Begonia maculata can be known as the polka dot begonia as a result of its silver-spotted leaves. The silvery spots on the darkish, olive-green angel wing-shaped leaves create placing foliage. This eye-catching houseplant is comparatively simple to look after indoors. The noticed begonia—additionally known as ‘Wightii’—have to be one of the dramatic indoor crops you possibly can develop. Learn how to look after begonia maculata: Polka dot begonia (Wightii) wants well-draining soil, and the pot needs to be in vivid, oblique mild. The soil needs to be barely dry earlier than watering, and humidity ranges needs to be excessive—over 45%—and the temperature between 65°F and 86°F (18°C – 30°C). For finest outcomes, feed each two to 4 weeks and prune frequently. Simple propagation is by inserting stem cuttings in water. Having a begonia maculata in your room will immediately seize everybody’s consideration. The silver polka dots on the leaves might be mistaken for splashes of paint. The leaves are within the form of an angel’s or bat’s wings. Turning the leaves over reveals gorgeous crimson-red undersides. Though begonias are well-known for his or her spectacular foliage, the begonia maculata Wightii is on the prime of the record of lovely indoor crops. On this article, you’ll discover ways to care correctly for a begonia polka dot houseplant. We may even share tips about the way to resolve widespread issues that may have an effect on the fabulous begonia maculata.
Begonia Maculata: Overview
Begonia maculata has noticed foliage, therefore it’s also known as polka dot begonia
Begonia maculata is a kind of cane begonia that has thick stems that assist noticed angel wing-shaped leaves. These evergreen perennial crops are native to the tropical rainforests in Brazil. Due to their native atmosphere, excessive humidity, heat temperatures, and oblique or filtered mild are the important care elements. Polka dot begonias are vigorous growers, and might quickly outgrow their pot. Transferring to a bigger container encourages progress the place the plant can attain 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall. Underneath the suitable situations, the noticed darkish inexperienced leaves will distinction with clusters of delicate white flowers when the plant blooms.
Begonia maculata flowers
Learn how to Take care of Polka Dot Begonia
Though begonia maculata is comparatively simple to take care of, it has some particular care necessities. The 5 fundamental care necessities are:
- Humidity—Maintain humidity ranges excessive by frequently misting to stop leaf drop.
- Mild—Vivid mild is required to assist flowers bloom, however they have to be saved out of direct daylight.
- Soil—Aerated, well-draining potting combine that holds sufficient moisture with out turning into soggy.
- Temperature—Common room temperatures are ideally suited so long as they’re saved out of drafts.
- Fertilizer—Balanced fertilizer is critical a few times a month throughout the rising season.
Let’s look in additional element at the way to look after a begonia maculata Wightii.
Mild Necessities for Begonia Maculata (Wightii)
Angel wing begonias like vivid mild to thrive, however they must be shielded from direct daylight. Though they tolerate some shade, vivid filtered mild is good. One of the best place for a potted polka dot begonia indoors is on an east- or west-facing windowsill. In a south-facing room, hold the plant pot away from the window to stop the solar from scorching the leaves. The well being of the noticed inexperienced leaves is a superb option to know in case your begonia Wightii is getting sufficient mild. Too little mild—and you’ll discover that the leaves lose their vibrancy. The inexperienced and silver colours might fade and finally flip yellow. An excessive amount of daylight—and the leaves might present indicators of scorching and develop brown, crispy suggestions. Should you stay in heat climates and also you develop silver spotted-leaf begonias outdoor, select a vivid however shaded space of your backyard. Half shade or dappled daylight prevents the solar from burning the begonias leaves. The identical care recommendation is relevant if you happen to switch your indoor potted begonias exterior in summer time.
Learn how to Water Begonia Maculata
Water your begonia crops each time the highest a part of the soil is dry, and the decrease half continues to be moist. In summer time, you’ll have to water the begonia weekly and in winter much less typically. Nonetheless, the dryness of the soil determines when to water a begonia. When caring to your maculata plant, the objective of watering is rarely to have the soil combine too dry or too moist. Poke your finger within the soil. It the highest feels dry and there may be moisture beneath, it’s a signal to water your begonia. Deep watering is healthier to your begonia maculata than shallow watering. Pour sufficient water by the soil till it drains out the drainage holes within the backside of your pot. Wait till all of the water drains earlier than inserting your plant again in a vivid location. Watering your begonia this fashion ensures that the roots get sufficient moisture. High watering tip for begonias: solely water the soil and keep away from splashing water on the leaves.
Learn how to Select the Proper Soil for Polka Dot Begonias
Having the suitable soil for begonia maculata crops is crucial as a result of it permits the water to empty effectively. The proper potting medium for silver noticed begonias is mild potting soil combined with some perlite and wooden chips. You may additionally mix sand, clay, perlite, and loamy soil to create a begonia potting combine. Other than draining effectively, a lightweight, loamy soil that’s aerated additionally helps with one other care side. Oxygen circulates higher in lighter soil, permitting the plant to soak up vitamins and thrive.
Polka Dot Begonia Humidity Wants
Probably the most important facets of begonia maculata care is getting the humidity proper. Begonias want at the least 45% humidity and that’s greater than the common room. The 3 ways to get the air moisture ranges proper are these: develop them along with different crops, place on a pebble water tray, or use a humidifier. Caring for begonia maculata crops is difficult in winter. Family heating dries out the air and the dry situations can kill your houseplants. Should you don’t have a room humidifier, create a humidifying water tray. To make your tray, place a layer of pebbles in a shallow tray. Pour in sufficient water till it reaches half-way up the stones. Then place the pot on the pebbles. Because the water evaporates naturally, it is going to present moisture for the leaves. Solely be sure that the pot by no means sits within the water. Must you mist the leaves of polka dot begonias to spice up humidity? Some web sites advocate misting begonia leaves to extend humidity. Nonetheless, begonias are prone to powdery mildew, and damp leaves might encourage this illness. In case your solely possibility is to mist, ensure you have a tremendous spray and don’t mist the leaves instantly. Frivolously spray the air over and across the begonia plant.
The Proper Temperature for Begonia Maculata
Though begonia maculata crops come from tropical rainforests, common room temperatures are ideally suited. The best temperature vary for polka dot begonias is between 65°F and 86°F (16°C – 30°C). Bear in mind to maintain the houseplant out of drafts as they will chill your indoor plant an excessive amount of. As an out of doors plant, begonia maculata grows in USDA zones 10 and 11. They may develop effectively the place water drains and there may be partial shade. When you’ve got your begonia maculata in pots outdoor in summer time, convey them inside when the temperature begins dropping to 60°F (15.5°C). Any temperature beneath 59°F (15°C) can kill off your gorgeous polka dot begonia.
Fertilizing Must Take care of Begonia Maculata
Feed begonias with a balanced fertilizer—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal portions. Feed each two to 4 weeks within the months between April and September. The nutrient combine will hold the noticed inexperienced and silver foliage wholesome and vibrant. Listed below are some important feeding suggestions relating to taking care of your begonia maculata:
- Flush the soil frequently—Flushing with water helps to stop a buildup of mineral salts. Each two to a few months, pour loads of water by the soil and permit it to empty. Resume feeding two weeks later.
- Cease feeding in fall and winter—Begonias develop slowly between October and March and don’t want fertilizer.
- Feed reasonably—An excessive amount of fertilizer can injury your plant.
Brown suggestions that blight the gorgeous leaves are an indication of over-rich soil. Flush the soil and repot your begonia in recent potting combine if mandatory.
Begonia Maculata Flowers
Underneath the suitable situations, polka dot begonias produce clusters of sunshine pink or white flowers. The blooming season is spring till late summer time. When in full bloom, begonia maculata crops are at their most gorgeous—olive inexperienced polka dot leaves with copper-red undersides and clusters of delicate pale flowers. How do you retain begonias blooming? One of the best ways to make sure that your polka dot flowers is to place the pot in a vivid place. Attempt placing on a windowsill that faces east or west to get morning or night solar. Begonias additionally thrive when they’re barely rootbound, so that may additionally encourage flowers to bloom. You don’t must deadhead begonia maculata crops. The outdated flowers fall off themselves after blooming. Nonetheless, you possibly can deadhead begonias if you need your plant to develop extra stems.
Learn how to Prune Polka Dot Begonias
Pruning begonia maculata Wightii crops is an important a part of their care if you need a spectacular bushy potted houseplant. To prune your plant, pinch about one-quarter inch (0.6 cm) from the highest of the stem. Pruning encourages begonias to develop outward reasonably than upward. One of the best time to prune a begonia maculata is in late fall. At the moment, the rising season has completed, and your plant will relaxation over the winter. You may also pinch off small stems all through the rising season. Your plant will develop bushier as a result of two new stems will develop instead of one.
Simple Begonia Maculata Propagation
One of many delights of caring for a noticed begonia Wightii is that they’re simple to propagate. Rising new crops from cuttings allows you to improve the variety of potted houseplants. You may also delight your mates by gifting considered one of these uncommon tropical crops. Listed below are directions on the way to propagate begonia maculata:
- Lower a stem in order that there are at the least two nodes on it.
- Place the cuttings in a jar of water.
- Look ahead to just a few weeks till roots seem.
- Plant the begonia in a pot with recent potting combine.
Repotting Begonia Maculata Wightii
Though begonia polka dot Wightii crops prefer to be barely rootbound, repotting annually is advisable. Repotting helps to refresh the soil, give the roots extra room to breathe, and enhance drainage. When selecting a brand new pot, select one that’s 2” (5 cm) wider than its present one. A terracotta pot with drainage holes is the perfect type of container for begonias. The heavy pot offers the plant stability and prevents tall begonias from falling over. Simply do not forget that moisture evaporates from clay pots sooner than from plastic ones. So, you’ll must hold your eye on soil dryness and ensure to water it adequately. Learn how to repot an angel wing noticed begonia:
- Gently take away the plant from the pot, taking care to not snap the stems.
- Shake off extra soil and loosen the roots—untangle if mandatory.
- Examine for indicators of root illness or injury and snip these off with sterile scissors.
- Maintain the begonia plant within the new pot and fill with new, moist, recent potting combine.
- Be sure that the plant is on the similar top because it was within the earlier pot.
- Water totally and solely fertilize after 4 weeks.
Begonia Maculata Care: Illnesses and Pests
Many widespread houseplant illnesses might be prevented along with your angel wing begonia if you happen to get moisture and humidity ranges proper. Keep away from permitting the leaves to get too damp and at all times sterilize instruments earlier than pruning. Nonetheless, generally houseplant pests and illnesses can afflict your polka dot begonia. Fungal illnesses or bacterial illnesses that have an effect on begonias embrace powdery mildew, leaf spot, botrytis, and Pythium root rot. You may keep away from most of those dangerous plant illnesses by solely watering begonias when the soil is partly dry. Additionally, keep away from getting the leaves moist when watering. Widespread houseplant pests that may have an effect on begonia maculata crops are mealybugs and whiteflies. Mealybugs appear to be tiny white fluff that congregates the place leaf stems be part of most important stems. Whiteflies are small white-colored bugs often discovered underneath leaves. These pests can suck your plant dry if you happen to don’t take care of them rapidly. Please learn this text for recommendation on eliminating houseplant pests naturally and organically.
Is Begonia Maculata Poisonous?
Noticed begonia maculata crops are poisonous to cats, canines, and different household pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASCPA) says that animals that eat elements of begonias can undergo from vomiting and extreme drooling.
FAQ: Rising Begonia Maculata Wightii
Listed below are solutions to widespread questions on issues that may have an effect on angel wing begonias.
Why are the polka dot begonia leaves turning brown or yellow?
The commonest cause for yellow begonia maculata leaves is over-watering. If the soil is partly moist and also you’ve been watering appropriately, different causes might be insufficient or extreme lighting, nutrient deficiency, or pest infestation. Additionally make sure that your plant isn’t sitting in a drafty space.
Why is begonia maculata dropping leaves?
Probably the most important requirement to look after begonias is to get humidity proper. Make it possible for air circulates effectively and there may be sufficient humidity for the plant. Additionally, examine that your plant is getting loads of vivid mild with out being in direct daylight.
How can I revive a dying begonia maculata?
One of the best ways to try to save a polka dot begonia that’s wanting poorly is to repot it. Associated articles:
