Can I wash the spots off?

If it is powdery mildew, you can wipe it off, but the fungus will return unless you fix the airflow. Do not wash the leaves if the spots are bacterial, as this spreads the infection.

Should I cut off all spotted leaves?

Only remove leaves that are more than 50 percent damaged. Removing too many leaves at once can stress your plant.

Polka dot begonia: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for white, fuzzy patches.
Check if you have been splashing water on the foliage during watering.
Look for signs of poor airflow around the plant.

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will see a white, dusty film on the leaves that looks like flour. It often starts in spots before spreading across the entire leaf surface.
What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant by moving it away from crowded areas. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth and apply a neem oil spray once a week until the fungus clears.
Bacterial Leaf Spot
Most likely
How to tell: These spots are often dark, water soaked, and may have a yellow halo around them. They appear when the leaves stay wet for too long after watering.
What to do: Avoid getting water on the leaves when you irrigate the soil. Remove any heavily affected leaves with clean scissors to stop the spread.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your polka dot begonia

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Be concerned if the spots are spreading rapidly or causing the leaves to turn mushy. Small, isolated spots are common and usually easy to manage.

Stopping it coming back

Always water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and ensure the plant has enough space for air to move around it.

Polka dot begonia: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your polka dot begonia and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I wash the spots off?: If it is powdery mildew, you can wipe it off, but the fungus will return unless you fix the airflow. Do not wash the leaves if the spots are bacterial, as this spreads the infection.
Should I cut off all spotted leaves?: Only remove leaves that are more than 50 percent damaged. Removing too many leaves at once can stress your plant.

Why does my Begonia maculata have spots on its leaves?

Check these first

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew

Bacterial Leaf Spot

Find out what's wrong with your polka dot begonia

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Polka dot begonia: spots? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Polka dot begonia