Begonias aregorgeous repeated plantsknown for their glossy leaves and beautiful bloom . However , when they ’re not in flush , some gardener may find oneself these houseplants a little lackluster . If that ’s how you ’re feeling , then why not try growing a polka - dit begonia ? Polka - dot begonias , or Begonia maculata , are a begonia specie with dark green and violent leaves that have white dots all across the airfoil . This pattern is what give them both their name and their good luck charm . To keep yours looking its best , here ’s what you postulate to know about Begonia maculata care .
Planting begonia maculata
commence with a container that has plenty of drain holes , you ’ll want to engraft your polka - dot begonia in a soil that is loose , slightly acid , and well draining . you’re able to achieve through fuse peat moss andperlite into the stain , and you’re able to use a pre - made mix or rectify your own stain . If you ca n’t find a mix with peat moss or ca n’t find peat moss to add to your own soil , do n’t panic . Begonia maculata will farm in regular potting as well .
Like other types of begonias , polka - back breaker begonias ask plenty of light . Bright , indirect Inner Light is ideal in most font , but they can abide some lineal light as well . Direct Christ Within in the morning with diffused light or loose shadowiness in the good afternoon is good than direct afternoon twinkle , as the more acute lightcan still cause burns . Avoid placing your Begonia maculata in a louche environment if at all potential . If you do n’t have a suitably cheery position in your home , you may need to affix the rude light with a grow light to keep your polka - dot begonia felicitous .
Begonia maculata care
Water your polka - dot begonia when the soil is wry below the surface . systematically damp soil can cause your Begonia maculata todevelop root rot , so checking the dirt before watering is significant . If the soil is still wet , waitress for it to dry before watering it . Depending on the temperature , light , and humidness around your industrial plant , as well as the plant ’s size , this may be one to two times per workweek or once every week and a half .
begonia are tropical plants , so they need warm temperatures and temperate to high humidness . While they ’re stalwart in USDA zones 10 and 11 , the ironical zephyr in some theatrical role of these zones can still create problem for your Begonia maculata . They tend to do well as houseplant , but you could take them alfresco during spring and summer , as long as the temperature is above 60 degree Fahrenheit . During fall and wintertime , keep your polka - acid begonia indoors and forth from drafts and air volcano . That includes heating vents . While the air heat vent blow may not be too cold for your begonia , it will be too wry .
Using a humidifier or humidity tray to increase the humidity around your Begonia maculata is a good idea if your home has ironical air . While some plants that savor humidity like to be misted , polka - dot begonia hate stick their leaf wet .
Encouraging your polka-dot begonia to bloom
While Begonia maculata is best known for its spotted leaves , this works also has adorable flowers . They are typically white , but can also be pale pink , and raise in clusters at the remnant of slight pink stems . If you want to promote your polka - dot begonia to flower , the best billet to start is with right concern . Begonia maculata industrial plant wo n’t bloom unless they ’re strong , get plenty of light , and have right humidness . flower are a foretoken that your plant is thriving , so keeping your plant happy and salubrious is the best way to assure it blooms .
you’re able to encourage your polka - battery-acid begonia further by choosing the right fertilizer . It takes more energy to produce flowers , so fertilizing your Begonia maculata in spring and summer will give it the hike it needs to blossom . A balanced liquid or water - soluble fertilizer will give your begonia a gracious rise . This encourage your begonia to bloom , but it also helps advertise intelligent leaf and root growing . Fertilizing once or twice a calendar month during the growing time of year is enough to keep your plant well fed .
Begonia maculata is a engrossing and gorgeous houseplant . With the proper educational activity and a bit of solitaire , anyone can get a polka - dot begonia . So why not initiate growing your own today ? Before long , you ’ll be enjoy the stunning leafage and cunning prime of this lovely and unique houseplant .
