Polka dot begonia guide
Begonia maculata, also called Begonia maculata 'Wightii', spotted begonia
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Keep water off the leaves.
- Humidity
- Average to high. Rex begonias like more.
- Temperature
- 16 to 24°C (60 to 75°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Light, airy houseplant mix with perlite
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer every two to four weeks in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. The roots and tubers are the most toxic.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings, or leaf cuttings for rex begonias
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes polka dot begonia different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the begonia care guide.
What it is
Polka dot begonia has long, wing-shaped, olive green leaves covered in silver-white spots. The undersides are deep red. It grows on cane-like stems and blooms with small white flowers. Select-A-Plant lists it at 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) tall.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Polka dot begonia | Long wings, silver dots, red undersides | Many round silver dots |
| Angel wing begonia | Wings, fewer silver flecks, pink flowers | Fewer spots and pink flower clusters |
| Rex begonia | Round, swirled, many colors | Bold color patterns |
Care differences
It gets tall and leggy. Pinch the tips and cut tall canes back in spring to keep it bushy. Stake tall canes.
Keep water off the leaves. Powdery mildew loves wet begonia leaves.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a cane piece with two nodes. Root it in water or moist soil. Roots form in two to three weeks.
Pet safety
Like all begonias, it is toxic to cats and dogs. The roots and tubers are the most toxic.
Buying it
Polka dot begonia is common at garden centers. Look for full plants with leaves down the canes.