Mac

Begonia Maculata

Begonia argyrostigma; Polka Dot Begonia

• 
  Easy care

• Begonia Maculata likes...
  • 
    Most light conditions

    They tolerate slightly shady spaces, although they far prefer a spot that’s bright but out of direct sun.

  • 
    Regular watering

    They like their soil to stay moist but not soggy, so water them when the top inch of soil feels dry.

  • 
    Feeding

    Give them a feed once per month in spring and summer and you might be rewarded with little white flowers.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Begonia maculata

  Common name

  Polka dot begonia

  Plant type

  Evergreen, indoor

  Plant height

  20-30cm

  Pet/baby safe

  Toxic if ingested

  Nursery pot size

  12cm

• About polka dot begonia

  It’s not often you see a spotty plant. This easy-care houseplant will bring a little hit of joy wherever you put it. Long, dark green leaves with silver spots and dark red on the underside. It’s quite the little show off.

  You may hear begonia and imagine the sweet little English garden plants, but there are actually over 2,000 different varieties of begonia. This one comes from Southeast Brazil, where it makes its home in rainforests. As if its leaves weren’t stunning enough, it also grows little white flowers in spring and summer. You can help it produce them by giving it a monthly feed in the warmer months. 

  It’s a fairly easy plant to take care of. It will manage in moderate shade but prefers brighter light. Keep its soil moist and give it an occasional mist and you’ll keep this little star in tip-top condition.

  Did you know?

  The name begonia maculata simply means ‘spotted begonia’.