The polka dot begonia also known by its botanical name Begonia maculata, is an increasingly popular houseplant known for its spotted leaves and vibrant pink flowers. With its exotic foliage and tropical appeal it’s easy to see why so many people want to add this eye-catching plant to their home. But where can you find polka dot begonia plants for sale?
Online Stores Offer Convenience
One of the easiest ways to get your hands on a polka dot begonia is to order one online. The convenience of online plant shopping can’t be beat – no driving around town hoping your local nurseries have it in stock. Simply browse until you find a reputable retailer that carries the polka dot begonia, place your order with a few clicks, and wait for your new plant baby to arrive on your doorstep.
Some popular online stores for purchasing begonias and other houseplants include
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Etsy – Home to many small plant shops and nurseries selling unique varieties.
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Amazon – Along with general houseplant selections, Amazon offers begonias through third-party sellers.
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Bloomscape – Specializes in shipping healthy potted plants nationwide. Often stocks the polka dot begonia.
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Logee’s – Family-owned business offering rare and exotic plants like begonias for over 40 years.
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Gabriella Plants – Wide selection of begonias available for shipping.
When ordering online, be sure to shop early in the week to avoid your plant sitting in transit over a weekend. Also look for sellers who guarantee live and healthy delivery.
Visit Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
For many plant lovers, nothing beats hand-selecting plants at their local independent nursery or garden center. Though you may not find the polka dot begonia in stock year-round, you can often special request plants from the nursery. This allows you to get first pick once new inventory arrives.
The benefit of shopping local is you can examine the plant and its roots before purchasing. Check for signs of health like:
- No wilting or brown crispy edges on the leaves
- No evidence of pests on the stems or undersides of leaves
- Established root system but not severely rootbound
- Appearance of new growth in the center
Reputable local nurseries are also great sources of care advice tailored for your environment. Ask questions about lighting, humidity, and other care tips.
Some signs a nursery takes excellent care of their begonias:
- Plants are arranged neatly and not overcrowded
- Watering is monitored carefully
- Shelves, tables, and floor areas are clean and free of debris
- Plants are pest free and regularly inspected
Well-cared for nursery plants get your polka dot begonia off to a healthy start in your home.
What to Expect Price-Wise
The price of polka dot begonia plants can vary depending on where you buy, the age and size of plant, and whether it’s in or out of season. Generally expect to pay:
- Online stores – $10 to $30 plus shipping
- Big box stores – $15 to $25 for a 6 inch pot
- Local nurseries – $10 to $35 for a 4 to 10 inch pot
For online stores, the shipping cost gets tacked onto the base price of the plant itself. Buying local allows you to avoid shipping fees which keeps costs lower.
Out of season, polka dot begonias are often more scarce so prices inch higher. The plant’s growing season is late winter into spring and summer. Prices dip when supply is readily available.
For the iconic polka dot foliage, it’s worth investing in a healthy plant from a reputable seller. This gives it the best chance of thriving in your care.
How to Select Healthy Polka Dot Begonia Plants
When you find polka dot begonias for sale either online or locally, what should you look for? Follow these tips for choosing vigorous, healthy plants:
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Seek plants with foliage ranging from bright to deep green. Avoid any yellowing leaves.
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Look for plenty of pronounced spots on the leaves. Less spots can be a sign of insufficient light.
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Choose plants with smooth, round begonia-shaped leaves. Odd shapes or crisping indicates stress.
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Search for stems that are sturdy but not woody. Weak floppy growth is problematic.
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Check for signs of new growth in the plant’s center and at leaf nodes.
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Select plants that are just slightly rootbound. Reputable sellers will have repotted plants that outgrow pots.
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Avoid plants that are heavily wilted, dry, or have crispy brown edges on multiple leaves.
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Never purchase begonias with evidence of pests. Look closely at the undersides of leaves.
With a healthy polka dot begonia from a trusted seller, you’ll be rewarded with a low maintenance houseplant. Follow basic care guidelines and this beauty will grace your home with exotic artsy foliage for years to come.
Caring for Your New Begonia Maculata
Once you get your polka dot begonia home, provide the right care to keep it thriving. Here are some tips:
Provide the Right Amount of Light
Begonia maculata thrives in bright indirect sunlight. East or west facing windows are ideal. Provide 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Reduce direct hot afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.
Water When the Soil Gets Dry
Check the soil and water when the top inch or so feels dry. Take care not to overwater which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out moderately between waterings. Increase humidity if leaf edges brown.
Choose an Airy Potting Mix
Re-pot with a light, fast draining potting mix. Use a porous blend containing ingredients like peat moss, perlite, bark chips, or sand. Begonias dislike wet soggy soil.
Maintain Ideal Temperatures
Keep indoor temperatures between 65-85°F for best growth. Cooler temps below 60°F can cause leaf drop. Avoid drafty locations.
Increase Humidity
Higher humidity mimics begonias’ tropical origins. Use a humidifier, pebble trays, or group plants to boost moisture levels. Shoot for 40-50% humidity if possible.
Fertilize Occasionally
Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid over-fertilizing which can burn leaf tips.
With proper care, the polka dot begonia makes a playful addition to desks, shelves, and tabletops. Let this artistic plant add bold texture and contrast to your home.
Where to Buy Polka Dot Begonia Plants for Sale
The exotic polka dot begonia withstands the test of time as a houseplant favorite thanks to its simple care needs and fanciful spotted foliage. As its popularity grows, more retailers offer this artistic plant for sale.
Check out reputable online stores for fast shipping of established plants. Visit local nurseries and garden centers to hand select the healthiest specimens with help from experts.
No matter where you find them, choose polka dot begonias with vigorous growth and plenty of markings. Supply this tropical beauty bright indirect light, ample humidity, and well-drained soil. With a little attention, this is an easy plant sure to thrive and delight as a long-lived houseplant.
The polka dot begonia adds artistry and texture making it a coveted addition for plant lovers and collectors. Don’t miss out on adding one of these beauties to your indoor plant collection!
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Begonia Maculata Wightii Care Guide | Polka Dot Begonia Tips!
FAQ
Where is the best place to put a Polka Dot Begonia?
Do polka dot begonias like sun or shade?
What is the lifespan of a Polka Dot Begonia?
When should I buy begonia plants?
What is a Polka Dot Begonia plant?
The Polka Dot Begonia Plant, also known as Clown Begonia or Spotted Begonia, is a houseplant with the botanical name Begonia maculata. It is a wonderful addition to indoor spaces, characterized by its oblong leaves with rusty-red undersides and a bronze-green shade on the upper side. The plant adds charm and style to your indoor places.
How do you care for a polka dot Begonia?
Polka Dot Begonias, also known as Angel Wing Begonias (Begonia Maculata), prefer bright light to thrive, but they need protection from direct sunlight. The best place for a potted Polka Dot Begonia indoors is on an east- or west-facing windowsill, as they tolerate some shade but prefer bright filtered light.
How tall do polka dot begonias grow?
Reaching heights of no more than two feet, you can grow one of these houseplants in a cubicle or a small apartment without being overwhelmed with greenery. If your polka dot begonia is especially happy, it might grow flowers. These develop in clusters and are often pink or white.
Is polka dot Begonia poisonous?
Unfortunately, the polka dot Begonia is considered slightly toxic. It can cause vomiting, and salivation when ingested. The most toxic parts are underground. Although it is very rare for pets to get seriously hurt from eating plants, keep this one out of reach of children and pets.
Why is my polka dot Begonia leggy?
· Legginess: When the stems grow more than the rest of your polka dot begonia, it’s become leggy. Prune the extra growth and move the plant to a brighter area, as it needs more sunlight. The stunning, spotted foliage of the polka dot begonia makes this houseplant popular among beginners and more seasoned indoor gardeners alike.
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.