'Double Dot' Cane Begonias & Begonia Maculata In General

Do you find yourself drawn to Begonias each time you go plant shopping? At all times of year, they offer color and attractive foliage. Begonias tend to be some of the plants that most readily catch my eye. And I guess it’s no wonder that in an angelic season, the Begonias with “angel wings” are most in focus, for me at least.

Angel Wing Begonias have beautifully shaped foliage. The Angel Wings known as Begonia maculata, with prominent dots on a leaf shape that is just perfect for celestial flight, came on the scene in the U.S. when most plant lovers were familiar with little else like this species of plant. When those same plant lovers realized these plants required nothing more than straightforward care, many loved them even more. 

So, now, on the subject of “even more”: There is Begonia maculata ‘Double Dot’, and you guessed it… the dots on the leaves appear in greater number than they do on the ‘Polka Dot’ Angel Wing that plant lovers might be familiar with by now. Multitudes of silvery white dots decorate each bright green leaf of Begonia maculata ‘Double Dot’, and these dots serve as this plant's drawing card.

Maculata is from the Latin and means “spotted, blotchy”… not exactly how I would describe Begonia maculata which has well-spaced and well-shaped dots, not splotches or blotches by any stretch of the imagination.

With Begonia maculata ‘Double Dot’, the plant’s cane-like stem allows it to have a sturdiness and strength that one might not expect when first looking at its gracefully shaped leaves. At times when its stem is visible, without leaves covering it up, the stem’s similarity to Bamboo or Cane indicates this strength. This is a beauty, but it is not a delicate beauty.

I tend to like the bright, medium-green leaf color of Begonia maculata ‘Double Dot’, but many plant lovers may find that Begonia maculata ‘Black Forest’ provides a better background for the dots. The base color of this plant’s foliage is very dark, and each “wing” is ruffled and pretty.

For Begonia maculata ‘Double Dot’, ‘Polka Dot’, or ‘Black Forest’, having access to adequate light is an absolute requirement. The overall health of these plants, the vibrancy of their colors, and the prominence of their leaf patterning depend on bright indirect light. That light, and the balmy warmth of a home kept cozy in winter, are what these plants need. With consistent moisture and no periods of drying out, these exotic Begonias which still seem “new” to me will grow well and look great. 

I will continue to look for my longtime favorite Wax Begonias in spring and enjoy them outdoors. I appreciate their rounded leaves and clusters of long-lasting flowers in my garden. These are tropical plants, for sure, but they feel familiar, like old friends. But the Angel Wing Begonias, Begonia maculata species, are arguably better indoor plants when it comes to creating interesting displays. I guess it is the fact that their foliage has so much to offer—the wing shape, the leaf decoration—that makes them fall more readily into the “houseplant” category. Like the best houseplants, these are plants that one can see indoors, day in and day out, and find interesting each and every time they catch an eye. They are dramatically attractive, easy to grow, and not run-of-the-mill at all.

More than one holiday is celebrated in December, as we know. Plants are needed to “warm up” a home and to help celebrate. While a Poinsettia may boldly herald “Christmas” to us, a beautiful Begonia may greet the holiday just as effectively. Whether you consider one of the Begonia maculata plants for now or for the new year, these plants are worth considering.