Begonia Maculata Double Dot Care Guide

Begonia Maculata Double Dot is a mesmerizing house plant that grows stunning spotted foliage. The angel wing-shaped leaves are covered with at least double the amount of silvery white polka dots as the regular polka dot Begonia.

Give your Begonia maculata double dot bright, indirect light, and keep the soil evenly moist. Fertilize regularly during the growing season, and ensure proper humidity levels to keep your plant growing healthy.

Want to buy a Begonia double dot? Find it for sale on Amazon!

Scientific name: Begonia Maculata ‘Double Dot’. Common names: Double Dot Begonia, Double Polka Dot Begonia, Spotty Begonia.

Begonia Maculata Double Dot

Begonias come in a wide variety, in different colors, sizes, and shapes. Begonia maculata double dot is one of the so-called cane begonias. These begonias grow a-symmetrical angel wing leaves.

It was cultivated in 1998 by Charles McGough, a member of the Amerian Begonia Society.

The double dot Begonia has a moderate growth rate and grows more compact than the regular Polka Dot Begonia.

Related reading: House Plant Care for Beginners.

Light Requirements

The Double Dot Begonia thrives in bright, indirect light indoors. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves.

It can grow in less light. But semi-shade will make the plant grow slower and the leaves stay smaller. Stems can also grow leggy with more space between the leaves reaching for the light. Consider using a grow light if your house doesn’t receive a lot of natural light.   

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top layer of the soil feels dry to the touch. If you are uncertain, you can use a moisture meter to help you out with when to water. For more information, read my posts on when to water indoor plants and how to use a moisture meter.

If the leaves of your plant turn pale and yellow, it’s usually a sign of overwatering. Water less often to give the soil and roots time to dry out more between waterings.

Humidity

Maintaining adequate humidity levels is crucial for your indoor Begonia Maculata Double Dot. Brown, dry leaf tips are often a sign that your plant needs more humidity.

If your home has dry air, you can regularly mist the leaves to (temporarily) up the humidity. But the best way to raise humidity is by placing a small humidifier near your plant.

Fertilizing

Feed with a diluted liquid plant fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Be sure the soil is damp before fertilizing and avoid fertilizing in winter when growth slows down.

Begonia Maculata Double Dot Propagation

Propagation is relatively straightforward and can be done by rooting stem cuttings in water or soil.

Trim a healthy stem from the parent plant, and remove the bottom leaves. Place in water, keep it in bright indirect light, and wait for roots to grow before planting. Or plant the cutting directly in well-draining soil. Water sparingly until you see new growth.

For more detailed information, read my post on pruning and propagating angel wing Begonias.

Flowers

Under the right conditions, mature indoor double-dot begonias can grow clusters of small pink flowers. Don’t worry if your plant doesn’t bloom. Many indoor begonias don’t flower at all. If they do, it is usually in spring or early summer.

Is the Begonia Maculata Toxic to Cats?

Begonia Maculata ‘Double Dot’ is considered toxic to cats if ingested. It contains insoluble oxalates that can cause vomiting and salivation if consumed. Although it is very rare for pets to get seriously hurt from eating plants, keep this one out of reach of curious children and pets.

Related reading: Non-Toxic Indoor Plants.