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Begonia maculata

Polka Dot Begonia

Typical UK price

£9

Verified

Price by size

Sold, 90 days
14
Middle half
£8 to £9
Last sold
24 Sep 2026
On record
44
Cutting/corm6 sold
7cm14 sold
12cm1 sold
Mature1 sold
  • Sale
  • Typical
  • Middle half
  • Estimate
for a 7cm pot
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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

Show older sales

For sale in the UK

UK shops

ShopStockPrice
Root Houseplants established plantIn stock£11
Conservatory Archives 12cm potSold out£12
Conservatory Archives 17cm potSold out£39

Current listings on eBay UK

By month

MonthMedianSold
Sep 2026£98
Aug 2026£93
Jul 2026£97
Jun 2026£98
May 2026£1011
Apr 2026£97

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.

In the wild