The begonia is a wildly popular flowering plant for good reason. Growing as an indoor or outdoor plant, the begonia offers a variety of colors and leaf textures that make it ideal as a stand-alone or companion plant. They are also known to be disease resistant and easy to grow, making them an excellent choice for almost any garden.
For those just getting started growing begonias, the Polka Dot Begonia is one of the easiest varieties to grow and maintain. Its unique appearance adds visual interest in gardens while its compact size makes it suitable for smaller areas. If you’re ready to discover more about this versatile type of begonia, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the polka dot begonia!
Polka dot begonias are an essential part of every home gardener’s plant collection because they come in so many cool and funky varieties. In fact, these plants are so dynamic that they can be used to effectively liven up almost any type of garden, regardless of its size or style.
Research shows that begonias have been a popular houseplant since the early 1900s, although it is believed that they were first introduced to Western Europe during the 17th century.
Today, there are more than 1,000 different types of begonias available for purchase. The majority of these plants fall into one of two categories: tuberous or rhizomatous. Here’s everything you need to know about polka dot begonias and how to grow them in your own home garden…
What is a Polka Dot Begonia?
The Polka Dot Begonia is a flowering plant in the Begonia Family that is also known as the Japanese Begonia. It is native to Asia and is one of the most popular types of begonia. The name “polka dot begonia” is actually an American term that was first used in the early 1900s.
This begonia can come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, purple, white, and yellow. The polka dot begonia is a small plant with dark green leaves and bright flowers that grow in clusters. Each blossom has five petals, but there are generally two larger petals that are a different color than the other three. The “eyes” of the flowers are often red, orange, or yellow. The leaves also have spots on them that often correspond with the color of the flowers.
How to Grow a Polka Dot Begonia
The polka dot begonia is a very easy plant to grow. This is a warm-weather plant but can be grown indoors year-round in cooler climates. If you plan on growing your polka dot begonia outdoors, be sure to plant it in a warm, sunny area.
Soil: The best soil for growing polka dot begonias is a mixture of sand and loam that is rich in nutrients and has a slightly acidic pH level. Avoid heavy, clay-like soils as they will inhibit drainage and cause root rot.
Planting: Plant your begonia in a container filled with soil or in a bed with well-drained soil. Begonias grow best when their roots are allowed to spread freely in the soil. If growing your begonia in a container, choose a wide and shallow container that allows the roots to spread easily.
Watering: Begonias are susceptible to root rot, so it is important to water your plant regularly but not overwater it. When growing begonias in containers, it is especially important to not overwater your plant. The best way to determine if your plant needs water is to check the soil. If the soil is dry about an inch below the surface, it is time to water.
Temperature: Polka dot begonias are a warm-weather plant and should be grown indoors if the outdoor temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizer: Begonias are heavy feeders, so it is important to add fertilizer to the soil every few weeks.
Tips for Growing Polka Dot Begonias
Sunlight: Begonias need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day and will wither indoors without it. If you live in a cooler climate, be sure to provide supplemental lighting.
Temperature: Begonias prefer warm climates but can tolerate a range of temperatures. If the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, your plant will likely die.
Humidity: Begonias thrive in humid environments. You can increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a tray filled with water or covering it with a cloth during the day.
Fertilizer: Begonias are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization during their growing season.
Pests: Begonias are prone to aphid infestations. You can prevent aphids from attacking your plant by growing it in a container that is filled with water and placed in the sun. Aphids also prefer wet environments.
Diseases: Begonias are also susceptible to a variety of diseases, including root rot, wilting, and viruses.
Why are Polka Dot Begonias So Popular?
Begonias are a versatile and easy to care for flowering plant that come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. As such, they are a very popular plant for containers, gardens, and even indoors. The polka dot begonia is one of the most popular varieties because of its small size and brightly colored flowers.
These plants are also easy to propagate and have a long flowering period. Begonias are a popular choice for home gardens for a variety of reasons. They thrive in a wide range of conditions, including full sun or partial shade. They are also very easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginners or those with limited gardening experience. Begonias are also good for pollinators, making them a good plant choice for gardens with bee populations.
Where to Buy Polka Dot Begonias?
You can buy begonias in a variety of places, including garden centers, home and garden supply stores, and online. Begonias are sold as potted plants, plug plants, and as bare-root plants. Begonias sold as potted plants are the easiest to purchase and care for, but bare-root plants are typically less expensive. However, it is important to note that it can be difficult to know if a begonia has been grown indoors or outdoors, which can make it tricky to predict how long it will take for the plant to arrive
If you buy potted plants, look for ones that have multiple plants in them. This makes it easier to care for your plants because you can rotate their position. When buying plants from a garden center, select healthy-looking plants that have plenty of leaves. Healthy plants grow more successfully than sickly plants, so choose wisely.
Final Words: Wrapping Up
.Begonias are one of the most popular houseplants, and for good reason. These plants are easy to care for and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, including everything from miniature varieties to massive hybrids that can reach up to 10 feet in height.
The polka dot begonia is a beautiful, small flowering plant that is easy to grow and care for. This versatile plant comes in a variety of beautiful colors and can be grown indoors or outdoors. If you’re just getting started growing begonias, the polka dot begonia is a great choice. Begonias are long-lasting plants that are perfect for gardeners of all skill levels.
References:
1-The psychological benefits of indoor plants: A critical review of the experimental literature
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2009.05.001
2-Plant regeneration from alginate-encapsulated shoot tips of Phylianthus amarus schum and thonn, a medicinally important plant species
https://doi.org/10.1079/IVP2005735
