Begonia Maculata | Expert Care Tips & Growing Guide

It is one of the indoor plants that you fall in love with a simple glance. And it is not for less: the begonia maculata is a true natural spectacle. It is a plant that brings together fascinating aspects for those who want to decorate with plants. On the one hand, it has that perfect exotic touch to add personality to any space. 

Expert Care Tips for Begonia Maculata

Begonias come from heat and humidity, which requires fundamental consideration to develop inside. There is an excess of 1700 sorts of begoniason the planet, and they stand apart for their lovely blossoms in a wide scope of tones.

It is a highly valued plant for its color, its care is not very difficult, but you have to follow some guidelines to make it acclimatize to yourhouseplant.

Tip-1: Discover which species your begonia has a place with 

Three groups of begonias—rhizomatous, wiry, and tuberous—stand out among the 1700 different varieties. We chose this begonia because we want its worth to increase. Most plants include a short index that lists the species; alternatively, you may order it from the grower. Rhizome and nerve begonias are two examples of plants that may be grown inside. Tuberoses, on the other hand, are more challenging to care for at home. A specific kind of greenhouse is required since they need a lot of humidity and light.

Tip-2: They need high temperature and high humidity.

Most begonias come from tropical or subtropical environments. This determines that these plants need quality or mild temperatures to live between 18 and 22 degrees, which is ideal, but they can also live at slightly higher temperatures. If you think about the rainforest ecosystem, the humidity is high here.

The ideal climate for the growth of begonias is hot and humid. Humidity can be achieved with hydraulic seedlings at the temperature required for the house’s area that receives indirect sunlight most of the day. Begonias need at least 45% humidity, and that is more than the average room. Begonias cannot withstand very low temperatures; if you live in a cold area, you will need to create the right conditions or die. They stick together like begonias, like waste paper, like a brighter light. This plant must be fully facing the window, or it will become brittle and thin.

Tip-3: Choose a good location.

House Plants are often damaged at home due to inadequate site selection. A plant is not only a “decoration” but also a living being. It needs conditions for full growth. Indirect light is more appreciated by plants; a place with indirect light is where the light falls for several hours, but not direct sunlight. For example, for a plant located a few meters from a sun window, there will be direct light if we place the plant practically close to a sun window.

Tip-4: Provide an adequate humidity level.

Begonias need a constant humidity degree (remember that they are tropical plants), but they must be in the right degree, try for at least 45% humidity higher is better. The excess of water kills. This is one of the most common problems in the care of internal begonias.

People tend to get very wet because they realize that they need a lot of moisture (but there are different ways to get moisture). An economical and efficient method to achieve this degree of humidity is the following: 

Place a jar of water and pebbles underneath; not very necessary. Typical dishes used with plants, little water, and pebbles will maintain the humidity level. In summer, add water to the dish every three days and in winter, every 7-9 days.

Tip-5: Water when you see that the plant needs it.

Experts recommend watering only when you see that the plant has dead leaves and is asking for water. This is an important step to avoid over-watering discussed earlier. As a rule, houseplants die more from excess water than from acne.

Tip-6: Do not wet the leaves.

Begonias are especially resistant to insects. However, they are very powerless for organisms, so it is recommended to keep their leaves dry.

Tip-7: Remove dead leaves and flowers.

If you want the begonia to last longer, remember to remove withered flowers and dead leaves every week. This way, we avoid the risk of mold formation and, by removing dead parts; we allow the growth of new leaves andflowers.

Expert Growing Guide for Begonia Maculata

According to the University of Connecticut, Begonia Maculata can be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 10b-11. This is a simple plant to grow if you previously know some of the details, you should be cautious of. With good exposure to light and taking care of watering, Begonia maculata will grow without problems in your home. 

Light

Begonia maculata is a plant that does not need as much light as other indoor plants. It will be fine in a bright living room or room but not necessarily attached to the window.

We must avoid direct sunlight, and we can even take it outside during spring and summer. It is a tropical plant that develops without problems between 17º and 22º C. For this reason, it is usually cultivated as an indoorplant since low temperatures because its leaves to fall, and it could even die. The color is a soft green leaf that darkens as they grow.

Substrate and Transplant

The substrate used in the Begonias maculata must facilitate good drainage of the irrigation water. 

To do this, it is best to mix a good amount of perlite in your usual universal substrate. It is also convenient to add a small layer of arlite, volcanic rock, or pebbles to the pot’s bottom to prevent water from accumulating in the root zone. moreover, it is not necessary to transplant it immediately since it is a plant that is better if its roots are somewhat tight. It is not something common in indoor plants, and therefore it is convenient to highlight it. The transplant should be carried out in spring, using the immediately larger pot size, preferably terracotta, as it will absorb part of the irrigation water.

Irrigation

As you may have deduced from the previous tips, the humidity in the roots is key for this plant’s good development. It suffers greatly from excess humidity, and therefore we must be extremely careful.

Watering should be done when the substrate is completely dry, something easy to check by holding the plant in your hand and comparing it with the pot’s weight when it is finished watering. The type of substrate used and its moisture retention capacity greatly influence the irrigation pattern, which can be every 15 days during the fall and winter or every week in spring and summer. When in doubt, remember that it is better to sink due to under-watering than by excess. For this reason, it is also advisable to avoid using dishes under the pot that could accumulate water and cause rotting problems. 

It is advisable to regularly fertilize the begonias with a specific fertilizer for indoorplants. Of course, it is better to use half the dose recommended by the manufacturer. We will begin to pay it every 15 days with the arrival of spring, and we will continue with this pattern until the arrival of autumn.

He is likely to present us with lots of new leaves and his beautiful white flower during this time. If it does not flower, try changing the fertilizer for one rich in phosphorus and potassium, specific for flowering plants, using half the dose. We will return to the compost for indoor plants during the fall and winter but only once a month. At home, it must be comfortable because it produces new leaves even in the coldest months.

Flowering

A blooming potted plant is the begonia maculata. When properly tended for, the vivid and distinctive leaves, which are rich in nutrients required for flower development, also blossom. You will have blooms throughout the growth season if you use fertilizers as explained in the previous section.

Like all blooms, they pass away quickly. But it doesn’t guarantee that the blooms won’t bloom again. You may encourage the plant to grow and bloom numerous times during the growth period by cutting the blooms back after they are fully opened. It’s notable that you wouldn’t prefer to frequently prepare Begonia Maculata by growing flowers. You may use liquid nutrients once each month.

The reproduction of the Begonia maculata is easy. The only thing that is easier than cutting old paper is its reproduction. Dilute it 50% and feed them every two to four weeks when they’re growing and cut back during the winter. There are two main methods: putting them in water or directly into the ground. Take any dimensions removed after cutting the plant and use that material for propagation. You will need one or two knots on the stem. Again, the knot is where the leaf meets the stem.

Distribute the water

Place the end of the cut in a pot of water. Smaller containers are best – the stem releases rooting hormones that shouldn’t be diluted.

Soil Propagation

A one-step method is to dip the cut into powdered root hormone and bury it in topsoil.

Begonia Maculata Expert Care Tips & Growing Guide: FAQs

How do you care for the begonia maculata plant?

Begonia maculata needs bright indirect light, well-ventilated soil that dries a little between watering, fertilization every 2-4 weeks, and temperatures between 18 ° C and 30 ° C, but they are very easy to spread.

Should you shoot Macualata Begonia?

Although Macualata Begonia is relatively easy to care for, it does require special care. The five basic maintenance requirements are Humidity – Keep humidity high by regularly spraying to prevent leaves from falling. Bright light is needed for flowers to bloom, but they should be protected from direct sunlight.

Why is my Begonia macualata dying?

Give your plant a good watering. The same applies if the stems of your Begonia macualata are hanging.

Last Words

The Begonia Maculata seems a lot more difficult to take care of than it is. The unusual patterns and shapes make it look unsafe, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Begonia Maculata is quite a friendly and easy-going plant, and it has a nice surprise for you when you keep it happy for a little while: It’ll grow beautiful flowers for you.

Read More: Zygocactus: How To Take Care & Grow