How to look after and grow your Polka Dot Begonia
-begonia maculata
This is not your normal Begonia that you would find in your Grannie's hanging basket! This is an exciting flowering tropical talking point. With it's long angel wing shaped leaves bigger than your hand, lovely wrinkly edges and polka dot pattern and a reddish purple underside they really are a show stopper! Read below for advice on how to look after your Begonia Maculata.
Light
Medium to bright light, avoiding direct sunlight that may burn the leaves
Will adjust to less light-but expect slower growth
Temperature
Do not let the room temperature drop below 15 degrees celsius
Water
Only water when the top soil is dry give it a thorough watering. Once or twice per week.
Mist regularly or place on a pebble tray to increase humidity
Doesn't like to completely dry out. Avoid this by soaking thoroughly every time you water
Do not sit it in water as this will encourage root rot
Growth
For healthy growth, larger leaves and flowers, fertilise twice a month during the spring/summer growing season.
In the winter reduce fertilising down to once ever 5-6 weeks
If your plant starts to get a little 'leggy' pinch out the growth in mid summer to encourage it to bush out nicely as new stems will grow from where you prune
Keep out of reach of children and pets