Buying guide
Begonia Plants for Sale: Maculata, Rex and What to Check
By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated · How we research · Report an error
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.
Plant profile
- Light
- Bright indirect light; no harsh midday sun
- Water
- When the top 1 in of soil is dry; never soggy
- Humidity
- Medium to high; 50%+
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA) [ASPCA]
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Size
- 1-3 ft depending on type
- Growth
- Moderate
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.
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.
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We do not quote prices until we have checked them.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
- Unbox right away and photograph any damage; most guarantees need photos within a set window.
- Water only if the soil is dry; many plants arrive already moist.
- Give it bright indirect light, but avoid harsh direct sun for a few days.
- Keep it away from other plants for one to two weeks in case of pests.
- 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
We list a shop only after confirming it currently lists this plant (checked 21 Oct 2026). Stock changes daily. We may earn a commission from some links; it never decides what we list. Disclosure.
Rooted (Hey Rooted)
Listing we found: Begonia maculata (checked 21 Oct 2026)
Houseplant shop with pet-friendly, low-light, easy-care and size-based collections, bundles and subscriptions. Policy notes: a 30-day arrival guarantee; Free shipping on orders $95+.
What customers say: Good reports on packing and less common plants, but recent winter and service complaints. Read the summary
Compare shipping and guarantee terms side by side in Online plant shop policies compared.