The Begonia Maculata, often called the Polka Dot Begonia or Spotted Begonia, is a truly captivating houseplant and one of my favorites. Its most striking feature is its olive-green, angel-wing-shaped leaves adorned with silvery-white, polka-dot-like spots. The undersides of the leaves are typically a contrasting reddish-purple, adding to its dramatic appeal. When happy, it can produce delicate clusters of white or pink flowers, further enhancing its beauty. This cane begonia grows upright on thick, bamboo-like stems.  They've experiences a surge in popularity in recent years due to their easy care and striking colors.

Watering 💧: Begonia Maculata prefers consistently moist soil but does not like to be soggy.  My rule of thumb for tropicals is to either have them on a schedule (weekly, biweekly, etc.) or to simply just see how moist the soil is.  On average, I will find that in medium light at temperatures of 70°F, I will need to water 2" pots (see reference photo) roughly every 2 weeks, or slightly more frequently.  

Temperature 🌡️: As a tropical native, the Begonia Maculata thrives in warm and stable temperatures. The ideal range is 65°F to 80°F. It's quite sensitive to cold and can be damaged by temperatures below 60°F.  They also do quite well in humid locations as it helps to keep their leaves from tearing as they unfurl.

Light Requirements ☀️: The Maculata begonia needs bright, indirect light. Think of its natural habitat under a rainforest canopy – it gets plenty of light, but it's filtered. A spot near an east-facing window is often perfect, providing gentle morning sun. A few feet back from a south or west-facing window will also work, especially if there's a sheer curtain to diffuse the light. Direct afternoon sun will scorch its leaves, particularly the delicate spotted areas, leading to brown, crispy patches. If the light is too low, the plant may become leggy, and its distinctive spots may become less pronounced.

Soil Requirements: A well-draining and airy potting mix is essential for the Begonia Maculata. It's crucial for the soil to retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged in order to keep the plant happy.  My preferred go-to is just plain potting soil, but I also have a Maculata that is growing happily in a succulent mix.  It just needs watered more frequently.