There Spotted Begoniato it is an ornamental plant much appreciated for its polka dot leaves and for its simplicity of cultivation in apartments.
Characteristics of the spotted begonia
There Spotted begonia it is a shrubby plant of the family Begoniaceaewhich grows wild in humid subtropical and tropical climates. (Read also How to grow begonia)
Also known as bamboo begonia due to the stems which resemble those of bamboo, the spotted begonia was discovered in Brazil by an Italian researcher.
In its spontaneous state, this splendid plant can exceed one meter in height, bearing numerous persistent leaves that reach twenty centimeters and are striking for their very particular appearance.
The peculiarity of the spotted begonia is in fact that of having red leaves on the lower page, while the upper page, dark green, is dotted with numerous irregular white spots.
The spotted begonia is highly appreciated precisely for its polka dot leavesas well as for pretty white flowers or rosé, which develop in bunches from May to October.
Growing spotted begonia in an apartment it is very simple and accessible to everyone and taking care of this plant gives great satisfaction even to those who have little experience with gardening.
Where to place the spotted begonia
The spotted begonia loves them bright and humid environments and develops optimally at temperatures between 18 and 22°C.
Among the ideal places in which to place the spotted begonia are therefore the bathroom and the kitchen, possibly near a window.
The spotted begonia can also be placed in other rooms, as long as it is guaranteed the right humidity.
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During the summer it is possible move the spotted begonia outside in a cool, shaded position, never exposed to direct sunlight.
Soil, irrigation and fertilization
There spotted begonia should be grown in pots of medium size, taking into account that in an apartment it will hardly exceed 80 centimeters in height.
The bottom of the container must be sprinkled with expanded clay or other material useful for draining excess water and, subsequently, with a mixture of soil for green plants and sand.
The irrigations they must be regular but not too abundant: the soil must always remain moist but not soaked and stagnation of water in the saucers must be avoided, to prevent the root system from rotting.
A. should be added to the irrigation water fertilizer liquid to be administered approximately every fifteen days in the period from spring to the end of summer, halving the doses reported on the package.
Pruning, multiplication and repotting
The spotted begonia but it is best to remove the withered flowers and dry or damaged leaves. To thin out overgrowing plants or to encourage the growth of new leaves, you can cut the branches halfway down their length.
For multiply the spotted begonia proceed by cutting, taking a stem with a disinfected blade. The stem, after being cut under a node, must be removed from the basal leaves and placed in a vase with water. When it has produced a good number of roots it can be moved into a pot with soil.
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The repotting of spotted begonia is generally carried out at the beginning of spring, placing the plant in a larger container.
Ideal lighting and humidity
To get the most out of your spotted begonia, it is important to ensure diffused, indirect light. It must not be exposed to direct sunlight, which could burn the leaves, but it still needs bright environments to grow healthy and luxuriant. Filtered natural light, like you get by placing it near a screened window, is perfect. If the home environment is particularly dry, especially in the winter months when the heating is on, it is useful to spray the leaves with distilled water or place the plant on a saucer filled with gravel and water, which increases the humidity without directly wetting the roots .
Diseases and parasites
If the needs of the plant are respected, the development of diseases and the attack of parasites are rare.
Excess humidity in the environment or in the soil and stagnation of water can, however, be beneficial fungal diseasesroot or collar rot and mold. Abundant watering instead causes yellowing of the leaves.
On the other hand, a lack of humidity and poor irrigation can causecurling and falling leaves.
Furthermore, in the summer season, excessive temperatures and poor ventilation can make the plant vulnerable toparasite attack including aphids which can also be fought with natural remedies such as horsetail or garlic decoction.
What to do if Begonia maculata loses its leaves?
A common problem in the care of Begonia maculata is the fall of the leaves, it is important to intervene promptly, since this problem, if neglected, can compromise the health of the plant. Leaf loss is usually caused by two main factors: light and humidity.
As for light, if the leaves start to dry out and fall off, it could be due to too much exposure to direct sunlight, which can damage the plant. In this case, it is useful to move it to a more sheltered area. On the other hand, if the leaves turn yellow before falling, the problem could be the opposite: the plant is receiving too little light.
Another common cause of leaf drop is inadequate soil drainage. It is essential that the soil dries out between waterings. If you notice that the soil remains constantly moist, consider transferring the begonia to a terracotta pot and use a mixed substrate with coconut fiber and perlite, to promote better drainage and prevent root rot.
Finally, environmental humidity is crucial for this tropical plant, which thrives in humidity conditions between 50% and 60%. If the room air is too dry, you can place the begonia in the bathroom, where the humidity is generally higher, and mist the leaves once a week to keep the environment conducive to growth.
Curiosities about the Begonia Maculata
In addition to being one of the most beloved plants for its unique and decorative leaves, the spotted begonia also has an interesting history. Discovered in Brazil by an Italian botanist, the plant quickly became popular around the world due to its ability to easily adapt to interiors. Furthermore, in some cultures, the begonia is a symbol of protection and domestic harmony, and it is believed that having a begonia in your home helps create a peaceful and welcoming environment.
