🌿 Begonia maculata ‘Polka Dot’
Begonia maculata, commonly known as the Polka Dot Begonia, is a spectacular houseplant recognized for its elongated, asymmetrical leaves covered in distinctive silver-white spots. The undersides are often a rich burgundy-red, creating a beautiful contrast.
☀️ Light: Bright, indirect light. Gentle morning sun is fine, but avoid strong direct afternoon sunlight.
💧 Water: Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil feels dry. Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy.
🌱 Soil: Use a loose, well-draining mix with potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark.
💦 Humidity: Enjoys moderate to high humidity, ideally around 50–70%, but good airflow is important.
🌡️ Temperature: Prefers 18–27°C (65–80°F). Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
🪴 Growth: Upright and cane-forming, with tall stems that can become quite bushy. Regular pruning encourages fuller growth.
✂️ Propagation: Very easy from stem cuttings, especially cuttings containing a node.
🌸 Flowers: Mature plants can produce clusters of delicate white or pale pink flowers.
⚠️ Common mistake: Avoid keeping the leaves constantly wet or misting excessively. Wet foliage combined with poor airflow can encourage fungal problems.
⭐ Difficulty: Intermediate
🌿 Growth habit: Upright, cane-forming
🎨 Feature: Silver polka-dot leaves with burgundy undersides
💧 Water: Keep lightly moist, never soggy
🐾 Pet safety: Toxic if ingested, particularly to cats and dogs.
