The Begonia Maculata loves bright, indirect light, but can also survive in slighter lower light situations. Never expose it to direct sunlight, because that will burn the leaves and dry them out. Water it once per week and add liquid fertilizer once every two weeks in the growing season .
Why is my Polka Dot Begonia dying?
If the polka dot begonia gets too much sun, the leaves can burn and dry out . Tip: If you have to choose between a spot for your Begonia maculata in either full sunlight or somewhere with less light, opt for the low-light spot. This plant has a better chance there.
Are polka dot begonias hard to care for?
Begonia maculata, or Polka Dot begonia as it's often called, is a splashy show-stopper that looks fantastic with it's olive green leaves and contrasting spots. It's a houseplant that is likely to turn heads in your home, and thankfully it isn't too difficult to care for .
How do you look after spotted begonias?
- Temperature They do not like getting cold. ...
- WateringWhen the top is dry give it a very good soak. ...
- Feeding Lots of feed all through late spring to mid autumn every two weeks. ...
- Tips To stop it getting all leggy and gangly pinch out the growing tips (mid summer) and it will bush out nicely.
Where do you place polka dot begonias?
The Polka dot Begonia prefers a bit more shade than most indoor plants. Placing it in a bright, well-lit room away from direct sunlight is advisable to keep those silvery-white olive leaves vibrant. Bright light is considered light between 10k – 20k lux or 2k – 5k foot candles.
What do Overwatered begonias look like?
Look for the following symptoms and conditions that make it more likely that overwatering is the cause of your begonia drooping; Yellowing leaves , particularly affecting the lower leaves first. Brown leaf tips despite good humidity and soil moisture. Leaves dropping from the plant, often with soggy, limp petioles.
How do I bring my begonias back to life?
Clean the pot with bleach , then add sterile potting mix. Replant the begonia and water it, making sure the water drains well, as root rot is more common in waterlogged soil. If the plant is outdoors, move the plant to new location to help prevent reinfection by the root rot fungus.
How do I make my begonia Bushy?
Cutting back large, overgrown begonias may be necessary to restore them to their usual shape. Use clean, sharp shears or a knife to cut the stems back to a leaf node . Begonias can be cut back to within 3 inches of the soil to revitalize them, if necessary, but pinching and pruning is not the end of the story.
How big do polka dot begonias get?
When young, polka dot begonia is a beautiful houseplant for desks and tabletops. As it gets older, with good care, it becomes a beautiful floor plant, reaching 4 feet tall or more .
How often should you water polka dot plants?
This time, follow these directions, perhaps a little more complete: Keep your polka-dot plant, also known as “freckle face” (Hypoestes sanguinolenta) –a beautiful little plant with small, oval-shaped downy leaves spotted with rosy red markings–in bright, filtered light, water thoroughly when the soil barely dries out ...
Do spotted begonias like to be misted?
Some websites recommend misting begonia leaves to increase humidity. However, begonias are susceptible to powdery mildew, and damp leaves may encourage this disease. If your only option is to mist, make sure you have a fine spray and don't mist the leaves directly.
Why does my begonia have brown spots?
Underwatering and excess direct sunlight are the most common causes of begonia leaves turning brown. Brown leaf tips and edges are usually due to watering problems or low humidity. Brown patches or spots are usually caused by excess direct sunlight or disease .
Are begonias easy to care for?
Annual begonia plants have many uses in the summer garden and beyond. Annual begonia care is relatively simple when one properly learns how to grow begonias. Watering is important in the care of begonias, as is the right location.
When should I repot polka dot begonias?
For the Polka Dot Begonia, annual repotting ( in the spring ) is generally needed. Propagation: Begonias are easy to propagate so don't throw away those pruned off stems! Each stem is potentially a whole new plant, or a growing piece to place back in with the original plant to make it grow fuller.
Why is my polka dot plant flowering?
Polka dot plant produces small, insignificant, purple flowers. These tiny lavender-colored flowers are actually a sign of the beginning of the end for Hypoestes plants . After the flowering, the plant usually goes dormant or dies, which is a major drawback of these lovely plants.
