Begonia 'Maculata' Live Plant
What arrives: your plant, rooted in soil in its 4" nursery pot. Pot size is the pot's diameter, not the plant's height — a larger pot generally means an older, larger plant. Live plants vary in height, fullness and leaf count.
Healthy-arrival guarantee. Arrives dead, severely damaged, or significantly different from the description? Email photos of the plant and packaging to info@shopfloridaplant.com within 48 hours of delivery for a full refund or a free replacement. View terms
Free delivery, continental U.S. Packed and dispatched in 1–4 business days (we ship Monday–Wednesday so plants don't sit in transit over a weekend); standard transit is then typically 3–7 business days. Heat packs are not included automatically — for cold-weather deliveries (below about 45°F at the destination) add Winter Plant Shipping Protection to your order. In extreme heat or cold we may hold your order until it is safe to ship, and will let you know. Shipping details
Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata) is a lively plant with silver-spotted olive leaves and deep red undersides that stand out beautifully against ferns and other greenery. In tropical conditions it's a long-lived perennial; in colder climates it's often grown as an annual.
Why choose Begonia 'Maculata'
- Eye-catching dramatic leaf color, pattern, and texture
- A characterful, rewarding houseplant
- Approachable, houseplant-friendly care
Looks best: a bright spot with indirect light.
What you receive
- One live Begonia 'Maculata', rooted in soil in a 4" or 6" nursery pot (pick a size above).
- Nursery pot and soil included; a decorative planter only if you select one.
- Live plants vary in height, fullness and leaf count within the pot size you choose; we do not publish measured shipping heights.
Will it suit your home?
- Botanical name: Begonia maculata
- Light: Bright, indirect; tolerates medium; no harsh direct sun
- Water: when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Difficulty: Moderate — a little particular but rewarding.
- Growth style: Dramatic leaf color, pattern, and texture.
- Mature size: Grows into a fuller plant over time — mature size can vary by growing conditions.
- Pet safety: Not pet-safe — toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. Keep out of reach of pets.
Good fit: Bright, indirect-light spots · Growers who enjoy a little hands-on care · People who love characterful foliage · Shelves, desks, and brightening a corner.
Think twice if: Homes with pets that may chew leaves — it is toxic · People who tend to overwater — it dislikes soggy soil · Spots with harsh, direct sun all day · Anyone wanting a totally hands-off plant.
Delivery and arrival help
- Ships free within the continental U.S. from a greenhouse in Florida or California, carefully packed in its nursery pot with soil.
- Dispatched within 1–4 business days, Monday to Wednesday so plants don't sit in transit over a weekend; standard transit is typically 3–7 business days after that.
- Heat packs are not included automatically: in cold weather (below about 45°F at the destination) add Winter Plant Shipping Protection to your order, and in extreme cold or heat we may hold the order until it is safe to ship — we will let you know.
- If it arrives dead, severely damaged, or significantly different from the description, email photos of the plant and packaging to info@shopfloridaplant.com within 48 hours of delivery for a full refund or a free replacement (refund policy).
- Give your plant a few days to settle in; minor cosmetic marks from transit are normal.
Care and common questions
- Light: Bright, indirect light keeps Begonia 'Maculata' looking its best, and it tolerates medium light. Avoid harsh, direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
- Watering: Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry — Begonia 'Maculata' likes to dry out a bit between waterings and dislikes soggy soil. Water less in winter.
- Humidity: Enjoys higher humidity — dry air can brown the leaf edges, so a pebble tray or humidifier helps.
- Temperature: Typical room temperatures (about 65–80°F). Keep it away from cold drafts and hot, dry vents.
- Soil: A good, well-draining potting mix in a pot with a drainage hole.
- Fertilizer: Feed lightly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer; pause in winter.
- Good to know: Water at the soil (not the leaves) and give good airflow to avoid powdery mildew; bright indirect light keeps colors strong.
- Care tip: Give it the right light and consistent watering, and Begonia 'Maculata' stays full and healthy.
How often should I water Begonia 'Maculata'?
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. It prefers to dry out a little between waterings rather than stay soggy.
What kind of light does Begonia 'Maculata' need?
Bright, indirect light keeps Begonia 'Maculata' looking its best, and it tolerates medium light. Avoid harsh, direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Is Begonia 'Maculata' pet safe?
No. Begonia 'Maculata' is considered toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Why does my begonia have powdery or spotty leaves?
Often powdery mildew from wet leaves and poor airflow. Water at the soil, improve airflow, and give it bright, indirect light.