The Polka Dot Begonia is one of my all time favorite plants. Rippled, wing-shaped leaves are a deep olive green on top with a bronze burgundy bottom. The top of the leaves are marked with silver (yes, truly silver!) dots.
This whimsical and magical plant is fast growing and easy to care for. The Polka Dot Begonia is one of the most uniquely embellished plants and absolutely commands attention as it grows! Let’s take a deep dive into the best Polka Dot Begonia care!
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The Polka Dot Begonia is known by many names! It is known by its scientific name, Begonia maculata var. Wightii. Other common names you may have heard include the Spotted Begonia, Angel Wing Begonia or Trout Begonia. The Polka Dot Begonia is native to South America, specifically in the Atlantic Rainforest which spans multiple Brazilian states. It has since been introduced to countries with similar environments, such as Mexico, Cuba and Argentina.
The Polka Dot Begonia was first discovered in the 1980s and has since made its way comfortably into the home setting. This is a fabulous houseplant that requires minimal care but gives a maximum payoff. Let’s dive into all the things about Begonia maculata care!
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Polka Dot Begonia, Spotted Begonia, Angel Wing Begonia, Trout Begonia
- Scientific Name: Begonia maculata var. Wightii
- Mature Size: five feet tall
- Sunlight: bright, indirect sunlight
- Water: when top ⅓ of soil is dry
- Soil: well-draining
- Temperature: 55°F-85°F with high humidity
- Propagation: stem cuttings
- Toxicity: toxic to humans and pets
Growth Pattern and Habits
Begonia maculata var. Wightii, or Polka Dot Begonia, is a variety of cane begonia. This is a classification that indicates the upright growth of the plant in woody segments similar to bamboo. It is not uncommon for this beautiful indoor plant to reach heights upwards of four to five feet tall!
Expert Tip – Because of its fast, branching growth pattern, it is helpful to add support sticks as your Polka Dot Begonia matures. Using plant clips, support rogue stems to stabilizer sticks to encourage upright growth and to prevent stems from breaking.
Because the Polka Dot Begonia is of the cane variety, this plant grows up and branches