Begonia Maculata
Angel-wing leaves in olive green with silver polka dots and deep red undersides, on upright bamboo-like canes. The most photographed begonia, easy in bright light, and prone to mildew if the air is still.
Begonia maculata is the polka dot one, and it is easier than its looks suggest. It grows fast on upright canes, flowers with clusters of white blooms in summer, and only really asks for bright light and a little airflow.
Pinch the canes to keep it bushy; left alone it gets tall and leggy.
Light
Bright indirect light. An east window is ideal. Medium light makes it leggy and dulls the spots. Direct sun scorches the leaves.
Water
Lightly moist: water when the top inch is dry, every six days or so in summer and every ten in winter. Water the soil, not the leaves. Do not let it sit wet; the canes rot at the base.
Soil and potting
A light, well-draining mix with perlite. Repot every eighteen months. Pinch the cane tips in spring to keep it full.
Feeding
A half-strength balanced feed monthly in spring and summer.
Propagation
Cane cuttings with a couple of nodes root in water within a couple of weeks. Easy.
In a hot, dry home
Manageable here. It likes humidity around forty-five percent but tolerates less with some crisping. Keep it away from vents. Airflow matters as much as humidity for this plant, so a small fan in a humid setup prevents mildew.
Begonia Maculata varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Maculata (Wightii)
The standard polka-dot begonia: silver spots on olive wings, red beneath, white flowers.
-
The wider family of cane-stemmed begonias. Has its own profile.
Full profile -
The painted-leaf types. Has its own profile.
Full profile
Problems and fixes
White powdery patches on leaves
Likely cause: Powdery mildew from still, humid air
Fix: Improve airflow, water at the soil, remove affected leaves.
Leggy canes
Likely cause: Low light and no pinching
Fix: Brighter light; pinch the tips.
Leaf drop
Likely cause: Overwatering or a cold draft
Fix: Let the soil dry more; move away from vents.
Begonia Maculata questions
Is Begonia maculata toxic to pets?
Yes. Begonias contain calcium oxalates, concentrated in the roots. Keep it away from pets.
Why is my Begonia maculata leggy?
Not enough light and no pinching. Move it to bright indirect light and pinch the cane tips to encourage branching.
How do I stop mildew on my begonia?
Airflow. Keep it out of still, damp corners, water at the soil, and run a small fan if it is in a humid setup.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Polka Dot Plant
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Every few days
- Pets
- Safe
Calathea White Fusion
- Light
- Low to medium
- Water
- Every few days
- Pets
- Safe
