Begonia Maculata Wightii (Polka Dot Begonia)
📦 FREE SHIPPING OVER £40
Begonia maculata 'Wightii'
Common Names: Polka Dot Begonia, Spotted Begonia, Trout Begonia
Full Botanical Name: Begonia maculata 'Wightii'
Country and/or Region of Origin: Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Brazil
Overview:
Striking and stylish, the Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’ is a true statement plant. With angel-wing shaped leaves splashed with silver polka dots and rich maroon undersides, it looks almost too pretty to be real. This bold beauty brings a playful yet elegant vibe to any indoor setting. Though a little more high-maintenance than your average houseplant, its dramatic foliage and rewarding blooms (tiny clusters of white flowers) make it worth the effort.
Growing Conditions in Native Habitat:
Grows beneath the forest canopy in warm, humid environments, where it receives filtered light and constant moisture without being waterlogged.
Care Guide
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, but too little light may dull the colour and reduce flowering.
Ideal Room: Best suited to bright living spaces, bathrooms, or kitchens where light and humidity are consistent.
Feeding: During spring and summer, feed every 2–4 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer to support foliage and flowering.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity environments. Consider using a pebble tray or humidifier, especially during winter.
Ideal Temperature: Enjoys temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Keep away from cold drafts and avoid sudden temperature drops.
Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid letting water sit on the leaves.
Pet/Child Safe: Toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and young children due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
Soil Type: A well-draining, light potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark is ideal. Avoid compact or soggy soil.
Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings placed in water or moist soil. Can also be propagated by leaf cuttings.
Eventual Height and Spread: Can grow up to 1.5–2 feet (45–60 cm) tall and 1–1.5 feet (30–45 cm) wide indoors with proper care.
Growth Rate: Moderate. With the right conditions, growth is steady and can be shaped with light pruning.
Pests and Treatment: Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, spider mites, and mealybugs. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap and increase airflow if needed.
Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years in spring if the plant becomes rootbound. Choose a pot with good drainage to prevent water retention.
Pruning: Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking its best.
Air Purification: While not one of the top-rated air purifiers, its lush foliage still contributes to a greener indoor environment.
Folklore: Though not steeped in tradition, the Polka Dot Begonia is adored for its whimsical appearance and is often associated with creativity, individuality, and a flair for the dramatic—just like its leaves.
Important Information
You're in good hands with Aroma QuartzWe're committed to delivering quality plants with top-notch service. Every plant is backed by our 7-day guarantee, ensuring it arrives in good health.
Our team carefully prepares each plant for its journey, but since plants are living things, they can be sensitive to changes. Minor cosmetic imperfections may occur, but we always strive to photograph and disclose any flaws before shipping. After all, traveling across the country in a box can be a bit of an adjustment!
If you experience any issues within 7 days of receiving your order, reach out to our customer support team via our contact form with your order details and photos of the issue. Please note that once the guarantee period ends, we can’t offer refunds, as we can’t account for care and environmental factors. Also, repotting your plant within the first 7 days voids the guarantee—so let it settle in first!
We've been shipping plants across the country for many years now, and we like to think we've perfected the process!
To keep your plant secure, we carefully wrap the soil with tissue paper and tape if needed, then protect the plant with corrugated cardboard. If extra protection is required, we’ll cushion the leaves with additional tissue paper. The plant is then placed into a sturdy box, and any empty spaces are filled with eco-friendly void fill made from cornstarch—it dissolves in water, so it’s as kind to the planet as it is to your plant! 🌱♻️
Sometimes, we’ll add a note on your packing slip to water your plant upon arrival, so keep an eye out for that. This is because shipping a freshly watered plant can lead to sogginess, and being in darkness during transit can make it unhappy.
If your plant arrives looking a little worse for wear, send us a photo of the plant and packaging (if relevant) right away, and we’ll be happy to advise.
We’re proud to offer FREE local delivery by e-Cargo bike in partnership with Shropshire Cycle Hub – a fantastic local charity working to make sustainable transport accessible for everyone. This eco-conscious service is available for eligible orders within 3 miles of our Shrewsbury Market Hall shop.
🚲 How does it work?
If your delivery address is within 3 miles of our store, the “Free e-Cargo Bike Delivery” option will appear at checkout automatically. Just select it and we’ll take care of the rest!
📦 When will my order arrive?
Orders placed before 10am (Tuesday–Saturday) are eligible for same-day delivery, subject to availability. Deliveries are made between 10am and 12pm on those days.
🌍 Why e-Cargo bikes?
Not only is this delivery method carbon-neutral and friendly to the planet, but it also supports local volunteer efforts and brings a smile to our local community 💚
👥 Who delivers my order?
Your parcel will be delivered by trained volunteers from Shropshire Cycle Hub using a state-of-the-art electric cargo bike. Big thanks to them for making this possible!
🛍 What can I order?
Any of our products are eligible – including houseplants, candles, wax melts, and gifts. We’ll pack everything carefully (just like our nationwide orders) to make sure it arrives in perfect condition.
This service is made possible with support from:
💚 Shropshire Cycle Hub
🏛 Shrewsbury Market Hall
🌳 Shropshire Council
🏘 Shrewsbury Town Council
For any questions, feel free to drop us a message – we’re always happy to help.
Select Click & Collect at checkout to pick up your order from our Shrewsbury shop. You’ll receive an email when your order is ready—where possible, please collect it the same day, as we have limited space.
If you need to collect later, just let us know in the message box at checkout. Some items, like gift boxes, kits, and pre-orders, may take longer—drop us a note with your preferred collection date, and we’ll confirm if there are any delays. 😊
We don’t offer free returns for change of mind, but if you’re unhappy with your order, please get in touch. If your parcel arrives damaged, send us photos so we can look into it.
Need an exchange? We’re happy to help—just reach out. Additional delivery charges may apply.
For plants, we offer a 7-day return policy, while other items can be returned within 30 days (excluding sale and personalized items, which are non-returnable).
You can return or exchange items for free at our Shrewsbury shop. In-store purchases follow different policies, so check our "In-Store Returns & Exchanges" section for details.
The Houseplant Subscription Box – Grow Your Collection, Effortlessly! 🌿✨
Discover a new hand-selected houseplant each month, carefully chosen to thrive in your home. Our subscription box makes it easy to expand your collection with unique, healthy plants—delivered straight to your door. Plus, you'll get expert care tips to help your new green friend settle in.
Ready to bring more greenery into your space?