Begonia maculatais a classic Begonia with long, asymmetric, angel-wing leaves patterned in neat silver-white polka dots over a rich olive-green surface. Turn a leaf over and the underside is a vivid, solid red. It grows upright on bamboo-like canes, eventually reaching a tall, structural form that adds height and drama to a collection. In the right conditions it produces sprays of delicate white flowers that hang in clusters from the stems.
Live Arrival Guarantee
All plants are covered by our 7-day live arrival guarantee. We pack every order in protective, sustainable packaging designed to keep your plants safe in transit, and every plant is checked before it ships. On the rare occasion something is not right on arrival, we will make it good, provided the plant is still in its original nursery pot.
Your quick reference for choosing the right plant size. We group our plants by the diameter of their nursery pots which gives you a consistent way to understand scale.
5–8cm
Mini
Small but full of charm. These compact plants are perfect for desks, windowsills, and small shelves, or for building out a collection over time. Ideal if you enjoy watching your plants grow from the beginning. Approx. height: 10–20cm
9–11cm
Small
A step up in presence, great for side tables, shelves, or styling in clusters. Easy to move around and perfect for adding greenery without taking up too much space. Approx. height: 25–35cm
12–14cm
Medium
Our most versatile size. Works beautifully on shelves, desks, and plant stands, offering a fuller look without dominating a space. A great balance between impact and flexibility. Approx. height: 25–50cm
15–18cm
Large
More established plants with fuller foliage and stronger structure. Ideal for creating soft focal points in a room. Great for corners, beside furniture, or as standalone features. Approx. height: 40–70cm
19+cm
Extra Large
Big, impactful plants designed for floors and open spaces. These are your statement pieces and are perfect for anchoring a room or transforming a corner with instant greenery. Approx. height: 60cm–1.3m
Pots that fit this plant
We recommend
How to care for Spotted Begonia
Give me bright light out of the midday sun and water me when the top of my soil feels dry.
In their words
What our customers say
EP
Emily P.
Arrived just like the photos - maybe even fuller. Healthy, well-acclimated, and straight into my collection with no issues.
JR
James R.
Flawless leaves, stunning variegation, and clearly cared for by experts. It’s already a talking point in my home office.
SL
Sophie L.
Hard to find rare plants that are pet-safe. Ours arrived in perfect condition and looks amazing without any worry.
Get to know me
About Spotted Begonia
Begonia maculata 'Polka Dot' is a houseplant that takes a little effort. It needs bright indirect light, watering once the top 2 to 3cm of compost has dried out, high humidity and a minimum temperature of 13°C. It is harmful to pets and small children if eaten.
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.Read moreShow less
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.
Humidity
Average homeHigh humidity
Needs high humidity
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.Read moreShow less
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.
Keep above 13°C · Happy at normal room temperature
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Keep it away from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cooler conditions can stress the plant and affect healthy growth.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Keep it away from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cooler conditions can stress the plant and affect healthy growth.
Feeding
Feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser from spring to autumn, and let it rest over winter.
Harmful if chewed or swallowed. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children, and wash your hands after pruning.
Origins
Native to the Atlantic Forest regions of southeastern Brazil, Begonia maculata grows in warm, humid, shaded understorey environments on the forest floor and along stream banks.
No, this plant isn't pet safe. It can be harmful or cause irritation if chewed, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs. If you think your pet has eaten any, ring your vet straight away.
We aim to avoid using pesticides where possible, but we can't control the whole supply chain.
If the plant is going into a vivarium, terrarium or aquarium with live animals, rinse the leaves and roots well, remove any soil and let the plant dry out before adding it. We'd also suggest keeping it away from animals for a month first.
Can I see a photo of the exact plant I'll receive?
We're not able to send photos of individual plants or let you choose a specific one, as plants are selected by our team when your order is packed. Our photos show the variety and the kind of plant you can expect, and yours may vary a little in height, shape or fullness.
If a size has a code next to it, such as 9cm / B2, you're buying the exact plant pictured.
Does my plant come with a pot?
Your plant will arrive in its nursery grow pot — the plastic pot it's been growing in. We don't include a decorative pot as standard, and there's a good reason for that: it means you get to choose one that fits your space and style, rather than being stuck with something that doesn't suit your home.
It also means you're not paying extra for a pot you might not want. The nursery pot is perfectly fine to keep your plant in for a while, just pop it inside a decorative cover pot or cache pot and you're good to go. When you're ready to repot (usually after a growing season or when roots start poking out the bottom), you can move it into something more permanent with fresh soil.
If you're not sure what size cover pot to go for, check the pot selector tool listed above, you'll want a decorative pot that's a centimetre or two wider than that to give it a comfortable fit.
How big will my plant be when it arrives?
Every plant on our site includes the pot size (e.g. 12cm) and, where possible, an approximate height. That's the most reliable way to set your expectations, photos can sometimes make a plant look larger or smaller than it really is.
If you're thinking "that sounds quite small for the price," here's something worth knowing: younger, smaller plants almost always adapt better to your home than larger ones. They adjust faster to your light and humidity, put out new growth more quickly, and tend to establish stronger root systems long-term. A plant that grows into your space will usually outperform one that was already big when it arrived.
That said, every plant is an individual. The one you receive may vary slightly in height, shape, or fullness compared to the photo, that's the nature of living things, not a quality issue. We select healthy, well-established specimens, and if you ever feel your plant doesn't match what you were expecting, just get in touch and we'll take a look.
What makes your plants different from the supermarket or garden centre?
There's a big difference between a plant that's been sitting under on a retail shelf and one that's been looked after and cared for by people who specialise in exactly this.
Our plants are grown in house or sourced from specialist nurseries, many of them varieties you simply won't find at your local garden centre or supermarket. Before anything leaves us, it's checked over by our horticultural team to make sure it's healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your home. We're not shifting volume off a pallet, we're choosing plants we'd want to keep ourselves.
When you buy from a supermarket, you get a plant and a generic care label. When you buy from us, you get the knowledge that comes with it, detailed care guidance, a team you can actually contact if something isn't going right, and the confidence that what's arriving has been looked after properly from the moment it was grown to the moment it reaches your door.
We're a specialist nursery first, not a retailer that happens to sell plants. That's the difference, and you'll see it the moment you open the box.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
First things first, unbox it as soon as you can. Plants don't love being in dark boxes any more than you would, and the sooner yours is out and breathing, the better.
Remove all the packaging carefully, give the soil a check with your finger, and water lightly if it feels dry. Then find it a spot with appropriate light, but avoid putting it straight into harsh direct sun or next to a radiator. Think of it like arriving somewhere new after a long journey: it needs a moment to adjust.
It's completely normal for your plant to look a little tired or droopy after transit. This is called transit stress, and most plants bounce back within a week or two. You might see a yellow leaf or some drooping, don't panic, and resist the urge to overwater or start repotting straight away.
Our advice for the first couple of weeks: leave it in its nursery pot, water it only when the top layer of soil feels dry, and let it acclimatise to your home's light, temperature, and humidity. Once it's settled in and showing signs of new growth, you can think about repotting or moving it to its permanent spot.
Every plant we sell comes with a care guide on the product page so you'll know exactly what it needs going forward. And if anything doesn't look right, get in touch with our team, we're always happy to help.
Will my plant survive being shipped?
Yes! and we go to serious lengths to make sure of it. Every plant is hand-packed by our team with protective wrapping and secure, custom-designed boxes to keep it stable and safe in transit. We've shipped hundreds of thousands of plants across the UK and our packaging methods have been refined over years to handle the bumps and jolts of delivery.
During colder months, we monitor weather forecasts and offer heat packs where needed to protect against frost. In extreme conditions, we may hold your order for a day or two rather than risk sending it out, we'd rather you wait an extra day than receive a stressed plant.
That said, plants are living things, and the occasional transit wobble can happen. If your plant arrives damaged or isn't in the condition you'd expect, just get in touch within 7 days with a photo, and we'll make it right, whether that's a replacement or a full refund. No fuss.
The short version: we treat every box like it's going to someone who really cares about what's inside, because it is.
Begonias are among the most beloved houseplants for their vibrant colours and unique foliage. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, learning how to care for your Begonia can ensure it thrives for years. This guide will take you through...
Every order is hand-packed in eco-friendly, protective packaging - refined through thousands of deliveries to ensure your plant arrives healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.
Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Perfect for Gifting
From rare collector’s pieces to easy-care favourites, our plants arrive fully potted and ready to enjoy. Add a personalised note at checkout for a thoughtful finishing touch.
Delivered fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready.
Sustainability at Heart
All plants are ethically sourced from trusted growers, never wild-collected. Every order ships carbon-neutral in minimal-waste packaging.
Good for your home - and the planet.
Verified reviews
Rated by real customers
This Cane Begonia features "stunning, beautifully patterned leaves" that customers love. Plants arrive healthy with "new growth visible on delivery" and excellent packaging. However, some shoppers noted issues with "crispy brown" leaf ends and one reported spidermites. Overall, customers praise the plant's quality, size accuracy, and resilience, calling it "gorgeous and thriving."
Absolutely stunning, with beautifully patterned leaves that add a unique touch to my space.
Her leaves are stunning, as if they were hand painted!
It arrived looking stunning and strong, and is doing well in semi-hydro.
5 stars: 16 (73%)
4 stars: 6 (27%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)
E
Evie Clark (United Kingdom)
12cm
The Begonia Maculata ‘Polka Dot’ is a beautiful Cane Begonia! Her leaves are stunning, as if they were hand painted! I discovered a Plant Plug in the soil when I inspected the roots, and performed an urgent repot. She responded really well despite the early stressors, and is doing great in her quarantine spot! She is a healthy girl, and pushing out new leaves!
J
Joseph M.
Great plant
My begonia polka dot arrived in great condition and is thriving so far. Top looking plant with lots of growth and good roots
C
Chloe T.
My favourite spot!
A full, healthy, spotty leaf plant!!
A
Antoinette E.
Great plant but crispy ends
Beautiful plant. Very well packed for transport, however disappointed end of leaves crispy brown.
L
Lydia H.
Pretty plant. . few crispy leaves
A pretty plant but unfortunately came with quite a few crispy and dead leaves. Not loads but a good handful and that was disappointing as never had that from grow tropicals. Removed them and plant seems happy.
Packaged perfectly as usual. Overall happy I bought it.
Hi Lydia,
>
We're really sorry to hear that your Begonia Maculata arrived with some
crispy leaves.
If you would like to send some photos of this, we would be more than happy
to assist and offer a resolution here.
M
Mel Z.
beautiful plants
Plants arrived safe and sound and in good status.
T
Tayla
Beautiful plant, amazing condition.
D
Danielle
Beautiful. Was packed carfully, looked healthy and happy. Only down fall is she did have little spiderwebs in the crooks and crannies so I think she has had or does have spidermites but other than that definitely worth it, I’m happy
w
washii
Absolutely love this Begonia maculata ‘Polka Dot’! It arrived in excellent condition, with healthy leaves and no damage at all. The Begonia maculata ‘Polka Dot’ is absolutely stunning, with beautifully patterned leaves that add a unique touch to my space.
The plant was well-packaged, and the soil was still nicely in place on arrival. It’s clearly been well cared for, and it’s already settling in nicely at home. The size was exactly as described, which I really appreciated.
Overall, a fantastic quality plant, would definitely recommend to anyone looking to add something a bit special to their indoor collection.
w
washii
Absolutely love this Begonia maculata ‘Polka Dot’! It arrived in excellent condition, with healthy leaves and no damage at all. The Begonia maculata ‘Polka Dot’ is absolutely stunning, with beautifully patterned leaves that add a unique touch to my space.
The plant was well-packaged, and the soil was still nicely in place on arrival. It’s clearly been well cared for, and it’s already settling in nicely at home. The size was exactly as described, which I really appreciated.
Overall, a fantastic quality plant, would definitely recommend to anyone looking to add something a bit special to their indoor collection.
D
David A.
Fantastic all round
I had purchased some very nice looking plants as a gift and from start to finish the experience was one of the best (if not the best) I have had.
The website was great and payment simple, delivery was brilliant and have to say the best packaging I have ever seen.
Updates on delivery were welcome and always informed. I have bookmarked the site and thanks for a painless and really great service.
S
Suzanne P.
Begonia maculata 'Polka Dot'
Very healthy looking, very well oackaged, Very pleased overall and will buy from this company again in the future
l
lisa f.
in perfect condition and beautiful
in perfect condition and beautiful . It looks stunning and is in prime condition with new growth visible on delivery and as always packaged very securely .
C
Catarina C.
Beautiful
Very large healthy plant
G
Grazia M.
Perfect
Gorgeous and thriving well thanks :heart:️
T
T.E.
As always, so happy and impressed. Packaged well, delivered with no damage. The plants are strong, healthy and gorgeous. Such a striking plant.
E
Eva N.
plant was well packaged, prompt
plant was well packaged, prompt delivery
E
Emil
Eye catching plant
Beautiful plant with striking colours and arrived in perfect condition even after courier thrown the parcel into my garden
C
Claire F.
Beautiful spots!
This was beautifully wrapped. It's got one or two crusty looking leaves but otherwise is totally gorgeous. Can't wait to watch it grow.
K
Katy B.
Beautiful
I brought this as a gift. My friend loved it. Beautiful healthy plant!
C
Caroline O.
A hardy begonia
It arrived looking stunning and strong, and is doing well in semi-hydro. It even survived me going away for a week without noticing my absence! Heartily recommend for a begonia beginner.
S
Sarah D.
Great sized plant which arrived
Great sized plant which arrived extremely packaged. Great condition.
