Polka dot begonias have large, angel-wing shaped leaves with a unique polka-dot pattern and bright purple undersides. These lively plants add a bright splash of color to any space. Once you know the basics, it is easy to care for this pretty houseplant. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about polka dot begonia care and propagation.
This care guide is specific to polka dot begonia care. For other plant specific care guides, check here.
| Name | Begonia maculata Polka dot begonia |
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight because it burns the leaves. |
| Water | Water when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry until water comes out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. |
| Temperature | 65 – 80 °F (18 – 27 °C). Do not keep in cold temperatures. |
| Humidity | Medium humidity |
| Toxicity | Toxic to dogs, cats, humans |
Polka Dot Begonia Care Indoors:
Polka Dot Begonia Size & Growth
Polka dot begonias are cane begonias, known for their symmetrical angel wing leaves on long bamboo-like stems. It is a fast growing houseplant reaching up to 2 meters tall in the right conditions. Each leaf grows up to 20 cm in length.
Pruning the plant helps to maintain a bushy shape because new stems grow from where you prune. The best time to prune is in late autumn (the end of the plant’s growing season) so that it can conserve energy during the winter. You can then propagate the pinched stems!
Flowers grow in clusters and are white or pale pink in color. Blooms typically occur between spring and autumn. Once the flowers are done blooming, remove them so the plant can rest.
Polka Dot Begonia Propagation
To propagate your polka dot begonia, snip off a leaf with 1 to 2 stem nodes. Fill a jar with water and place the cutting inside. Keep this cutting in a warm, sunny area to promote growth and change the water out regularly.
Once roots have grown, you can repot the cutting into fresh soil. Keep the soil moist to promote growth.
Polka Dot Begonia Sunlight Needs
Polka dot begonias thrive in bright, indirect light. An East or West facing window is best because it provides enough light to keep the leaves vibrant without burning the plant.
Insufficient light causes the plant to grow leggy as it stretches for more sun.
However, direct sunlight causes leaf burn, which shows up as brown spots on the leaves. If your plant is burned, move it farther away from the window or cover the window with a sheer curtain. The brown, sunburned portions do not fade once formed, so it is best to prevent leaf burn in the first place.
Rotating the begonia every few weeks ensures each side receives enough light and grows evenly.
In addition, dust the leaves frequently to keep them clean so the plant absorbs the necessary sunlight.
Polka Dot Begonia Watering
Water your Begonia thoroughly when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry to touch. Water the soil directly to avoid getting the leaves wet. Pour the water until it drips out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Then, be sure to empty excess water from the saucer after watering, as Begonias are prone to root rot if left to sit in water.
Watering too frequently leads to root rot and even plant death so it is important to check the soil is dry before watering to avoid excess moisture.
In general water your Begonia once every one to two weeks and adjust the frequency as needed based on your environmental conditions. Keep in mind, plants in warmer and drier climates rooms require more frequent watering than those in cooler or humid climates.
Remember that the plant is actively growing during the spring and summer, so it will need to be watered more often than during the winter when growth slows down.
Related article: Spider plant care guide
Polka Dot Begonia Soil
Plant the Begonia maculata in a houseplant soil mix rich in organic matter. Mix in a few cups of perlite to increase drainage and reduce the risk of over watering.
Polka Dot Begonia Temperature
This tropical houseplant thrives in temperatures from 65 to 80 °F (18 to 27 °C). Avoid exposing it to cold temperatures or drafty windows because it could shock the plant.
Polka Dot Begonia Humidity
Polka dot begonias enjoy medium to high humidity. Brown leaf tips are a common sign your plant needs more moisture. Increase the humidity by placing a humidifier nearby, or by keeping the plant in a pebble tray with water.
Avoid misting the leaves directly- Begonia are prone to powdery mildew, especially if their leaves stay wet for extended periods of time. You can lightly mist the air around the plant if you wish to increase humidity.
Begonias do well in rooms that are naturally humid, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Related article: Best plants for low light bathrooms
Repotting Polka Dot Begonia
Repot your Begonia maculata once every one to two years during the spring time when you notice it has outgrown its pot.
When repotting, move to a pot one size larger than the current one (about one to two inches wider in diameter). If the pot is too large, the extra soil absorbs extra water, causing root rot. Begonia maculata prefer to be pot-bound.
Gently remove the plant from the old pot and clean the soil from its roots. Prune any rotten or damaged roots with a clean pair of scissors. Fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting soil and secure the houseplant in place. Wait a week after repotting before watering again to give the plant time to settle in its new home.
Fertilizing Polka Dot Begonia
Fertilize this houseplant with a diluted houseplant fertilizer once a month from spring to summer (make sure the soil is damp before fertilizing). Do not feed from fall to winter when the plant’s growth slows.
Fertilizing promotes blooms and the growth of larger leaves.
Polka Dot Begonia Toxicity
Unfortunately, the Begonia maculata is toxic to pets and humans and cause stomach irritation if ingested, so keep it out of their reach.
Common Polka Dot Begonia Care Problems
1. Polka dot begonia leaves turning brown
- Under watering: if the soil is dry to touch, carefully increase your watering frequency, especially if the plant is in a hot room.
- Bright light: extended exposure to bright, direct light burns the leaves and causes brown spots. Move the plant farther away from the window so it receives indirect light.
- Dry air: begonias are fond of humidity and brown leaf tips are a sign the surrounding air is too dry. Place a humidifier nearby or keep the pot in a pebble tray to increase moisture.
2. Polka dot begonia leaves turning yellow
- Old leaves: older leaves are at the bottom and turn yellow with age. If only the older leaves are yellow, this is normal as the plant ages and nothing has to be done.
- Over watering: yellow leaves that easily fall off and limp/mushy stems indicate the begonia received too much water. Remove the plant from the soil and cut off any rotten roots (they are black and slimy). If the rot has progressed into the stem, cut off the stem until you have clean tissue without any signs of rot. Plant in fresh, well-draining soil and hold off on watering for several weeks while the plant recovers. Also ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra moisture is released.
- Nutrient deficiency: fertilize your begonia monthly during the spring to summer so it receives adequate nutrition.
3. Polka dot begonia stems drooping
- Under watering: if you notice your plant’s leaves and stems are drooping down, this is a sign your plant needs more water. Check that the soil is dry, then thoroughly water the plant. If the soil is completely dry, you can bottom water the plant by placing the pot in a tub of water and letting it soak up water from its drainage hole. After 45 minutes, take the pot out and let the soil drain.
4. Pests on polka dot begonia
Fortunately begonias are relatively pest free.
Signs of a pest infestation include:
- Cottony sticky substance
- Yellow or discolored leaves
- Black mold-like substance
Carefully inspect your begonia for pests if you notice these signs. Check your neighboring houseplants as well because pests spread easily. Quarantine any affected plants.
Wash the plant under a strong stream of water with an insecticidal soap. Spray the plant with rubbing alcohol or diluted neem oil.
Spray once every three to four days for several weeks until all signs of the infestation are gone.
In summary for Polka Dot Begonia care and propagation…
Begonias come in many varieties and colors but the maculata is one of the prettiest. The polka dot begonia makes a great addition to any home, with its angel-wing shaped leaves and unique silvery dotted pattern. Show it off as a centerpiece or in a terrarium. The best part is that this houseplant is fairly easy to care for once you get the hang of its needs.
Have more questions about polka dot begonia plant care? Let me know in the comments below!
