How to care for Polka Dot Begonia Maculata

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The Polka Dot Begonia Maculata is a perennial evergreen shrub with deeply lobed leaves (lobes may be either rounded or pointed). It blooms from June through September with small clusters of white flowers that only last for one day. Flowers emerge from the leaf axils on mature plants, but new vine-propagated plants will not flower for at least two years. 

Polka Dot Begonia Maculata is a hardy plant as long as it is kept in well-draining soil and avoids drafts. The plant’s leaves should be cleaned of dust and debris periodically, and stems should be pinched back to promote bushy growth.

Caring for your Polka Dot Begonia Maculata is relatively simple and straightforward, as long as you provide it with the right growing conditions and take a few basic steps to promote healthy growth. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, this hardy and attractive plant will make a great addition to your collection.

Here are some ways how to care for Polka Dot Begonia.

Watering Your Begonia 

Polka Dot Begonia Maculata flowering season is in summer and winter, so you must water them as frequently as possible. Avoid overwatering your plant by waiting for the soil to dry out before watering again instead of waiting till the dirt becomes bone-dry. 

Water that is too hot or cold may cause leaf burn. Accordingly, the begonia maculata has a high water requirement and temperature tolerance. Therefore, Polka Dot Begonia Maculata needs regular watering the first few weeks after planting. This is necessary to establish the roots and install them in the pot.

NEW PLANTS!!

We just took delivery of some absolutely stunning Begonia Maculata plants!

These mad looking plants have beautiful crinkle cut leaves that taper to a point. Deep green upper leaves with a white polka dot pattern contrast with with a deep red / pink underneath. pic.twitter.com/7nT4oSwdfX

— Hidden Planet (@HiddenPlanet3) October 15, 2020

Pruning For Polka Dot Begonia 

Cut back old stems to promote new growth. Cut the stem at the base of one leaf set, leaving several groups of leaves intact on the stem. Use sharp pruning shears and prune in spring just before buds open or in summer after flowering. 

Additionally, Prune your begonia maculata in spring before the flowers start opening. Cutting back during flowering will help prevent unwanted bud drops and encourage a more robust stem.

If you want to propagate your Maculata Wightii, cut off a side shoot just below a leaf node, where new roots will grow from. Be sure to leave the bottom leaves intact so they can continue to photosynthesize and produce food for themselves while it begins making new roots. 

Sunlight Requirements 

Begonia Maculata Wightii requires six or more hours of sunlight and temperatures above 60 degrees F. If your begonia maculata is not getting enough sunshine, it will begin to drop leaves. 

According to research, most polka dot begonia maculata will not tolerate the sun or become a leggy bush if the leaves are not getting enough sunlight. 

Additionally, the begonia maculata care does not require much water and has a low light absorption. The begonia maculata does well in light from partial sun to shade because of its high light absorption. If a plant does not get enough sunlight, it will become leggy and drop leaves.

The Best Soil For Your Begonia 

Begonia can grow in any soil. Still, it is a nitrogen-poor plant, so amending the ground with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer will help keep the plant healthy and help you enjoy its blooms longer.

If you love the scent of begonias, sprinkle some potting soil on your garden bed or container. You can also give them a liquid fertilizer treatment or add iron to your potting soil. 

However, the begonia baby plant should be grown in porous potting soil because it will drain quickly and not thrive. Accordingly, the Begonia can grow in virtually any soil.

The Planting Depth Of Your Begonia 

The begonia maculata is low-maintenance. If you want to plant Begonia in between other plantings in your garden or mixed containers, a shovel can be inserted in the middle of the existing soil and only up to 1.5 inches deep. 

If you’re using a container, make sure not to fill it more than 2/3 full of soil (for smaller containers), so your Begonia Wightii has room for its roots to grow. This is because it is a nitrogen-poor plant, so amending the soil with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer will help keep the plant healthy and help you enjoy its blooms longer. However, if you want to grow your Begonia in a pot, add 2-3 inches of soil.

Begonias grown in pots usually require frequent watering, so use a vessel with drainage holes that are at least as big as the tip of your pinky finger.

Fertilizing Your Begonia 

Lack of nitrogen in its soil will inhibit the flowering of your Begonia. So you can add a slow-release fertilizer or feed it every two weeks with liquid fertilizer during the growing season. 

However, avoid feeding begonia maculata plants with a fast-acting soluble fertilizer, which may burn their roots or leaves and ultimately kill them. Accordingly, Apply slow-release pellets (such as 15-15-15) at half the recommended rate in spring when you transplant your Begonia Wightii and again in mid-summer, around July or August. 

Research shows that the polka dot Begonia-Maculata has to be fertilized regularly to keep them healthy. However, A balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) can be applied once a month after blooming has stopped.

Flowers On Your Begonia Maculata 

Begonia Wightii flowers are tiny, white with a yellow center, and look like a drop of paint. They appear on long stems and open only for one day. 

If your maculata Wightii is not getting enough sun or growing well, it will begin to drop its leaves. Studies show that begonia care does not require much water and has low light absorption. Therefore, In the summer, place your Begonia in a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Protecting Your Begonia Maculata 

Bring your begonia plant indoors when low nighttime temperatures reach 50 degrees F to protect it from frost. 

Begonia care does not require much water and absorbs soft light. However, Do not let your plants freeze or shrive because this can kill them. 

You can also protect begonias from harsh wind and frost from fall until winter by wrapping them in burlap or plastic frost blankets you can buy at garden centers before cold weather hits. If you have severe winters, keep your begonias growing during the winter in a greenhouse.

Pests On Your Begonia Maculata 

The most common pests that invade the garden are aphids which feed on flower sap and can cause damage to leaves, stems, and buds. 

Pro tip: To eliminate these tiny pests, use insecticidal soap spray. Additionally, they should be checked weekly, as they can spread quickly. Check all parts of the plant for signs of infestation – the stems, blossoms, and leaves should be inspected for aphids. 

Propagating Your Begonia 

Begonias are easily propagated by stem or leaf cuttings. Take a healthy cutting, remove the leaves, dip it into hormone rooting powder, place it in some soil, and finally cover it with plastic bags to keep the moisture levels high.

Many people like growing begonias from seeds in pots or directly into the ground. However, seeds will not germinate until after the frost has passed. If you live in a frost-free area, you can plant begonia seeds outside any time of year if treated with a cold treatment of 4 to 6 weeks at 40 F (4 C).

New 🌱 Begonia Maculata … little polka dot angel leaf pic.twitter.com/JXxMm88JdV

— 🪴🌱K (@getplantywithme) June 2, 2021

Toxicity 

Some plants contain insecticidal toxins that are toxic to humans and animals, such as begonia leaf sap. This is because begonias are poisonous, yet their seeds are safe for humans to ingest.

The most common symptoms of poisoning by begonia leaf sap include vomiting and nausea, diarrhea, muscle pain, and numbness in the mouth and throat. Accordingly, wash your hands thoroughly after touching begonia plant parts that contain this acid. Make sure to wear gloves when handling the plants.

Begonia Wightii Cultivation 

Your begonia plant is semi-evergreen, and the stem color is green. Expect flowering from late spring to early summer, yet you can start to see your Begonia Wightii bloom as early as February, depending on your climate.

This tropical plant has pale green or red-colored leaves arranged in a rosette. Begonia Wightii will also produce small white or pink flowers with yellow centers around 2 inches in diameter atop long stems above the foliage. The begonias polka dot plants’ care includes warm temperatures, bright light, and rich soil, but they do not like soggy soil or strong winds.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a new plant to your beautiful and low-maintenance garden, the Maculata Wightii Begonia is an excellent choice. While many people may assume that begonias are challenging to care for, this particular variety is relatively easy to manage, making it an ideal option for novice and experienced gardeners.

Begonia care is effortless. You only need to give your maculata Wightii proper care, which can become a beautiful addition to your garden. However, to achieve the best results and enjoy more extended flowering, you must take appropriate care of the plant and be consistent.

Overall, begonia care is relatively straightforward, and with a little effort and attention, you can enjoy a beautiful, vibrant plant in your garden. Whether you’re looking to add some color to your outdoor space or simply want a low-maintenance option for your indoor garden, the ‘Maculata Wightii’ Begonia is an excellent choice that is sure to impress. So don’t hesitate to try it and see how effortless begonia care can be!

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