How Do You Identify A Begonia Maculata Wightii?

How do you identify a Begonia Maculata Wightii?

Begonia Maculata Wightii is a big plant that may reach a height of 5 feet. Its broad, asymmetrical leaves are covered in characteristic silvery white “polka dots.”

Angel wing begonias are smaller in stature, reaching no more than 2.5 feet, with more restricted leaves sprinkled with little silver or white freckles. The following are the features of Begonia Maculata Wightii;

Leaves: Uniformly elliptic, 1 to 2 inches long and 3 to 5 inches wide, with the upper surfaces covered in silver dots. The undersides of the leaves are a uniform light green in color.

Flowers: A distinctive feature of this begonia is its profusion of tiny, spotted flowers. Flowers appear in mid-summer when plants are 10 to 12 inches tall and as many as 1000 flowers can be produced on each plant. Begonia Maculata Wightii may reach a height of 18-24 inches.

Hardiness: Begonia Maculata Wightii is hardy to between USDA Zone 7 and Zone 10; however, it may be killed when temperatures drop below -25° F (-31° C). The plants should be brought indoors when the first frost is predicted.

How big does Begonia Maculata Wightii grow?

Begonia Maculata Wightii may grow to a height of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) and a width of up to 4 inches. They are a vigorous grower. This begonia species thrives under optimum growth circumstances.

Although there are techniques to control the plant’s size by judicious leaf and branch cutting. Begonia Maculata Wightii will grow in a variety of well-drained soils and enjoys full sun or partial shade.

The light conditions are important to keep this begonia healthy. In full sunlight the leaves may become red at the margins. If they take on a reddish color, they should be moved further into the shade or into filtered sun. Overly compacted soil also causes this symptom, so be sure that plant roots have plenty of room to breathe in your potting mix.

How do you care for Begonia Maculata Wightii?

Begonia Maculata Wightii is easy to care for and needs only moderate amounts of water. The plant will not tolerate root or stem wetness, so if using a saucer underneath, be sure that it drains quickly. They are susceptible to rot, so avoid setting the pot in standing water.

Begonia Maculata Wightii is a good houseplant in many homes because it can adapt to low light conditions and regular watering without much trouble. The following are the factors when caring Begonia Maculata Wightii;

Sunlight

Begonia Maculata Wightii prefers bright, indirect light but may tolerate somewhat lower light levels. Never expose it to direct sunlight, since this will burn and dry out the leaves.

Watering

Begonia Maculata Wightii needs watered once a week, but avoid setting the pot in standing water. Check the soil surface and avoid letting it stay dry for long periods at a time, since this will cause root rot. During the active growth period, from spring through fall, water every 7 to 10 days. In winter, allow soil to dry out a little between watering.

Soil

Begonia Maculata Wightii likes to have its roots in soil. It can thrive in a wide range of potting mixes, as long as they are well-drained. Do not use peat moss or other moss-based potting soils, since they retain too much water and do not allow air to circulate through the plant’s root system.

Temperature

Begonia Maculata Wightii should be kept between 65°F and 86°F (18°C – 30°C). Avoid temperatures below 50 degrees for long periods. If a sudden drop in temperature is unavoidable, move the begonia into a cool place or wrap it in a blanket.

Humidity

Begonia Maculata Wightii should be kept in an area that has a relative humidity of between 50 and 65 percent. Do not set them in a humid place, since this is stressful on the plant. During the active growth period, from spring through fall, water every 7 to 10 days. In winter, allow soil to dry out a little between watering.

Propagation

Begonia Maculata Wightii propagation is actually pretty basic and easy. This can be accomplished by tip cuttings, rhizome cuttings, or leaf cuttings. Rooting tips (plant tops) is a straightforward process that is similar to rooting tip cuttings for other plants.

Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping begonias healthy. Large plants will produce fewer flowers if they are pruned heavily, so light pruning is the key. If you keep your begonia in a container, prune at least twice per year: after flowering in early fall and again in winter or early spring (before growth begins).

Repotting

Repot Begonia Maculata Wightii every year. Repot Begonia Maculata Wightii in the spring once new growth begins. If you want to keep your begonia’s original pot, choose a light-colored container that will reflect light back onto the plant’s leaves.

Regular repotting is also required throughout the early years of its existence. The optimum time to repot is during spring. When repotting it, use a pot that is one size larger than the existing one.

Fertilizing

If you want your Begonia Maculata Wightii to flower and produce more stems, feed it with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. For this houseplant, a balanced, water-soluble NPK fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) would suffice.

There is no need for anything extravagant. However, we recommend halving the recommended amount and fertilizing every 2-4 weeks for your indoor plant.

Pests and Diseases

Many pests and diseases are attracted to potted plants because of the lack of movement and abundance of food. You will have to make sure that your begonia is not stressed or in a very hot room, conditions that invite pests.

A healthy begonia is the best defense against pests and diseases because it can withstand stresses better than weak ones.

Stressed begonias are more susceptible to developing any pest or disease, including bugs, blights, and molds. However, pests can also attack healthy begonias.

How often should you water Begonia Maculata Wightii?

Begonia Maculata Wightii needs watered once a week, but avoid setting the pot in standing water. Check the soil surface and avoid letting it stay dry for long periods at a time, since this will cause root rot.

During the active growth period, from spring through fall, water every 7 to 10 days. In winter, allow soil to dry out a little between watering. Overwatering will cause the begonia’s leaves to turn yellow, curl, and eventually drop off.

Where do you put Begonia Maculata Wightii?

Provide a bright place away from direct sunlight for your Begonia Maculata Wightii: direct sunshine can fade the silvery dots or possibly burn the leaf. In the winter, a southern exposure is ideal; east or west windows are acceptable year-round as long as they are kept out of direct sunlight.

Begonia Maculata Wightii needs between 65 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 60 to 70 degrees during the day; if the temperature falls below 55 degrees you can place it in a greenhouse.

Begonia Maculata Wightii needs watered once a month during its active growth period, from spring through fall. During winter or cool periods, water every 7 to 10 days. Overwatering will cause the leaves to turn yellow, curl and eventually drop off.

Begonia Maculata Wightii has a pH preference of 6.0 to 7.0 (mildly acidic). Check the soil every two weeks and adjust it to meet the above requirements. Over time, many containers will naturally move towards this range without the need for adjustment.

Is Begonia Maculata Wightii an angel wing begonia?

It is not exactly known whether the two are different varieties that were accidentally crossed, or if it is just a mutation of the commonly grown Begonia Maculata. This mutation results in unusually large leaves that gradually become smaller as they approach the base of the plant.

Due of its silver-spotted leaves, Begonia Maculata Wightii is also known as the polka dot begonia. Silvery dots on dark, olive-green angel wing-shaped leaves give an eye-catching effect. This striking houseplant requires little maintenance inside. It is not fussy about light, so it will even bloom in low light.

The flowers are pink or white on a single stem, which grows up to 20 cm in height.

Begonia Wightii is a group of begonias native to Malaysia and other Asian countries such as China and Japan. There are many different varieties of Wight’s Begonias, with flowers in yellow, orange-yellow, pink, purple or white. Wight’s Begonias are grown not just in greenhouses, but also outdoors.

Begonia Maculata Wightii is a very showy begonia and can be grown practically anywhere: in the house, in a greenhouse or conservatory, or outdoors. The variety has attractive silver spots on the leaves that turn into evenly spaced dots when grown as an outdoor plant.

Begonia Maculata Wightii is sold commercially under the names Begonia Maculata Wightii and Begonia ‘Maculata’.