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Plant of the month
Say hello to our plant of the month for December, the dazzling Begonia Maculata! With her olive-green leaves covered in white dots and a deep red underside, she looks like a festive decoration straight from nature. Her spotted leaves shimmer as if sprinkled with tiny snowflakes, making her the perfect plant to brighten up your home during the holidays.
Begonia Maculata
Originally from the rainforests of Brazil, she feels most at home in bright, indirect light and a warm, humid atmosphere. Place her somewhere she can enjoy gentle light, and she will reward you with new leaves and lots of charm.
Fun fact! The Begonia Maculata was first discovered in Brazil in the late 1980s and quickly became a favourite among plant collectors around the world. Her spotted leaves inspired many designers, appearing in art, fashion and home decor. She is truly a timeless trendsetter.
Care guide
The Begonia Maculata looks elegant, but caring for her is easy once you know what she likes. With the right balance of water, light and humidity, she will stay stunning all year round.
Watering
She likes her soil to be slightly moist but never soggy. Let the top few centimetres of soil dry before watering again. Always make sure that her pot has drainage holes so extra water can flow away easily. Use room-temperature or filtered water, and avoid wetting the leaves to keep them spotless.
Light
This Begonia loves bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can fade her dots, while too little light may make her lose her colour and shape. A few metres from a window is ideal. If her stems start to stretch, she is looking for a bit more light.
Soil
She enjoys airy, well-draining soil that keeps her roots comfortable. A mix of potting soil with perlite and a bit of orchid bark or coco coir will give her the perfect balance of moisture and air.
Temperature and Humidity
The Begonia Maculata feels happiest in a warm and humid environment, ideally between 18 and 25 degrees. During the winter months, keep her away from radiators and cold drafts. If the air in your home is dry, you can mist her gently or place her pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water for a boost of humidity.
Propagating
The Begonia Maculata is very easy to propagate, making it perfect for sharing with fellow plant lovers. You can grow new plants from stem cuttings and watch the roots form in water before planting them in soil.
Step 1
Choose a healthy stem and make a clean cut just below a node. The cutting should have at least two leaves attached. A sharp and sterilised knife or scissors works best to keep both the parent plant and the cutting healthy.
Step 2
Place the cutting in a glass of water, making sure the lower node is covered by water but that no leaves are touching the surface. Set the glass in a warm, bright spot with indirect light.
Step 3
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygen-rich. After one to three weeks, you will start to see tiny roots growing from the node. Be patient! Once the roots are around three to five centimetres long, your cutting is ready for the next step.
Step 4
Fill a small pot with fresh, airy soil and make a small hole in the centre. Gently place your rooted cutting into the soil and press it down softly so it feels supported. Give it a light watering to help it settle in.
Step 5
Keep your new Begonia in a warm and humid environment with soft light. For the first few weeks, make sure the soil stays slightly moist but not soggy. Once you see new leaves forming, you can celebrate! Your cutting has become a happy new plant.
Buy Begonia Maculata
Looking for a plant that brings sparkle, style and festive flair to your home? The Begonia Maculata is your perfect match. With her elegant spotted leaves and deep red underside, she fits beautifully among your holiday decorations and continues to shine long after the festive season ends. This month, she is available at a special price as our Plant of the Month. Bring home this living piece of art and let her light up your winter days.
Is Begonia Maculata air purifying?
Yes, she helps improve the air quality in your home and adds a touch of freshness to any space.
Is she safe for pets?
Unfortunately, she is not. The Begonia Maculata is toxic if ingested, so it is best to keep her away from curious pets or children.
Why are the leaves turning brown or crispy?
This usually means that the air is too dry or she is getting too much direct sunlight. Move her to a softer light spot and increase humidity to help her recover.
Should I feed my Begonia Maculata?
From spring to early autumn, a gentle feed every few weeks will keep her strong and growing. In winter, she prefers to rest, so you can skip fertilising.
When should I repot my Begonia Maculata?
Repotting every one or two years in spring is ideal. Choose a pot that is slightly larger and use a fresh, airy soil mix to give her roots plenty of space.