Are there different types of polka dot begonias?
There are multiple types of begonia maculata, including the polka dot begonia, angel wing begonia, and polka dot cane begonia: Polka dot begonia Also known as the angel wing begonia, this is a common variety with large, asymmetrical leaves that have silver or white dots. The leaves are dark green with a red underside. Begonia maculata This species of the cane-type begonias has large green angel wing leaves with silver polka dots and the undersides are red. Depending on the hybrid, the leaf color can vary from green, silver, pink and purple with variegations and may be spotted or textured.Make sure your pot has drainage holes. Lighting: An easy-going plant, the polka-dot begonia loves bright indirect light but will still grow alright in low light! However, if you want your plant to bloom (with small pink or white flowers) then it will need a brighter light situation.The Polka Dot Begonia likes its soil to be nice and moist, so it needs frequent and consistent watering. However, that doesn’t mean it likes sitting in excess water. You can check whether your plant’s due a drink by putting your finger into the top layer of soil. If it feels dry, you can confidently water your plant.Begonia maculata varieties There are only a couple of types of polka dot begonias: Begonia maculata ˈWightiiˈ: This variety has dark green leaves with contrasting silvery-white dots and characteristic intensely red leaf undersides. It grows about 40 to 50 cm tall and overhangs slightly.In spring and summer, when the Begonia is actively growing and the temperatures are higher with more light, the plant must be watered more often. They can be a little tricky to water in the winter. Just water less and less often. The Polka Dot Begonia doesn’t go dormant, but will slow down considerably over the winter.
How big will a spotted begonia get?
Spotted Begonia will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 inches. Although it’s not a true annual, this plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. Yellowing leaves are a sign of your Begonia being overwatered, another indication of over-saturated soil is if the leaves are mushy to the touch or turning brown. This means rot has set in, causing excessive leaf drop or wilt even though the soil is moist.Here are the main care requirements for growing Begonia maculata. Give the plant partial or indirect sunlight. Plant in a high-quality potting mix that is very well-draining. Water twice a week and only if the top 1/2 inch of the soil is dry; never overwater this plant.How To Tell If a Polka Dot Plant Needs Water. Polka Dot plants thrive when they have consistently moist soil with good drainage. Plants that are in need of immediate watering will display drooping leaves and stems.The Polka Dot Begonia likes its soil to be nice and moist, so it needs frequent and consistent watering. However, that doesn’t mean it likes sitting in excess water. You can check whether your plant’s due a drink by putting your finger into the top layer of soil. If it feels dry, you can confidently water your plant.
What is the name of the spotted Begonia?
Begonia maculata (maculata meaning spotted), the polka dot begonia, is a species of begonia native to southeast Brazil. It grows naturally in the Atlantic rainforest, with occurrences confirmed in the Brazilian states of EspÃrito Santo and Rio de Janeiro. Tip: Polka dot begonia can also be grown as an annual outdoors in shaded gardens and containers. Look for Costa Farms’ polka dot plant in the Trending Tropicals® collection at your favorite retailer. See a list of our in-store and online retailer partners.Polka Dot Begonia features striking silver-spotted leaves with maroon undersides. A rare, easy-care houseplant perfect for indoor collections and display.
What are the three types of begonias?
The begonia family contains more than 1,800 species and hybrids , many of which are commonly grown as potted foliage plants. Begonias generally fall into three groups: fibrous-rooted, rhizomatous, and tuberous. Fibrous-rooted and rhizomatous begonias tend to perform best in the Florida landscape or indoors. These fibrous-rooted, tender perennial begonias are usually grown as annuals. Their flowers can be white, pink or red and are produced throughout the summer until the first frosts.If you know you have a begonia but you’re not sure of the type, you can narrow down the identification by examining the leaves or roots. Look for these indicators: Wax begonias have strong leaves that look and feel waxy. Tuberous begonias grow from tubers—round, fleshy stems that may resemble asparagus stalks.Hardy begonia (Begonia grandis) returns year after year in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9. Unfortunately, gardeners in Zones 5 and colder don’t have a perennial begonia option that will survive outdoors.The hardiest begonia, by far, is the tuberous Begonia grandis (USDA zones 6-10; Sunset zones 3-24) from China and Japan. Several clones are now in cultivation. The typical form has large round leaves with a pale green reverse, or with red veins, and pale pink or white flowers.Begonias are lovely flowers that are well-suited to shady garden spaces, underneath trees, or in containers placed in areas of your porch, patio, or yard that offer protection from afternoon sunlight. They grow best in light, fertile, well-drained soil and will not survive when waterlogged.
What is the lifespan of a Begonia?
The lifespan of the average cultivar in begonias is most likely around 10 years. Of the roughly 20,000 cultivars of Begonia we know of, only a fraction still exist. The longest lived cultivars must have something very special about them to persist! Cut back begonias in autumn. This will help conserve the plant’s energy over the winter so that it grows back the next year. If you’re growing your begonias as a perennial, they need more pruning. You should cut them back up to 1/3 of the plant after flowering.Watering: How Often Should I Water My Begonias? Generally, every two to four days. Keep your begonias happy with a moist environment but beware of soggy soil! These plants like to stay damp, and not dry out completely, but they hate having their roots sitting in water.One way begonias make babies is with a little help from gardeners like us. You can grow begonias from seed, but it’s much easier to propagate them from cuttings instead, and you can do this with most kinds of begonias. To make babies from cuttings, start by snipping a few healthy leaves from your favorite begonia.The Short Answer. While most people classify Begonias as an annual flower, they can be grown as tender perennials under the right circumstances. Growing them as an annual flower is a much easier process, but you have to buy and replant them if you want them every year.How to care for begonias. Water your begonias regularly. Feed fortnightly during the growing season with a liquid high-potash feed such as tomato feed. Regularly check for pests like aphids and treat them promptly.
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. Houseplant-type begonias, such as the Rex varieties, are relatively easy-to-grow indoor plants for medium to bright spots. Avoid keeping Rex begonias in a window that sees a lot of direct sun in the afternoon, particularly in the summer months as they are susceptible to sunburn.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.You can also bring rhizomatous begonias, which grow best in pots, inside to live out the winter as houseplants. They will likely lose their foliage initially, but with weekly watering and a good source of indirect sunlight, begonias will typically produce new growth in a few weeks.A: Begonias prefer bright, indirect sunlight to bloom well. Too much direct sunlight can burn their delicate leaves, while too little light can prevent flowering. Morning sun or dappled shade is ideal. If indoors, place them near a bright window but out of direct sun to keep them healthy and blooming.