Would you care some pretty leaves to put on your windowsills ? Begonia maculata , which is also called the polka dot Begonia or the espy Begonia , has become a Brobdingnagian collision in the world of houseplant over the preceding few years . Not surprising with those refined , flecked leaves ! .
learn on to con how to take maintenance of Begonia maculata , how to make more of them , about the different types of cultivars you’re able to find , and more .
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Begonia maculata grows course in Southeastern Brazil , just like many of the works we wish to keep in our home , like Ctenanthe , Maranta , and Calathea makoyana . It has also been brought into a few other Central and South American countries . you could find it as far northwards as Mexico and as far south as Argentina .
In its rude habitat , this metal money grows in rain forest . Its natural growth zona in Brazil is called the Atlantic rainforest , and it has high aggrandizement , stable temperatures , and a wet climate .
Did you have sex ? Begonia maculata , like other Begonias , is traditionally used as a medicinal plant . In Taiwanese medicament , it ’s key out to be a diuretic and detox agent .
Begonia maculata is a cane Begonia . This is a subgroup within the genus known for its semi - fruticulose growth pattern and cane - comparable bow . Cane Begonias have join on their stem that resemble bamboo , and flowers flower from these joints . Their stretch leafage are sometimes referred to as “ saint wings . ” ( You ’ll sometimes see the plant labeled as an angelwing Begonia . ) In the wild form , these leaves are strong green or feature some unclouded maculation .
The plant we call the polka dot Begonia , which is in reality a cultivar called Begonia maculata ‘ Wightii , was grown in a special way of life . The name comes from the much bigger window pane on its sinister green leave . This is a really beautiful and dramatic industrial plant . The dots shine silvery in the sun , and the backbone of the leaves are loose to deep redness .
You would n’t grow this case of Begonia just for its flowers , but if you take good care of it , it does have pretty petty blush . The flowers imprint in clusters and are white to pink , with bright yellowed stamens .
Begonia maculata looks moderately nice in its wild form , but nurseries have been able to make a lot of dissimilar cultivars by cautiously choose which plant to grow . The most well - know is Begonia maculata ‘ Wightii , ’ also called the polka loony toons Begonia . The specie became very popular as a houseplant because of this smorgasbord , but it ’s not the only one .
The backbone of a “ Wightii ” plant ’s leaves are dark violent ( though they can get lighter if the lighting is n’t beneficial ) , and the leaves ’ edges are never touched by dots that are all the same size . Its flowers are white .
Besides these “ pure ” maculatas , there are also some hybrids that you could rule , but I ’ve never seen one in someone . enter out which cultivar or intercrossed Begonia you ’re dealing with is pretty grueling with Begonias in oecumenical , and Begonia maculata is no unlike .
It ’s important to remember that none of the above varieties are as usual as the ‘ Wightii ’ cultivar , and most people wo n’t get to looking for them because they ’re not that different . If you want to grow one of these , you ’ll in all probability need to buy cutting from people who like houseplants .
Did you know ? You ’ll also see flora referred to as Begonia maculata ‘ Tamaya ’ . The “ Tamaya ” part does n’t name a cultivar ; it names the way the plant is grown ! Most cane or angelwing Begonias can be grown in “ Tamaya ” configuration , which make the plant look like a small tree diagram .
The saint wing polka dot begonia , also know by its botanical name Begonia maculata , is an center - catching houseplant beloved for its ornate foliage Its European olive tree green leave are deck with mesmerizing white polka point on the upper surface and a inscrutable purple underside . When handle for properly , this begonia rewards its owner with cascades of wizard flowers as well .
Angel Wing Polka Dot Begonia Characteristics
The angel flank polka Zen begonia bluster some unique characteristics that make it stand out
Leaves are olive green and angel wing shaped , with prominent white polka dots .
Undersides of leaves are a cryptical cherry-red - violet people of colour .
stem are erect and bamboo - like , with segment like cane begonias .
During spring and summertime , develop clusters of small livid or pale pink heyday .
Can grow up to 3 infantry marvellous , but typically contact 1 - 2 infantry as a houseplant .
Originally come across in the eighties in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil .
Considered an “ saint wing ” cane begonia thanks to the offstage - like form of its leaves .
Ideal Growing Conditions
While polka Department of Transportation begonia are n’t too fussy , providing optimum fear will keep your plant levelheaded and see its good . Here are its fundamental indigence :
Light
Thrives in burnished , collateral sunlight or filter light .
Can tolerate some verbatim morning sun , but debar hot afternoon sunshine .
Low light will cause leggy , sparse growth .
Water
Soil should be kept evenly moist , never fully dry out out .
H2O when the top column inch of filth becomes dry .
Allow surplus water to drain full after watering .
Drought stress make droop and leaf drop .
Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 65 - 75 ° F during the mean solar day .
Can tolerate a range of 50 - 80 ° F .
forfend utmost cold or hot spot .
Humidity
Enjoys average room humidness between 40 - 60 % .
Higher humidity encourage larger leaf .
apply a pebble tray or humidifier to encourage moisture if needed .
Planting Angel Wing Polka Dot Begonias
Use a well - draining , nutrient - rich potting intermixture when planting container begonia . direct for a land pH between 6.5 - 7.0 . After settling your begonia into its pot , water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom .
come out in its choose vivid , indirect light positioning . As a new planting , allow the dirt to dry slightly between watering until begonia is established . Then sustain even wet .
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
piddle whenever the top column inch of ground becomes dry . Avoid underwatering or overwatering .
Fertilize every 2 - 4 week during spring and summer with balanced melted fertilizer .
Prune off expend flowers and excessive , leggy outgrowth to encourage bushiness .
go around the plant sporadically to prevent lopsided maturation toward the light .
Wash leaves occasionally with diffused water supply to remove dust buildup .
Repot every 2 - 3 years in bounce as needed when rootbound .
Potential Problems and Solutions
Issue – Cause – answer
Leaf bead – Underwatering , drought stress – Water more frequently
Leaf floater – Fungal disease , bacteria – Improve melodic phrase circulation , treat with fungicide
Powdery mildew – Excess humidity , inadequate air flow – Increase sunlight , space plants , apply fans
flush not blooming – deficient light , overfeeding , improper pruning – Provide bright lightness , reduce fertilizer , rationalise properly
long-legged growth – Inadequate sunlight – Move to bright location
How to Propagate Polka Dot Begonias
Cut a prow with at least two nodes , allowing it to dry briefly .
identify the cutting in a glass of room temperature pee .
Change the water every few day until roots develop in 2 - 4 weeks .
Plant the root carving in moist potting mix . Keep fond and lightly dampish until established .
Within a couple of months , your new begonia plant will be ready to display in your family . Share extras with friends and house !
Common Questions About Angel Wing Begonias
Here are answer to some frequently asked questions about grow polka Transportation begonias :
How much light do polka dot begonia need ?
These begonia grow well in bright , indirect lighting . Some dawn sun is tolerate , but harsh afternoon Lord’s Day will sear leaves .
What causes begonia leaves to bend yellow ?
yellow leaves are most often due to overwatering or insufficient drain . earmark more prison term between waterings and ensure supernumerary weewee can drain out .
Should I mist my polka pane begonia ?
becloud is not generally need for begonia . In fact , pissed foliage can promote fungous disease . Focus on ambient humidity instead .
When should I prune my angel wing begonia ?
Prune off spent blossom and excessive growth in late winter or early spring . extra minor pruning can be done as needed during the year .
How do I winter my begonia indoors ?
Before your first fall frost , bring begonia indoors to a shining , 60 - 70 ° farad way . dilute back on tearing and stop fertilize until spring .
An Eye-Catching Addition to Your Home
Caring for Begonia maculata
You should keep your polka dot Begonia warm and undimmed . This is because most hobo camp plants like it that means . Put the plant on a windowsill or tightlipped to one . These works are sometimes name low - light plants , but they do n’t necessitate that much light .
It will quickly get leggy and lose some of its beautiful folio color if it is n’t getting enough light , which is a ignominy because it is such a beautiful industrial plant .
Your polka battery-acid Begonia can handle some direct sunshine inside as long as it does n’t get too much . you’re able to keep it in a higher - swooning domain of your home , but give it a few weeks to get used to it first . If you do n’t , you may see the leave turning chocolate-brown and crispy from the extra light .
It stays at least 70 ° F all twelvemonth long in the places where this species of Begonia blossom naturally . This means that your plant should be retain at room temperature . Keep it away from drafty window , air conditioners , warmer , and anything else that could vary the temperature . Begonia maculata is prostrate to thumb loss when dysphoric .
My Begonia maculata does well in temperature around 57 ° farad , but only when there is a lot of humidness ( 75 % or more ) . I would n’t countenance temps drop much humiliated , though .
This is where thing go wrong for many new Begonia fans , because these plant are picky than most about how much water they get in the soil .
Most people often irrigate their plants too much , which can cause leaves to fall off .
If you often bury to water your polka dot Begonia ( like I do , whoops ! ) , you may also lose leaves and notice brown wind on their leaves .
Overwatering usually makes the leaves turn sickly yellow before they shine off , while underwatering can make leaves fall off that calculate perfectly hefty .
So how do you keep these bozo happy ? Light is a big part of it . A houseplant that receive plenty of brightness level will be a mickle more forgiving in terms of lachrymation . Other than that , it ’s a matter of keeping the soil lightly moist ; you’re able to let the top inch or two wry out before watering again . ( Use amoisture meterto help you determine moisture grade . )
Do n’t worry if your polka dot Begonia cast off a few leaf while you figure out its watering pauperization . It hap to mine as well , but it seem great now that we ’ve occur to an “ understanding . ” .
Another factor many skin with is humidity . Cane Begonias like this one are aboriginal to the tropics , where it rain plenty and humidity is very gamey all yr around . Our homes ? Not so much , especially in winter . You may want to invest in a humidifier to keep thing above 50 percent humidity if you really want to see your tropical houseplants fly high . An cheap digital hygrometer(this is the one I use)can also serve you determine your place ’s proportional humidity .
Although polka dot begonia like some wet , their soil should never be soggy . If the soil get too pixilated , the roots will rot and the works will give-up the ghost . These guys do n’t care much about the soil mix and will do fine in regular houseplant potting soil , but you should add some gritty fabric to help it drain . I think you should loosen up your potting dirt by tote up 10 to 20 percent perlite , orchid barque , or pumice stone .
As for planting , anything goes , as long as the planter has a drainage muddle in the bottom . This coinage of begonia does n’t tend to arise very big tooth root , so you do n’t want a gravid kitty .
Recommended product for Begonia maculata plant charge :
Cane Begonias are n’t heavy feeders , but these guys will still definitely appreciate a regular dash of fertilizer . irrigate your plant life once or twice a month during the growing season and use a fluent houseplant fertiliser that has been diluted in body of water to half its strong suit .
Stop fertilise your polka dot Begonia during wintertime . It wo n’t be able to use the fertilizer you give it , and giving it too much can make the brown leafage tips that Begonia fans detest so much .
Recommended fertilizers for Begonia maculata :
Begonia maculata is a species that does do good visually from the occasional pruning in many cases . Even when the plant has a lot of light , it may send out root word that are too long and tenuous , which takes aside from its shaggy look .
No matter ! await until the next growing season rolls around ( spring or summer ) . Then , put the stem where you want it and veer it with white pruning shear . you may either settle it in water before plant it or just put it back in the planter . It should keep growing as usual and help keep your polka dot Begonia looking full .
That is the question : should you dissever or repot your polka dot Begonia if it has grown too bad for its pot ? Most of these works have multiple stem turn that were planted together at the nursery . you may choose to branch some of these stems and pot them up separately .
you could just take the plant life out of its pot , separate a few stem , and put the rest period of it back in the pile with some new grime . The stems you bring down off will already have root word , so you may put them in a corporation and they ’ll keep growing normally .
you’re able to move your works to a new potty in one opus in the springtime or summertime . Choose a planter that ’s an inch or so larger in diameter than the former one .
Propagating Begonias , include the polka back breaker Begonia , really could n’t be easier . The division method acting discussed above is one of the easiest ways to do it . You could also use the method I let the cat out of the bag about in the section on pruning , which involve pose the cut piece ( which are really stem cuttings ) in water system or soil to produce roots .
Did you bang ? Technically a Begonia stem cutting does n’t even have to include leaves . you may burn the cane into slice at least an in or two retentive and root them in wet bog moss moss or your take medium . The section can arise new rootage or leave of absence as long as it has an optic , which is a bump that root or leave-taking can mature from .
Common questions about Begonia maculata care
Do n’t panic ! It happens to the sound of us . If your Begonia is n’t shocked from being moved ( which can hap if you bring a new one home ) or from being outside in the cold , you should look at how often you irrigate it .
It may dry out out a slight more slowly than in the summer , so your works will take less lachrymation . Is it winter ? In summer , you may have to water double as often , which means you may have waited too long .
