How do you care for a Polka Dot Begonia?
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. Soil: Begonias prefer rich, well-drained soil. For those in pots, use a high quality all-purpose potting mix. Make sure containers have adequate drainage holes. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.The lifespan of the average cultivar in begonias is most likely around 10 years.Fertilizing – Feed begonias with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.Begonia maculata grows rapidly (30 cm per season) and is fairly easy to live with, provided it is given enough light and warmth. Its evergreen foliage, speckled with white and silver, makes it a highly prized decorative plant.
How to make polka dot begonia happy?
I let mine go bone dry and then water that prevents the crispy tips. Begonias in general are not happy when overwatered. And the polka dots really let you know! They like indirect light and stable conditions. 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.One of the best ways to keep begonias happy and flowering is to plant them in well-draining soil. They also need the right amount of sunlight, moisture, and nutrition. Read the label on your plant to determine if it can handle full sun or shade conditions before choosing a spot to plant it.Tuberous, Elatior or Reiger begonias do not like direct sunlight and need to be in a nice shady spot, especially during the warmer part of the day (from 11 am to 6 pm). Although they love the shade, begonias are still showstoppers. They are bright and full of color, with many shades and varieties to choose from.As you can see this begonia is full of beautiful blooms, as I understand it to keep it blooming, it’s recommended to remove the female flowers, & leave the male more showy blooms till deadheading is needed.
What are the best conditions for polka dot begonias?
How to Grow and Care for Polka Dot Begonia. Light: Polka Dot Begonia thrives in bright, indirect light. Inadequate light may cause the plant to become leggy and lose the intensity of its leaf markings. Soil: Use a light, well-draining potting mix. Begonias prefer growing in light, rich soil with a good concentration of humus, similar to the makeup of potting soil. So it’s no surprise the plants tend to thrive in containers. Begonias planted in a pot should be spaced 4-6″ apart and with the tubers buried hollow-side up.One of the best ways to keep begonias happy and flowering is to plant them in well-draining soil. They also need the right amount of sunlight, moisture, and nutrition. Read the label on your plant to determine if it can handle full sun or shade conditions before choosing a spot to plant it.Your Spotted Begonia prefers bright, indirect light and lots of it, but will enjoy brief exposure to direct light. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but be sure to adjust watering and expect the plant to take on an elongated, sparse look. Extra humidity appreciated in drier spaces.In autumn, dig up tuberous begonias and store the tubers in a cool, frost-free spot for winter. Bring fibrous-rooted types indoors over winter, or treat as annuals and throw on the compost heap. Foliage begonias are grown as house plants but can enjoy time outdoors in summer.
How to get a bushy polka dot plant?
These plants have a tendency to get leggy. To keep your plant compact and bushy, pinch the top inch or two off. This will also stimulate more vigorous growth. Polka dot plants really don’t like to be below 70°F. Begonias thrive in soil that is neither dry nor saturated. Your goal is to find a moisture level and watering schedule that is justttt right. A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days.Keep soil evenly moist, allowing it to dry only slightly between waterings. Reduce water in winter (stop watering tuberous begonias in fall). Always avoid wet or waterlogged soil.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.
Should I prune my Polka Dot Begonia?
Pruning: If your Begonia is getting leggy, or you just want to shape it a bit, you can pinch it back. Pinching and pruning your Begonia will help create a fuller and bushier plant. New stems will grow from where you prune. Pruning and deadheading begonia is recommended to promote a bushier plant with more flowers. Also, prune if your plant becomes leggy. This will help the plant have healthier looking growth and helps encourage the plants to put energy towards producing more flowers.Pruning: If your Begonia is getting leggy, or you just want to shape it a bit, you can pinch it back. Pinching and pruning your Begonia will help create a fuller and bushier plant. New stems will grow from where you prune. If your plant grows too tall, the best time to prune and maintain height is in late autumn.Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems. Cut back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Pinch off the growing tips of young plants to promote branching. For flowering begonias, remove spent blooms (deadheading) to encourage more flowers.Do not repot a Begonia into a much larger pot. Generally, move up one pot size at a time. It is better for the plant to be repotted more frequently in smaller jumps, than to make one big jump and over-pot. Over-potting will lead to the soil mix staying too wet, souring, and rotting the roots.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. Deadhead spent flowers and damaged leaves to keep the plants looking tidy and encourage further flowering.
How often should I water Polka Dot Begonia?
Polka Dot Begonia Water when the soil volume is 50-75% dry. Water thoroughly until you see water flow out of the drainage hole. Discard any excess water in the tray after a few minutes. Your Begonia prefers a humid environment but does not tolerate misting. 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. Use well draining soil with some compost material, to help retain moisture.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.WATERING. The polka dot begonia prefers her soil to dry out before she is watered again. In the summer a weekly water is adequate and in the winter she will need much less. Always let the first few inches of soil dry out for watering again.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.Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Polka Dot Begonia, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.