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Begonia maculatais easily the most beautiful and dramatic of all begonias . Also normally known as Polka Dot Begonia , they are distinguish , prosperous to grow woody shrubs with a salient appearance . Your houseplant collection wo n’t be complete without these rare begonia species .
The bottom of their leaves is bright crimson , while the upper side is green with legion round spots of silvery white .
B.maculataproduces gorgeous flowers often with anintoxicating fragrancethat orbit in color from bloodless to coral - red . In terms of simplicity of growth and care , they are only 2nd towax begonia .
However , light does n’t mean you could omit the plant and get away with it . If you need the easily - look begonia plant life that you ’ll adore , you have to take sound charge of them . And , that ’s what this article is all about .
You ’re decease to memorize how to propagateBegonia maculata , where to corrupt them , how to great deal and repot , key upkeep tips , some of the problem you ’re probable to come across , and how to prevent them .
Let ’s get started :
How to Grow and Care forBegonia maculatain Summary
Start right- Buy healthy plants or cuttings for propagating
Propagation- you could easy propagateBegonia maculatafrom cuttings . Use a rooting hormone to improve your success charge per unit . Keep the cuttings moist and warm throughout the generation stage .
Potting mix – expend a well - draining potting commixture fat in organic matter . Since most begonia character have a dense ascendant organisation , select a potting mix that ’s comparatively heavy to properly cast anchor the plants .
Planting pot selection – The best pot planters forBegonia maculataare made of clay or terracotta to take into account the surplus moisture to top through .
Potting and repotting – These type of begonia do well when root word - bond . Therefore , you should repot on a need basis for instance , when the pot is tipping over as a result of the bulkiness of the plant .
Watering – Polka Dot begonia is very sensitive to drastic water fluctuation . On one hand , they are sensible to rout rots as a event of overwatering . And on another mitt , a deficiency of H2O will cause the folio to become crispy . To avoid this , only piss when the top inch of dirt feels ironical to the touch .
Light prerequisite – These plants apprise shining light to thrive . If you do n’t allow for enough light , they ’ll become leggy and spindly . Also , exposing them to too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaf and finally fall back the beautiful Department of Transportation pattern .
Pruning – Deadheading the flowers is n’t necessary since Polka dot are ego - cleaning . However , you need to nip the stems once in a while to encourage wide-cut and dense growth .
Fertilizer app program – Fertilize with a general - purpose houseplant fertilizer at the start of leap to give yourB. maculataa head start .
Pests and disease – bet out for pestilence such asAphids , Fungus gnat , Shore rainfly , Mealybugs , Thrips , Whiteflies , andMites . Common diseases include ; pythium root rot , blight , powdery mildew , and leaf spots .
coarse physiologic problems – Common physiologic problems to expect include , legginess in case of insufficient light , crispy leaf , and general leaf fall .
There you have it !
With those summarize tips , you ’d be able-bodied to grow Polka Dot Begonia without any hassle . If you involve details include howBegonia maculatacompares to Angel flank begonia keep reading .
Introduction toBegonia Maculata
Plant Description
You may or may not whatBegonia maculatalooks like . Whichever the case , I ’ll go right before describe it for you .
Also commonly known as Polka dot begonia , B. maculatais a stunning and popular houseplant with its roots in Brazil . The industrial plant has bronze - green and oblong extension - shaped leaves with striking out of practice - crimson or purple bottom .
The top part of the leaves is graciously decorated with silver dots – where it derives its common name ( Polka Dot ) .
While most houseplant enthusiasts grow theBegonia maculatafor its dramatic polka dots , it produces striking flowers which I like to intend of as ‘ ice on the cake ’ . The plant life grows whitened flowers in bunch with yellow centre on a single stem .
Here ’s a summary of all the noteworthy characteristic :
Polka Dot Begonia Plant Profile
mutual name : Polka Dot Begonia
Scientific / Botanical name : Begonia maculata
Hardiness zones:10 to 11 ( There ’s a bit of flexibility when grow them indoors )
Blooming : Spring , Summer , and Fall
Mature Height:12 – 18 inches
Mature Spread:6 – 10 inches
Growing substance abuse : Cane - like and uprise upright .
Native Area : South America ( Brazil )
perniciousness : Not toxic to humans , cats , dogs , and horse
Begonia maculatavs Angel Wing vs Wightii
There ’s a lot of mix-up when it comes to the relationship between B. maculata , Angel Wing , and the Wightii . This is why I feel it ’s important to clarify everything for you before we proceed .
First and first , all the above begonia types go to the same compartmentalisation known as the Angel Wing Begonias . Also called cane begonias , they generally have duncical , upright , cane - alike stems , and fibrous rootage . The stems are swollen at the nodes , resemble bamboo , hence the appellative as cane type .
Furthermore , their crooked and wing shaped - leafage cover with clean muscae volitantes give them the once - unwashed name angel extension begonias .
Under angel flank begonias ( Begonia coccinea ) , there are several hybrids includingB. maculata . Similarly , we have several cultivar which includeBegonia maculata‘Wightii ’ .
Therefore , categorization follows the following decree :
Cane begonia ( Angel Wing ) – Begonia maculata – Begonia maculata‘wightii ’ . I hope you wo n’t habituate the name interchangeably like most mass mistakenly do after this brief explanation .
How to GrowBegonia maculata
Where to BuyBegonia MaculataPlant
First things first .
You call for to start by buying a healthy plant life or cutting which you may use as a mother industrial plant in case of the former . pop by ask your works partisan friends , visiting your nearest works baby’s room , or garden centers .
Next see online from reputable retail stores that have a history of sellingquality plants .
assure that your purchased Begonia maculata mother flora has attractively dotted leaves and attractive flowers ( If already blossom ) . In most cases , I recommend buying untried plants since old plants are prone to redress .
Besides , you require to scrutinise the plant for pests and disease or signs of struggle in growth such as legginess , damage leaves , and stunted growth . Next , you need to multiply the number of plant by extension .
Propagate yourBegonia maculataplants
The chief intellect why uncommon or breathtaking plants like Polka Dots andPhilodendron ‘ pinkish Princess’are so expensive is that you ca n’t grow them from seed . If you do , you wo n’t get the exact replication of the mother plant with all the diversification .
prosperous for us , it ’s very easy to diffuse polka dot plant from cut .
Spring is the best time to circulate new plants . First , place stems with new growth and that do n’t have blossom on them . Also , check to control that the stems are devoid from any pests .
Cut the top foliage lead with a desexualize scissor and remove a 2 - column inch leaf tip cutting . Carefully insert the cut - end side into a light , well - draining potting soil .
To get even better results , plunge the gash - side into a rooting endocrine before put in it into the potting mix . However , this is entirely up to you since begonias do n’t have problem with developing newfangled base .
After all is done , you necessitate to place the propagated cuttings in a warm lieu . Also , keep the soil moist until fresh growths set about to develop .
Use appropriate potting mix
Plant your polka dot begonia in airy , well - draining stain that is high in organic issue . A mixture of one - part stock potting grime , one - part perlite , and one - part orchidaceous plant bark is idealistic for these plants .
However , mixing these components to reach an idealistic potting admixture on your own might not always be hardheaded . In such a case , I ’d recommend this ready - madePotting admixture for Begonia plants .
Besides , a potting soil that is slightly " heavy " in nature will allow the flora ’s vast root organisation to establish well , and defend its cane - corresponding stem decent .
Planting Pots selection
take an idealpot planterwill depend on the stage of your plant development . SinceB. maculataplants prefer and flourish when root bound , it ’s always good to choose pots that are almost the same size of it as the plant canopy .
As a general guide , your flora pots should range between 3.5 inches to 6.0 inches count on the size of your plant .
Furthermore , you should house your Polka dot begonia in a pot made fromterracottaor clay to help oneself wick away supernumerary moisture . This will ensure your plant life ’s grunge does n’t get soggy along the way
Potting and repotting your begonia
Begonia maculataseem to boom when they are slightly pot - bound , so only repot them when it ’s utterly necessary ( such as when the plant life has use up its pot media or the pot is tipping over ) .
If you are repotting your begonia , do so in early spring , just as the first bloom of new increase appears . Do not attempt to repot a plant life in bloom , however , as the shock will ignore poor the flowering .
6 Tips on How to Care for YourBegonia maculata
Watering your begonia
The most authoritative aspect of watering is mold when you should water your plant . To do this , stay your digit a few in into the top of the soil . If the potting mix feels wry , then and only then should you irrigate the plant life .
The reasonableness this is vital is that this character of begonia is quite susceptible to take root rots . And overwatering will almost always worsen the situation .
Water your polka dot begonia as the top few inches of the potting mix start up to dry to the touch . It is rather susceptible to origin rot if overwatered ( especially if it does n’t get enough light ) .
Light requirement
Place your begonia plant in a maculation where they can get bright light ( enough that it disgorge a sensitive to stiff shadower most of the day ) . If it does not get enough light , it will grow marvellous and leggy , with weak stems and no flowers .
Too much direct sunshine is also harmful likely to get serious sunburns .
Pro Tip : If you do n’t have a location in your home that receives enough spark , I ’d recommend youbuy produce lights for the plants .
Temperature and humidity
Provide your begonia a minimal temperature of 60 degrees F with an above - medium proportional humidness since they are aboriginal to humid South American region .
One way to increase the proportional humidity is to group your houseplants especially if they ’re free from pestilence .
Another room to replicate the native humid condition , localise the container on a tray of pebble . summate clean pee to the tray to increase humidness around the plant . instead , you may getcheap plant humidifierssold commercially online or in garden centers .
Pruning
Pruning ordinarily is n’t necessary . If your industrial plant gets too tall and lanky , with no leaves at the base , pinch it back to promote more bushiness and furcate . This create a fuller - looking flora .
If you want to learn more about how to rationalize and train begonias , check out this article by theAmerican Begonia Society .
Fertilizer application
you’re able to inseminate yourBegonia maculatain outflow and summertime if you opt for more / faster outgrowth .
Any oecumenical - purpose fertilizer labeled for use on houseplant will do . Just be sure not to exceed the charge on the product ’s packaging .
Pests and disease management
Look out for pests such asAphids , Fungus gnats , Shore flies , Mealybugs , Thrips , Whiteflies , andMites . Common diseases include ; pythium root rot , stem turn bunk , blights , powdery mold , and leaf spots .
Here ’s acomprehensive guideexplaining some of those diseases and the restraint measures .
Common Problems withBegonia maculata& Control Measures
Leaves turning crispy and falling off
If your Polka dose begonia stay too juiceless without water , it may uprise brown , crispy leaf tips or edge . Prolonged moisture insufficiency will cause it to drop novel parting as they grow .
check that you ’re watering your begonia properly . you’re able to check over outthis articlefor more tips on watering .
Begonia maculatalooking spindly and leggy
A lank and leggy - look begonia is a sure sign that it ’s not amaze enough light . Make certain you provide enough light even if it means supplement with artificial LED lights .
Crowding begonia plants could also get longer leafstalk with weak stems and no flowers .
Begonia leaves with black patches, distorted leaves, or light-colored lines on the leaves and flowers
begonia are also vulnerable to viruses beam by thrips like Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus ( INSV ) andTomato Spotted Wilt Virus(TSWV ) .
Viral infection can make distorted leave of absence , black maculation on the leaves , or light - colored ring or wavy transmission line to take form on the folio or blooms . dispatch infected plants to mitigate the spread of computer virus .
Conclusion
If you necessitate the best - lookingBegonia maculataplants that you ’ll adore and spark conversations any time , you have to take good care of them . And , that ’s what this article has been all about .
I hope with the info you ’ve just understand , you ’ll be able to disperse hefty plant , check how to pot and repot , cardinal care hint , some of the problems you ’re probable to happen , and how to prevent them .
And most importantly , have playfulness while at it !
