Terrarium plants tips: how to get small begonias, how to keep begonias small and tight

Please note: this blog will be updated in a long term for recording plants growing takes time.

Begonia maculata (Polka Dot Begonia), known for its striking contrast of white spots on deep green leaves, is also called the "Polka Dot Begonia." The underside of its leaves is tinged with red, and it produces clusters of delicate white flowers, making it highly ornamental.

In terms of care, Begonia maculata prefers bright, indirect light and should be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Indoors, place it near an east- or south-facing window where it can receive plenty of soft light each day. Maintain temperatures between 18–25°C (65–77°F); occasional drops below 10°C (50°F) in winter are generally fine.

This is also a tropical plant, and like most tropical plants, it benefits from frequent watering. You don’t need to worry much about overwatering with tropical species. Indoors, it’s best to keep it near a humidifier for optimal growth.

Tropical plants, including Begonia maculata, aren’t fussy about soil. There’s no need to remember any special mix—regular garden soil works just fine.

Begonia maculata is very easy to grow. Many people grow them large, like small trees, while others prefer to keep them as charming tabletop plants.

Propagation is simple:

Cut a stem, stick it in a pot, and it will root. Cut a single leaf, keep it in a humid environment, and it will grow as well. There’s nothing complicated about it.

What I especially want to share is how to grow a miniature Begonia maculata.

Most people know how to grow them big, but not everyone knows how to keep them small. If you want to use them for aquascaping or terrarium design, small and cute plants are often more desirable.

Here are two ways to get a miniature Begonia maculata:

1. Cut a single leaf and place it in a moss terrarium. After some time, it will sprout into a tiny Begonia maculata plant, usually no larger than the size of your palm. I’ve grown these myself, and I’ll share a video later.

2. If you want it even smaller, cut a stem of Begonia maculata and remove all the leaves—or find a stem that has already lost its leaves. Place this stem in a moss terrarium. After some time, delicate, slender Begonia maculata plants will grow from the stem. These fine, fragile plants are perfect for aquascaping. I also have videos of this, which I’ll share soon.

3. Use minimum planting substrat.

Case 1

This is a smalll dot begonia only several centimeter large.

Cases 2

Please check my following begonia terrarium blog, which you can track the size of the leaves. They become smaller and tighter with time pass.

In this terrarium, the begonia is planted on a sheer layer of clay soi, about 1-2cm thickness

Vertical Moss wall Tropical Plants terrarium

Case 3

Some basic information.

The planting layer about 3cm.

Extra water will run away from the drainage holes. Those photos are taken in the same day finished. It is in April, 2025

Here is the planting video:

This is what they look like in late August, 2025. Compare it with the above photos. See the leaves "shrink"?

Let's see more clear in the video. Another begonia keeps small and tight in a similar terrarium I planted in the same time too. And one of the common points they have is thin soil. In the following video, there is a ruler showing you that.