Photo: Cliff from I now live in Arlington, VA (Outside Washington DC), USA, CC BY 2.0 · source
Pruning guide · Houseplant
Polka dot begonia: when and how to prune
Begonia maculata
Polka dot begonia is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–September |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Polka dot begonia: when to prune it?
Prune in March, before new growth starts. During the growing season you can pinch out a tip now and then.
What else to prune in those months? March
Polka dot begonia: how to prune it?
- Cut back stems that are too long or bare to just above a node; new shoots will grow from below.
- In summer, pinch out a tip now and then for a fuller, bushier plant.
- Remove weak, dead or rotten stems right at the base.
- Use the trimmed tips as cuttings.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- A houseplant lives indoors, so wildlife hardly notices the pruning. Healthy clippings can go on the compost.
Caution: Do not cut all the stems very short at once: always leave a few with leaves. Polka dot begonia is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Polka dot begonia · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.