When choosing a new pot, choose one that is 2” (5 cm) wider than its current one. Hi, I have a polka dot begonia and it is leggy, but I’m more concerned that the stems are turning black. Thanks!! Sorry to say, but Begonias are toxic to pets, according to the ASPCA. Only make sure that the pot never sits in the water. You can also delight your friends by gifting one of these unusual tropical plants. The best place for a potted polka dot begonia indoors is on an east- or west-facing windowsill. When caring for your maculata plant, the goal of watering is never to have the soil mix too dry or too moist. The silvery spots on the dark, olive-green angel wing-shaped leaves create striking foliage. However, the dryness of the soil determines when to water a begonia. Also, the other leaves are more of a dingy lime green than the typical rich green. I live in a plant-filled home with my husband and six year old son. TIP: Read up on when its time water your plant and all you need to know about how to water houseplants. Growing new plants from cuttings lets you increase the number of potted houseplants. Begonias are easy to propagate so don’t throw away those pruned off stems! Gently remove the plant from the pot, taking care not to snap the stems. And nothing beats hand picking out that special plant yourself. Wait for a few weeks until roots appear. Shake off excess soil and loosen the roots—untangle if necessary. Whiteflies are small white-colored insects usually found under leaves. This way your plant may flower again. Hi Antonella, your Begonia would love the humidity, if you have a window in your bathroom you could leave your plant in there all the time! Occasionally there are Begonia maculatas for sale on Amazon, and I see plant shops sell them on Etsy as well. You could also combine sand, clay, perlite, and loamy soil to create a begonia potting mix. If they did good before, try to think of anything that has changed for them. Fix it by watering less often. It will start with the roots rotting and turning black and mushy, then the rot will continue up the stem. Feed begonias with a balanced fertilizer—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal quantities. Without knowing their situation and watering schedule it is hard to say. Common houseplant pests that can affect begonia maculata plants are mealybugs and whiteflies. At this time, the growing season has finished, and your plant will rest over the winter. Just right in a clay pot in a warm sheltered spot, later bring indoors to … Yeah for new plants! If the soil is partly moist and you’ve been watering correctly, other reasons could be inadequate or excessive lighting, nutrient deficiency, or pest infestation. The silver polka dots on the leaves could be mistaken for splashes of paint. Even though begonia maculata plants come from tropical rainforests, average room temperatures are ideal. To prune your plant, pinch about one-quarter inch (0.6 cm) from the top of the stem. Just water less and less often. The spotted begonia—also called ‘Wightii’—must be one of the most dramatic indoor plants you can grow. Watering your begonia this way ensures that the roots get enough moisture. However, sometimes houseplant pests and diseases can afflict your polka dot begonia. So, you’ll have to keep your eye on soil dryness and make sure to water it adequately. The five basic care requirements are: Let’s look in more detail at how to care for a begonia maculata Wightii. Here are instructions on how to propagate begonia maculata: Cut a stem so that there are at least two nodes on it. One of the most critical aspects of begonia maculata care is getting the humidity right. This will give you bigger leaves and encourage blooms. Begonias also thrive when they are slightly rootbound, so that can also encourage flowers to bloom. But watch out for soggy roots, no plant wants those. Kathryn. First check your local plant nursery or garden center. Make sure that air circulates well and there is enough humidity for the plant. Place the cuttings in a jar of water. If you live in warm climates and you grow silver spotted-leaf begonias outdoors, choose a bright but shaded area of your garden. Don’t drown your plant with good intentions and too much water. If you continue your regular watering regime through winter, it will be too much for the plant. They are hanging down because they are thirsty. Any temperature below 59°F (15°C) can kill off your stunning polka dot begonia. Should you mist the leaves of polka dot begonias to boost humidity? Begonia maculata has spotted foliage, hence it is also called polka dot begonia. Hi Elisha, hope your begonia maculata is doing well. Did you recently turn on your radiators nearby maybe? Definitely not your grandmothers Begonia, the maculata is a real eyecatcher with its large angel wing-shaped leaves patterned with polka dots on top and a deep purple-red on the bottom side. Pour in enough water until it reaches half-way up the stones. Lightly spray the air over and around the begonia plant. Caring for begonia maculata plants is challenging in winter. The same care advice is applicable if you transfer your indoor potted begonias outside in summer. But it can also grow in lower light situations. The Polkadot Begonia maculata is a houseplant that is pretty easy to care for. In summer, you may have to water the begonia weekly and in winter less often. The most critical requirement to care for begonias is to get humidity right. The leaves are in the shape of an angel’s or bat’s wings. If you don’t have a room humidifier, create a humidifying water tray. Here are instructions on how to propagate begonia maculata: Even though begonia polka dot Wightii plants like to be slightly rootbound, repotting once a year is advisable. In a south-facing room, keep the plant pot away from the window to prevent the sun from scorching the leaves. Under the right conditions, polka dot begonias produce clusters of light pink or white flowers. The ideal temperature range for polka dot begonias is between 65°F and 86°F (16°C – 30°C). The silvery-white polka dots look almost unreal as if they were painted onto the deep olive-green leaves. As an outdoor plant, begonia maculata grows in USDA zones 10 and 11. The Polkadot Begonia maculata is a houseplant that is pretty easy to care for. The blooming season is spring until late summer. Brown and dry leaf tips appear when your plant wants more water. Without any doubt, the Begonia maculata is one of the prettiest Begonia plants I have ever seen. 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