Origin
The Begonia 'Maculata', also known as the Polkadot Begonia, has its origin in the tropical rainforests of Brazil. Here, its diversity and resistance to various conditions allowed it to survive and spread. This eventually led to its worldwide distribution and popularity amongst gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

Characteristics
The Begonia 'Maculata' is an evergreen, flowering plant known for its striking leaf markings. It has graceful, green leaves with white dots that contrast with the deep red underside of the leaf. The plant grows on an upright stem and can reach a height of 1 to 1.5 metres. When the plant blooms, it produces lovely hanging clusters of white or light pink flowers.

Care
The care of the Begonia 'Maculata' requires partial to full exposure to the sun, but must be protected against intense, direct sunlight which can burn the leaves. The plant requires regular watering, but should have time to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. The soil should be well-draining and the surrounding temperature should remain warm, as the plant prefers subtropical conditions. When caring for this plant, it's also important to know that it's susceptible to certain pests, such as whitefly and spider mite.