Begonia maculata 'Wightii', the most popular Begonia maculata

With such original foliage, you might think that Begonia maculata 'Wightii' was born in a laboratory, after countless research, experiments and cross-breeding. Wrong! This variety, a hybrid of Begonia maculata, grows in the tropical forests of Brazil.

Begonia maculata 'Wightii' is a rhizomatous plant with an upright habit. In the wild, it can reach a height of 1.5 meters. In pots and indoors, it rarely exceeds 50 centimetres.

Begonia maculata 'Wightii' belongs to the bambusiform category of begonias. Its stems have swollen nodes at regular intervals, like those of bamboo canes.

The long, narrow, oval leaves are studded with white or silver dots, so regular and well-drawn that you'd think they were painted by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. They contrast with the green limbs with their crimson undersides. Thick, waxy and smooth, the leaves tend to droop under their own weight.

If you're lucky, you'll see your begonia adorned with clusters of white flowers. But this bloom, more discreet than that of Begonia ×erythrophylla, often pales in comparison to the foliage.

Would you like to add a Begonia maculata 'Wightii' to your indoor jungle? Be aware that the plant is toxic to humans and animals. Ingested, it causes irritation of the mucous membranes and vomiting. And to avoid skin rashes, wear gloves when handling it.