Polka Dot Begonia

Keep the soil of a Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') moist at all times. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering. During the summer months, the plant may need more frequent watering; during the winter, water only when the soil feels dry. While this plant prefers moist soil and does not like to be water-logged, it is sensitive to excess water, so do not overwater.

The Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') must have medium to low indirect light. Place it in an area of your home or office where it receives several hours of indirect sunlight a day. Direct sunlight may cause it to burn, but if placed in the proper location, this plant can easily thrive indoors with the proper care.

Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') prefers a temperature range from 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C). Avoid placing the plant in areas with temperatures below 60°F (15.6°C) or above 80°F (26.7°C).

Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') requires a relative humidity of between 40-50% to thrive. If your indoor climate has a low humidity level, you can increase the level by running a humidifier near the plant or placing the plant near a water source, such as on a tray filled with pebbles. Do not mist the leaves as this can damage them.

Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A loamy soil, such as an indoor houseplant potting mix, is an ideal choice. When mixing your own soil, you can mix it with equal parts compost, sand, and peat moss to ensure adequate drainage.

Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') should be fertilized approximately once every two weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Water-soluble houseplant fertilizers and slow-release fertilizers are both suitable for this plant. Avoid fertilizing this plant during the winter, when growth is minimal and the plant is in its dormant period.

Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') can be prone to pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests will typically feed on the plant’s sap, resulting in discoloration, wilting and deformed leaves. If the issue is not addressed, the plant may eventually die. To remove pests from the plant, first try using an insecticidal soap to actively wipe them off. If the pests remain, use a pesticide spray with a 3-day interval between each application. When using either of these methods, be sure to treat both the underside and topside of the leaves to ensure that all of the pests are eliminated.

When the roots of a Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') begin to fill the pot it is currently in, it is time to repot the plant. Generally, this should happen every two years or when the plant is overcrowded within its current container. To repot, carefully remove plant from its pot and loosen the roots to promote adequate drainage. Fill a pot with pre-moistened soil and place the plant into the new pot, gently packing the potting mix around the bottom for stability.

Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') should be pruned to keep the plants from becoming too leggy. Trim back any long stems to promote bushier growth; however, do not remove more than one-third of the total plant at any given time. To avoid causing damage to the delicate foliage of this plant, use sharp, clean gardening shears when pruning.

To help retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing, it's a good idea to apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch to the top of the soil in the pot. Suitable mulching materials include wood chips, bark, straw, or cocoa bean hulls.

Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') can easily be propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. Simply select a healthy stem or leaf and cut it from the parent plant. For stem cuttings, make sure the cut has multiple nodes; for leaf cuttings, use a healthy and undamaged leaf. Place the cuttings into a planting medium, such as vermiculite, and place in a warm, moist environment. With proper care, the cuttings should root in a few weeks.

Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') may require a support, such as a stake, to help keep the long stems upright. A single stake should be inserted into the soil and placed near the center of the pot, so as to not disturb or harm the root system. Twine can then be attached to the stake and around the stems to help the plant stay upright.

Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') may benefit from a winter rest period, in which the plant is placed in a cooler location with reduced light to keep it from growing too quickly. During this rest period, the plant should receive minimal watering to keep the soil from drying out completely.

Although Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata 'Wightii') is not toxic to humans, it can be toxic to pets. If ingested, the plant can cause digestive upset and should be kept away from animals.