Plant Bio
Looking so snail-like with its hand-sized, high contrast, silver and deep green variegation, 'Escargot' is a tender, but strong-growing rhizomatic rex hybrid Begonia. Forms a dense clump, 12"x12". Warmth and humidity-loving, you can grow it outdoors best in a container, when and where you have those conditions. Otherwise, grow it as a wondrous houseplant, happily resting on a pebble/humidity tray with a twice-a-week watering and regular fertilizing. Cut back to soil level to rejuvenate.
Begonia, native to Asia, is an exotic beauty plant because of their very large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with wavy edges. These stunning, veined leaves come in red, bronze, blue-green, and purple with large visible colored dots. If you are searching for a dramatic, very different looking plant that can be as small as 6″ or as tall as a tree, Polka Dot Begonia plant is a great choice. These plants do require extra care and attention. Alocasia plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children.
These plant need bright sunlight when grown indoors, but nothing too harsh. If you notice the leaves are looking bleached or singed, move it to a dimmer spot or add a sheer curtain. Polka plants like to stay consistently moist, but not soggy. Be especially careful with watering if you use a pot without drainage holes. Always test the soil with your finger first. Humidity is also important to elephant ears, so it’s a good idea to set the pot in a saucer of water elevated by pebbles. (The pebbles will prevent the roots from sitting directly in the water, which will cause rotting.) Fertilize them every two weeks with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer. Stop fertilizing in winter to allow your plant to rest.