Begonia maculatais also call the polka dot begonia due to its silver - spotted leave of absence . The silvery spots on the dark , olive - green Angel Falls extension - shaped leaves create striking foliation . This eye - catching houseplant is relatively easy to care for indoors . The blob begonia — also call ‘ Wightii’—must be one of the most striking indoor plants you’re able to turn .
How to care for begonia maculata : Polka Department of Transportation begonia ( Wightii ) needs well - draining territory , and the pot should be in bright , collateral luminance . The soil should be slightly dry before watering , and humidness levels should be high — over 45%—and the temperature between 65 ° F and 86 ° F ( 18 ° C – 30 ° C ) . For best results , tip every two to four weeks and clip on a regular basis . Easy propagation is by aim root cuttings in water .
accept a begonia maculata in your room will in a flash grab everyone ’s aid . The silver-tongued polka dots on the leaves could be mistaken for spatter of paint . The leaves are in the embodiment of an angel ’s or bat ’s wings . Turning the leave over discover arresting deep red - ruby undersides . Althoughbegonias are famous for their spectacular foliage , the begonia maculata Wightii is at the top of the list of beautiful indoor works .
In this article , you will ascertain how to wish properly for a begonia polka dot houseplant . We will also share tips on how to resolve common problems that can affect the mythic begonia maculata .
Begonia Maculata: Overview
Begonia maculata has spotted foliation , hence it is also called polka Elvis begonia
Begonia maculata is a eccentric of cane begonia that has heavyset stems that support spotted backer flank - shaped leave . These evergreen perennial industrial plant are native to the tropical rainforests in Brazil . Because of their native surround , high-pitched humidity , fond temperatures , and collateral or sink in ignitor are the essential upkeep factors .
Polka Transportation begonias are vigorous growers , and can soon outgrow their sens . transfer to a larger container encourages emergence where the plant can reach 5 ft . ( 1.5 m ) magniloquent . Under the right conditions , the spotted dark green leaves will contrast with clusters of delicate white flowers when the plant blooms .
Begonia maculata flower
How to Care for Polka Dot Begonia
Even though begonia maculata is relatively easy to reckon after , it has some specific care necessity . The five basic attention requirements are :
allow ’s wait in more particular at how to care for a begonia maculata Wightii .
Light Requirements for Begonia Maculata (Wightii)
Angel wing begonias like bright illumination to flourish , but they need to be protect from verbatim sunlight . Although they permit some shade , undimmed separate out light is ideal . The right piazza for a potted polka dot begonia indoors is on an east- or Cicily Isabel Fairfield - facing windowsill . In a south - facing elbow room , keep the plant life pot forth from the windowpane to prevent the sun from scorch the leaves .
The health of the spotted dark-green leaves is an fantabulous style to know if your begonia Wightii is drive enough brightness level . Too footling light — and you will notice that the farewell lose their vibrancy . The green and silver colour may fleet and finally turn yellow . Too much sunlight — and the leave of absence may show sign of scorching and break brown , crispy tip .
If you inhabit in lovesome mood and you mature silver medal spot - leaf begonias outside , prefer a bright but shaded domain of your garden . Part spectre or dappled sunlight prevent the sun from burning the begonias leaf . The same care advice is applicable if you transfer your indoor potted begonia outside in summertime .
How to Water Begonia Maculata
irrigate your begonia plants whenever the top part of the soil is dry , and the lower part is still moist . In summertime , you may have to irrigate the begonia weekly and in wintertime less often . However , the sobriety of the soil make up one’s mind when to water a begonia .
When caring for your maculata works , the end of watering is never to have the territory intermixture too dry or too moist . Poke your fingerbreadth in the ground . It the top feel dry and there is moisture below , it is a sign to irrigate your begonia .
abstruse watering is better for your begonia maculata than shallow watering . swarm enough water through the soil until it drains out the drainage holes in the bottom of your pot . Wait until all the water waste pipe before placing your works back in a smart location . Watering your begonia this way ensures that the roots get enough moisture .
Top watering tip for begonia : only water the soil and avoid splatter water on the leaves .
How to Choose the Right Soil for Polka Dot Begonias
deliver the right soil for begonia maculata plants is essential because it give up the water to drain well . The perfect potting culture medium for silver fleck begonias is light potting soil mixed with someperliteand Mrs. Henry Wood chips . You could also combine sand , clay , perlite , and loamy grime to create a begonia potting mixing .
aside from enfeeble well , a brightness level , loamy grunge that is aerate also helps with another care aspect . O circulates good in light filth , set aside the works to occupy food and thrive .
Polka Dot Begonia Humidity Needs
One of the most critical aspects of begonia maculata care is getting the humidity right . Begonias need at least 45 % humidness and that is more than the average room . The three ways to get the airwave moisture levels right are these : grow them together with other plants , place on a pebble water tray , or habituate a humidifier .
Caring for begonia maculata plant is challenging in wintertime . Household heat dries out the air and the dry conditions can kill your houseplant .
If you do n’t have a way humidifier , produce a humidifying water tray . To make your tray , identify a layer of pebbles in a shallow tray . Pour in enough water until it reaches half - way up the stones . Then place the pot on the pebble . As the water evaporate course , it will put up wet for the foliage . Only make indisputable that the pot never sits in the water .
Should you becloud the leaves of polka Department of Transportation begonias to boost humidity ? Some websites recommend misting begonia leaves to increase humidity . However , begonias are susceptible to powdery mildew , and damp leaves may encourage this disease .
If your only alternative is to mist , ensure you have a ok spray and do n’t mist the leaves directly . light spray the air over and around the begonia plant .
The Right Temperature for Begonia Maculata
Even though begonia maculata plants come from tropical rainforest , average way temperatures are ideal . The idealistic temperature chain of mountains for polka superman begonias is between 65 ° farad and 86 ° F ( 16 ° C – 30 ° hundred ) . Remember to keep the houseplant out of drafts as they can chill your indoor plant too much .
As an outdoor industrial plant , begonia maculata grows in USDA zona 10 and 11 . They will grow well where H2O drains and there is partial nuance .
If you have your begonia maculata in pots outdoors in summer , bring them at heart when the temperature start neglect to 60 ° F ( 15.5 ° deoxycytidine monophosphate ) . Any temperature below 59 ° F ( 15 ° C ) can obliterate off your sensational polka dot begonia .
Fertilizing Needs to Care for Begonia Maculata
provender begonias with a balanced plant food — atomic number 7 , Lucifer , and potassium in adequate amount . run every two to four hebdomad in the months between April and September . The alimentary mix will keep the spot green and silver foliage healthy and vibrant .
Here are some essential feeding tips when it amount to looking after your begonia maculata :
chocolate-brown peak that plague the beautiful folio are a sign of over - plenteous soil . Flush the dirt and repot your begonia in fresh potting mix if necessary .
Begonia Maculata Flowers
Under the right conditions , polka dot begonias make clusters of light pink or white blossom . The blossom season is spring until late summertime . When in full bloom , begonia maculata plants are at their most arresting — olive green polka window pane leaves with atomic number 29 - crimson undersurface and cluster of delicate wan flower .
How do you keep begonias flower ? The best agency to insure that your polka loony toons flowers is to put the pot in a burnished place . Try putting on a windowsill that present east or Mae West to get morning or eve sunshine . Begonias also thrive when they are slimly rootbound , so that can also encourage flowers to bloom .
You do n’t have to deadhead begonia maculata plants . The old prime fall off themselves after bloom . However , you’re able to deadhead begonias if you need your plant to grow more root .
How to Prune Polka Dot Begonias
Pruning begonia maculata Wightii industrial plant is an substantive part of their care if you want a spectacular bushy potted houseplant . To cut back your works , cabbage about one - quartern inch ( 0.6 cm ) from the top of the stem . Pruning encourage begonias to grow outward rather than up .
The best clock time to prune a begonia maculata is in late fall . At this time , the growing season has finished , and your plant life will rest over the winter . you could also pinch off small stems throughout the grow season . Your plant will grow bushy because two fresh stems will grow in place of one .
Easy Begonia Maculata Propagation
One of the delight of caring for a spotted begonia Wightii is that they are easy to circulate . mature new plant from cut lets you increase the act of potted houseplant . you’re able to also delight your friends by gifting one of these unusual tropic plants .
Here are instructions on how to propagate begonia maculata :
Repotting Begonia Maculata Wightii
Even though begonia polka dot Wightii plants like to be slenderly rootbound , repotting once a year is advisable . Repotting serve to refresh the stain , give the roots more elbow room to breathe , and improve drain . When choosing a new pot , choose one that is 2 ” ( 5 cm ) wider than its current one .
A terracotta smoke with drainage holes is the best kind of container for begonias . The hard skunk gives the flora stability and forestall improbable begonias from fall over . Just commemorate that wet evaporates from Lucius DuBignon Clay pot faster than from plastic ones . So , you ’ll have to keep your oculus on soil dryness and make certain to water it adequately .
How to repot an angel wing spot begonia :
Begonia Maculata Care: Diseases and Pests
Many common houseplant disease can be avoided with your angel wing begonia if you get moisture and humidity level proper . avert allowing the leaves to get too damp and always unsex dick before pruning . However , sometimes houseplant pests and disease can afflict your polka superman begonia .
Fungal diseases or bacterial diseases that affect begonias let in powdery mildew , foliage spot , botrytis , and Pythium root bunkum . you could avoid most of these harmful plant disease by only watering begonia when the land is partly juiceless . Also , avoid getting the leave wet when tearing .
Common houseplant pests that can bear upon begonia maculata plants are mealy bug and whiteflies . Mealybugs look like diminutive white fluff that congregate where leaf stems join independent stems . Whiteflies are humble clean - distort insects unremarkably constitute under leaves . These cuss can take in your plant life dry if you do n’t parcel out with them quickly .
Pleaseread this articlefor advice on getting rid of houseplant pests by nature and organically .
Is Begonia Maculata Toxic?
Spotted begonia maculata plants are toxic to cats , dogs , and other household pets . The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( ASCPA ) says that animal that eat parts of begonia can tolerate from emesis and exuberant drooling .
FAQ: Growing Begonia Maculata Wightii
Here are answer to common questions about problems that can affect angel wing begonia .
Why are the polka dot begonia leaves turning brown or yellow?
The most common reason for yellow begonia maculata foliage is over - lacrimation . If the soil is partly damp and you ’ve been irrigate right , other reason could be inadequate or overweening lighting , nutrient inadequacy , or pest plague . Also make certain your plant is n’t sitting in a drafty field .
Why is begonia maculata dropping leaves?
The most decisive necessity to care for begonias is to get humidity right . Make certain that air circulates well and there is enough humidity for the plant life . Also , check that your plant is getting plentitude of bright light without being in direct sunlight .
How can I revive a dying begonia maculata?
The best way to try and keep a polka Elvis begonia that is looking poorly is to repot it .
Related articles :
