How to properly grow begonia maculata

With its smooth, dark green foliage speckled with white, Begonia maculata is a magnificent houseplant. When it blooms, it develops small, pale pink flowers. Native to South America, Begonia maculata thrives indoors or on a veranda. How to cultivate and maintain it?

Technical sheet

Latin name:  Bégonia maculata
Family:  Begoniaceae
Size:  60 cm to 1.50 m in height
Planting:  Spring
Exposure:  Part-shade space without direct sunlight
Soil: Rich soil for indoor plants
Watering :

• Spring: once a week
• Summer: once or twice a week
• Fall / Winter: once every 10 to 14 days

How to grow Begonia maculata?

Begonia maculata, also known as bamboo begonia or tamaya, is an easy to grow houseplant. Coming from the tropics, it quickly adapts to living in an apartment or on a veranda. The tamaya is distinguished by its asymmetrical green foliage spotted with white and its thick stems.
The plant easily develops a temperature between 15 and 25 ° C.

The ideal season to repot Begonia maculata is spring. It thrives in a bright space, but avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. If bamboo begonia has poorly developed foliage, it is most likely due to a lack of light. It will then be necessary to bring it closer to a source of light.

Easy to grow, Begonia maculata is not demanding in terms of planting. To grow successfully, just follow these few steps:

1. Take a container as wide as it is deep, and pierced with holes to ensure drainage;
2. Install a layer of clay balls at the bottom;
3. Use a fertile soil for indoor plants;
4. Handle the stumps delicately so as not to break the roots;
5. Cover with substrate;
6. Water copiously.

After successful flowering, bamboo begonia rests and requires a cooler environment, a temperature of around 15 and 16 ° C to be able to flower again.

How to water begonia maculata?

Begonia maculata needs good humidity to develop. However, although it does need moisture, it does not appreciate spraying directly on its foliage and flowers.
Watering should be done sparingly to prevent rotting of the roots or blackening of the leaves. The frequency of watering Begonia maculata depends on the seasons:

– During the spring period, weekly watering is more than sufficient. Water at room temperature is recommended to avoid thermal shock at the roots.

– During the summer period, the water needs of begonia maculata increase. It is advisable to water the plant copiously once or twice a week.

– During the winter and autumn periods, its water needs decrease because its growth practically stops. The ideal is to water once every 10 to 14 days when its substrate is dry to several centimeters deep.

– In dry weather, it is possible to install a saucer of clay balls bathed in water under the pot to bring a little humidity to the air.

Bamboo begonia sometimes needs to be staked to prevent its stems from falling or breaking. It is advisable to prune its damaged or dry leaves and flowers.

What fertilizer should begonia maculata be given?

To ensure the good development of begonia maculata, a supply of fertilizer is essential.
A special houseplant or flowering plant fertilizer is recommended. A contribution every 15 days is essential between the months of April and August for a successful culture. In winter, this contribution is unnecessary and risks exhausting the plant.

How to cut Begonia maculata?

The cuttings of Begonia maculata is as easy as planting. To do this, it is essential:

– To wait for spring or the beginning of summer;

– Collect a section with at least 3 leaves;

– Let it soak in water ;

– Wait for 2 to 3 weeks until the roots come to life;

– Wait until the roots reach 2 to 3 cm before transplanting the cuttings.

How to make Begonia maculata bloom again?

A plant that thrives perfectly indoors, begonia maculata is beautiful when it blooms.
Its small flowers grow like a cluster in the axils of its leaves. This cluster of flowers is usually pink or white. It enhances the decorative side of begonia maculata.
To prolong this flowering, it is advisable to remove and prune faded flowers as much as possible. A regular supply of fertilizer is also required to feed Begonia maculata properly and facilitate its flowering.