Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Polka Dot Begonia is a houseplant native to southeastern Brazil, with silver-white spots on its leaves and reddish leaf undersides. Its upright stems resemble slender canes, and white to pale pink flowers hang in clusters.

Appearance

Appearance: Its upright stems resemble slender canes and can reach about 2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m) in cultivation.
Leaves: The uneven, elongated leaves have silvery white spots above and reddish undersides.
Flowers: Small white to pale pink flowers hang in clusters.

Look-alikes

Begonia corallina

Flower color is the clearest visible clue: Polka Dot Begonia has white to pale pink flowers, while coral begonia (Begonia corallina) has coral-red flowers and young fruit. A foliage-only photo may not be enough.

Why they get mixed upThe two have similar upright begonia foliage.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Houseplants
Greenhouses
Range: This species is native to southeastern Brazil. In the United States it is mainly grown as a houseplant rather than encountered as a native wildflower.
Preferred conditions: Give it filtered light and potting mix that drains well. It dislikes prolonged direct sun and soggy soil.

Growing it

Propagation: Stem cuttings can be rooted to grow another plant.

Name and classification

About the name: Spotted sold under similar names may be other species or hybrids. Polka Dot Begonia is also called spotted begonia.
Varieties and forms: The cultivated 'Wightii' form has narrow leaves with especially clear silver-white dots.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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