Begonia 'Silverspot' in a 12cm pot.

£14.50

 Begonia ‘Silverspot’ is a stunning cultivar of Begonia maculata loved for its eye-catching foliage.

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🌿 Begonia ‘Silverspot’ – Description & Care Guide

🔍 Description

Common Name: Silver Spot Begonia

Scientific Name: Begonia ‘Silverspot’

Type: Rhizomatous or cane-like hybrid Begonia (depending on the source—some classify it as a cane-type begonia)

Family: Begoniaceae

💚 Foliage:

The star attraction of Begonia ‘Silverspot’ is its deep olive-green to dark green leaves, densely adorned with silvery-white spots, hence the name.

Leaves are elongated, slightly asymmetrical, and textured with red undersides.

The leaf pattern creates a shimmering, almost metallic appearance in the right light.

🌸 Flowers:

Produces clusters of light pink or white flowers in favorable conditions.

Blooms typically appear in late winter to spring, but this plant is mainly grown for its decorative foliage.

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🛠️ Care Guide

☀️ Light:

Prefers bright, indirect light.

Can tolerate filtered sunlight (e.g., morning sun), but avoid harsh direct sun that can scorch the leaves.

In low light, the silvery spotting may fade, and the plant may become leggy.

💧 Watering:

Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy.

Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.

Avoid getting water directly on the leaves, as it can cause leaf spotting or rot.

Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.

🌡️ Temperature:

Ideal range: 65–75°F (18–24°C).

Avoid temperatures below 55°F (13°C).

Keep away from cold drafts, heaters, or AC vents.

💦 Humidity:

Thrives in high humidity (50–70%).

To increase humidity:

Use a humidifier

Place on a pebble tray with water

Group with other tropical plants

🌱 Soil:

Use a well-draining, light, and airy mix, such as:

1 part peat moss or coco coir

1 part perlite

1 part orchid bark or vermiculite

Alternatively, use a commercial African Violet mix with added perlite.

🌸 Fertilizing:

Feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20).

Stop fertilizing in fall and winter.

🪴 Potting & Repotting:

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the container.

Choose a slightly snug pot—begonias prefer not to be overpotted.

Ensure good drainage holes.

✂️ Pruning:

Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushier shape.

Remove dead or yellowing leaves promptly to prevent disease.

🌿 Propagation:

Propagate through:

Leaf cuttings (laid flat on moist soil)

Stem cuttings

Division of rhizomes (if rhizomatous)

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⚠️ Common Issues & Solutions

Issue Cause Solution

Crispy leaf edges Low humidity Increase humidity levels

Yellowing leaves Overwatering or poor drainage Allow soil to dry between waterings

Leggy growth Low light Move to brighter indirect light

Powdery mildew Poor air circulation, high humidity Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering

Leaf drop Stress (cold, overwatering, drafts) Stabilize environment

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🐛 Pests to Watch For:

Spider mites

Mealybugs

Aphids

Fungus gnats

Treat with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil as needed.

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⚠️ Toxicity:

Toxic to pets (cats and dogs) if ingested — causes oral irritation, drooling, or vomiting due to insoluble oxalates in the roots and stems.

Keep out of reach of animals and children.

---

🧪 Extra Tips:

Avoid misting directly on leaves (risk of mildew).

Great for north or east-facing windows.

Ideal for terrariums or high-humidity environments like bathrooms with bright light.

 Begonia ‘Silverspot’ is a stunning cultivar of Begonia maculata loved for its eye-catching foliage.

---

🌿 Begonia ‘Silverspot’ – Description & Care Guide

🔍 Description

Common Name: Silver Spot Begonia

Scientific Name: Begonia ‘Silverspot’

Type: Rhizomatous or cane-like hybrid Begonia (depending on the source—some classify it as a cane-type begonia)

Family: Begoniaceae

💚 Foliage:

The star attraction of Begonia ‘Silverspot’ is its deep olive-green to dark green leaves, densely adorned with silvery-white spots, hence the name.

Leaves are elongated, slightly asymmetrical, and textured with red undersides.

The leaf pattern creates a shimmering, almost metallic appearance in the right light.

🌸 Flowers:

Produces clusters of light pink or white flowers in favorable conditions.

Blooms typically appear in late winter to spring, but this plant is mainly grown for its decorative foliage.

---

🛠️ Care Guide

☀️ Light:

Prefers bright, indirect light.

Can tolerate filtered sunlight (e.g., morning sun), but avoid harsh direct sun that can scorch the leaves.

In low light, the silvery spotting may fade, and the plant may become leggy.

💧 Watering:

Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy.

Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.

Avoid getting water directly on the leaves, as it can cause leaf spotting or rot.

Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.

🌡️ Temperature:

Ideal range: 65–75°F (18–24°C).

Avoid temperatures below 55°F (13°C).

Keep away from cold drafts, heaters, or AC vents.

💦 Humidity:

Thrives in high humidity (50–70%).

To increase humidity:

Use a humidifier

Place on a pebble tray with water

Group with other tropical plants

🌱 Soil:

Use a well-draining, light, and airy mix, such as:

1 part peat moss or coco coir

1 part perlite

1 part orchid bark or vermiculite

Alternatively, use a commercial African Violet mix with added perlite.

🌸 Fertilizing:

Feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20).

Stop fertilizing in fall and winter.

🪴 Potting & Repotting:

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the container.

Choose a slightly snug pot—begonias prefer not to be overpotted.

Ensure good drainage holes.

✂️ Pruning:

Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushier shape.

Remove dead or yellowing leaves promptly to prevent disease.

🌿 Propagation:

Propagate through:

Leaf cuttings (laid flat on moist soil)

Stem cuttings

Division of rhizomes (if rhizomatous)

---

⚠️ Common Issues & Solutions

Issue Cause Solution

Crispy leaf edges Low humidity Increase humidity levels

Yellowing leaves Overwatering or poor drainage Allow soil to dry between waterings

Leggy growth Low light Move to brighter indirect light

Powdery mildew Poor air circulation, high humidity Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering

Leaf drop Stress (cold, overwatering, drafts) Stabilize environment

---

🐛 Pests to Watch For:

Spider mites

Mealybugs

Aphids

Fungus gnats

Treat with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil as needed.

---

⚠️ Toxicity:

Toxic to pets (cats and dogs) if ingested — causes oral irritation, drooling, or vomiting due to insoluble oxalates in the roots and stems.

Keep out of reach of animals and children.

---

🧪 Extra Tips:

Avoid misting directly on leaves (risk of mildew).

Great for north or east-facing windows.

Ideal for terrariums or high-humidity environments like bathrooms with bright light.