Carefully take your Polka Dot Begonia out of its pot and replace the soil if waterlogged. Let's learn all about Polka Dot Begonia care! The same care advice is applicable if you transfer your indoor potted begonias outside in summer. However, there are also spotted or mottled variants with purple, white, red, and deeper hues, as well as brighter contrast, which make the plants stand out even more. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experiences with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? The polka dot begonia is poisonous to cats and may pose a threat to other small mammals such as cats and dogs. 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. If this 6 section of stem has any leaves, be sure to remove all of the lower leaves and place in either water. $15.99Status:In stock No, polka dot plant is not poisonous to cats. How do you keep begonias blooming? Wightii, or Polka Dot Begonia, is a variety of cane begonia. When young, polka dot begonia is a beautiful houseplant . Cats often dont eat this type of plant if they dont have to and dont worry, polka dots wont kill your cat; theyll only show signs of an issue; if this happens, call the pet centre; nevertheless, training your cat not to eat any plant is also crucial. Think all the fun of an eye-catching indoor flowering plant, but without the big blooms. But it tends to reach around 30 to 40cm (above the growing pot) as an indoor houseplant. Cut a healthy stem at a 4-inch length. 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. After handling a polka dot plant, though, you dont have to worry about washing your hands or clothes or taking a thorough shower. Another way you can help avoid root rot is to use terracotta pots. Common Name: Polka dot begonia, Spotted begonia Scientific Name: Begonia maculata Type: Perennial shrub Origin: Southeast Brazil Habitat: Tropical rainforests Size: 18-24 in. Are Dahlias Really Deer Resistant? The leaves wont dry out as much if the humidity is above 45%. Polka Dot Begonia vs Wightii. How Often Do You Water a Cactus? Your email address will not be published. Provide your Begonia prefers a steady supply of water. Our guide will help you identify pet-friendly plants and plants that are toxic. Are Begonias Poisonous to Cats and Dogs? - Plants Craze The five basic care requirements are: Lets look in more detail at how to care for a begonia maculata Wightii. The Begonia maculata is a tropical plant and therefore requires certain elements of care for it to flourish indoors. The plant's exotic look has many moving parts: silver polka dots that seem painted on olive-colored leaves, crimson-colored undersides, and sprays of open bell-like red or white flowers with bright yellow centers on bamboo-looking knotty stems. There are so many varieties and different looking foliage Begonias to pick from, so just choose the patterns you like best . Is Polka Dot Begonia Toxic? This article will give you all the information, you need to know about the relationship between cat and polka dot plant. The Maculata begonia prefers moist soil and should never be subjected to drought. In addition to the care for a Begonia, youll need to cultivate it in high humidity to grow it successfully. 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. Why does my Polka Dot Begonia have yellow leaves? Polka Dot Plant Potentilla Powder Puff Prayer Plant Pregnant Plant Propeller Plant Purple Passion . 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. How to Deadhead Petunias? 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. Such humidity level is difficult to get because our rooms are not that humid in normal days. The ideal temperature range for polka dot begonias is between 65F and 86F (16C 30C). Separate your other pets (if you have any) and keep them away from the plants. Annual soil refreshment is beneficial to them even if you are not potting up. Because cats dislike the smell of citrus, covering the soil with citrus rinds is a popular method of keeping them away from plants, however, this may attract fruit flies and other garden pests. An emergency hotline number of (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center Number (888) 426-4435. This plant is available in different colors, adding beauty to your house, and making it peaceful and soothing. Keep reading for lots more great care tips as well as information on polka dot begonia pests and common care issues. Another approach is to use a store-bought bitter spray. Also make sure your plant isnt sitting in a drafty area. Are polka dot begonias toxic? This angel wing cane begonia is also known as Polka Dot, Spotted, Clown, or Begonia Maculata Wightii. 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. One of the most critical aspects of begonia maculata care is getting the humidity right. However, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness if ingested. Mealybugs look like tiny white fluff that congregates where leaf stems join main stems. Botanically known as Begonia Maculata, this strikingly gorgeous houseplant features unique silver spots on bright green leaves with red undersides. Some plants might irritate other areas after vomiting up. Although they tolerate some shade, bright filtered light is ideal. As pet owners, we know that our furry friends are likely to put anything inside their mouths, and plants are no exception. In a south-facing room, keep the plant pot away from the window to prevent the sun from scorching the leaves. Common houseplant pests that can affect begonia maculata plants are mealybugs and whiteflies. Skip to primary navigation; . link to Philodendron Moonlight vs. Golden Goddess. Step 1: You can order polka dot begonia tubers from garden plant suppliers to get started. Poke your finger in the soil. Keep your Begonia Maculata in a bright room that's away from direct sunlight. Search for a comfortable place and enjoy reading!! You want to ensure that there is no moisture on your plants leaves (especially overnight) as this is what is causing a build up of mildew. Repotting is best done in the spring. The plant is part of the Acanthaceae family. Nontoxic (Safe, not poisonous) Caution (Mildly toxic) Toxic (Dangerous Find out more about my story, Your email address will not be published. Also, check that your plant is getting plenty of bright light without being in direct sunlight. Growing habit: Cane-like and grows upright. It features bronze-green wing-shaped leaves with dramatic rusty-red undersides. These pests can suck your plant dry if you dont deal with them quickly. It may result in severe or mild problems depending on the amount of the plant your pets have eaten. The polka dot begonia is poisonous to cats and may pose a threat to other small mammals such as cats and dogs. Is The ZZ Plant Poisonous for Cats, Dogs, or Other Pets? Low Maintenance Pet-Friendly Plants | The Little Botanical When the busy growth season has ended, the plant will finish flowering and will begin to slow down in the winter. The best place for a potted polka dot begonia indoors is on an east- or west-facing windowsill. Required fields are marked *. Hold the begonia plant in the new pot and fill with new, moist, fresh potting mix. Here are some of our recent journal entries that we think you might like. Despite the fact that it is non-toxic, the cats stomach mechanism will reject the unwanted meal by vomiting. Pro tip:You can also try the Palm soil mix because it drains well but doesnt clump after repeated watering. I water 2-3 times per week, depending on how hot it is. Although the plant isnt dangerous to cats, its not worth the risk of your cat being ill as a result of eating it. Although polka dot plants are not harmful to cats, they can cause them harm. How to Grow and Care for Begonias - thespruce.com The Polka Dot Begonia is one of the most embellished plants and absolutely commands attention as it grows! If necessary, give medication BUT only after consulting a vet. There is white mildew on my Polka Dot Begonia. The soil should be slightly dry before watering, and humidity levels should be highover 45%and the temperature between 65F and 86F (18C 30C). Only repot a Begonia when roots have grown onto the outer edge of the current pot it's growing within. Is Begonia Maculata toxic? . Your Begonia maculata is exceedingly dry, which is the most typical cause of brown leaf edges. Its also been observed that cats who eat a lot of food every day dont eat other things, such as plants. If in the right environment and given the right care, Polka Dot Begonia plants can grow up to 2m indoors. After you've received the tubers package, remove it from the bag and prepare the ground where you want to plant. The health of the spotted green leaves is an excellent way to know if your begonia Wightii is getting enough light. In most circumstances, its advisable to trim or clip off the flowers as they begin to form if you want your plant to endure longer. Roots should start to form in approximately 5 to 7 weeks, and you may test them by gently tugging on the stem. Late autumn is the optimum time to prune and maintain height if your plant grows too tall. To create a fluffy, springy mixture, start with a light commercial potting soil and gradually add small amounts of perlite and wood chips. While the leaf may not be the most . Sold By: $5.00Status:In stock Bonsai Tree Dragon Willow Thick Trunk Bonsai Cutting Fast Growing Indoor/Outdoor Bonsai Tree Ships Bare Root Old Mature Look Fast Rated 4.74 out of 5 based on 142 customer ratings02 Aaditya Bhatta was born and raised in the city of Kathmandu, in the beautiful mountain state of Nepal. Add to cart How to Save It? Sold By: They thrive in simple commercial mixes, but to provide them with the best conditions, its a good idea to incorporate the following amendments: Perlite Natural volcanic glass is what these tiny, fluffy, nearly Styrofoam-textured white balls look like. Late summer or early autumn is when this plant blooms. Like many of our beloved houseplants, Polka Dot Begonias are in fact toxic to cats and dogs. Are African Violets Toxic to Pet Cats, Dogs, Or Other Animals? It starts with discomfort in the mouth, and even a small piece of begonia can be hazardous to your cats health. The seasonally blooming and herbaceous polka dot plant is a common fixture in homes as a houseplant and, due to its colorful appearance, also often is seen as a bedding . 2023 Plantly, LLC. I need soil specifically for indoor plants as it retains the right amount of water. You can now buy this beautiful plant here at Plantly! Cats will avoid plants that have an unpleasant taste or odour. Scratching and chewing cats may require a little more coaxing. Polk Dot begonia, one of the most colorful members of the Trending Tropicals collection, is popular for its beautiful colorful leaves with showy white dots. Polka Dot Begonia: Plant Care (Begonia Maculata) Even a small piece of a Begonia plant can cause serious health consequences for your cat. Fungal diseases or bacterial diseases that affect begonias include powdery mildew, leaf spot, botrytis, and Pythium root rot. Repotting should be done once a year. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experience with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? Want to know more about this Polka dot begonia? Polka Dot Begonia Care: Things You Should Know! Even if they do not show signs of poisoning, they may become unwell if they eat any portion of the polka dot plant.