Spotted white leaves Begonia

Credit: Quinn Dombrowski

Begnia maculata pink flowers

Credit: Davidzar111

Begonia bamboo canes

Credit: Pedro Zorrilla

Begonia maculata leaves

Credit: Jorjany R. Camaño R

Begonia maculata, a green and white begonia with small peas

Scientific classification

Family

Begonias - Begoniaceae

Type

Begonia

Species

Begonia maculata

Other names:Begonia Tamaya, Begonia aculeata, Begonia argyrostigma, Begonia corallina, Begonia dichroa, Begonia maculata var. argentea, Begonia maculata var. elegantissima, Begonia punctata, Gaerdtia argentea, Gaerdtia maculata

Do you dream of flying to the other side of the world, but your vacations are still a long way off? Adopt a Begonia maculata. A native of Brazil and a member of the Begoniaceae family, this plant boasts exotic evergreen foliage.

How to recognize Begonia maculata?

Begonia maculata is an upright rhizomatous perennial. In the wild and in the ground, it grows up to 1.5 meters tall.

This species of begonia is nicknamed bamboo begonia because of its stems. At regular intervals, they have swollen nodes similar to those on bamboo canes.

Begonia maculata leaves are asymmetrical. Oval, lanceolate or angel-wing-shaped, they are pointed at the apex, with marked veins. Dark green, with white or silver dots on the upper surface. The foliage is entirely smooth, unlike the textured foliage of Royal Begonia and Iron Cross Begonia.

Bamboo Begonia, often marketed as Begonia Tamaya, has given rise to natural hybrids and cultivars. Begonia maculata 'Wightii can be recognized by its narrow leaves with wavy margins and purple underside, while Begonia maculata Annan Grace has irregular dots and an almost white tip.

In addition to foliage worthy of a Paul Signac painting, Begonia maculata offers a pleasantly fragrant bloom. Between March and October, clusters of hanging pink or white flowers appear in the leaf axils. A romantic detail: the flower buds resemble hearts.

Unfortunately for all animal lovers, the limbs and flowers of the bamboo begonia are toxic on contact and if swallowed. They cause mucous membrane irritation, vomiting and stomach upset in dogs, cats and rodents.

Our maintenance tips

Begonia maculata are tropical plants. They need high humidity but don't like wet foliage. You shouldn't mist them or water their leaves. And to keep their shape harmonious, remember to turn the pot a quarter turn every month.

Watering

Begonia maculata are the enemy of excess water. Before giving your specimen a drink, always make sure the soil is at least five centimetres dry.

Like many plants, the plant prefers rainwater. But it's fine with tap water. Just make sure it's at room temperature.

During hot spells, water more regularly.

Remove any water stagnating in the cup under the pot. It can rot the roots.

Spray

Your Begonia maculata hates wet foliage. Don't mist the plant.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Begonia maculata to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Begonia maculata like to be cramped. Re-pot when the substrate has become too poor or if the roots escape from the container. Choose a pierced terracotta pot two or three centimetres larger than the root ball. Line the bottom with a bed of clay balls for drainage.

Your plant needs a light, rich, draining substrate. You can use potting soil for green or flowering plants with a little perlite. Pour in a layer of soil and place your specimen in the center. Fill in with the rest of the mixture, tamp down and water for the first time.

To increase humidity, place your pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Feed your Begonia maculata with a fertilizer for green or flowering plants.

Prune

Cut flowering stems when wilted. Use a clean, sharp tool to prevent the spread of disease and promote healing.

You can prune begonia maculata to control its shape and development. Cut just below a node, at a 45° angle. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Take a fifteen-centimeter section of stem or liana with at least three leaves.

Soak your cutting in a glass of water at room temperature. Only the stem end should be immersed. Change the water every three days to keep it clear.

Place your cutting in a bright spot away from direct sunlight.

Diseases / Threats

Powdery mildew

Mealybugs

Adult thrips in black with their larvae in red.

Thysanoptera

Information

Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Herbaceous Flowery
Tags	Fritillary Toxic
Origin	South America
Hardiness (USDA)	11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
Leaf color
Flower colors