Also known as the polka dot begonia, the spotted begonia, and the angel wing begonia, . This article will give you all the information, you need to know about the relationship between cat and polka dot plant. Use well-draining potting soil. Here are some other plants that will work in similar conditions, or have some matching qualities. Catching issues early can really help prevent your Polka Dot Begonia from losing leaves in future. Add to cart Your email address will not be published. Unless you receive enough rain, youll have to water on a regular basis. Begonia maculata - Polka Dot Begonia. However, some polka dot plants have white or red dots rather than pink, however, they are far less frequent. Water your plant every four days during the hotter summer months and every two weeks during the cooler months of autumn and winter. How to Care Polka Dot Begonia and Growing Tips to Know - HomeDesignNow The most toxic parts of the plant are under the soil. Never water these plants when the soil is wet because too much moisture can cause root rot. Some plants are toxic, whereas some are not. Well tell you more below. Water your begonia plants whenever the top part of the soil is dry, and the lower part is still moist. It sometimes helps to take caring for your plants back to the basics, here's the key considerations that you should take into account when caring for your Begonia maculata. 16. The leaves on a Polka Dot Begonia can begin to curl for a variety of reasons, most commonly temperature extremes. Place the tubers in the . . Depending on your view it could be easy to confuse the Philodendron Moonlight and Golden Goddess, as both have bright green, almost yellow foliage. . Polka Dot Begonias have similar-looking polka dot patterns on their leaves, but they are extremely poisonous to cats. Buy now! If you have this plant inside the house, keep it out of reach of your cat or put it in a room that your cat doesnt frequent. Botanically known as Begonia Maculata, this strikingly gorgeous houseplant features unique silver spots on bright green leaves with red undersides. Begonia leaves contain calcium oxalates. If the soil is partly moist and youve been watering correctly, other reasons could be inadequate or excessive lighting, nutrient deficiency, or pest infestation. Polka Dot Begonia FAQ Are polka dot begonias toxic to pets? The 9 Most Popular Houseplants of 2023, According to Pros Pruning encourages begonias to grow outward rather than upward. Polka dot plants are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, according to the NC Extension Gardener and the ASPCA, but if your pet eats a piece of the plant, she may experience symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea, which is what your stomach does when you eat something that isnt edible. As a result, the polka dot plant is a great alternative to plants that can make your family or pets very sick if they eat them. The most critical requirement to care for begonias is to get humidity right. Is A House Begonia Toxic To Dogs? - Ask Pet Guru Not all Polka Dot Begonias are Wightii Begonias, but all Wightii Begonias are Polka Dot Begonias. It offers blooms in lovely shades of red, pink, and mixed hues! . Once the temps rise, they will perk up and begin to grow again. Even though begonia maculata is relatively easy to look after, it has some specific care requirements. How to Grow and Care for Begonia maculata in Pots - Hort Zone The Polkadot Begonia maculata is a relatively low-maintenance houseplant. Begonias also thrive when they are slightly rootbound, so that can also encourage flowers to bloom. But make sure you don't overwater the plant or else it'll suffer from root rot. Although these symptoms are not life-threatening, your companion might suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, drooling, dizziness, etc., if they ingest the plant in large portions. The dark green veins are guaranteed to seduce you into growing it! The Polka Dot Begonia is one of the most embellished plants and absolutely commands attention as it grows! With this houseplant, you dont need a green thumb to amaze. While spotted begonias are slightly toxic, they are not deadly to humans and animals. Polka Dot Begonia Care Guide (Begonia Maculata Plants) Yes, Begonia Maculata is toxic, and its ingestion can cause nausea and allergic reactions. Wait until all the water drains before placing your plant back in a bright location. Begonia Maculata: A Complete Care Guide to This Unique Plant But Polka Dot has another secret talent -- how it grows as it matures. We need to be extra careful about the things we bring to our house, including plants. Silence the Superstitions, Why Do Cats Purr When You Talk To Them? Your plant will grow bushier because two new stems will grow in place of one. They are not considered invasive plants, although, in Australia, where they are a weed and have grown invasive, they have a rapid growth rate. NoBegonia Maculata, or the polka dot begonia, is toxic and therefore not pet safe. One of the primary effects of plant ingestion is stomach aches. No, polka dot plant is not toxic to cats. After handling a polka dot plant, though, you dont have to worry about washing your hands or clothes or taking a thorough shower. Succulent Oasis Aaditya Bhatta was born and raised in the city of Kathmandu, in the beautiful mountain state of Nepal. Part shade or dappled sunlight prevents the sun from burning the begonias leaves. Contact us now! One great thing about Polka Dot Begonia plants is that they will happily thrive in the natural temperature in your home. Please read this article for advice on getting rid of houseplant pests naturally and organically. Please keep reading. We recommend feeding your Polka Dot Begonia every month in the warmer growth months. Although they tolerate some shade, bright filtered light is ideal. The Polka Dot Begonia: Too Cute to Be Real? - Real Simple By knowing exactly what polka dot plants look like, you can keep them out of your cats life. Before rewatering, make sure the topsoil is completely dry and that there is plenty of air movement. Pour enough water through the soil until it drains out the drainage holes in the bottom of your pot. The plant will tolerate low light if necessary, but it wont thrive in extremely dark spaces. A Complete Guide to Split-leaf Philodendron Care. This eye-catching houseplant is relatively easy to care for indoors. To keep it sterile and fresh, store it in an airtight container. Why is My Hydrangea Wilting? Why are there brown edges on my Polka Dot Begonia's leaves? How to care for begonia maculata: Polka dot begonia (Wightii) needs well-draining soil, and the pot should be in bright, indirect light. Cacti and Exotica Keep the compost moist but not soggy from spring to autumn and water more sparingly in winter. Hold the begonia plant in the new pot and fill with new, moist, fresh potting mix. both toxic substances. As far as humidity is concerned, they prefer a level of 50% humidity or higher. Growing polka dot plants necessitates warm temperatures and high humidity. Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs as it contains soluble calcium oxalates. A south-facing window is ideal in the winter, but in the spring and summer (when the suns rays are more powerful), switch to the east or west-facing window. At this time, the growing season has finished, and your plant will rest over the winter. Is Hypoestes Phyllostachya Poisonous to Cats? | Pets - The Nest While you can do this with some toxic plants, depending on which parts of the plants are harmful and how the poison behaves, you may need to take care. If a cat consumes part of a Polka Dot Begonia, it will cause mouth discomfort and vomiting. Even a small piece of a Begonia plant can cause serious health consequences for your cat. Keep in mind that the more stem cuttings you have, the more likely you are to succeed with the propagation. Here are instructions on how to propagate begonia maculata: Even though begonia polka dot Wightii plants like to be slightly rootbound, repotting once a year is advisable. I water 2-3 times per week, depending on how hot it is. The silver polka dots on the leaves could be mistaken for splashes of paint. If you live in warm climates and you grow silver spotted-leaf begonias outdoors, choose a bright but shaded area of your garden. Start by taking a cutting from your plant around 6 inches in length, this will ensure you have at least one node one the stem. Pruning begonia maculata Wightii plants is an essential part of their care if you want a spectacular bushy potted houseplant. Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Toxic to Pet Cats, Dogs, or Other Animals? There is no safe level for polka dot begonia, and it is poisonous to cats, dogs, and humans. Always feed your cat or dog to keep them healthy. Like many other plants, Polka Dot begonia prefers moist soil that doesnt get soggy. Keep temperatures even with minimal fluctuation to keep houseplants happy. The luxuriant blossoms and leaves of indoor plants add more beauty and comfort to our homes and offices than anything else. Toxins are observed in the terrestrial species of Begonias . Plant the begonia in a pot with fresh potting mix. If you have your begonia maculata in pots outdoors in summer, bring them inside when the temperature starts dropping to 60F (15.5C). Kazumi Nursery The large leaves that this plant exudes help trap dust and toxins, hence, the plant can act as an air purifier. The plant may need staking as it grows. Pick up a light meter if you arent sure exactly where to place your plant we love them as they help you monitor the light levels across the day. Any high, inaccessible location works. You want to keep your Polka Dot Begonia away from pets and small children as they are toxic. Angel wing begonias like bright light to thrive, but they need to be protected from direct sunlight. Feed every two to four weeks in the months between April and September. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/polka-dot-plant, https://www.thespruce.com/grow-hypoestes-phyllostachya-indoors-1902650, https://thecontentedplant.com/non-toxic-plants-for-cats-dogs-and-kids/, Do Black Cats Shed? To keep the plants energy focused on growing its colourful leaves, pinch off these blossom spikes. What will happen if a cat eats the polka dot plant? If the stems get too leggy or gangly, pinch out the growing tips in summer and the plant should become more bushy. It can still cause some health issues if consumed. 3 Best Methods How to Propagate Begonia maculata - Plantophiles If you notice that the leaves and stems on your Polka Dot Begonia are drooping down, this is an indication that your plant needs more water. The spotted begonia comes in a range of sizes, depending on the variety but is a fairly fast grower. Because Begonia maculata like to be slightly root-bound, it requires smaller pots than most other houseplants. I'm good at listening to music but bad at shopping to muzak. Low Maintenance Pet-Friendly Plants | The Little Botanical Another option is to use a short-acting organic pesticide before releasing beneficial predators such as ladybugs to eat the remaining pests. Do not give anything to your pet, and do not try to induce the vomiting until your vet recommends it. This type of Begonia has silver leaves with pink and cream patterned veins. 15. You may transfer the new plant when its root system is fully established. $25.00Status:In stock Are Dahlias Really Deer Resistant? If he isnt spending time with his plants, you can almost always find him around his sweet yellow Labrador retriever, Tupelo. Shake off excess soil and loosen the rootsuntangle if necessary. Is Polka Dot Plant Toxic To Cats? How To Keep Cats Away From Polka Dot If this 6 section of stem has any leaves, be sure to remove all of the lower leaves and place in either water. If you want your Polka Dot Begonia to look a little bushier and less leggy, you can prune it using sharp shears back to encourage new growth. . A Complete Guide, How Often to Water Fiddle Leaf Fig? Water thoroughly and only fertilize after four weeks. Begonia maculata is a type of cane begonia that has thick stems that support spotted angel wing-shaped leaves. $65.99Status:In stock. If consumed, polka dot begonia can cause gastrointestinal problems, and your cat may vomit to get rid of it. The Polka Dot Begonia prefers a well-aerated soil or growing medium that drains well and retains moisture without becoming too wet. What Is Polka Dot Begonia: Origin and Description. Sold By: Because of its bamboo-like stems and long, wing-like leaves, the Polka Dot Begonia, a cane begonia, is also known as an "Angel Wing" begonia. Make sure your Polka Dot plant is away from direct sunlight as this can very easily scorch and burn the leaves. Having the right soil for begonia maculata plants is essential because it allows the water to drain well. A proven way to get rid of moths! If you love low-maintenance succulents, then panda plants (Kalanchoe tomentosa), also known as pussy ears, may just be the perfect addition to your houseplant collection. $35.00Status:In stock For the sake of your darling cats safety, memorize all of the names. Leather Petal succulent Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 18 customer ratings00 That way, you dont have to worry about spreading potential allergens around or accidentally swallowing any chemicals you used to plant it. However, compared to other houseplants, its toxic tendencies are quite mild. You also want to make sure that there is good drainage in the pot, so check your pot has drainage holes as otherwise all that moisture is being retained which can lead to yellow leaves. However, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness if ingested. Its a houseplant that, thankfully, isnt too difficult to care for and is likely to draw attention to your home. What Is The Difference Between Begonia Maculata And Angel Wing? Indoor or Outdoor plant: Mostly an indoor houseplant. Aaditya considers his plants and garden to be one of the most important aspects to him. Protect yourself by wearing gardening gear while planting, potting, and tending it. A terracotta pot with drainage holes is the best kind of container for begonias. Bedrooms, toilets, kitchens, and cubicles, to name a few There isnt a room in the house that a houseplant cant liven up. The white spots and the red undersides of the leaves are attributed to the naming of the Begonia maculata as the polka dot begonia. However, keep in mind that caring for polka cats is crucial because they are not easy to develop. Most indoor plants are considered non-poisonous to humans. Now that this Begonia maculata plant has been introduced to you, we will now move on to the basic care tips! Is Polka Dot Plant Toxic to Dogs and Cats? These plants gain from a small amount of support as they get taller. Its unnecessary to fertilize in the fall and winter. All parts of a Polka Dot Begonia plant are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. I'm an SEO expert and a Content Manager prodigy. The idea is to monitor their soil and water deeply as soon as the top has sufficiently dried. I created this space for other indoor plant lovers who are looking for helpful tips & information. Large, heavy plants may require a separate room, and dwellings with limited sunlight and wall space will almost certainly necessitate more inventive solutions. While the leaf may not be the most . In order to properly water this begonia, you must have the right type of soil, which we will discuss in more detail shortly. If you keep these plants too wet, theyll get root rot.