What Is The Difference Between Begonia Maculata And Angel Wing?

Are Begonia maculata rare?

Begonia maculata is a common and simple to find plant. Don’t be deceived by plant shops who slap the label “rare” on it to justify an exorbitant price! We’ve even seen them at our local garden center.

Is Begonia maculata toxic?

Begonia maculata is hazardous to pets in all parts, but notably the roots/tubers, which are extremely poisonous.

So, if you have little paws around the house, we propose putting them in a terrarium (as if you needed an excuse, right?). Begonias, on the other hand, are not considered poisonous to humans.

What is the difference between Begonia maculata and Angel wing?

With a name like Begonia maculata wightii and Angel Wing Begonia, it’s no surprise that many can’t tell them apart.

Both have strikingly spotted leaves that are speckled and swooping in a brilliant crimson and silvered green ripple.

Leaves

Begonia leaves, being its main distinguishing characteristic, are a fantastic method to tell them different.

Begonia maculata’s leaves are eye-catching. They are asymmetrical, having a sweeping beautiful wing with a deep crimson underside and an upper surface covered in silvery dots.

The leaves on bigger plants are sometimes strikingly enormous. Even without blooms, these begonias are stunning, and they are frequently grown only for their leaves.

While angel wing leaves are similar, they are generally smaller and have greater symmetry. They can become dagger-like and sharply angled on occasion.

While spotting is common, it is more akin to a smattering of freckles than the maculata’s large dramatic patches. The plant may occasionally produce leaves with no markings at all!

Flowers

Begonia maculata blooms from spring through fall, with exquisite clusters of white flowers with vivid yellow centers. Angel wing, on the other hand, produces blossoms in a variety of hues, ranging from vivid reds to orange, pink, and white.

While they typically bloom from late winter through fall, they may bloom all year if given the proper light and fertilizer.

Growth Habit

Both plants are members of the cane begonia family, which is evident in their development. However, the Begonia maculata has longer, stronger stems, and while staking isn’t a bad idea to restrict its showy development, you may let your maculata grow as it please.

Angle wing, on the other hand, has more fragile, thin canes and benefits from additional support. I’ve had terrific luck using light bamboo posts, and even light tomato stakes will suffice.

Otherwise, Angel Wing will spread out, and your prize will be snapped.

Why is my Begonia maculata dropping leaves?

Begonia maculata shedding older leaves is typical – especially if the plant is producing a lot of new growth – and is nothing to be concerned about.

However, if it is accompanied by browning or yellowing, you are most likely overwatering or underwatering.

Many variables can contribute to this, including a significant shift in the environment, soil that is either too dry or too wet, low humidity, and even very variable circumstances.

Low humidity is a good example. If you are growing Begonia maculata outside, it is important that there is adequate humidity in the surrounding air.

This can be accomplished by creating Begonias benefit from increased humidity, so use a humidifier for optimal results, but also remember to give excellent air circulation to prevent powdery mildew, which begonias are prone to.

Underwatering is another common cause of poor Begonia maculata health. Try to water your begonias only when the soil is completely dry; if you need to water any soil, make it an hour or two later than you would otherwise.

Why is my Begonia maculata not flowering?

If your Begonia maculata isn’t blossoming, it might be due to a variety of factors, but the most likely cause is that you’re not following one or more of its essential care requirements. Take note of the humidity, temperature, and so forth. Examine the lighting condition; does the soil seem wet or dry to the touch?

Begonia maculata requires direct, bright light. Higher light levels will stimulate vigorous growth and flowers, although direct sunlight should be avoided.

Keep the soil wet in general, allowing the top half inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Will not grow in wet soil.

Why my Begonia maculata leaves turning yellow?

Overwatering

Overwatering, allowing soil to remain damp, or allowing the plant to lie in water are the most frequent causes of yellow leaves on your Begonia.

Going forward, this is a simple correction. When watering, be sure to water well until water comes out of the drainage hole.

Allow a few minutes for it to drain before emptying any water that has gathered in the saucer. Allow the soil to dry halfway, or 2-4 inches below the surface, before watering again.

The roots may decay if the soil is kept damp for an extended period of time.

Low Lighting

Making ensuring the plant gets enough light will help prevent the symptoms of overwatering. If your Begonia is in a low-light environment, it will take longer to absorb water, which might result in overwatering signs like as yellow leaves.

Moving your Begonia closer to a window can assist boost its health.

Why my Begonia maculata leaves turning brown?

Browning leaves on a Polka Dot Begonia might indicate a variety of issues. Check that you are under watering, and that the humidity is high. Also, at all costs, avoid direct light.

The most prevalent causes of begonia leaf browning include underwatering and too direct sunshine.

Brown leaf tips and margins are frequently caused by watering issues or a lack of humidity.

Excessive direct sunshine or sickness are the most common causes of brown patches or spots.

How do you care for a begonia maculata plant?

Begonia maculata, sometimes known as the Polka dot Begonia, is a kind of Begonia. Begonia gets its name from its distinctive silver-spotted leaves with crimson undersides.

In fact, Christian Louboutin is said to have designed his signature red-heeled shoe to look like the undersides of Begonia maculata.

As a result, it should come as no surprise that this plant requires specific attention and care.

It’s termed “simple” because it is, but it requires very particular circumstances in terms of humidity, light, and watering.

Light requirements

The polka dot begonia, like other tropical plants, prefers bright, indirect light. The vibrancy of its hues is determined by the correct proportion of light.

Too much sunlight will burn its lovely leaves, destroying the polka dots and slowing its development.

Water requirements

Watering is perhaps the most difficult aspect of care for a begonia maculata since there are so many warning flags.

For Begonia maculata, keep the soil slightly wet at all times and water once a week when the soil is still damp to the touch. Avoid wet soils as they will cause root rot.

Soil requirements

Begonia maculata grows nicely in a container with adequate drainage and a mixture of sand, clay, and loamy soil.

This plant is extremely prone to root rot. As a result, it’s usually a good idea to add a layer of stones or broken terracotta pot pieces to the bottom for better drainage.

Temperature requirements

Because the Begonia maculata is a tropical plant, it cannot flourish in freezing temperatures. Its optimal temperature is from 67 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 22 degrees Celsius).

This may seem like a hard request for someone living in temperate climes, such as Europe, but rest assured that temperature-related harm does not occur until temperatures fall below 15 degrees Celsius (or 60 degrees Fahrenheit).

Fertilizer requirements

Even in bright light, these plants are modest eaters, making them simple to feed. The most important thing is not to overdo it: you don’t want brown tips and borders on your elegant leaves.

Once the Polka Dot Begonia begins to develop in the spring, fertilize it every two to four weeks with an all-purpose, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.

Humidity requirements

High humidity is essential for begonias, ideally over 45 percent. Although it may be misted, it favours indirect dampness.

They will not expire under low humidity, but they will not thrive. Unexplained leaf loss and blossom failure may frequently be rectified by increasing the ambient moisture.

Should you mist Begonia maculata?

Because begonias thrive in damp environments, the natural instinct is to shower the foliage.

Misting, on the other hand, might expose the plant to powdery mildew, which is promoted by moist leaves. As a result, it is advised that you apply a tiny spray and then dry the leaves after a while.

Low humidity is one of the most frequent reasons for leaf loss and blossom failure.

If it’s not humid enough for the plant to survive, you may need to step up your misting regimen, since raising the humidity around the plant is often enough to sustain it.

Overhead misting is also a viable option. Be mindful that overhead misting will lead to damp leaves and fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which can be transferred from the foliage to the buds.

How long do Begonia maculata flowers last?

Proper maintenance may extend the life of your begonia plant by 4-5 years. However, the plant will only endure about 2-3 years on average.

Flowers on a begonia plant can last up to six months depending on how well you feed your plant and how much light and water it has.

From spring through fall, Maculatas produce clusters of white blooms with cheerful yellow centers on a single stalk. They’re more of a decorative element than a feature.

How often does Begonia maculata flower?

Begonia maculata has solitary stems and white blooms with yellow centers. The Maculata blooms from spring through autumn.

You will be rewarded with stunning white to light pink Begonia maculata blooms in late winter and early spring.

You don’t normally need to help them blossom; regular fertilizer and bright light should enough.

If you’re getting fewer flowers than you’d like, consider increasing the light intensity. Experiment with exposing them to direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon. Being root bound might also put them in a blossoming mood.

How do you identify a Begonia maculata?

Begonia maculata (maculata meaning “spotted”), sometimes known as the polka dot begonia, is a begonia endemic to southeast Brazil.

It grows natively in the Atlantic rainforest, with documented sightings in the Brazilian states of Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro. It is now available in Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina.

You can identify Begonia maculata in the following ways.

• Leaves; Begonia maculata’s leaves are eye-catching. They are asymmetrical, having a sweeping beautiful wing with a deep crimson underside and an upper surface covered in silvery dots.
• The leaves on bigger plants are sometimes strikingly enormous. Even without blooms, these begonias are stunning, and they are frequently grown only for their leaves.
• Flowers; Begonia maculata blooms from the spring to fall, producing delicate clusters of white flowers with bright yellow hearts.