Cane Begonia 'Maculata wightii' (Original)

INTRODUCTION:

This Cane Begonia Maculata Wightii is  commonly known as Polka-dot Begonia found it's source of origin to Malaysia from 2 source. One from Indonesia where these plants were sold as online plants during the peak popular period during the MCO times. However most of these plants do not fair well in long condition often held back in the parcel delay which would be detrimental as these are super sensitive begonias.

Another strong reliable source is from a  well known Plant Nursery which imports them but with a not so good side where the plant is sold for a hefty skyrocketing price which only a few can afford during that time. Eventually these plants had been cultivated from that source and the plant price had watered down to some affordable prices.

CHARACTERISTICS:

This popular highly sought after Cane Begonia has oval shaped dark green foliage with silver polka-dot features on the leaves. The younger new leaves have olive yellow green tones which eventually turn to light salmon pink colors before fully turn green. 

The back leaf consist of a burgundy colored features that denotes the first main features of the Original Maculata Wightii species - other hybrids may have green or with just red veins on the back.

This also have a Bamboo like features hence commonly known as Cane Begonia.

These pictures are taken from the nursery to show how well they are doing in their best optimal care in the lowland climate. The beauty of this foliage is observed by the well defined polka-dots on the leaves.

This one is not able to handle too much water and therefore must be very careful in over-watering it. Also it is not a heat hardy - therefore do take care in placing it fairly bright shade area without direct hot sun on them.

Also, they are not fond of to much movement - do not place them where they can get brushed or disturbed as it can snap or break their fragile leaves or stem. Obviously they don't like to be touched.

One of the best ways to identify a true Maculata wightii is to identify them using the back of the leaf where the color appearance to be in a dark burgundy. You won't go wrong with that if you are uncertain about it by judging the spot size and spaces in between them.

These pictures are from the nursery which sold this particular begonia. I must say that they are indeed pricey. It's not the affordability rather the feeling of need and want - and the desire to have a collection that fairly makes last in the garden. I have had heard countless stories of maculata being dead when purchased from online and the plant did not survive the courier delivery delays as the plant had suffered great stressed in packages.

The best part about having gardeners as friends is to initiate the idea of exchanging expensive plants which is much worth it.  I had managed to exchange a Maculata wightii with another begonia and made both of us very happy.

I must say this plant is quite sensitive as I almost killed it by overuse of fertilizer and over-watering.
It was difficult at first to restraint myself from watering the garden out of habit on daily basis. Now - I just lightly mist my garden 2 to 3 days once, depending on the situation whether if it rains that day.

CARE & MAINTENANCE:

Just like most begonia plant needs - they requirements are very much the same,

MEDIUM:

Just like most Cane Begonia species - this one is grown on a medium:
50% coco chip mixed with sand & potting mix. I found this medium used for propagation by the nursery owner - I had slightly added the same medium type and re-pot it in a bigger pot.
So far - the plant doubled it's size.

FEEDING:

UPDATE 2021 - REVIEW

1) STOP USING WOOD VINEGAR - KILLS THE PLANT

2) STOP USING MIXED FERTILISERS IN ONE MIX.

3) STOP USING OSMOCOTE - BURNS PLANTS.

CURRENT USE:

4) 1ST WEEK - DILUTED A & B FERTILISER - 1 CAP / HALF BUCKET OF WATER

5) 2ND WEEK - DILUTED VITAMIN B1 (ROOT HORMONE)- 1 CAP / HALF BUCKET OF WATER

I had used Osmocote fertiliser before and had found them very unreliable and unstable as to determine how much to use - too much and the plant withers away - too less and the plant doesn't grow to it's optimum size. Ideally using 3-4 pieces of Osmocote as fertilizer - 2 week once would be good but in case if it's over used - the begonia plant dies.

Instead I had switched to A & B diluted Fertiliser, spraying on the foliage and plant on  weekly basis and they show some growth and stability.

On alternative week - I spray root hormone known as  (Vitamin B1) a solution for stronger root growth as these are prone for root rot. Again I use in half strength - a capful with half bucket of water.

OTHER WORKABLE FERTILISER:

I had checked and done some research with other successful begonia growers and had found that they find these works best in their garden condition. I must say that different garden have their specific garden conditions and finding the right feeding solution as what works best in their own garden.

There are other successful fertiliser regime:

6) CHICKEN MANURE

7) COFFEE BASED FERTILISER

8) ORGANIC LIQUID FERTILISER

WATERING:

Slightly spray water once a day in the morning and refrain watering rainy days.
I do water twice a day on a dry and hot days - it's depending on the weather.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CANE BEGONIAS

Other matters are very much similar with the general information about Cane Begonias.
Do click below for more information on Cane Begonias.
Cane Begonia Care & Cultivation information.