spotted begonia

Also known as: trout begonia

A fibrous-rooted species with erect stems to 1m. Foliage is green with silvery-white spots above, red below and has a heart-shaped base, a wavy texture and an undulate margin. Flowers are pale pink or white and are held in pendulous groups in summer; female flowers are more numerous than male ones and tepal sizes are unequal

Scientific classification

Species: spotted begonia (Begonia maculata)
Genus: Begonia
Family: Begoniaceae

Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Houseplants · Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 0.5-1 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

spotted begonia pictures

Distribution of spotted begonia

Distribution map

Brazil

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Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of spotted begonia

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spotted begonia care guide

Water when top half inch of soil is dry
Watering: Partial shade
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water when top half inch of soil is dry

Fertilizing

Every 2 weeks during growing season

Pruning

Cut back over long canes to 2 or 3 buds in late spring

Propagation

Propagate by stem cuttings

Growing

Under glass grow in light, well-drained loam-based or loam-less potting compost in filtered light with shade from hot sun at an optimum of 19°C. Will not tolerate continuous direct sunlight or waterlogging. Water moderately when in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at alternative waterings. See Begonias: outdoors for further advice.

More growing and care information →