How to care for Polka Dot Begonia
Begonia maculata · Begoniaceae
Angel-wing leaves of deep olive green splashed with silver dots over crimson undersides, on tall bamboo-like canes. This Brazilian cane begonia is one of the easier fancy begonias and can reach a meter indoors, with clusters of white flowers as a bonus. Water roughly every 6 days while it's growing (about every 11 in winter), give it bright, indirect light, kept above 59°F (15°C) — average room humidity suits it.
Care at a glance
Let the top few centimeters dry before watering deeply — cane begonias prefer a slight dry-down over constant moisture.
Bright indirect light with perhaps a little gentle morning sun; harsh sun fades the polka dots.
Half-strength balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during growth.
Mistakes that kill this plant
- Overwatering into stem rot — the canes turn dark and collapse.
- Zero airflow, letting powdery mildew take the whole plant.
- Never pruning, which leaves two bare sticks with leaves at the top.
Seasonal tips
- Prune canes above a node in spring — it branches readily and the cuttings root in water.
- Give it airflow year-round to keep mildew away.
- Reduce water in winter; leaf drop in low light is normal and reverses in spring.
Is it safe for pets?
We have Polka Dot Begonia recorded as toxic to cats and dogs.
Full pet-safety details for cats & dogsCare for your Polka Dot Begonia on autopilot
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Toxicity here is informational, not a safety guarantee. Those are our own records, compiled by following the ASPCA's published toxic and non-toxic plant lists and Pet Poison Helpline's plant poison list rather than copied from them — confirm anything that matters against the ASPCA's published lists, which this one is matched to, or with your vet. If your pet ingested this plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.