How to grow and care for Begonia maculata 'Wightii' (Polka Dot Begonia) Indoors
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Botanical name: Begonia maculata 'Wightii'
Family: Begoniaceae
Common names: Polka Dot Begonia, Trout Begonia, Spotted Begonia
Begonia maculata 'Wightii' Description
Begonia maculata 'Wightii' also called Polka Dot Begonia, Trout Begonia or Spotted Begonia is an evergreen shrubby plant which bears large, glossy, olive-green leaves blotched with white dot-like spots and hence the common name.
The undersides of the leaves in Begonia maculata 'Wightii' are beautifully red-colored.
This evergreen flowering Begonia may be less spectacular in bloom than other Begonias but has the advantage of keeping its beautiful "Angel Wing" leaves through out the year.
Begonia maculata 'Wightii' is one of the popular cane-stemmed Begonias and is easy to grow and propagate.
Begonia maculata 'Wightii' Size
Begonia maculata 'Wightii' can reach the height of 8 ft or more if left unpruned.
Begonia maculata 'Wightii' Flower
The Begonia Wightii flowers are large clusters which hang from the stems.
Begonia maculata 'Wightii' Origin
Begonia Wightii is native to the tropical regions of Brazil.
Buy beautiful and healthy Begonia Plants from Etsy.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Begonia maculata 'Wightii' (Polka Dot Begonia) Care Indoors
Begonia maculata 'Wightii' (Polka Dot Begonia) grows best in bright, indirect light and moderately moist soil. It requires an average warmth away from cold draughts (drafts) inorder to thrive.
The best soil for Begonia Wightii should be free-draining and rich in organic matter. Read on for a detailed account on the best growing conditions for Begonia Wightii.
Begonia Wightii Light Requirements
Begonia Wightii (Polka Dot Begonia) grows best in bright, indirect light. It can also grow under a grow light.
Keep your Begonia Wightii away from direct sunshine as it can lead to scorching of the leaves. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
How to Water Begonia Wightii
Water Begonia Wightii (Polka Dot Begonia) thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top 1-2 in. of soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce watering for your Begonia Wightii during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Avoid soggy soil for your Begonia Wightii as it can lead in root-rot disease. and eventual death of the plant. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
Temperature for Begonia Wightii
The best temperature for growing Begonia Wightii indoors is an average warmth with a minimum 150C.
Protect your Begonia Wightii from cold draughts to prevent sudden drop in temperature. Read more on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Humidity for Begonia Wightii
Begonia Wightii (Polka Dot Begonia) has no need for high humidity. Average room humidity is adequate for Begonia Wightii.
However, where the room temperatures are too high making the air too dry, raise humidity for your Begonia Wightii by setting the pot on wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Begonia Wightii Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Begonia Wightii (Polka Dot Begonia) with a balanced, liquid fertilizer weekly during the growing period.
To promote blooming for your Begonia Wightii, apply a phosphorous-rich fertilizer weekly when buds begin to form.
Withhold feeding for your Begonia Wightii during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time. Read more on how to feed houseplants.
How to Repot Begonia Wightii
Repot Begonia Wightii (Polka Dot Begonia) at the beginning of the growing season only if the plant has become root-bound or is too large for the pot as the plant prefers to be slightly root-bound.
Use a pot 1 size larger than the current one for your Begonia Wightii to avoid overpotting it which can result in the soil staying wet for too long.
Ensure the pot for your Begonia Wightii has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease.
Do not repot a flowering Begonia Wightii as the shock of repotting will cut short the flowering period.
Soil for Begonia Wightii
The best soil for Begonia Wightii should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.
Most multi-purpose potting mixes are ideal for Begonia Wightii. Buy quality Potting Mix for your Begonia Wightii from Etsy.
How to Prune Begonia Wightii
Pruning Begonia Wightii (Polka Dot Begonia) is easy. Remove the dead flowers, yellow and dead leaves to keep the plant neat and tidy.
Do not pinch the growing buds of your Begonia Wightii at this is where flowers emerge from.
Cut back the bare stems of your Begonia Wightii at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth.
The foliage emanating from the pruning can be used to propagate new Begonia Wightii plants. Read more on how to prune houseplants.
Begonia maculata 'Wightii' (Polka Dot Begonia) Propagation
Begonia Wightii is propagated during the growing season from stem-tip cuttings. The stem cuttings root easily, therefore, there is no need for a rooting hormone. Below is an outline on, propagation of Begonia Wightii from stem-tip cuttings.
How to propagate Begonia maculata 'Wightii' from stem-tip cuttings
Take a stem-tip cutting from a healthy Begonia Wightii of about 3-5 in. and ensure it bears at least two sets of leaves. Strip off the lower leaves.
Insert the Begonia Wightii cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, shaded place.
Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Allow the new Begonia Wightii to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Begonia maculata 'Wightii' (Polka Dot Begonia) Problems Indoors
Begonia maculata 'Wightii' (Polka Dot Begonia) problems indoors are due to cultural faults in watering, humidity, lighting, temperature among others. Continue reading for the remedies and solutions.
Begonia Wightii yellow leaves
The leaves of Begonia Wightii may turn yellow due to two possible reasons. One possible cause of yellow leaves in your Begonia Wightii is too little light.
Move your Begonia Wightii to a brighter spot as it grows best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight. It can also grow under a grow light.
The second possible cause of yellow leaves in your Begonia Wightii is too little or too much water.
Maintain the soil moist at all times for your Polka Dot Begonia but never soggy and never allow the soil to dry out completely. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Begonia Wightii flower bud drop
There are two possible causes of flower bud drop in your Begonia Wightii. One possible cause of flower bud drop in your Begonia Wightii is dry air which leads to low humidity.
To raise humidity for your Begonia Wightii, set the pot on wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Do not mist the leaves to avoid fungal diseases infestations. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
The second possible cause of flower bud drop in your Begonia Wightii is underwatering. Maintain the soil moist at all times for your Begonia Wightii and never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Begonia Wightii leaf drop
There are three possible causes of leaf drop in Begonia Wightii. One possible cause of leaf drop in your Begonia Wightii is too little light.
Move your Begonia Wightii to a brighter spot as it grows best in bright, indirect light but away from direct sunlight. It can also grow under a grow light.
The second possible cause of leaf drop in your Begonia Wightii is too much heat from hot draughts. The best temperature for your Begonia Wightii is average room, that is, a temperature that is comfortable for you is good for your plant.
The third possible cause of leaf drop in your Begonia Wightii is too much water in the soil (soggy soil). Ensure the soil for your Begonia Wightii is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
Begonia Wightii brown leaf tips
If the air humidity is too low, Begonia Wightii will respond with brown leaf tips.
To raise the humidity for your Begonia Wightii, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Do not mist the leaves to avoid fungal diseases infestations. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Begonia Wightii pale, rotting leaves
The reason for pale, rotting leaves in Begonia Wightii is soggy soil. Maintain the soil for your Begonia Wightii moist but not soggy. Ensure the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
Begonia Wightii white powdery spots
White powdery spots is an indication of Powdery Mildew in your Begonia Wightii.
Isolate the affected plant, cut off diseased leaves and treat appropriately. Avoid damp conditions and low temperatures and improve air circulation.
Begonia Wightii brown blotches which turn grey and moldy
Brown blotches which turn grey and moldy is an indication of Botrytis Disease in your Begonia Wightii.
Isolate the affected plant, cut off diseased parts and treat appropriately. Avoid low light and over damp conditions and improve air circulation.
Begonia Wightii collapse or dying
There are three possible causes of plant collapse or death in Begonia Wightii. One possible reason for plant collapse in your Begonia Wightii is Stem Rot Disease due to soggy soil.
The second possible reason for plant collapse in your Begonia Wightii is Nematodes (Root Knot Eelworm) which are characterized by swollen bumps on roots.
The third possible reason for plant collapse in your Begonia Wightii is Vine Weevil which is characterized by tunnels in the rhizomes.
Begonia Wightii Pests
Begonia Wightii pests; Aphids and Spider Mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
Is Begonia maculata 'Wightii' (Polka Dot Begonia) toxic?
All parts of Begonia maculata 'Wightii' (Polka Dot Begonia) and especially the roots are considered toxic to pets.
If Begonia Wightii is ingested it may cause burning in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains.
