Begonia Care guide

Family: Begoniaceae
Common name: Polka Dot Plant
Latin name: Begonia maculata

Begonias are known as outdoor plants, but there are also varieties suitable for indoor use. These usually have striking leaves with distinctive colours and textures. Their leaves are their main ornamental beauty.

There is a plethora of varieties with each having its own distinct beauty. Some are a little more difficult to maintain, but once one learns what each variety wants, then maintenance becomes easy.

Important: Their leaves are toxic if ingested and need caution for young children and pets.

LIGHT

Moderate to intense light intensity is ideal for Bigonias. Bright lighting helps to maintain proper coloration in the leaves. Direct sun exposure should be avoided as it can cause burns on the leaves.

WATCH

Watering and its frequency is a challenge for someone acquiring a begonia for the first time. It is a plant that needs constantly moist soil. This should not be completely dry, but should be slightly dry between waterings. Many people suggest watering until the water runs out of the pot holes and others suggest frequent watering with a small amount of water. If the substrate has good drainage the first method is best.

THERMOCRACY

They like warmth and usually a standard room temperature is satisfactory. In Summer they tolerate air conditioning but prefer to be on a balcony in a shady location. Abrupt temperature and air changes should be avoided and so they should not be placed near outside doors or heating sources.

MOISTURE

Begonias like conditions of high humidity. If the leaves are drying or browning at the edges, then the plant needs higher levels of moisture.

HUMIDITY

Necessary during the growing season and the development of new leaves. It is applied weekly at 1/4 of the recommended fertilizer rate.

TIPS

• Over-watering is a problem for Bigonia. It is better for the plant to get a reduced amount of water rather than an excessive amount. A safe sign to water is a slight downward drop in leaves, a sign that the plant needs watering again.

• Although they love moisture, they like their leaves dry. For this reason, the leaves should never be sprayed with water and watering should be done exclusively in the potting soil.

• Timely and correct transplanting is very important for this variety. It is generally a plant that likes to be 'crammed' into its pot, but at the same time it quickly exhausts the available soil with its roots. Annual transplanting is the best method, even if the plant is returned to the same pot it was in.

EXTRA

• It was discovered in Brazil in 1982 by an Italian researcher but its origins are from Mexico, Asia, South Africa and Central America.