Begonia maculata: Polka Dots on Angel Wings

In my younger days, I heard the name “Begonia” and thought of one thing—Wax Begonias. Popular in beds and containers, their rounded leaves and tropical flowers were all I knew. But Begonia is a family of plants that is incredibly large, with countless varieties now readily available.

I still love the Wax Begonias that have long been familiar. I have an outdoor orange beauty that I will take inside when the temperature drops. I will transplant it once it stops flowering, adding it to an indoor miniature garden display. But now I know that, to accompany it, I can have so much more…. Some varieties have angular leaves; some showcase carmine foliage; some produce flowers that make apparent the plants’ rainforest origin…. The options are endless.

I am quite sure that children of today (and of all ages) would love Begonia maculata, a variety I did not know for the longest time. With “angel wings” as foliage and elongated polka dots of pearlescent white on leaf-tops, Begonia maculata is magnetic. But while its common name “Polka Dot Begonia” extolls one of its virtues, it falls short of noting another: The underside of each leaf is striking red. Flowering in white at a certain point in the year, Begonia maculata would cause those who see it in miniature garden displays to do a double-take.

Not only does Begonia maculata have angel wings, but it also looks as though the dots adorning them were placed there by a heavenly paintbrush. Unlike random paint splatter, they are carefully formed. On some parts of each plant, they adorn the leaf divisions with near-symmetry. This makes Begonia maculata an addition to the miniature garden unlike any other.

Mixing varieties can be visually effective. Begonia dregei’s foliage is angular and works well alongside that of the angel-winged beauty when the plants fill out. As contrast, the rounder leaves of Strawberry Begonias, which are "begonias" in common name only, would work well, mixed within an indoor miniature garden display. 

This time of year, my gardener friends look for special houseplants. They love adding to the indoor plant-scapes they maintain through colder months on tables and shelves. Begonia maculata’s stunning foliage makes it a dramatic showpiece in these indoor miniature garden displays. Friends in warmer climates could care for this variety outside. But even for them, I suggest it be used as a houseplant.

In general, the tuberous stems and tropical blooms of Begonias might make some worry about providing enough water and the right care. But most varieties are self-sufficient, requiring little in the way of special treatment. For the sake of preparedness, gardeners should consider the following, specifically for Begonia maculata:

-Create well-draining soil by mixing loam, clay, and sand.

-Repot in a miniature garden container that hugs the plant slightly. With the change of seasons, increase the size of the container a bit.

-Maintain moisture. Water using a long-spouted watering can designed for miniature gardening. Saturate only the soil, not wetting leaves or stems.

-Once every couple of weeks, feed with highly diluted fertilizer.

-Do not set the thermostat too low.

-Allow long doses of indirect sunlight by giving this plant a prime place within indoor miniature garden displays.

-Ensure high humidity, but do not mist. Instead, tuck a saucer of water near the plant.

Keeping these basics in mind, gardeners can enjoy this unusual specimen in their indoor miniature garden displays. I can picture Begonia maculata on a Thanksgiving entry table, adding a dose of dark olive to the autumnal décor. I can picture its angel wings being showcased in a December holiday gift for friends who love miniature gardening. I can picture myself playing up its red adornment for a Valentine, or watching as its polka dots make someone smile in spring. 

I must say, it makes me smile. It is a special plant.