Begonia maculata
Description
Spotted begonia maculata or the polka dot begonia is a striking houseplant. The silvery spots on the leaves match the cascading racemes of white flowers that appear in summer. The burgundy underside of the foliage just adds to the overall glamour of the plant!
Size: 14cm pot x 40cm height (Size large)
Care
Light: Bright Indirect light
Humidity: Moderate
Temperature: 14-24ºC
Watering: Keep the compost moist (but not soggy) while the plant is actively growing, ususally from spring through autumn. Allow the top of the compost to dry between waterings in winter if light levels are lower.
Feeding: Use half the recommended dose of a high nitrogen liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks from spring through early autumn, or whenever you can see active growth. Switch to a high potassium liquid fertilizer when flower buds appear.
Soil: A mix of Multipurpose/houseplant compost, perlite, coco coir or orchid bark.
Troubleshooting: Begonias love humidity but do not like their leaves wet, therefore do not mist them. You can help increase humidity levels with a humidifier or placing several plants together. Keep away from radiators or heaters. Crispy leaf tips may be due to too much dry air or mineral buildup in tap water. To prevent this, you can leave you tap water to rest for a few hours before watering your begonia.
Tip: This plant can be toxic if ingested, so we advise to keep it away from pets and children. Direct sunlight can leave sunburn marks on the leaves. We also recommend to keep it away from drafts. Stake the stems so that they don't flop.
Did you know? Begonias come in all shapes and forms, and are actually most commonly seen in flower beds in parks or gardens. The begonias we keep indoors are cultivated varieties, and they are a lot more exotic looking all together.