Rex Begonia vs Polka Dot Begonia
The polka dot (maculata) is the easier cane begonia - tall, silver-spotted, fast. The rex is a rhizomatous leaf plant, prone to rot, wanting less light.
Rex Begonia needs medium indirect light (3/5) - near a bright window, out of direct sun. Polka Dot Begonia wants bright indirect light (4/5), beside a bright window, no midday sun on the leaves. Polka Dot Begonia reaches 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) and belongs on a side table or plant stand. Rex Begonia tops out around 15-30 cm (6-12 in), so it suits a shelf or desk.
What they share: both are toxic to cats and dogs, both are rated medium, both take moderate watering and both are happy in the same humidity.
Choose
Rex Begonia if…
- ✓your spot is the dimmer of the two - it manages on medium indirect light
- ✓shelf space is what you have (15-30 cm (6-12 in))
- ✓you would rather not prune and repot often
Choose
Polka Dot Begonia if…
- ✓you have a bright window to give it (bright indirect light)
- ✓you want a floor-filling plant (30-90 cm (1-3 ft))
- ✓you want visible growth and free cuttings quickly
Rex Begonia vs Polka Dot Begonia: side by side
| Attribute |
Rex Begonia
|
Polka Dot Begonia
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Foliage | Foliage |
| Difficulty | medium | medium |
| Light | ●●●○○ 3/5 Medium indirect light |
●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
| Water | ●●●○○ 3/5 Moderate |
●●●○○ 3/5 Moderate |
| Humidity | ●●●●○ 4/5 Above average |
●●●●○ 4/5 Above average |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Mature size | Small 15-30 cm (6-12 in) |
Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
| Growth rate | Moderate | Fast |
| Air purifying | No | No |
| Native to | India | Brazil |
Key differences between Rex Begonia and Polka Dot Begonia
Rex Begonia copes with less light
Rex Begonia needs medium indirect light (3/5) - near a bright window, out of direct sun. Polka Dot Begonia wants bright indirect light (4/5), beside a bright window, no midday sun on the leaves.
Polka Dot Begonia is the bigger plant
Polka Dot Begonia reaches 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) and belongs on a side table or plant stand. Rex Begonia tops out around 15-30 cm (6-12 in), so it suits a shelf or desk.
Polka Dot Begonia fills out faster
Polka Dot Begonia is a fast grower and gives you cuttings or a full pot sooner. Rex Begonia is moderate, which means less pruning and repotting but a longer wait.
They come from different habitats
Rex Begonia originates in India; Polka Dot Begonia in Brazil. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
How to tell Rex Begonia and Polka Dot Begonia apart
Rex begonias are grown for the leaf -- spiralled, metallic, endlessly patterned -- and they are rhizomatous and prone to rot. The polka dot (maculata) is a cane begonia: tall, silver-spotted, red-backed, faster, and much easier to keep alive.
Care at a glance
Rex Begonia
Begonia Rex, Painted Leaf Begonia
Stunning patterned leaves in silvers, pinks, and purples.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, keep moist, high humidity, avoid wet leaves.
Full Rex Begonia care guide →
Polka Dot Begonia
Begonia Maculata, Spotted Begonia
Angel wing leaves covered in silver polka dots. Red undersides.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, keep moist, prune to shape.
Full Polka Dot Begonia care guide →Rex Begonia vs Polka Dot Begonia: common questions
What is the difference between Rex Begonia and Polka Dot Begonia? +
Rex begonias are grown for the leaf -- spiralled, metallic, endlessly patterned -- and they are rhizomatous and prone to rot. The polka dot (maculata) is a cane begonia: tall, silver-spotted, red-backed, faster, and much easier to keep alive. On care, rex Begonia needs medium indirect light (3/5) - near a bright window, out of direct sun. Polka Dot Begonia wants bright indirect light (4/5), beside a bright window, no midday sun on the leaves.
Which is easier to care for, Rex Begonia or Polka Dot Begonia? +
Neither - both are rated medium. The practical difference is rex begonia copes with less light.
Is Rex Begonia or Polka Dot Begonia safe for cats and dogs? +
Neither. Rex Begonia is toxic to cats and dogs and Polka Dot Begonia is toxic to cats and dogs. Both need a spot pets cannot reach.
Which needs less light, Rex Begonia or Polka Dot Begonia? +
Rex Begonia. It scores 3/5 for light and near a bright window, out of direct sun. Polka Dot Begonia scores 4/5 and beside a bright window, no midday sun on the leaves.
Which needs more water, Rex Begonia or Polka Dot Begonia? +
Neither - both score 3/5. For each one, water when the top 2-3 cm is dry, roughly weekly.
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