Buying guide

Begonia Plants for Sale

Maculata, Rex and what to check

By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated 6 Nov 2026 · How we research · Report an error

Quick verdict

• Buy it if you can give it bright indirect light; no harsh midday sun.
• Difficulty: Moderate · Pets: Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA)
• Size to buy: A 4-6 in pot for a shelf or 6-8 in for a desk; mature size is 1-3 ft depending on type.
• Where to buy: 4 shops we checked list it in stock (7 Nov 2026): Steve's Leaves, Gabriella Plants, Logee's, Rooted (Hey Rooted). Amazon also returns live-plant search results.

Quick picks shop listing checked 7 Nov 2026

Verified shop: Rooted (Hey Rooted)View at Rooted (Hey Rooted) ↗Lists: Begonia maculata

AmazonCheck price on Amazon ↗Search results for a live plant

Compare all 4 shops ↓ · Care guide

Amazon links open an Amazon search, not a specific product we have tested; prices and sellers vary. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.

Begonias cover a huge range: the polka-dot Begonia maculata, the patterned rex begonias and flowering types. For buying online, the cane-type maculata ('angel wing' / polka dot begonia) and rex begonias are the most common houseplants.

Is a begonia right for you?

It suits you if you can give it bright indirect light; no harsh midday sun and you are happy to water when the top 1 in of soil is dry; never soggy. Difficulty: Moderate. It is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach or choose a pet-safe plant instead. Not sure? Try the Plant Finder.

Similar plants to consider: Peace Lily, Philodendron Birkin, String of Pearls, Jade Plant.

Size and age buying guide

Younger or older plant? A younger, smaller plant costs less and settles in easily; an older, larger plant gives you the look straight away but costs more to buy and ship. With a moderate growth rate and a mature size of 1-3 ft depending on type, buy close to the size you want.

Sizes and what you will receive

Online shops sell plants by nursery pot diameter: about 4 in (small, shelf), 6 in (desk or table), 8-10 in (small floor plant) and 12 in and up (floor statement). Height varies a lot within one pot size, so read the listed height too. A mature begonia can reach 1-3 ft depending on type and growth is moderate, so a smaller plant will take time to fill out; buy closer to the size you want.

What to check when buying: a healthy begonia

• Firm, evenly colored leaves with no mushy stems at the soil line.
• Soil that is not sour-smelling or waterlogged when it arrives.
• No webbing, sticky residue or tiny moving insects under the leaves.
• Roots, if you peek, that are pale and firm rather than brown and soft.

Problems to know about before buying:

• Crispy brown edges: Dry air or drying out too far; raise humidity.
• Powdery white film: Powdery mildew; improve air flow and avoid wet leaves.
• Collapsing stems at the soil: Root or stem rot from overwatering.

What to check on arrival

1. Photograph the box and the plant before and while you unpack; most guarantees ask for photos.
2. Leaves and stems: firm, evenly colored leaves; no snapped stems or mushy tissue at the soil line.
3. Soil: not sour-smelling or waterlogged.
4. Pests: no webbing, sticky residue or tiny moving insects under the leaves.
5. Size: compare the pot size and height with the listing you ordered.
6. Report problems quickly under the shop’s guarantee.

Guarantee terms of the shops that list it, from their own policy pages (checked 21 Oct 2026):

• Rooted (Hey Rooted): 30 Day Happiness Guarantee (site banner).

Problems that often show up after delivery:

• Crispy brown edges: Dry air or drying out too far; raise humidity.
• Powdery white film: Powdery mildew; improve air flow and avoid wet leaves.
• Collapsing stems at the soil: Root or stem rot from overwatering.

Prices

We do not quote prices until we have checked them. They change with pot size, season and sales. To compare fairly, compare the same pot size and check whether a decorative pot and shipping are included.

Shipping and seasonal risks

Tropical plants like this one suffer below about 50°F (10°C). In winter, order from a shop that adds heat packs or holds shipments in freezing weather, and bring the box inside as soon as it arrives. Summer heat in a delivery truck can also damage plants, so avoid long weekends in transit.

Your first week after delivery

1. Unbox right away and photograph any damage; most guarantees need photos within a set window.
2. Water only if the soil is dry; many plants arrive already moist.
3. Give it bright indirect light, but avoid harsh direct sun for a few days.
4. Keep it away from other plants for one to two weeks in case of pests.
5. Wait two to four weeks before repotting. Full care guide: Begonia care.

Owner discussions worth reading

• Begonia Maculata care tips? (r/begonias)
• My biggest struggle is my begonia maculata and her crispy edges (r/IndoorGarden)

Where to buy a begonia online, and why

Comparing shops in general? See the best places to buy plants online. We list a shop only after confirming it currently lists this plant (checked 7 Nov 2026). Stock changes daily. We may earn a commission from some links; it never decides what we list. Disclosure.

Compare shipping and guarantee terms side by side in Online plant shop policies compared.

More: Begonia care guide · Best online plant shops, ranked · Free plant care calendar