Begonia 'Maculata' Live Plant
4" Pot
$30.00
Sale price
$30.00
Regular price
$40.00
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Begonia 'Maculata' Live Plant
$30.00
Sale price
$30.00
Regular price
$40.00
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.
✓ Carefully packed live plant · ✓ Ships across the continental U.S. · ✓ 48-hour live-arrival guarantee
Natural variation expected with live plants
Botanical Label
- Common name: Begonia 'Maculata'
- Botanical name: Begonia maculata
- Pot size: 4" or 6" nursery pot (choose at checkout)
- 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.
- Lifespan: Can live for many years with regular care — varies by growing conditions.
- Pet safety: Not pet-safe — toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. Keep out of reach of pets.
- Best for: Bright bathrooms, kitchens, shelves, and desks.
- Vibe/personality: A characterful foliage houseplant.
Curator's Note: Begonia 'Maculata' is grown for its dramatic leaf color, pattern, and texture — a huge group (rex, cane, rhizomatous) grown for striking foliage; begonias are toxic to pets. It brings a fresh, living accent to a bright spot indoors.
Why It Belongs in Your Collection
- Eye-catching dramatic leaf color, pattern, and texture
- A characterful, rewarding houseplant
- Approachable, houseplant-friendly care
- Adds a fresh, leafy feel to a room
- Grows fuller and more established over time
- A lovely pick for a gift or your own collection
Care Notes from the Greenhouse
- 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.
Best Display Spots
- A bright spot with indirect light: where it can really thrive.
- Shelf or plant stand: an easy, leafy accent.
- Desk or tabletop: a fresh touch of green.
- Bright bathroom or kitchen: enjoys the extra humidity.
- Office with good light: low-fuss greenery.
Best For / Think Twice If
Best for:
- 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
Botanical Exhibit Notes
- Begonia 'Maculata' is a huge group (rex, cane, rhizomatous) grown for striking foliage; begonias are toxic to pets.
- It does best in bright, indirect light — the right light keeps it full and healthy.
- It appreciates higher humidity, so a bright bathroom or a pebble tray suits it well.
- It is considered toxic to cats and dogs, so it's best kept out of reach of pets.
- With steady care it can live and grow for years indoors, though its size and look can vary depending on growing conditions.
From Our Greenhouse to Your Home
Florida Plant ships across the continental U.S. Your plant ships from Florida and California, USA, carefully packed in its nursery pot with soil unless noted. Orders dispatch within 1–4 business days, early in the week so plants don't sit over a weekend in transit.
During cold weather, orders to colder areas are sent with a heat pack, and we may hold delivery to very cold areas until it's safe to ship. Every plant is backed by our 48-hour live-arrival guarantee — contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos if there's an issue.
Because this is a live plant, each one is unique — size, fullness, color, and shape vary naturally, and minor cosmetic imperfections can happen. Give your plant a little time to settle in after it arrives.
Plant Questions, Answered
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.
Plant care at a glance
- Light
- Bright, indirect light
- Care level
- Moderate