The Begonia maculata, also known as the Polka dot Begonia, or Spotted Begonia, is one of the most photogenic house plants you can grow in your home.
This eye-catcher grows large angel wing-shaped leaves patterned with silvery white polka dots on top and a deep purple-red on the bottom side.
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.
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Begonia Maculata
Begonia plants come in many varieties and hybrids, in different colors, sizes, and shapes. The polka dot begonias are part of the so-called cane begonias. Cane begonias have a-symmetrical angel wing leaves growing on long stems.
Need a plant care refresher? Check out my Beginners Guide to Houseplant Care.
Light
Indoors, the polka dot begonia likes bright, indirect sunlight. A good spot is near an east-facing or north-facing window.
It can tolerate lower light. But semi-shade may cause the plant to grow slower and the leaves to stay smaller. Stems may also grow leggy with more space between the leaves reaching for the light. Consider getting a LED grow light if your house doesn’t receive enough natural light.
Keep your plant out of direct afternoon sun. If it gets too much sun, the leaves can scorch and dry out.
Watering
Water regularly, because it does not like to stay dry too long. It likes the soil to be somewhat moist. Let the pot drain completely before putting it back on the saucer or in its cache pot.
Allow the top of the soil to dry out before watering again. If you are uncertain, you can use a moisture meter to help you out with when to water.
The polkadot begonia doesn’t go dormant, but it will slow down significantly over the winter. So water less and less often.
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 a bit between waterings.
Further reading: Basics of watering indoor plants.
Repotting
Repot in spring in a pot one size up when roots have filled the pot, and or when you see roots growing from the bottom of the pot.
Even if your plant still has room to grow, you want to refresh the soil every two to three years. The soil will have lost all its nutrients and will need to be replaced with fresh well-draining soil.
Make sure the new pot has drainage holes on the bottom. Without those, excess water has no way to get out and will drown the roots.
Further reading: How to repot your indoor plants.
Flowers on a Begonia Maculata
Under the right conditions, mature polka dot begonias can grow flowers. Even indoors.
Most Begonia maculata varieties grow pink flowers. The Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’ is the one spotted begonia that grows clusters of white flowers on a single flower stem.
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.
Humidity
In their native habitat, these plants are used to a high-humidity environment. 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.
Pruning
If your spotted begonia is getting leggy or too large, you can prune it. Pinching and pruning your Begonia will help create a fuller and bushier plant.
Pinching can be done throughout the active growing season. Use your finger and thumb to ‘pinch’ or remove the small stems that branch off from the main stem. This will encourage the plant to branch out by sprouting two new stems where you pinched the one.
Trim back long stems to help your plant conserve energy during the cold winter. It will all grow back, plus more, when spring comes.
Begonia Maculata Propagation
Begonias are easy to propagate from stem cuttings rooted in water or in soil.
Choose a healthy stem from the parent plant, trim it, and remove the bottom leaves. Place in water, in bright indirect light, and wait for roots to grow before planting. Or use rooting hormone, then plant the cutting in well-draining soil. Maintain soil moisture, and provide indirect light. Within weeks, roots will develop. Once established, transplant into a larger container.
For more detailed information, read my post on how to propagate begonias.
Further reading: 6 easy ways to propagate your plants.
Are Begonia maculata plants toxic to cats?
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.
Further reading: Non-Toxic Indoor Plants.
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Natalie
Monday 15th of May 2023
Ive managed to keep my spotted begonia happy, I think, as she is flowering with some pretty pink flowers. However, her leaves have turned more bright red with less green. Wondering if thats too much sun now that we are summer and the window she sits in front of is south facing...
Mod and Mint
Friday 26th of May 2023
Hi Natalie, my first thought was that your begonia is probably getting a lot of direct light for the leaves to turn redder. You can move it away from the window a bit, or put a sheer curtain in between to protect your plant from the strong summer sun. But it does seem your plant is happy since it treats you to a show of pretty flowers!
Margaret Oliver
Friday 16th of December 2022
My polkadot begonia has gone wild while I was in treatment for cancer. It's 4 for tall or so and seriously needs a reporting. Is it okay to do this in winter?
Cath
Saturday 19th of November 2022
Wd anyone have any idea why my begonia leaves keep going soft and squishy pls. Iām not constantly watering it, as I know it needs to dry out a little. I have it on my patio with another similar begonia that is a healthy and happy one !š¤·š»āāļø
GA
Sunday 9th of October 2022
My polka dot has a lot of new stems coming from bottom. Is that normal
Debbie Dyer
Friday 9th of September 2022
Hi my angel wing begonia is tall and spindly. Can I prune it now or should I let it be and wait till spring to prune it? Thank You!