Houseplants – Polka Dot Begonia

Botanical name: begonia maculata

Beginner friendly?: no

Average size at maturity: up to 3 ft in height and 2 ft in width

Bloom time: summer, fall

Hardy zone: zones 9-12

Flower color: pink/red/white

Foliage color: green/red/white

Growth rate: grows no more than 1 ft per year

Pruning instructions: deadhead and trim foliage as needed

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: tropical shade garden

Light needs: no more than 5 hours of sun per day

Special features: natural white dots on foliage

Watering instructions: allow soil to fully dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use a 10-10-10 slow release liquid fertilizer after planting and continue once a month throughout the summer

Best time to plant: year-round

Best type of soil: organic potting soil

Companion plants: lobelia, caladium, ferns

Toxicity level: potentially mildly toxic if ingested

Invasive species: no