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 spaces. These usually have impressive leaves with distinct colors and textures. Their leaves are also their main ornamental beauty.

There is a plethora of varieties, each with its own distinct beauty. Some are a bit more difficult to maintain, but once someone learns what each variety needs, their maintenance becomes easy.

Important: Their leaves are toxic if ingested and caution is needed for small children and pets.

LIGHT

Moderate to intense lighting is ideal for Begonias. Intense lighting helps maintain the proper coloration of the leaves. Direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided as it can cause burns on the leaves.

IRRIGATION

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

TEMPERATURE

They like warmth and usually a typical room temperature is satisfactory. In the summer, they tolerate air conditioning but prefer to be on a balcony in a shaded position. Sudden changes in temperature and air should be avoided, so they should not be placed near external doors or heating sources.

HUMIDITY

Begonias thrive in high humidity conditions. If the leaves are drying out or turning brown at the edges, then the plant needs higher levels of humidity.

FERTILIZATION

Essential during the growth period and the development of new leaves. It is done weekly with 1/4 of the recommended dosage of fertilizer.

TIPS

• Overwatering is a problem for the Begonia. It is better for the plant to receive a reduced amount of water rather than excessive. A safe sign for watering is the slight drooping of the leaves downwards, indicating that the plant needs watering again.

• Although they love humidity, they want 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 proper repotting is very important for this variety. Generally, it is a plant that enjoys being 'crowded' in its pot, but at the same time quickly exhausts the available soil with its roots. Annual repotting is the best method, even if the plant returns to the same pot it was in.

EXTRA

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