The Begonia maculata, also known as the polka dot begonia or the spotted begonia (sometimes also called the spotty begonia), is a beautiful and highly sought-after houseplant. It has heart-shaped leaves with silver spots and dark red undersides. Christian Louboutin is said to have gotten the idea for his famous red-soled stilettos from these leaves.
Native to Brazilian rainforests, Begonia maculata has a reputation of being a little tricky to grow. The key is to make it as much like a rainforest as possible by adding warmth, humidity, and bright light that doesn’t come from direct sunlight. If your spotted begonia is healthy, it might give you chains of small pink or white flowers in the summer.
It’s called a “cane” begonia because its stems stand straight up and have different sections, like a bamboo cane. These are also known as ‘angel wing’ begonias thanks to their beautiful leaves.
If people or animals eat the polka dot begonia, they will get sick, so keep it away from kids and pets.
Polka dot begonias, also known by their botanical name begonia maculata, are absolutely stunning houseplants. Their deep green leaves are sprinkled with unique silver polka dots, giving them a playful and artistic vibe. Turn the leaves over and you’ll discover a pop of rich wine-red undersides. When happy, these beauties produce delicate clusters of petite white or pink flowers. It’s no wonder polka dot begonias are so popular!
While their fanciful foliage may seem high maintenance, polka dot begonias are actually quite easy to grow indoors. Follow this care guide and you’ll have a thriving, eye-catching plant in no time.
Polka Dot Begonia Basics
Polka dot begonias hail from the tropical Atlantic Forest of Brazil so they thrive in warm, humid conditions. Temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal. A humidity level greater than 45 percent will help prevent the leaves from drying out. If your home is dry especially during the winter, place the plant on a pebble tray with water or use a humidifier.
These begonias grow upright, with bamboo-like stems that sprout leaves off of segmented nodes. Mature plants can reach up to 3 feet tall indoors. The silver polka dots vary in size, sometimes blending together in unique patterns.
All parts of the polka dot begonia are mildly toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and children. Contact a poison control center if consumed.
Choosing the Perfect Spot
Polka dot begonias need bright, filtered light to thrive. An east or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct southern sun exposure, which can scorch the fragile leaves. If you don’t have a bright window, supplement with a grow light.
Make sure to place these tropical beauties away from heating and AC vents, as well as drafty windows and doors. The fluctuating temperatures and blasts of dry air will shock your plant. Bathrooms and kitchens provide warmth and humidity begonias love.
Group your polka dot begonia with other tropical plants like calathea and ferns to create your own mini greenhouse The collective transpiration will boost humidity
Planting Your Polka Dot Begonia
Polka dot begonias sold in nurseries are usually in 4-6 inch pots. Choose a container just one or two inches larger in diameter so the roots have room to spread out without becoming overcrowded. Make sure your pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
Use a lightweight, peat-free potting mix amended with perlite, vermiculite, or orchid bark to improve drainage and aeration. Moisture-retentive soil is key.
Carefully remove the begonia from its nursery pot and loosen any circled roots. Place it in the new container, filling in around the sides with fresh soil. Firm the soil lightly and water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom.
Consistent Watering is Crucial
Improper watering causes many issues for polka dot begonias. They need consistently moist, but not soggy, soil. Check the top few inches of soil daily, watering when the top layer feels dry. In summer, you may need to water every 2-4 days. In winter, stretch that to every 7-10 days.
Always water deeply until it flows from the drainage holes. This encourages the roots to grow downwards in search of water. Avoid letting the pot sit in a saucer of water.
Drooping leaves, browning edges, and yellowing are signs of underwatering. Overwatered begonias wilt and drop leaves easily. Stunted growth indicates overly wet soil.
Feeding For Healthy Growth
Like all flowering plants, polka dot begonias need fertilizer to fuel growth and blooms. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Feed every 2-4 weeks during peak growing seasons in spring and summer. Discontinue feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
Make sure to flush the soil monthly with plain water to prevent buildup of mineral salts that can burn the roots.
If you notice few flowers or small leaves, increase feeding frequency. But don’t overdo it! Too much fertilizer can damage the roots.
Humidity and Temperature Needs
The humid, steamy conditions of the rainforest are etched into the DNA of polka dot begonias. Recreate these conditions at home for a happy, healthy plant.
Aim to keep humidity above 45%. Group houseplants together, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier. Mist leaves frequently, avoiding direct contact which can cause spotting.
Daytime temperatures between 65-80°F are ideal. At night, they tolerate drops into the 50s. Keep away from cold drafts and hot vents. A cool room in summer is better than a hot one in winter.
Promoting Bushy Growth Through Pruning
Left to their own devices, polka dot begonias grow tall and leggy as they reach for light. For a fuller, bushier plant, prune regularly.
In late spring and summer, pinch off the tender new shoot tips. This triggers branching lower down, creating a more compact shape.
Remove any dead, damaged, or yellow leaves throughout the year to direct energy to new growth. When pruning, use clean, sharp scissors and make cuts just above nodes.
Easy Propagation For Free Plants
Why pay for new polka dot begonias when propagating is so simple? Just snip off a stem with a few leaves. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water. Roots will sprout in a few weeks.
Once rooted, pot up the new plant in soil. Keep it humid and out of direct sun until established. Soon you’ll have an exact replica of the mother plant!
Taking stem cuttings is the most common method, but you can also root leaves or divisions. Experiment and discover which method works best. Share the plant love with friends and family.
Signs of a Healthy Polka Dot Begonia
When properly cared for, polka dot begonias will showcase:
- Perky, upright stems and lush green leaves
- Ambitious growth and new shoots
- Spotted foliage free of brown edges or yellowing
- Plentiful delicate white or pink blossoms
- Moist, well-draining soil that’s never soggy
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even when provided with optimal care, plants can sometimes struggle. Watch for these signs of underlying issues:
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Drooping leaves – Underwatering is the usual culprit. Feel the soil and water if needed.
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Wilting – Could indicate overwatering and root rot. Check for soggy soil and poor drainage.
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Leaf drop – Again, this points to overwatering. Allow the soil dry out fully before watering.
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Spots on leaves – If dry and brown, it’s sunburn. Move to a shadier spot. If wet and white, treat for fungal disease.
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Failure to bloom – Lack of sunlight, nutrients, and/or pruning. Assess care and make adjustments.
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Leggy growth – Needs more light. Supplement with grow lights or move closer to a window.
With the proper care outlined above, you can avoid most problems. But when in doubt, it’s better to underwater than overwater these tropical beauties.
Bringing the Rainforest Home
Just like we love for cozy blankets and warm sweaters in winter, polka dot begonias crave heat and humidity year-round. It’s our job as plant parents to provide the environment they thrive in. With a little attention to their preferences, anyone can grow a gorgeous polka dot begonia indoors.
The brilliant spotted foliage will instantly become a conversation piece you can’t wait to show off. Sit back and enjoy the charm and beauty these tropical houseplants add to your home!
Growing polka dot begonia: jump links
Place Begonia maculata in a bright, warm area that stays that way. A couple of feet from an east- or west-facing window works well. Because it does best in damp places, grow it in a naturally damp room like the bathroom or kitchen, or put it on a tray of wet pebbles. Avoid misting the leaves directly. Also avoid growing near draughts or radiators.
How to grow Begonia maculata
The begonia needs a warm, bright spot with a steady temperature of at least 15°C, better yet, more. It does best in a humid environment, so growing it in a kitchen or bathroom is ideal. Alternatively, stand on a tray of moist pebbles.
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FAQ
How much light does a Polka Dot Begonia need?
How do you keep begonias alive indoors?
Should I mist my Polka Dot Begonia?
How to make Polka Dot Begonia happy?
How do you care for a polka dot Begonia maculata?
Provide your Begonia maculata with bright, indirect light, maintain a consistent indoor temperature, and keep the soil evenly moist. Fertilize regularly during the growing season, and ensure proper humidity levels to keep your plant thriving. Looking to buy a polka dot Begonia? Find it for sale on Amazon!
Can polka dot begonias grow indoors?
Angel wing begonias like bright light to thrive, but they need to be protected from direct sunlight. Although they tolerate some shade, bright filtered light is ideal. The best place for a potted polka dot begonia indoors is on an east- or west-facing windowsill.
How do you grow a polka dot Begonia?
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 do you know if a polka dot Begonia needs more humidity?
Brown, dry leaf tips are often a sign that your plant needs more humidity. The best way to raise the humidity indoors is to place a small humidifier near your plant. Polka dot Begonia growing leggy because of a lack of light. If your spotted begonia is getting leggy or too large, you can prune it.
