Begonia maculata
TAXONOMY
FamilyBegoniaceae
GenusBegonia
Zone10
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Begonia maculata, commonly known as the Polka Dot Begonia, is a striking plant native to the tropical forests of Brazil. It is part of the Begoniaceae family and is known for its unique silver-spotted leaves and contrasting red undersides. This plant thrives in wet tropical climates and can grow as a shrub or small tree.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Angel Wings
Bgonia Bambou
Bgonia Macul
Tamaya
Begonia aculeata
Begonia argyrostigma
Begonia corallina
Begonia dichroa
Begonia maculata f. argentea
Begonia maculata var. argentea
Begonia maculata var. elegantissima
Begonia maculata var. wightii
Begonia punctata
Gaerdtia argentea
Gaerdtia maculata
Polka dot begonia
Spotted begonia
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature22° C
Humidity60%
pH6
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
To care for Begonia maculata, place it in a location with bright, indirect light. Maintain moderate temperatures and high humidity. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.Soil
Begonia maculata prefers well-draining loamy soil. A mix of potting soil with perlite or sand can improve drainage. Ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Feed Begonia maculata with a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Reduce feeding during the winter months when the plant's growth slows down.Repotting
Repot Begonia maculata every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Choose a pot that is one size larger and ensure it has drainage holes. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, shake off excess soil, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Propagate Begonia maculata through stem cuttings. Take a cutting with at least one node and place it in water or moist soil. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment until roots develop, then transplant it to a pot with well-draining soil.Pruning
Prune Begonia maculata to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and trim back leggy stems. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed.Toxicity
Begonia maculata is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth and throat. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.Additional
To increase humidity around Begonia maculata, consider using a humidity tray or a room humidifier. Misting the plant can also help, but avoid over-wetting the leaves to prevent fungal issues.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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