Hello, human. I am Begonia maculata, the one you call the "Polka Dot Begonia." To help me thrive and show you my most beautiful, angel-wing shaped leaves and delicate flower clusters, please understand my needs from my perspective. My care is a dance of precise conditions.
I crave bright, indirect light. In my native Brazilian rainforest home, I live under the canopy, where dappled sunlight filters through. A spot near an east or west-facing window is perfect. Direct, harsh afternoon sun will scorch my beautiful olive-green leaves, causing brown, crispy patches. Not enough light, and I will become leggy as I stretch desperately for a photon, and my famous silver polka dots will fade. A little morning sun is a delightful treat I can tolerate.
My relationship with water is particular. I enjoy consistently moist soil, but I am not a marsh plant. "Moist" does not mean "soggy." My roots are fine and susceptible to rot if left sitting in water. Please water me thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow the excess water to drain completely away from my pot. I will also tell you I'm thirsty if my leaves begin to droop slightly. In winter, I drink less frequently.
I am a tropical plant, so I thrive in warm, humid air. Average household temperatures of 65°F to 75°F (18°C - 24°C) are comfortable for me. Please keep me away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and heating sources, as sudden temperature changes cause me stress. Low humidity leads to crispy, brown leaf edges. You can make me very happy by placing my pot on a pebble tray filled with water, grouping me with other plants, or using a humidifier.
I require a well-draining, aerated potting mix. A standard potting soil amended with perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage. During my active growing season in spring and summer, I appreciate being fed. Please use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two to four weeks. This gives me the energy to produce new growth and flowers. In autumn and winter, I am resting, so please stop feeding me.
As I mature, I can grow quite tall with a cane-like structure. You may need to support me with a stake. If I become too large or leggy, you can prune me. The wonderful secret is that the stem tips you prune can become new plants! The easiest way to propagate me is by placing a stem cutting with a few nodes in water. Once a healthy root system develops, you can pot me in soil, and a new clone of myself will begin its life.
