Growing Polka Dot Plant (Begonia Maculata)

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Bring a touch of whimsy to your home with the eye-catching Polka Dot Plant. This guide provides easy-to-follow tips for growing and maintaining these unique houseplants.

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Light These tropical plants prefer bright indirect light. They should not be placed in direct sunlight as it can cause the leaves to scorch. East facing window is ideal.

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Soil Well-drained soil is the key as they are susceptible to root rot if they sit in soggy soil. A good potting mix formulated for African violets is a great option. Alternatively, you can amend regular potting soil with perlite or vermiculite to increase drainage.

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Watering Begonia Maculata Finding the sweet spot with watering is crucial. While you want to keep the soil moist, you don’t want it to be soggy. Water your Begonia Maculata when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but before the entire pot dries out.

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Fertilizing Polka Dot Plant To support healthy growth and those lovely blooms, fertilize your Begonia Maculata every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). A balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength works well.

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Common Pests and Solutions While generally low-maintenance, Begonia Maculatas can occasionally fall victim to common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Regularly inspect your plant for any signs of infestation. Treat promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

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During summer months, I bring my polka dot plant outdoors where it can enjoy warm temperatures and humid conditions in a protected area on the front porch.

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Follow along to learn more about begonia maculata (polka dot plant) care.

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