The Unique Begonia Variety That Makes A Stunning Christmas Plant

When it comes to holiday plants, most people think of traditional poinsettias, Christmas cactus, or pine trees. While those are definitely festive flowers and foliage, they aren't the only ones. In fact, there are several houseplants that will spice up your holiday decor, and one among the popular Begonia family is the Begonia maculata. Commonly known as polka dot begonia, its leaves are decorated with silvery white dots and have a red underside. The colors and pattern fit right in with seasonal Christmas decor.

Begonia maculata is a cane-type begonia, so it doesn't beautifully cascade down the pot like trailing varieties. Instead, it stands upright with all its spotted-leaves in a grand display. You can find white, pink, red, or orange flowers blooming among the polka leaves that can be green, silver, pink, or purple. Whether your holiday aesthetic is a simple winter wonderland, classic red and green Christmas, or multi-colored Santa's workshop, there's a matching polka dot begonia for you. This houseplant also complements other holiday flowers that are perfect for Christmas, like holly or mistletoe, and works to substitute traditional plants for something more unique too.

Begonia maculata requires specific care for it to be a thriving Christmas houseplant. It grows in partial shade, needing two to six hours of indirect sunlight. Without enough light, its show-stopping leaves don't develop as vibrantly. Too much light, especially direct sunlight, can cause the foliage to burn or fade. Be wary of cold rooms in winter, as the plant needs temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive. The polka dot begonia also needs good air circulation; otherwise, it is susceptible to powdery mildew and stem rot, so avoid placing it in a dense cluster of plants. Of course, its visually striking foliage stands out on its own anyway, so it's perfect for decorating a well-lit entryway or ornamenting a sunny windowsill. Moist, well-draining soil with a neutral pH is the ideal growing medium. You can give it a drink once the top soil dries out, but keep in mind, both underwatering and overwatering can cause your Begonia maculata to lose its leaves.

Propagating Begonia maculata is easy, and new plants can also be a great Christmas gift for the plant lovers in your life. Just add a clipping with one to two nodes in water and wait for the roots to grow. It's important to note that Begonias are poisonous to pets and humans. You'll want to keep young children, cats, and dogs from ingesting any part of the plant, especially the roots. The sap is also a skin irritant, so wear gloves when taking clippings. While it's not the most pet-safe plant for your holiday decor, careful decorators can enjoy its stunning polka dot and striking colors perfect for the holiday season.