11 Tips, Marble Queen Pothos Care: A Complete Guide. If youre seeking non-toxic plants, check out the list of cat-safe houseplants at ASPCA. Spotted begonia maculata plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and other family pets. Choose semi-porous pot like glazed clay. A terracotta pot with drainage holes is the best kind of container for begonias. Although it won't cause serious long-term damage, ingestion can cause stomach irritation. Scientific/Botanical name: Begonia maculata . If your plants appear to have been chewed, keep a watch on your catto make sure they dont become unwell. In some cases, skin irritation, rashes, and allergies might occur. So, before getting a new plant for your home, learn about the toxicity and a few requirements of that plant. Never water these plants when the soil is wet because too much moisture can cause root rot. Begonia maculata, sometimes known as the Polka dot Begonia, is a kind of Begonia. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Try putting on a windowsill that faces east or west to get morning or evening sun. The five basic care requirements are: Lets look in more detail at how to care for a begonia maculata Wightii. Begonia maculata is a type of cane begonia that has thick stems that support spotted angel wing-shaped leaves. Astrophytum Asterias Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 39 customer ratings00 Sold By: If this 6 section of stem has any leaves, be sure to remove all of the lower leaves and place in either water. Begonias can be a bit touchy though, so it is important to know a few things to keep your plant in tip top shape. Pro tip:This Begonia can tolerate low lights but not too dark. A Complete Guide, How Often to Water Fiddle Leaf Fig? No parts of the polka dot plant are poisonous, even mildly so. Polka dot plants have little lilac or pink-coloured flowers on spikes that bloom intermittently, usually in the summer. Toxins are observed in the terrestrial species of Begonias . Add to cart 'Nonstop Rose' is a beautiful variety from the trademark 'Nonstop series' of tuberous begonias. It is pretty simple to propagate your Polka Dot Begonia as you can simply snip off a leaf using your shears (making sure there is a stem node attached). The quickest approach is to move the victimized polka dot plant out of reach. Apart from draining well, a light, loamy soil that is aerated also helps with another care aspect. Often the leaves will turn quite dark brown in colour, become quite soft and droopy and can even fall off your plant. Most pet retailers sell pre-mixed seed packages labelled cat grass or pet grass. Wheat, oats, rye, barley, and flaxseed are included in this pet grass grow kit. While a cat or dog could eat a small amount of the plant and get away with it, too much of the plant could cause vomiting. Full Guide, How Often to Water Aloe Plants? Its simple to grow a new Begonia Maculata. Here are some common issues that you might run into. Whether you're looking to make sure your Polka Dot Begonia is in it's perfect conditions, or looking to see if one could work for your space. The green and silver colors may fade and eventually turn yellow. Like many of our beloved houseplants, Polka Dot Begonias are in fact toxic to cats and dogs. Check out our polka dot begonias selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. The Tall Growth Habit of Polka Dot Begonia. The large leaves that this plant exudes help trap dust and toxins, hence, the plant can act as an air purifier. Household heating dries out the air and the dry conditions can kill your houseplants. Additionally, fungus and bothersome pests like gnats are deterred by allowing the topsoil to dry out. Bonsai Tree Dragon Willow Thick Trunk Bonsai Cutting Fast Growing Indoor/Outdoor Bonsai Tree Ships Bare Root Old Mature Look Fast, Aloe Aristata, Lace Aloe, Rare Haworthia, 2 inch, torch plant, Mature Bonsai Money Tree | A unique, braided, good luck plant. Check for signs of root disease or damage and snip these off with sterile scissors. So, a regular potting soil is a big no-no with Begonia maculata. During this season, most houseplants take a break and dont grow much. We've put together this great little starter kit that includes all of the equipment and information you'll need to take proper care of your Polka Dot Begonia. What Is Polka Dot Begonia: Origin and Description. If the top layers of potting mix seem dry upon touching, it's a sign to water your Begonia polka dot. You may transfer the new plant when its root system is fully established. Keeping cat grass or catnip away from your houseplants gives a healthier alternative for your cat. Bloomscape says that Begonia maculata (polka dot begonia) is one variety that does not like misting because it can develop powdery mildew. The main aspects of its care that should take precedence are proper . There is no safe level for polka dot begonia, and it is poisonous to cats, dogs, and humans. Begonia maculata has spotted foliage, hence it is also called polka dot begonia. If you see any signs of discomfort, contact a local veterinarian or go to a nearby hospital. So, it would be best if you kept an eye on your pets and children. Please make sure the air isn't too dry, otherwise I won't be a happy plant. Protect your plants with a decorative birdcage. Pinching and trimming your Begonia will aid in the development of a fuller, bushier plant. Buy now! However, I thought about it and did not get it to my home without knowing whether it is poisonous for my family and pets or not. FREE Delivery on all orders over 65. It will help you learn more about Begonia. When the busy growth season has ended, the plant will finish flowering and will begin to slow down in the winter. Fiddle and Thorn is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. How to Deadhead Petunias? The plant can also have extremely few purplish-toned flower spikes in some situations. Annual soil refreshment is beneficial to them even if you are not potting up. Similar to how it starts with oral irritation, even a small begonia plant can be damaging to your cat's health. That is because if they ingest the plant, it might upset their stomach. Although it wont cause serious long-term damage, ingestion can cause stomach irritation. Use a digital thermometer to check that your plant isnt in a really cold or hot spot. The plant is part of the Acanthaceae family. You dont have to deadhead begonia maculata plants. Rose Green Leaf. Here is all the information you require regarding Begonia Maculata care if youve been considering adding this well-liked plant to your collection. The plant may need staking as it grows. After handling a polka dot plant, though, you dont have to worry about washing your hands or clothes or taking a thorough shower. Little and often is what I'm after. Indoor Plants for Beginners is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Add to cart In a south-facing room, keep the plant pot away from the window to prevent the sun from scorching the leaves. The best time to prune a begonia maculata is in late fall. Another way you can help avoid root rot is to use terracotta pots. It features bronze-green wing-shaped leaves with dramatic rusty-red undersides. With this houseplant, you dont need a green thumb to amaze. You can also add perlite to the potting mix to aid drainage and aeration. Plastic pots hold in every drop of moisture, where as terracotta or clay pots allow some of the water to evaporate through the sides. Part shade or dappled sunlight prevents the sun from burning the begonias leaves. The health of the spotted green leaves is an excellent way to know if your begonia Wightii is getting enough light. Moisture should be present in the soil, the same way mature Polka Dot Begonias do. 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. The polka dot begonia should be grown in shade in the South, but in colder climates, it can be grown in bright windows with some morning and afternoon shade. Sold By: Hence, it is a beautiful plant to grow indoors, making your place calm and soothing. Required fields are marked *. 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. Begonia . Fungal diseases or bacterial diseases that affect begonias include powdery mildew, leaf spot, botrytis, and Pythium root rot. Is Polka Dot Begonia Toxic to Humans and Pets? Because of their native environment, high humidity, warm temperatures, and indirect or filtered light are the essential care factors. The genus is "Begonia", and the specific epithet is "maculata" (meaning spotted).The species is the combination of the genus and the specific epithet; therefore, the species is Begonia maculata, and the common name is Polka Dot Plant (one of the many names given to this plant). During the growing season, from spring to fall, this plant needs constant feeding. You could also combine sand, clay, perlite, and loamy soil to create a begonia potting mix. If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or our 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435. They do a great job of keeping the soil open and well-aerated, and they also aid in protecting the soil from sudden changes in temperature. The oxalic acid in the juicy tissues can cause eye burns, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and even death if they are eaten in large quantities. Always check for one or more holes in the bottom of your pot. Are Dahlias Really Deer Resistant? Check the moisture in the soil and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. By knowing exactly what polka dot plants look like, you can keep them out of your cats life. If consumed, polka dot begonia can cause gastrointestinal problems, and your cat may vomit to get rid of it. But it tends to reach around 30 to 40cm (above the growing pot) as an indoor houseplant. Measures to Protect Yourself While Handling Polka Dot Plant, Polka Dot Plant Dying: Reasons and Solutions, Why is my Fern Turning Brown? Pro tip:You can also try the Palm soil mix because it drains well but doesnt clump after repeated watering. Such humidity level is difficult to get because our rooms are not that humid in normal days. Although it is not considered poisonous, moderate symptoms should be expected. Begonia maculata 'Polka Dot' houseplant. Roots should start to form in approximately 5 to 7 weeks, and you may test them by gently tugging on the stem. Angel wing begonias like bright light to thrive, but they need to be protected from direct sunlight. Kazumi Nursery The larger varieties of polka dot begonia can reach up to 5 feet tall with the right care. Unlike the Rubber plant, not any part of the Polka Dot Plant is poisonous. $5.00Status:In stock . A general houseplant fertiliser should work just fine but our plants really love this liquid fertiliser from Miracle Gro. Water your plant every four days during the hotter summer months and every two weeks during the cooler months of autumn and winter. Additionally, stay away from growing near radiators or drafts. Keep your plants where your pets cannot reach. Finally, sphagnum moss can be a good addition to the mix - especially for terrarium mixes - as a way to keep the mix fresh and moist. Nontoxic (Safe, not poisonous) The following plants are considered to be non-toxic. No, polka dot plants cannot be considered cat-friendly as although polka dot is not toxic to them, they can definitely harm them. Everything You Need to Know, Are Black Cats Smarter Than Other Cats? Whether you're an apartment dweller who loves houseplants, a beginner who is planting their first edible garden, or an experienced gardener who wants to learn how to prepare their harvest, welcome to HappyHouseGarden. Bleu Lotus Gardens Polka Dot Begonia plants love the sunshine but be careful not to expose them to direct sunlight as this can really damage the leaves and permanently scorch them. Mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, scale, thrips, blackflies, and vine weevils can be found in the cubbyholes and undersides of the leaves, except for the latter, which can be found in the soil. CZ Grain Wightii, or Polka Dot Begonia, is a variety of cane begonia. Not all Polka Dot Begonias are Wightii Begonias, but all Wightii Begonias are Polka Dot Begonias. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the existing one when repotting it. Here are some other plants that will work in similar conditions, or have some matching qualities. Begonia maculata is an evergreen perennial plant originating from the tropical forests of southeastern Brazil. In this article, you will learn how to care properly for a begonia polka dot houseplant. Bird Cage Botanicals This over-the-top Begonia is no doubt an excellent choice if youre searching for something different that will surely draw attention. Toxic to dogs, cats and grazing animals: Begonia Maculata Care . Whiteflies are small white-colored insects usually found under leaves. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Because Begonia maculata like to be slightly root-bound, it requires smaller pots than most other houseplants. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The angel wing begonia is smaller overall at no more than 2.5 feet, with more restrained foliage that is dusted with small freckles of silver or white. A Complete Guide to Split-leaf Philodendron Care. Succulent Oasis The simple answer to this question is a NO. The best part is that if your catis well-fed, he will not consume any plants. If you see any signs of discomfort, contact a local veterinarian or go to a nearby hospital. During the spring and summer, fertilize the Begonia Maculata every other time you water it with a basic houseplant fertilizer to get gorgeous foliage and flowers. It can still cause some health issues if consumed. Currently, I'm focused on photographing indoor plants & chachkies. However, some polka dot plants have white or red dots rather than pink, however, they are far less frequent. However, dont increase it too much.