The polka dot begonia or begonia maculata is a great choice if you are looking for a statement plant. The usually spotty leaves make them very easy catching and they are fairly easy to care for with the correct conditions!
Light:
Polka dot begonia love bright indirect light, they can tolerate slightly lower light conditions but make sure you avoid direct sunlight as it will burn the leaves.
Water:
Water your polka dot begonia when roughly the top half of the soil is dry. Avoid getting the leaves/stems too wet when you water as they are quite sensitive to rot.
I prefer to bottom water my begonias. Pop it in a bowl with some water that reaches about half way up the pot, this allows the soil to soak up the water from the bottom and avoids getting the top of the plant wet.
Always allow excess water to drain away before putting the plant back in its cover pot.
Humidity:
Begonias enjoy high humidity, keep them in a bathroom, use a humidifier or place them on a tray of wet pebbles to achieve this. Avoid misting because they don't like having water sat on their leaves.
Food:
You can feed your begonia with every second watering or around once a month in the warmer months. Feeding is not required over autumn/winter as the plant is not actively growing. You can purchase our plant food here.
How to propagate:
Stem cuttings are easily rooted in water or soil. Take a cutting and remove the lower leaves, pop the cutting in water or soil where it will grow roots and hopefully a whole new plant!