly go inactive during the winter, so you’ll still have to water it. It will be far more infrequent though.
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How often should I water begonia polka dot?
A Begonia Maculata is a plant that loves to be in moist soil. This means you should water it regularly. Depending on the season, this could be once every 4 days in the summer and every week to two weeks in the winter.
Where should I put my polka dot begonia?
Your Polka Dot Begonia will do the best bright indirect light. It will tolerate medium light but watch to make sure your plant does not become leggy and stretch for the sun. However, do not place in full sun, as the leaves can burn and dry out. Water when the top 50%-75% of the soil is dry.
How do you take care of spotted begonias indoors?
The Polka Dot Begonia prefers a home with limited bright light. Too much direct sunlight will cause its leaf tips to brown and its color to fade. It does like bright, indirect light but will survive in less bright locations.
Is polka dot begonia an indoor plant?
Polka dot begonia is a stunning and popular houseplant that adds style and drama to indoor spaces. It features bronze-green wing-shaped leaves with dramatic rusty-red undersides.
How long does a polka dot begonia live?
Polka dot begonias don't live awfully long compared to many houseplants; on average they'll last for approximately three years. Even with the utmost proper care, polka dot begonias won't live much longer than two to three years.
Should you water begonias from the top or bottom?
So to avoid any issues, it's a good idea to water begonias from the bottom. To do that, simply fill the plant tray or cache pot, and allow the soil to soak it up through the drainage holes. Don't let the soak for too long though, only to the point where the soil is moist again.
Why are the leaves falling off my polka dot begonia?
Why is my Polka Dot Begonia losing leaves? If you notice quite a few leaves dropping from your Polka Dot Begonia this indicates too much water or temperature shock. Check the moisture in the soil and move your plant away from any drafty doors or windows.
Do spotted begonias like to be misted?
Fertilizer: Once the Polka Dot Begonia starts growing in spring, fertilize with an all-purpose, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer every two to four weeks while the plant is actively growing. Humidity: High humidity is important for begonias, over 45% ideally. Can be misted but prefers indirect humidity.
How long will begonias last indoors?
2 to 3 yearsNo begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care.
Are polka dot begonias hard to care for?
The Begonia maculata is a real eyecatcher with its large angel wing-shaped leaves patterned with polka dots on top and a deep purple-red on the bottom side. Another great thing about the Polka dot Begonia maculata is that this houseplant is pretty easy to care for. No need for a green thumb.
When should I repot polka dot begonias?
Re-Potting Since the polka dot begonia is a fast grower, there's a need to repot the plant annually. Look out for roots that are already poking out of the pot. That's a clear signal that your plant is needing a larger container.
Do polka dot begonias go dormant?
They can be a little tricky to water in the winter. Just water less and less often. The Polka Dot begonia doesn't go dormant, but it will slow down significantly over the winter.
What facing window is best for begonia?
Begonias prefer a well-lit east- or west-facing window. Their foliage can burn in a bright south-facing window, and a north-facing window usually does not provide sufficient sunlight.
What window should I put my polka dot plant in?
Light. When grown outdoors, polka dot plants like a spot with some shade. Pick a planting site that's not in low light or too much light or else you can expect the foliage colors to fade, lessening the plant's ornamental value. Bright, indirect light is ideal indoors, such as from an east- or south-facing window.
Where should I put my Begonia maculata?
begonia maculata light requirements Give your Maculata a bright spot out of strong sunlight: direct rays can fade the silvery spots or even burn the foliage. A southern exposure works well in winter months; east or west windows are fine year-round as long as you keep them out of direct light.
Do begonias prefer full sun or shade?
They do best in situations with shade or morning sun/afternoon shade. Most varieties have flowers that hang down a little, making tuberous begonias ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes rather than garden beds and borders. No matter where you grow them, make sure they have good drainage to prevent rot.
Why does my Begonia Polka dot has crispy leaves?
Your Begonia maculata is exceedingly dry, which is the most typical cause of brown leaf edges. Provide your Begonia prefers a steady supply of wate...
Why do my Begonia Polka dot have pale leaves?
Powdery mildew causes white, powdery, or thread-like growths on the top surface of a begonia's leaves. The fungus can also spread to stems and bloo...
Are Polka dot begonias hard to care for?
The Polkadot Begonia maculata is a relatively low-maintenance houseplant. With this houseplant, you don't need a green thumb to amaze.
Where to buy Polka dot begonia?
You can now buy this beautiful plant here at Plantly! Yes! We offer faster transactions online and ensure your plant's safety! Contact us now!
Why do polka dot begonias have well draining soil?
The polka dot begonia must have well-draining soil to prevent standing water.
How do I keep my begonia from overwatering?
You have two defenses against overwatering your begonia as well as other houseplants. For one, get a pot with adequate drainage holes. I’ll talk more about the polka dot begonia’s ideal pot later, but drainage holes are a must.
What fertilizer should I use for polka dot begonia?
Fertilizing the polka dot begonia could also increase the chances of it blooming, so what do you use? I recommend water-soluble plant fertilizer.
Why are my begonias spotted?
Leaf-spot disease can also leave your begonia spotted, but not in a good way. This viral, bacterial, or fungal condition occurs from injury to your plant.
What color are the leaves of a begonia?
The leaves of the polka dot begonia are long and square-ish. The color of the leaves is green, but it’s the white or silver polka dots on the exterior surface of the leaves that really draws everyone’s attention.
What is the best way to remove spider mites?
Since they’re so small, many common household products can remove spider mites. Rubbing alcohol is one such solution and neem oil is another.
How to prevent air from traveling through soil?
I recommend adding soil amendments for aeration. After all, the longer the soil is in the pot, the more compacted it will get. That can prevent air from traveling throughout the soil, and water too, creating pockets of standing water.
Polka Dot Begonia Plant Care Basics
Before we give you the essential tips, take a look first at the plant’s overview. It will help you learn more about Begonia.
Medium Succulent Plant – Peperomia Argyreia also known as the Watermelon Begonia
Medium Succulent Plant – Peperomia Argyreia also known as the Watermelon Begonia.
Begonia Maculata
The Maculata begonia prefers moist soil and should never be subjected to drought. But they benefit from allowing the top half-inch of their soil to dry up before rewatering. If you keep these plants too wet, they’ll get root rot. So, don’t water them while the soil is damp.
Medium Succulent Plant – Peperomia Argyreia also known as the Watermelon Begonia
Medium Succulent Plant – Peperomia Argyreia also known as the Watermelon Begonia.
Polka Dot Begonia Varieties and Similar Plants
Begonias have grown in popularity as a result of their eye-catching foliage and equally stunning flowers. There are around 1000 species, all of which come in various colors, sizes, and shapes! We will also give you some of these beauties. They are:
Polka Dot Begonia Diseases & Pests
Mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, scale, thrips, blackflies, and vine weevils can be found in the cubbyholes and undersides of the leaves, except for the latter, which can be found in the soil.
Begonia Maculata
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What is the name of the polka dot begonia?
Have you discovered the Polka Dot Begonia yet? Also known by its Latin name, the Begonia Maculata, this beautiful botanical is one of the most exciting Begonias around thanks to its show-stopping spotty leaves and gorgeous autumnal colours. It’s a relatively new plant, having only been discovered in recent decades, but it’s already proving oh-so-popular. We bet you can see why!
Why are my polka dot begonia leaves dry?
Polka Dot Begonia dry leaves are most commonly caused by direct sunlight burning and scorching them. While the plant likes sunlight, it must be filtered to prevent burnt leaves.
What is Angel Wing Begonia?
There’s so much more to love about this fascinating plant than its distinctive white polka dot spots (even though they are stunning to look at). This botanical’s part of the Begonia family containing over 1,500 different plant species. It’s also known as an “Angel Wing Begonia” due to the shape of the leaves. But that’s not all – here are more fun facts for you to discover.
When do polka dot begonias need fertilizer?
Also, because Polka Dot Begonias are flowering plants, they benefit from a high-quality fertiliser every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer (or April to September) – which are the growing seasons. They don’t need fertiliser from October to March, as they grow so slowly. Don’t overfeed your plant either, as this can be harmful.
When was the polka dot discovered?
The Polka Dot Begonia was first discovered in 1982 in Brazil by an unnamed Italian researcher.
How to make sure soil is not over saturated?
Make sure the soil remains a little moist without drying out or becoming over-saturated
How big can a sage plant grow?
The plant can grow up to a metre high with the right care.
What color are the leaves on a polka dot begonia?
Its leaves are a deep olive color with bright white and somewhat uniform spots. They are a narrow arrowhead shape, and have burgundy undersides. In the right conditions, Polka Dot Begonia will produce small flowers similar in shape to other begonia plants. They are a white rounded fan shape with a small yellow center.
Why are my house plants' leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are also a common sign of overwatering, so make sure your plant is not sitting in water. Moisture Meters are a great way to test the bottom of the pot to make sure it’s not saturated (which can cause root rot in most houseplants).
Can polka dot begonias tolerate light?
Polka Dot Begonia can tolerate higher levels of light, but be prepared for accelerated growth with more frequent waterings and fertilizer. If you notice a loss of color in the leaves followed by yellowing and ultimately the loss of the leaf, try moving it into more sun.
Are Begonia Maculata Rare?
Begonia maculata, or polka dot begonias, are unquestionably rather exotic houseplants.
Is the Polka Dot Begonia the Same as the Angel Wing Begonia?
Depending where you are located, one name may be more commonly used than the other, but angel wing begonia is indeed one and the same as the polka dot begonia.
How Long Do Polka Dot Begonias Live?
Polka dot begonias don’t live awfully long compared to many houseplants; on average they’ll last for approximately three years.
Can Polka Dot Begonias Go Outside?
Polka dot begonias can grow outside as well as indoors. When growing outside, polka dot begonias thrive when they receive morning sun and remain in shade the rest of the day.
Are Polka Dot Begonias Toxic?
Polka dot begonia’s aren’t poisonous to humans, pets, or otherwise, generally speaking.
How to make polka dot begonia bushy?
Making your polka dot begonias bushy is entirely too easy; simply pinch a quarter of an inch or so off of the top of the plant. Once you pinch/prune it, it’ll begin growing outward.
Why is my polka dot begonia root rot?
This disease is caused by constant overwatering or using the wrong type of soil for your polka dot begonia . Misting may also help lead your plant to develop root rot.
How much humidity do begonias need?
One of the most critical aspects of begonia maculata care is getting the humidity right. Begonias need at least 45% humidity and that is more than the average room. The three ways to get the air moisture levels right are these: grow them together with other plants, place on a pebble water tray, or use a humidifier.
What is the best indoor plant to plant with polka dot leaves?
Although begonias are famous for their spectacular foliage, the begonia maculata Wightii is at the top of the list of beautiful indoor plants. In this article, you will learn how to care properly for a begonia polka dot houseplant.
What is the name of the begonia plant?
Houseplants. Begonia maculata is also called the polka dot begonia due to its silver-spotted leaves. The silvery spots on the dark, olive-green angel wing-shaped leaves create striking foliage. This eye-catching houseplant is relatively easy to care for indoors. The spotted begonia—also called ‘Wightii’—must be one of the most dramatic indoor ...
Why are my begonia leaves turning yellow?
The most common reason for yellow begonia maculata leaves is over-watering. If the soil is partly moist and you’ve been watering correctly, other reasons could be inadequate or excessive lighting, nutrient deficiency, or pest infestation. Also make sure your plant isn’t sitting in a drafty area.
How many care requirements does a begonia maculata have?
Even though begonia maculata is relatively easy to look after, it has some specific care requirements. The five basic care requirements are:
How to tell if a begonia is getting enough light?
The health of the spotted green leaves is an excellent way to know if your begonia Wightii is getting enough light. Too little light—and you will notice that the leaves lose their vibrancy. The green and silver colors may fade and eventually turn yellow. Too much sunlight—and the leaves may show signs of scorching and develop brown, crispy tips.
How tall does a begonia grow?
Transferring to a larger container encourages growth where the plant can reach 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall. Under the right conditions, the spotted dark green leaves will contrast with clusters of delicate white flowers when the plant blooms. Begonia maculata flowers.
What causes powdery mildew?
Diseases and Pests: High humidity and overwatering can cause powdery mildew, botrytis, bacterial leaf spot, stem and root rot. Whitefly and mealybugs are sometimes a problem, but easily dealt with. Toxicity: Toxic to pets and people if ingested. Where To Buy: Buy Begonia maculata online at Etsy.
How do I care for a begonia?
How to care for Begonia maculata: Begonia maculata needs bright indirect light, well-aerated soil that dries a bit between waterings, fertilization every 2-4 weeks, and temperatures of 65°F (18°C) to 86°F (30°C). They are fussy about humidity and need semi-regular pruning, but they’re very easy to propagate. In this article, we’ll share how ...
What is a polka dot begonia?
Begonia maculata, or Polka Dot begonia as it’s often called, is a splashy show-stopper that looks fantastic with it’s olive green leaves and contrasting spots. It’s a houseplant that is likely to turn heads in your home, and thankfully it isn’t too difficult to care for. Let’s get started with a quick summary of begonia maculata care.
Why are my leaves turning yellow?
Overwatering is the classic cause of yellow leaves, but other factors can contribute. Low light – or too much – are possibilities, as well as chills, disease, infestation, or under-fertilization. Brown spots, edges and leaf tips can be caused by heat, direct sun, or over-fertilization.
What color are begonias?
The plant’s exotic look has many moving parts: silver polka dots that seem painted on olive-colored leaves, crimson-colored undersides, and sprays of open bell-like red or white flowers with bright yellow centers on bamboo-looking knotty stems. If you’re looking for something unusual that attracts attention, this over-the-top begonia is a great choice.
What is the mildest form of pruning?
The mildest form of pruning is pinching out the tips. (This term of art means cutting, not just pinching.) The cane tips issue a hormone to suppress branching, so removing them stimulates bushier growth.
Where does Begonia Maculata grow?
Characteristics Of Begonia Maculata. These evergreen perennials hail from tropical forests of Brazil, so it’s no surprise they need warmth, strong filtered light and consistent moisture. They are a fairly fast grower that can reach three feet or more, and their cascading white flowers bloom throughout the warm season.
