Trout begonia, Begonia maculata: care from A-Z

The trout begonia is a rare exotic beauty with striking foliage. The silvery-white dots on the green leaves also earned it the name Polka-Dot Begonia. Not to forget the extraordinary inflorescences.

Location

The trout begonia (Begonia maculata) is a warmth-loving houseplant. She likes to be bright, but not in the blazing sun. A little sun in the morning and in the evening is not a problem. The ideal room temperature is between 18 and 20 degrees. However, it should not drop below 10 degrees for a long period of time. If the place is too cool, it reacts

begonia then with rolling up the leaves. In addition to a bright location, the plant needs high humidity. To ensure this, it is advisable to spray it from time to time, but not too strongly, better with a very fine spray mist.

floor

Basically, this exotic loves an air-permeable and loose soil. A permeable substrate promotes air circulation in the area of ​​the roots so that they can develop better. In order to meet these requirements, high-quality houseplant soil or fine-grain cactus soil are ideal. The structure of the soil can be loosened up by adding perlite, clay granules or pine bark. Thanks to its coarse-grained structure, the trout begonia also grows very well in lechuza-pon, a plant substrate made from humus, enriched with mineral pumice, lava and zeolites.

Tip: Lechuza-Pon does not degrade like earth, but retains its shape. It stores water and nutrients until the plants need it.

care

If you have placed the trout begonia in the ideal location in the optimal soil, you should then give it the care described in the next sections.

to water

The supply of water takes a special place in care. Particularly with the trout begonia, a sure instinct is required in this regard.

• Soil should be constantly slightly damp, not wet
• Ball dryness is not tolerated
• Coordinate the pouring quantity and rhythm
• Water needs highest during growth
• between March / April and September
• Water less and less frequently outside of this time
• Let the upper soil layer dry beforehand

The amount and frequency of pouring depends on the ambient temperature and age or Stage of development of plants certain fluctuations. Basically, everyone has to find their own rhythm when it comes to the supply of water and watch the plants closely.

Tip: If you don't get along very well with watering, you may be able to use a commercially available moisture meter.

Fertilize

Fertilization should also not be neglected when it comes to maintenance. There is no need for fertilizer in the first year after purchase or repotting. Later, in the main growth phase from March to September, fertilization is carried out regularly. Before and during flowering about every two weeks, after flowering once a month. Commercially available liquid fertilizers or long-term fertilizers in the form of combination sticks, pellets or granules are suitable as fertilizers.

Cut

In order to limit the height of Begonia maculata or to achieve better branching, pruning is possible at any time. You can peel it off or shorten the trunk. You should always cut above a stem knot. The vigorous begonia then sprouts out of the sleeping eyes. In order to shorten them laterally, the shoots can be cut off below any leaf node. Dried parts of the plant should be removed regularly.

Overwinter

The trout begonia can spend the cold season in a bright, not sunny window seat. It can now stand a little cooler at 15-18 degrees, but should not be in the immediate vicinity of a heater. Even during the winter a minimum of care is required, because watering has to be done even now, albeit more sparingly. It can also be helpful to spray or shower the leaves from time to time.

Repot

Since the trout begonia (Begonia maculata) is a vigorous plant, regular and annual repotting is also part of the maintenance. The best time to do this is in spring or summer. You should use completely fresh substrate and do not forget to water thoroughly after repotting.

Multiply

Head cuttings

The reproduction of this extraordinary begonia is possible at any time and a. with the help of head cuttings, which should only be cut from healthy plants.

• Cuttings about 8-10 inches long
• of shoots without flowers
• cut below a leaf knot
• Cuttings should have at least three leaf nodes
• remove bottom sheet
• Place in a glass of water to root
• or directly into a mixture of peat and sharp sand
• Water sparingly up to the roots

Cuttings that take root in a water glass can be planted as soon as the roots are several inches long and begin to branch. It can take two to six weeks before that happens. After planting, they need to be watered regularly.

Trunk cuttings

Trunk cuttings can be obtained by removing the plant or cut off the trunk above a stem knot. The cutting then sprouts from exactly this node. The cutting is then cut from the cut piece of trunk.

• Trunk cutting should be about 10 cm long
• must have at least one sleeping eye
• Place the cutting horizontally on moist soil
• Eye should point up
• the cutting sprouts from it
• create optimal climatic conditions by covering
• Cover must be translucent
• Then place the pot in a light to partially shaded place

As soon as the first shoot appears in the form of a new leaf, this is an indication that the cutting has formed roots. At temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees, this usually takes three to six weeks. Now the cutting needs more light and therefore has to be a little brighter.

Leaf cuttings

Propagation via leaf cuttings can be done in different ways. First, cut off one or more leaves with or without a stem from the begonia. Now you insert an intact leaf with a leaf base of about two centimeters into the soil at an angle or you cut through thick leaf veins and then lay the leaves flat on the moist substrate.

Even individual parts of leaves can be used to multiply by inserting them into the ground at an angle. Now all that is missing is warmth, a lot of light and a high level of humidity. To do this, it is sufficient to cover the cuttings with a translucent film and place them in a bright and warm place. Within one to two months, both roots and new plants form on the leaf cuttings.

Tip: In order to avoid mold formation on the substrate, the film must be removed about every two days for ventilation.

Diseases

Cork stain

A collection of yellowish spots on the leaves is called cork stain. It is usually the result of excessive humidity or insufficient air circulation. Infested leaves should be kept as dry as possible. In addition, there should be a change of location and the plant should be given a better ventilated place.

Brown leaf spots

Brown spots on the leaves suggest that it is the fungal disease Botrytis. Infestation usually begins on the lowest leaves, which are closest to the earth. The flowers can also be affected. As a first measure, all infected parts of the plant should be removed and disposed of. In addition, treatment with a suitable fungicide is recommended.

Yellow or brown leaves

Yellow leaves are often the result of overwatering, but can also indicate temperatures that are too low, lack of nutrients and a lack or excess of light. So it is all the more important to pay attention to needs-based watering and fertilization and to choose the location carefully.

mildew

White circular spots and a powdery coating on the leaves indicate an infestation with powdery mildew. The spots slowly spread and soon affect the whole plant. At the first sign you should Countermeasures seize. Special fungicides are available on the market for control purposes. As a preventive measure, a well-ventilated location should be ensured.

Pests

Thrips

The most common pests found on trout begonia are thrips, also known as bladder feet. Usually, the small black-winged plant teats are difficult to recognize because they are well hidden on the plant. The white polk dots on the leaves make things even more difficult. What you can see are silvery shimmering traces of suction on the leaves. in the Fight against this pest Special plant sprays from specialist retailers can help.

Spider mites

Spider mite infestation is in most cases the result of incorrect care, because begonia likes it rather moist and spider mites dry. They can be recognized by the fine white webs that eventually cover the whole plant. If the infestation is advanced, the leaves turn yellow, gray-green or copper-brown. Predatory mites can be used to combat them.

Aphids

Aphids attack both the flowers and the shoots. In addition, the sticky excretions (honeydew) of the pests can be found on the leaves. Infestation occurs mainly under unfavorable conditions. Fight aphids can be removed with lace flies, but also with special plant sprays and plant liquors.

frequently asked Questions