Begonia maculata

Polka Dot Begonia

Typical UK price

£9

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Price by size

Sold, 90 days: 10
Middle half: £8 to £9
Last sold: 24 Sep 2026
On record: 44

Cutting/corm7 sold

7cm10 sold

12cm1 sold

Mature1 sold

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About Begonia maculata

The plain wild-type Begonia maculata Raddi is the widely available cane begonia that the variegated forms derive from: asymmetrical, angel-wing shaped leaves in solid deep green, marked only with the species' signature metallic silver polka dots and deep red undersides. It is inexpensive, easy to find at almost any garden centre, and propagates from cuttings with almost no effort, which keeps its price low and stable.

Native range

Southeastern Brazil, Atlantic Forest

Brazil

Classification

Genus: Begonia
Family: Begoniaceae
Type: Wild
Growth habit: Upright cane, bamboo-like

Morphology

Leaf shape: Asymmetrical, angel-wing / oblique-ovate with pointed tip
Leaf length: 12-25 cm
Leaf width: 5-10 cm
Petiole colour: Short, reddish
Venation: Visible beneath the spotting pattern
Texture: Thin to semi-glossy, deep red undersides
Variegation: None: solid deep green blade with metallic silver polka dots only, no white, cream or pink sectoring
Growth habit: Upright segmented bamboo-like canes

Recent UK sales

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For sale in the UK

UK shops

Shop	Stock	Checked	Price
Root Houseplants established plant	In stock	30 Oct 2026	£11
Conservatory Archives 12cm pot	Sold out	2 Nov 2026	£12
Conservatory Archives 17cm pot	Sold out	2 Nov 2026	£39

Current listings on eBay UK

By month

Month	Median	Sold
Sep 2026	£9	8
Aug 2026	£9	3
Jul 2026	£9	7
Jun 2026	£9	8
May 2026	£10	11
Apr 2026	£9	7

Before you buy

Check for powdery mildew (a white dusty coating on leaf surfaces, especially in dry conditions); it spreads rapidly between plants
Inspect for mealybugs at leaf axils and the underside of stems where they hide in white cottony deposits
Rhizome begonias should show firm, healthy rhizome tissue; avoid plants with soft, discoloured rhizomes
Most begonias ship well as leaf cuttings; if buying a cutting, ensure it has a healthy petiole and no signs of rot at the cut end
For variegated or cultivar forms, confirm the cutting or plant shows the named form's characteristic variegation/leaf pattern; heavily reverted (all-green) growth is worth considerably less

Begonia maculata care

Substrate: Light, well-draining mix: 50% perlite, 30% potting compost, 20% orchid bark. Begonias are susceptible to root rot, so excellent drainage is essential.
Watering: Allow the top half of the substrate to dry between waterings. Water at the base; wet leaves invite fungal problems. Reduce in winter.
Humidity: 50–70%. More tolerant of average indoor humidity than tropical aroids, but consistent moisture prevents crispy leaf margins. Heavily variegated forms often want the higher end of this range; check that form's Quick Facts.
Feeding: Balanced liquid fertiliser at quarter strength every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. Do not feed in winter.
Repotting: Every 12–18 months in spring. Begonias like shallow, wide pots that suit rhizomatous growth. Don't bury the rhizome.

Common problems

Powdery mildew
Cause: Poor air circulation combined with high humidity
Fix: Improve airflow; avoid wetting leaves; treat with a dilute bicarbonate of soda spray
Botrytis (grey mould)
Cause: Overwatering, dead leaves left on plant, poor air circulation
Fix: Remove dead foliage promptly; increase airflow; reduce watering
Leggy stems
Cause: Insufficient light
Fix: Move to a brighter position; begonias need good indirect light to maintain compact growth

Gear for this plant

How to propagate Begonia maculata

Methods: Leaf cutting, Stem cutting, Rhizome division. Step-by-step guide
Difficulty: Easy. Forgiving of missed waterings, average home humidity, and imperfect light. A solid pick for beginners or low-fuss collections.
Time to establish: 3-5 months
True from cuttings: Yes. Cuttings keep the cultivar's character.
Notes: Most rhizomatous begonias root readily from leaf sections or petiole cuttings placed on moist substrate. Keep warm and humid until plantlets emerge at leaf margins. Variegated and cultivar forms of the species should be propagated from cuttings taken at a node that shows the desired variegation or leaf character; see that form's own page for details.

Begonia maculata

Price by size