Why are the leaf edges turning brown?

This is usually a sign that the humidity is too low for the plant.

How much light does it need?

It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant spots.

Plant guide

Polka dot begonia.

Begonia maculata

Pronounced beh-GOH-nee-uh mack-yoo-LAH-tuh

Also known as Cane Begonia, Polka Dot Begonia

This stunning plant is famous for its striking silver spots on deep green, wing shaped leaves. It adds a touch of drama to any indoor space with its unique, cane like growth habit. You'll love the clusters of delicate white or pink flowers that appear when it's happy.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Cane begonia
Light: Bright indirect light
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 10 days
Mature size: 3 to 5 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Spring to fall

Care

Keep your plant in a spot with plenty of filtered light to maintain those beautiful spots. Let the top inch of soil dry out before you water again to keep the roots healthy. Watch for drooping leaves, which usually mean it's time for a drink.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems to encourage a bushier shape.
Repotting: Move to a slightly larger pot once the roots begin to fill the current container.
Soil: Well draining peat based mix
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 25°C
Humidity: 50 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth during the active season

Safety

People: All parts of the plant contain soluble calcium oxalates which cause irritation to the mouth and throat if eaten.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of children as the leaves are toxic if chewed or swallowed.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no known significant respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is toxic if ingested and should not be consumed by humans or pets.

How to identify it

Silver polka dots on leaves
Deep red undersides of leaves
Wing shaped asymmetrical foliage
Cane like upright stems

Height: 0.6 to 1.2m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, silver, red, evergreen
Flowers: white, pink, 2 to 4cm

Problems to watch for

Powdery mildew · A white fungal growth on leaves often caused by poor air circulation.
Mealybugs · Small white cottony insects that feed on plant sap.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your polka dot begonia from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Bring the plant indoors before temperatures drop below 15 degrees Celsius. Keep it away from cold drafts and reduce watering slightly during the winter months.
In containers: It grows beautifully in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 20 cm wide.

Stem Cuttings

1. Take a 10 cm cutting from a healthy stem just below a leaf node.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting.
3. Place the cutting in a glass of water or moist potting mix.
4. Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.

Group plants with similar humidity needs together to create a microclimate that keeps everyone happy.

Grows well with

Peace Lily · They share similar requirements for high humidity and indirect light.
Ferns · Ferns provide a lush, contrasting texture that thrives in the same environment.

Similar species

Angel Wing Begonia · It shares the same cane growth habit and striking foliage.

Science

Family: Begoniaceae
Genus: Begonia
Order: Cucurbitales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Brazil
Conservation: This species is not currently listed as endangered in its native range.

It grows in the humid, shaded understory of tropical forests where it relies on filtered light.

Uses: indoor ornamental, container plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaf edges turning brown?: This is usually a sign that the humidity is too low for the plant.
How much light does it need?: It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant spots.

Where the name comes from

The name maculata refers to the spotted pattern on the leaves, while Begonia honors the French botanist Michel Begon.

Good to know

It is often called the polka dot begonia because of its distinct leaf markings.
The undersides of the leaves are a deep, dramatic red.
It is a cane type begonia that grows upright rather than spreading along the ground.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your polka dot begonia growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.