Begonia Maculata "Wightii"
The Begonia Maculata is commonly known as the polka dot begonia because of the unique silver polka dots on its leaves. The leaves are an olive green with crimson red undersides. Once the plant reaches maturity after several years, it blooms bell-shaped white flowers (sometimes they are red).
Begonia plants are all native to subtropical and tropical climates, and many of them, like the polka dot begonia, are now popular ornamental houseplants. The begonia maculata is native to Asia, South Africa, Central America, and Mexico
Basic Care
The Maculata enjoys bright, indirect light, and will thrive best if they are given the spotlight in your collection. They never truly enter dormancy, and with ample light, they have even been known to flower into the winters. Nonetheless, your begonias will do just fine in less light, though you do run the risk of your plant becoming “leggy” – with long stalks and few leaves, growing towards whatever light it can find.
Consistent moisture is the best approach for these begonias. Avoid waterlogged or overly soggy soil, but they enjoy soil that remains moist. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between watering, but maintain a consistent level of moisture beneath that. Depending on your conditions, this may be as frequently as every 4-5 days in warm and dry summers, or as rarely as twice a month during the cooler months.
What You Get
The exact, healthy, rooted plant as shown, growing in a 4" nursery pot.
Difference between Maculata & Angel Wing
The leaves of the Begonia Maculata are show-stopping. They are asymmetrical, with a sweeping graceful wing that is the deep scarlet underside and an upper surface covered with regularly placed silvery spots. While the leaves of the Angel Wing are similar, they are usually smaller, with more symmetry to the leaf. On occasions, they may become dagger-like and sharply angled. While spotting is typical, they are more like a dusting of freckles than the big dramatic spots of the Maculata. Sometimes, the plant may produce leaves with no spots at all!
Begonia Maculata blooms from the spring to fall, producing delicate clusters of white flowers with bright yellow hearts. On the other hand, the Angel Wing produces flowers in a wide range of colors, from bright reds through to orange, pink, and white.
