Polka dot begonia is a beautiful evergreen tropic plant native to the hot and humid timberland of Brazil . Polka Elvis begonia , also know as begonia maculata , receives its name from characteristic white dots on its bright - green leaves . Polka acid begonia are easy - to - forethought - for plant life suitable for a beginner concerned in indoor horticulture and will make a fun and colorful addition to any dwelling .
What Is Polka Dot Begonia: Origin and Description
Begonia maculata is an evergreen recurrent plant originate from the tropic forests ofsoutheasternBrazil . The polka dot begonia plant unremarkably grows in rainforests in the states of Rio de Janeiro andEspírito Santo . This plant change has also been introduced to other countries in the region , including Mexico , Argentina , and Cuba . The conditions of these plant ’ natural home ground prescribe the environment they call for at base to thrive .
Polka dot begonia is a industrial plant species that belongs to the familyBegoniaceae , genusBegonia . The species roll in the hay as begonia maculata are recognize by its sustain leaf bod cover by whitened or silver dots , giving the plant its common name . Polka point begonia can develop up tofour feet in tallness . These plants also modernise cascading livid flowers in the growing season that make their visual aspect even more striking .
Other name by which polka Lucy in the sky with diamonds begonia or begonia maculata is known are clown begonia , wightii begonia , spy begonia , or spotty begonia .
Features of Begonia Maculata
Polka dot begonia is an evergreen flora with shiny green leafage made of uniquely mould leave that remind some of the shapes of an saint wing . This plant is also a variety of cane begonia , which is a radical of begonia plants , also known as angel wing begonia , recognized by their thick-skulled bamboo - like stalk and foresightful leaf with sharp edge .
Names
Polka dot begonia , clown begonia , wightii begonia , recognize begonia , spotty begonia
Scientific name
Begonia maculata
Origin
Tropical wood of Brazil
size of it
3–4 pes
Colors
hopeful green with Ag dots
Soil
Soft well - draining soil
urine
Allow top inch to dry in between watering
Temperature
65 ° F and 86 ° degree Fahrenheit
visible radiation
shining indirect sparkle
Level
Beginner / intermediate
Begonia Maculata Care
Taking care of a polka dot begonia is not very hard and can be easily done by a beginner plant grower . However , these begonia require some specific conditions to be maintained to stay healthy , such as a fixed temperature range , regular lacrimation , moderate light , and eminent humidness . However , it is important to annul overwatering and overmisting that can lead to the development of plant disease and show of pests .
Polka pane begonia is a light - make out plant that love some bright luminousness now and then . However , begonia maculata will benefit from staying out of the direct sun . Direct sun can induce fading of the silvery dapple , making the flora so particular , as well as turn the industrial plant ’s leaf tips brown .
The best solution is to put the polka Department of Transportation begonia in vivid collateral lightness at home . In the wintertime , the plant can benefit from being placed on a windowpane sill on the southern side , while the eastern or westerly photo operate well throughout the year . Polka dot begonia can also hold out in limited light , but this wo n’t be beneficial for the industrial plant for long periods of time . When the begonia is not make enough light , its leaf will start fall back color .
The polka dot begonia works revel moist soil and , like most houseplants , call for steady watering . However , polka dots will most likely suffer from overwatering , so it ’s crucial to avoid miry soil at all costs . Begonia maculata does n’t permit soggy roots for a long time and will grow root rotting if that ’s the pillow slip .
To water the polka dot begonia , permit the top inch of the soil to dry out before the next fortune of water . If the dirt is still moist , it ’s good to not water the begonia yet . Polka Zen begonias should be watered every 3–4 daylight in the summertime time of year and once a hebdomad in the wintertime .
Polka dot begonia is a nifty plant for indoor gardening since it relish comparatively high stable temperatures that are harder to maintain outside . The secure temperature range for begonica maculata plants is between65 ° F and 86 ° F . It ’s important to keep the plant out of draft copy and never allow the temperature in the way to go below 59 ° F because it can cause the destruction of the industrial plant .
Humidity
Polka dots thrive in relatively high humidness , similar to the tropical environs of its lifelike home ground . It ’s best to uphold the humidness level at 45 % or higher . expend a digital hygrometer to ensure the level of humidness is consistent . It ’s specially significant to maintain high humidity level in the winter , since the heating tends to make the air desiccant .
The best mode to keep the humidness level unchanging is to lend a humidifier in the room and keep it near the works . Or , introduce a pebble tray extend with piddle to ensure consistent humidity . To do so , put a bed of pebble on a tray , then pelt some water to cover the stones about halfway , and place the tidy sum with begonia maculata on top of the tray .
Begonia maculata benefits from a well - draining grease , like most houseplant . A commercial-grade potting intermixture orpalm soil commixture are appropriate options for a polka dot begonia flora . But a grower can also make a mix of grunge at home to enhance the quality of conditions for the polka dot begonia . Try mixing some perlite or and woodwind chips for better humidness and aeration .
Fertilizer
Polka dot begonia benefit from regular dressing every two to four weeks to ensure balanced growth and evolution of the industrial plant . It ’s best to choose a water supply - soluble fertilizer for a polka dot begonia , or use small amounts of compost to tip the industrial plant . Fertilize the begonia in the growing period from April to September to keep the industrial plant sizeable and maintain its shiny colors . Stop feeding in the colder period between October and March because the ontogeny of polka dot begonias slow down significantly in wintertime months , so fertilizer would be unable .
When feed begonia maculata , flush the soil with water system every two to three months to maximise the issue of fertilizer and forbid the minerals from building up in the top layer . To do so , pour a good deal of water through the dirt and allow it to debilitate through the drain holes of the slew . In addition , make certain not to overfeed the plant because too much fertilizer can combust the works and damage it in the farseeing term .
Pests
Begonia maculata can sometimes be affected by pest , like whitefly and mealy bug . However , the use of pesticides may be ineffective in these character because these cuss are too small and whitefly lean to fly around when trouble , persist unaffected by the solution . Insecticidal soap can be more efficient when dealing with these pests .
Grooming and Pruning
Because polka dot begonias are bushy plants with ample leaf , begonia maculata care also involves meticulous grooming . Polka dots tend to grow quite large , with some plant gain five feet in height , which can be achieved easy by pruning . cut the stems can help to promote spry growth and excite outwards rather than upward development . The easiest way to cut the stems is to turn off off a part of the stem with a few leaves .
Polka Dot Begonia Flower
Begonia maculata develops cascading pink or livid blossom during the efflorescence season in fountain and summertime . The amply blooming flowers are a dramatic image and made the polka dot begonia even more beautiful . To promote the increase of flowers on polka back breaker begonia , place the pot with the plant in bright spark , for example , on a window sill that is face eastward or Cicily Isabel Fairfield .
Begonia Maculata Wightii Toxicity
Some toxins contained in the stems and leafage make begonia maculata toxic . Polka dot begonias are thought to be toxic to pets , like cats and dogs , so it ’s adept to keep this flora in a place where animals can not pass on it . foretoken of poisoning can include puking and excessive drooling . If these symptoms are remark , take the pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible .
Polka Dot Begonia Maculata Propagation
Polka dot begonia propagation is reckon a relatively leisurely physical process . Begonia maculata can be propagated either in water or in grime . begin the process by cutting the stem from the original industrial plant with a few folio on it . Stem cutting should be at least two column inch long to survive and grow . After take a leak a swing , place the stem cuttings directly into water and wait for a few weeks before they prepare roots . Or , dip the end of the cut in root internal secretion and put it directly into fresh territory .
It ’s proficient to propagate polka dot begonia in the leap or summer during its principal growing time of year . When making cuttings , verify to habituate proper newspaper clipping tools to avoid unnecessary equipment casualty to the plant life .
Spotted Begonia Re-potting
Polka dot begonia plant profit from re - potting every yr . Because the roots of the plants are very dense , they incline to fall apart out the soil quick , which is why pot them into fresh territory every year is good for these works .
Begonia maculata does not involve changes in passel size of it too often . These plants can be placed in the same skunk with every re - potting , but in smart dirt . However , if the begonia stops develop , a one size bigger pot is possibly require . Polka dots get heavy foliage , so pick out a heavy stool that will hold the industrial plant steady .
Diseases and Common Problems in Caring For Begonia Maculata
Though begonia maculata care remain easy , keep in brain that these plants can suffer from a number of common diseases that should be treat as soon as possible to ensure the endurance of the plant .
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungous contagion that impact polka Zen begonia frequently . The signs of powdery mildew disease admit a powdery - looking substance on the flora ’s leaves . Treat the infection by remove the affected areas and spraying the begonia with a fungicide solution . To prevent the disease , which can be hard and farsighted to treat , check that not to overwater the flora and always allow the top inch of the soil to dry in between waterings .
Botrytis
Botrytis is known as another fungous disease that affects begonia maculata . The lawsuit of botrytis is usually in soggy rootage that number as a result of overwatering , as well as poor air circulation in the elbow room . The disease manifests itself in pixilated dark-brown spots on the plant and lowering leaves . Botrytis can be handle with the remotion of unnatural areas and spraying the industrial plant with fungicide .
Root and Stem Rot
Both shape come as a result of overwatering and can be prevent by see the soil is decent drained and ensuring no overwatering occurs . Stem and ascendant bunkum cause the flora ’s halt go black .
Bacterial Leaf Spots
Bacterial leaf spots are represented by obtrusive spots on the leaf . This shape is very contagious and can pull through in the plants from one season to another , which is why the infected plants should be discarded .
Conclusion
Polka dot begonia is a beautiful and unique plant that will become any owner , regardless of their grade of experience . Begonia maculata care requires minimal sweat and seduce this plant a great addition to any house .
FAQs About Polka Dot Begonia
The follow section of the clause answers some of the most usually asked questions about begonia maculata caution .
Are Polka Dot Begonias Rare?
Yes , polka pane begonias are rare exotic plants . However , thanks to the progress made in houseplant polish over the years , today begonia maculata is comparatively easy to find in flora stores across the United States .
How Quickly Do Polka Dot Begonias Grow?
Polka dot begonia grow comparatively quickly . Like most houseplants , these plant ’ spring up season falls on late spring and summer which is when maximal growth can be achieved with right guardianship and fertilisation . The polka dose begonia can reach four metre in height and become a brilliant trading floor plant to decorate the house .
Do Polka Dot Begonias Need to Be Staked?
Polka dot begonia may need staking as they develop taller . Because polka pane begonia tend to turn upwardly , they demand some reenforcement , which is when staking can come in handy . Staking can help remove the pressure from the plant , make trusted the begonia rise in a balanced path , as well as protect the polka dot from accidents at home .
Why Is My Polka Dot Begonia Dying?
A polka dot begonia may suffer from too much Sunday or too much piddle . If the works was come in in unmediated sun for too long , it may display yellow leaves and other signs of sunburn , which is a signaling to remove the plant from undimmed light . When overwatered , the plant will show symptom , such as black and turgid prow , or even preindication of fungal diseases .
