Polka dot begonia is an absolutely stunning houseplant that has recently surged in popularity. With its angel wing-shaped leaves dotted with pink, red, or white spots, it’s easy to see why these beautiful begonias are in such high demand. If you’ve been looking to add one of these gorgeous plants to your home, you may have found that they can be tricky to find for sale. Don’t worry, this guide will teach you all about polka dot begonia and give you tips for finding them for sale.
Polka dot begonia, also known as angel wing begonia, is a hybrid plant derived from crossing other begonia species. There are a few different varieties that have spots or speckles on the leaves, such as ‘Punctata’, ‘Apricot Dots’, and ‘Strawberry Dots’ The most common is Begonia maculata, which has dark green leaves with bright white or pink spots
These tropical perennials are native to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. They thrive in warm, humid environments and make excellent houseplants. Polka dot begonias can grow quite large, reaching up to 3 feet tall and wide. The lush leaves can grow as big as 6 inches long! When cared for properly, they bloom clusters of petite white flowers in the summer.
One of the things that makes polka dot begonia so unique is that no two plants look exactly the same The spotted leaves have so much natural variation that each one is uniquely beautiful, Collectors love that they can amass a range of different looking polka dot begonias
Caring for Polka Dot Begonias
Caring for polka dot begonia mainly involves providing the right growing conditions. Here are some key tips:
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Light – Bright, indirect light is ideal Some morning sun is fine. Avoid direct hot midday sun which can scorch leaves.
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Temperature – Prefers warm temperatures between 65-75°F. Keep away from drafty areas.
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Humidity – Loves humidity! Mist leaves regularly or use a pebble tray. 40-50% humidity is ideal.
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Water – Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the drainage holes.
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Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix made for tropical plants. Allow it to dry out some before watering again.
Give polka dot begonia the right care and it will reward you with vigorous growth and gorgeous spotted foliage all year long. It makes a fabulous (and pet friendly!) houseplant.
Where to Find Polka Dot Begonias for Sale
Polka dot begonias have become so popular that demand often exceeds supply. Here are some tips for tracking these beauties down:
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Specialty nurseries – Check plant shops that focus on rare and unusual varieties. Polka dot begonias are right up their alley!
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Online stores – Sites like Etsy, Amazon, and even big box stores may carry them, but stock is usually limited.
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Social media – Join houseplant groups on Facebook and Reddit. Members often post when they see polka dot begonias for sale.
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Locally – Ask at your local garden centers and greenhouse growers. You may luck out with a shipment.
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Plant swaps – Attend plant swaps and houseplant events in your area to network. Fellow plant lovers may have leads!
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** propagate your own – If you can get a cutting from a friend or fellow plant collector, you can propagate more polka dot begonias fairly easily.
With the surge in popularity, polka dot begonia availability waxes and wanes. Be persistent and keep your eyes peeled…you’ll be able to find one of these lovelies to call your own if you’re patient! They are well worth the effort.
Popular Varieties of Polka Dot Begonia
There are a number of different polka dot begonia cultivars on the market. Here are some of the most popular varieties to look for:
Begonia maculata
The most common polka dot begonia features olive green leaves with bright white spots. It has a mounded, bushy habit and the spots are quite large.
Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’
This variety has nearly fully white leaves with just a touch of green. The white spots almost entirely cover the small, rounded leaves. It has a compact habit.
Begonia ‘Punctata’
‘Punctata’ has hairy, rounded leaves that are a rich green color dotted with tiny pink spots. The delicate spots give it a speckled effect.
Begonia ‘Apricot Dots’
As the name suggests, this variety has apricot and orange colored spots on the foliage. The coloring is quite unique.
Begonia ‘Strawberry Dots’
The red spots on the leaves of this cultivar look just like tiny strawberries! A very decorative and fun polka dot begonia.
There are always new cultivars being introduced, so keep an eye out for unique spot patterns and leaf shapes as you search for your perfect polka dot begonia.
Caring for Your New Polka Dot Begonia
Once you finally get your hands on a polka dot begonia, you’ll want to take proper care of it so it thrives. Here are some tips:
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Allow it to acclimate to your home before repotting or moving it to a new location.
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Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Be consistent, but don’t overwater.
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
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Prune back leggy growth to keep the plant full and bushy.
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Mist the leaves frequently and use a pebble tray to boost humidity.
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Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get adequate light exposure.
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Remove dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth.
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Repot annually in the spring using fresh potting mix. Go up one size if rootbound.
Follow these tips and your new polka dot begonia will grow big and strong! It may even reward you with some delicate white blooms.
Propagating Polka Dot Begonias
If you or a friend are lucky enough to already have a polka dot begonia, propagating it can allow you to make more plants! Here’s how to propagate polka dot begonia:
From cuttings
Take 3-6 inch tip cuttings that have a few leaves. Remove the lower leaves and trim the stem at an angle. Dip the end in rooting hormone powder. Plant in moist potting mix, sand, or a peat/perlite blend. Cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity and place in indirect light. Keep the soil slightly moist but not wet. New roots and growth should emerge in 4-8 weeks.
From leaf cuttings
Choose a healthy leaf and cut it off close to the stem. Cut a V or wedge shape into the main leaf vein. Lay the leaf cut side down on the soil and anchor with a bobby pin or wire. Provide high humidity and indirect light. Mini plantlets will form at the cut vein in a few months.
By division
If your plant has gotten quite large, carefully divide the rootball and repot divisions to make new plants. Ensure each division has a good portion of roots and some leaves at the top. Keep evenly moist until established.
With a little patience, propagating polka dot begonias is very doable for the average gardener. It’s immensely rewarding to turn one plant into many more for free!
Enjoying These Fabulous Plants
Once you get your hands on the popular polka dot begonia, it will quickly become one of your most admired houseplants. For collectors, the quest of tracking down hard-to-find varieties is all part of the fun. Focus on giving your new begonia the proper care and it will thrive indoors.
The gorgeous foliage adds charm and texture to any space. Polka dot begonias look particularly striking grouped together or combined with other plants like ferns and peace lilies. Place them in bright, warm rooms and be diligent about watering and humidity. Properly cared for begonias can grow quite large and may even bloom dainty flowers.
No indoor jungle is complete without at least one polka dot begonia as part of the collection. Their uniquely patterned leaves and tropical vibe make them perfect houseplants. With so many stunning varieties to hunt down, growing these polka dot beauties can become quite addicting! Finding them for sale may take some work, but the end result is well worth it.
Other Questions about Polka Dot Begonia
Here are answers to some other common questions about growing polka dot begonias:
Are polka dot begonias rare?
Some specific cultivars are quite rare, while others like the common Begonia maculata are more readily available. Rare varieties quickly sell out when they do come up for sale.
How much light do polka dot begonias need?
They prefer bright, filtered light. Some morning sun is fine but avoid intense direct sunlight which can burn the foliage. East or west facing windows are ideal.
Should I mist my polka dot begonia?
Yes, misting is hugely beneficial as polka dot begonias love high humidity.Aim to mist the leaves daily or every other day. Use room humidifiers and pebble trays to also boost moisture.
What potting mix should I use?
Avoid regular potting soil, as begonias prefer a light, loose and well-draining mix. Use an African violet or orchid mix or create your own blend.
How do I prune and shape my begonia?
Pinch back long leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Remove damaged leaves or “floppers” dragging on the pot rim. Prune off old flowers.
How do I propagate polka dot begonia?
They propagate well from leaf or stem cuttings rooted in soil or water. You can also carefully divide the rhizome and repot divisions.
With the right care, polka dot begonia will thrive and grow to become a stunning houseplant specimen sure to be the highlight of your indoor plant collection!
Adriana’s survival guide It’s really no surprise that Adriana loves to be adored. The Begonia Maculata is just one of 2000 different variations in the Begonia species. Could you imagine having that many siblings? What would family dinners be like? Sometimes referred to as a Polka Dot or Angel Wing Begonia, this tropical gal comes with a short list of non-negotiables. Keep her soil moist, her surrounding space humid, prune her leaves twice a year, and be sure to position her in a locale with bright, indirect sunlight. Otherwise, she can get a bit fussy and you’ll need to call her agent. All in all, give Adriana the attention she seeks and this Maculata will look immaculata on or off the catwalk.
Partial light or shade
Begonias thrive in indirect or shady conditions, making them perfect for spaces away from direct sunlight. Providing filtered light ensures optimal growth and vibrant blooms, while protecting delicate leaves from scorching.
Begonias prefer to have consistently moist soil, without waterlogging. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, and allow excess to drain. Moderate humidity and occasional misting keeps these topicals happy.
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Houseplant Trends 2021: The Begonia Maculata Whightii (Angel Wing/Polka Dot Begonia) Care + Tips!
FAQ
Are polka dot begonias rare?
Polka Dot Begonia features striking silver-spotted leaves with maroon undersides. A rare, easy-care houseplant perfect for indoor collections and display.
Where is the best place to put a polka dot begonia?
Light and position
The Polka Dot Begonia is quite relaxed when it comes to its sunlight requirements. It prefers to live in bright, indirect sunlight, but it’s also happy to live in low light. This means it’s the ideal botanical for homes and offices that don’t get too much natural sun.
Do spotted begonias like sun or shade?
Spotted Begonia plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause their leaves to burn. An east-facing window that receives filtered sunlight is an excellent spot for these plants. If you don’t have access to a window with enough light, you can use artificial lighting.
Is a polka dot begonia a perennial or annual?
The Polka Dot Begonia grows as a perennial in zone 10 and is found as an annual in other areas. When the weather turns chilly, move this Begonia indoors to grow as a houseplant. The Polka Dot Begonia needs bright, indirect sunlight and increased humidity as a houseplant.