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). Even though begonia maculata is relatively easy to look after, it has some specific care requirements. It can help them digest their food and/or bring up indigestible furballs according to experts. According to two of the most authoritative information and instructional websites, the polka dot plant is safe for cats. One of the primary effects of plant ingestion is stomach aches. Note that rex begonias are toxic to dogs, cats and . Little and often is what I'm after. Find out more about my story, Your email address will not be published. Are Dahlias Really Deer Resistant? Send a lot of TLC with a Little Botanical personalised pot! To make a springy, fluffy mix, you can start with a light commercial potting soil and add a few handfuls of perlite and a smaller amount of wood chips until you have a springy, fluffy mix. The Polka Dot Begonia is one of the most popular plants in Costa Farm's Trending Tropical collection due to its fresh and fun variegation. Cut one of its bamboo-like stalks immediately below the bud with sharp scissors. If youre replanting in the same size pot, gently remove dirt from the rootballs edges to make room for new soil. After you've received the tubers package, remove it from the bag and prepare the ground where you want to plant. So, it is okay to keep any non-toxic plants inside your house where your pets can not reach them, including the Polka Dot Plant. You can keep cats away from your polka dot plant by following these tips: . Polka Dot Begonia belongs to the Begoniaceae family, similar to Beefsteak Begonia. The leaves are burgundy-red in color and variegated. The silvery spots on the dark, olive-green angel wing-shaped leaves create striking foliage. Keep them out of drafts and away from temperatures below 59 degrees Fahrenheit(15 degrees Celsius). 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. A cat will feel sick in the mouth and vomit if they eat any of a Polka Dot Begonia. Deep watering is better for your begonia maculata than shallow watering. If you see any signs of discomfort, contact a local veterinarian or go to a nearby hospital. $5.00Status:In stock This article was last updated by Shudeshna Pandey on January 18, 2023. If it happens, your pet might scratch or lick the itchy areas as the skin becomes dry. Transferring to a larger container encourages growth where the plant can reach 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall. Skip to primary navigation; . But make sure you don't overwater the plant or else it'll suffer from root rot. It offers blooms in lovely shades of red, pink, and mixed hues! The most common reason for yellow begonia maculata leaves is over-watering. Although polka dot plants are not harmful to cats, they can cause them harm. Choose semi-porous pot like glazed clay. Humidity: High humidity is key to a polka dot begonia that thrives. Also make sure your plant isnt sitting in a drafty area. When it's in a warm, sunny area with average or higher humidity, it is fairly forgiving. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a494a4c92f81a67d219a5e7711ff3e96" );document.getElementById("ce8ca8f7be").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Botanically known as Begonia Maculata, this strikingly gorgeous houseplant features unique silver spots on bright green leaves with red undersides. 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. And, because the leaves are the plants best feature, you must be careful not to overdo it. 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. You dont want to wait for the potting mix to dry out naturally as this risks more leaves turning brown. Did you also know that its known as anAngel Wing Begonia because of the shape of its leaves? Your email address will not be published. Remember to keep the houseplant out of drafts as they can chill your indoor plant too much. Should you mist the leaves of polka dot begonias to boost humidity? The silver polka dots on the leaves could be mistaken for splashes of paint. 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. However, some polka dot plants have white or red dots rather than pink, however, they are far less frequent. Begonias need at least 45% humidity and that is more than the average room. Water your begonia plants whenever the top part of the soil is dry, and the lower part is still moist. A begonia is typically thought to be safe for pets to consume. If youre seeking non-toxic plants, check out the list of cat-safe houseplants at ASPCA. If you have your begonia maculata in pots outdoors in summer, bring them inside when the temperature starts dropping to 60F (15.5C). Is your Fern looking floppy, crispy, and turning devilishly brownish out of nowhere? Image Source. The old flowers fall off themselves after blooming. These evergreen perennial plants are native to the tropical rainforests in Brazil. Wash your hands with soap and water after you finish working with plants. Despite the fact that it is non-toxic, the cats stomach mechanism will reject the unwanted meal by vomiting. There are around 1000 species, all of which come in various colors, sizes, and shapes! Cacti and Exotica . . To keep your plants safe from clawed claws, construct floating shelves or hang them from the ceiling. It's important to diagnose any issues early to give your plant the best chance of bouncing back. Yes, Polka dot begonia is poisonous to cats and it may create problems to every small mammals like cat or dog. . How To Propagate Pothos In Water Easily And Quickly? You want to be watering your Polka Dot Begonia once a week during the growing months. Read Privacy Policy. . Temperature: The Polka Dot Begonia thrives better at an average temperature range of 60-80 degrees. In comparison to Rex and some of the other non-Cane begonias, it grows fairly easily. A Complete Guide, How Often to Water Fiddle Leaf Fig? Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata): This angel-wing begonia cultivar has gorgeous narrow deep green leaves . The best time to prune a begonia maculata is in late fall. A good rule of thumb is to add liquid fertilizer to the water every other time you water the plant. They can also be cultivated as houseplants in containers. Indoor or Outdoor plant: Mostly an indoor houseplant. The main aspects of its care that should take precedence are proper . Like many other plants, Polka Dot begonia prefers moist soil that doesnt get soggy. Remove any leaves and gently set them in a pot with fresh, well-draining soil. In general, the Polka Dot Plant is considered non-toxic to your pets, yet we have to be careful and not let our pets eat any parts of this plant. The soil should be slightly dry before watering, and humidity levels should be highover 45%and the temperature between 65F and 86F (18C - 30C). If you have any questions, ask us in the comments section. This is a classification that indicates . With almost over 1,500 species and 10,000 hybrids, Begonia, in itself, is a mild-poisonous plant. Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs as it contains soluble calcium oxalates. But I tell you its not! However, sometimes houseplant pests and diseases can afflict your polka dot begonia. Also, avoid getting the leaves wet when watering. Begonia . Hardiness zones: 10 to 11 (There's a bit of flexibility when growing them indoors) Blooming: Spring, Summer, and Fall. To prevent more yellow leaves developing in future, its important to allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings. Try increasing the frequency of watering a little but keep an eye on the soil moisture to avoid any root rot occurring. Required fields are marked *. When the busy growth season has ended, the plant will finish flowering and will begin to slow down in the winter. Although it won't cause serious long-term damage, ingestion can cause stomach irritation. The polka dot plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachys) is an eye-catching little plant with brightly variegated leaves that stand out against most other foliage. So, a regular potting soil is a big no-no with Begonia maculata. Pro tip:This Begonia can tolerate low lights but not too dark. Plants for North Facing Window Brighten Your Dark Room. Begonia maculata also known as polka dot begonia is a precious plant that has unique leaves. Similar to how it starts with oral irritation, even a small begonia plant can be damaging to your cat's health. Gar-Zen Botanical Design Sold By: Status: Popular. Nonstop Rose Begonia. No parts of the polka dot plant are poisonous, even mildly so. It would be ideal to keep it around small children, but it is best to keep it away from pets. This is the guide I wish I Philodendron Moonlight vs. Golden Goddess. Please make sure the air isn't too dry, otherwise I won't be a happy plant. The ingestion of the leaves, sap, and especially the roots causes burning in your pet's mouth, swollen tongue, or difficulty swallowing. Are begonias toxic to dogs? In a south-facing room, keep the plant pot away from the window to prevent the sun from scorching the leaves. [Reasons & Fixes], White Bird of Paradise: Best Grow & Care Guide. Just remember that moisture evaporates from clay pots faster than from plastic ones. $35.00Status:In stock The green and silver colors may fade and eventually turn yellow. Here are some common issues that you might run into. Set temps to 65-85F and 45% humidity. Why is My Hydrangea Wilting? Keep your Begonia Maculata in a bright room that's away from direct sunlight. Giant Tropical Golden Pothos Devils Ivy Ships Free. A Complete Guide. Caring for polka dot begonia. When catseatplants, they frequently experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. So, you can grow it indoors without any doubt, which is also a great alternative to some toxic plants that might affect your family or pets. Prune the extra growth and move the plant to a brighter area, as it needs more sunlight. What Part Of Polka Dot Plant Is Poisonous To Cats? Causes and Solutions. Place your plant in a location where your pets do not go very often. Another name:Spotted Begonia, Begonia Maculata wightii, Angel Wing Begonia, Exposure to sunlight:Bright, indirect light, Color: Bronze-green wing-shaped leaves with dramatic rusty-red undersides. The idea is to monitor their soil and water deeply as soon as the top has sufficiently dried. 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. Hence, you can place this plant anywhere around your home, like a dressing table, a tea table, a kitchen counter, staircases, etc. A Begonia maculata requires a minimum of 45% humidity, but more is preferable. Fiddle and Thorn Ltd. Company number 13713284. We will also share tips on how to resolve common problems that can affect the fabulous begonia maculata. Sold By: Such humidity level is difficult to get because our rooms are not that humid in normal days. Gently remove the plant from the pot, taking care not to snap the stems. Is Polka Dot Begonia Toxic to Humans and Pets? 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. Table of Contents. Although it is not considered poisonous, moderate symptoms should be expected. 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. . They suggest covering it with double-sided sticky tape for cats who scratch at the pot. Are polka dot begonias toxic to animals? Household heating dries out the air and the dry conditions can kill your houseplants. It will result in a deep wound in the skin of your fuzzy babies. Sold By: When young, polka dot begonia is a beautiful houseplant . Begonia maculata var. Propagating Begonia through begonia tubers. Visit our houseplant humidity guide to find out more. You could also combine sand, clay, perlite, and loamy soil to create a begonia potting mix. Lightly spray the air over and around the begonia plant. The aim is for bright, filtered light. As long as they are planted outside or in a room off-limits to pets, Polka Dot Begonia is not only . How to Care for Houseplants in the Winter, Beautiful Winter Succulents Youll Surely Love to Grow, Best Plants For Improving Memory And Focus, Best Plants To Grow To Promote Healthy Hair, Best Ground Cover For All Areas of The Garden, How to Take Care of Bamboo Ultimate Guide, Best Ways on How to Get Rid of Bugs on Your Plants. Use an apple cider vinegar spray on the leaves, Experts suggest if you dont want to leave fragments of fruit in your plants. Humans, dogs, cats, horses, and even wild creatures are all safe. Rose Green Leaf. How Much Do They Need? It isnt their defining characteristic. And for good reason! NoBegonia Maculata, or the polka dot begonia, is toxic and therefore not pet safe. Begonias, in addition to being poisonous to humans and mammals . Like many of our beloved houseplants, Polka Dot Begonias are in fact toxic to cats and dogs. Your email address will not be published. However, you can deadhead begonias if you want your plant to grow more stems. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The Maculata begonia prefers moist soil and should never be subjected to drought. Share this post with someone else that loves indoor plants! It can also cause burning and irritation in the mouth. The best part is that if your catis well-fed, he will not consume any plants. You can also group your Polka Dot Begonia with other indoor houseplants. Pets are unlikely to go near the plant because of the strong smell. Ensure that the plant is at the same height as it was in the previous pot. Currently, I'm focused on photographing indoor plants & chachkies. 2. 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? Many Begonias are popular houseplants, either grown for their pretty blooms or eye-catching foliage. Full Guide, How Often to Water Aloe Plants? It may result in severe or mild problems depending on the amount of the plant your pets have eaten. $13.49Status:In stock If you dont have a room humidifier, create a humidifying water tray. Sold By: Plants are no exception to the rule that dogsand cats enjoy putting things in their mouths. Pinching and trimming your Begonia will aid in the development of a fuller, bushier plant. Some websites recommend misting begonia leaves to increase humidity. Make sure your Polka Dot plant is away from direct sunlight as this can very easily scorch and burn the leaves. Brown leaf tips on a Polka Dot Begonia are often caused by underwatering. Sold By: Their leaves are large enough to avoid getting wet if youre careful, but bottom watering is frequently advised because they dont like having their leaves wet. No, polka dot plant is not toxic to cats. Bringing plants into your house is not only aesthetically pleasing but can also provide significant health advantages. Grow Begonia maculata in a location that is consistently warm and bright; ideally, it should be a few feet from east or west-facing window. link to Philodendron Moonlight vs. Golden Goddess. Ideal conditions fall between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, botanists who began to classify this plant in about 1850 from the species found in Brazil, have reported . The polka dot plant is not harmful in general. You may transfer the new plant when its root system is fully established. 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. Your email address will not be published. Oxygen circulates better in lighter soil, allowing the plant to absorb nutrients and thrive. This angel wing cane begonia is also known as Polka Dot, Spotted, Clown, or Begonia Maculata Wightii. The white spots and the red undersides of the leaves are attributed to the naming of the Begonia maculata as the polka dot begonia. Growing habit: Cane-like and grows upright. 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. There is no safe level for polka dot begonia, and it is poisonous to cats, dogs, and humans. Catching issues early can really help prevent your Polka Dot Begonia from losing leaves in future. The spotted begoniaalso called Wightiimust be one of the most dramatic indoor plants you can grow. CZ Grain But once you read this article you'll see beyond Hi I'm Anya! 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. Begonia maculata is a type of cane begonia that has thick stems that support spotted angel wing-shaped leaves. Some begonias, on the other hand, are toxic. Begonia leaves contain calcium oxalates. Gar-Zen Botanical Design 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. Here are some other plants that will work in similar conditions, or have some matching qualities. The polka dot begonia is poisonous to cats and may pose a threat to other small mammals such as cats and dogs. Provided you care for the Polka Dot Begonia properly, it can grow up to a metre tall. If you live in warm climates and you grow silver spotted-leaf begonias outdoors, choose a bright but shaded area of your garden. In addition to the care for a Begonia, youll need to cultivate it in high humidity to grow it successfully. However, begonias are susceptible to powdery mildew, and damp leaves may encourage this disease. Unfortunately, most of our houses are too dry, which is why you may notice brown or black leaf tips on houseplants. Venus Flytrap: Care, Feeding, Facts, Flowers (With Pictures), Hoya Kerrii (Sweetheart Plant / Valentine Hoya): Care Guide, Syngonium Care - How to Grow Arrowhead Plant, Ficus Elastica Tineke (Rubber Tree Plant): Care and Growing Guide, Begonia Maculata Care: How to Grow Polka Dot Begonia (Wightii), begonias are famous for their spectacular foliage, Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachya): Care and Growing Tips, Nerve Plant (Fittonia Plant): Caring for Vein Plants, Peperomia Plants (Radiator Plants): Care, Types, Toxicity and More. If your plants appear to have been chewed, keep a watch on your catto make sure they dont become unwell. Top watering tip for begonias: only water the soil and avoid splashing water on the leaves. Still, if ingested, it causes severe burning and irritation in the mouth of your furry friends. A general houseplant fertiliser should work just fine but our plants really love this liquid fertiliser from Miracle Gro. It has been cultivated since 1850 and grows well in zones 7to 10. Hold the begonia plant in the new pot and fill with new, moist, fresh potting mix. But Polka Dot has another secret talent -- how it grows as it matures. If you want your plant to continue growing, repot every year or so or when you notice the roots are coming out of the pot. Depending on your view it could be easy to confuse the Philodendron Moonlight and Golden Goddess, as both have bright green, almost yellow foliage. Leather Petal succulent Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 18 customer ratings00 Because Begonia maculata like to be slightly root-bound, it requires smaller pots than most other houseplants. However, some plants can be toxic to your feline friend. If one or two of the oldest leaves turn yellow each year then this is just natural ageing. They are not considered invasive plants, although, in Australia, where they are a weed and have grown invasive, they have a rapid growth rate. Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! The appearance of blooms causes the plant to go dormant. Height: 4 feet tall. Although it wont cause serious long-term damage, ingestion can cause stomach irritation. This large angel wing, . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); [quform id=2 name=Feature Request Feedback], [quform id=3 name=Need Attribute Feedback], [quform id=4 name=Others/Suggestions Feedback], [quform id=5 name=Plantly Plant Finder]. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Begonia Maculata, also known as Begonia Maculata 'Wightii' or polka dot begonia, is a wonderful, whimsical member of the begonia genus easily recognized for its polka dot leaves. Search for a comfortable place and enjoy reading!! One of the delights of caring for a spotted begonia Wightii is that they are easy to propagate. The plant can also have extremely few purplish-toned flower spikes in some situations. Begonia gets its name from its distinctive silver-spotted leaves with crimson undersides. The luxuriant blossoms and leaves of indoor plants add more beauty and comfort to our homes and offices than anything else. Common Name: Polka dot begonia, Spotted begonia Scientific Name: Begonia maculata Type: Perennial shrub Origin: Southeast Brazil Habitat: Tropical rainforests Size: 18-24 in. Begonia maculata - Polka Dot Begonia. The plants dark-green foliage is flecked with pink, with a few silver highlights thrown in for good measure. As far as humidity is concerned, they prefer a level of 50% humidity or higher. Polka dot begonias require a temperature range of 65F to 85F. Botanical Name: Begonia 'Nonstop Deep Rose'. Easy propagation is by placing stem cuttings in water. These pests can suck your plant dry if you dont deal with them quickly. Place them under LED light and they'll still happily grow to become a beautiful adult. This plant's unique look has many moving parts: sprays of open bell-like white or red flowers with bright yellow middles on seemingly-bamboo knotty stems, crimson-colored undersides, and silver polka dots that look painted on olive-colored . Most indoor plants are considered non-poisonous to humans. There is white mildew on my Polka Dot Begonia. You dont have to deadhead begonia maculata plants. 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. You can pinch back your Begonia maculata if its getting lanky or if you just want to shape it a little. Simply add light and water, and youve got yourself an interior oasis in the making. 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. Growing new plants from cuttings lets you increase the number of potted houseplants. Broadly, the type of Begonia you can grow as a houseplant will fall into one of two categories.There are the foliage types, which are grown primarily for their aesthetically pleasing and unusual leaf shapes, colorings and markings.. Feed with a balanced fertiliser every month in spring and summer. Temperature & Humidity. In this article, you will learn how to care properly for a begonia polka dot houseplant. They are super affordable and available on Amazon here. Separate your other pets (if you have any) and keep them away from the plants. 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. Repotting should be done once a year. When in full bloom, begonia maculata plants are at their most stunningolive green polka dot leaves with copper-red undersides and clusters of delicate pale flowers. The polka dot begonia is poisonous to cats and may pose a threat to other small mammals such as cats and dogs. 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. If your only option is to mist, make sure you have a fine spray and dont mist the leaves directly. Are polka dot begonias toxic? Begonias with polka dots are poisonous to pets in general, including dogs and cats. Native to Brazil, the begonia maculata grows on a cane-like stem with long emerald green leaves and a smattering of silver spots . The most toxic parts of the plant are under the soil. Copyright 2022 happyhousegarden.com. BubbleBlooms . 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? Additionally, fungus and bothersome pests like gnats are deterred by allowing the topsoil to dry out. As the water evaporates naturally, it will provide moisture for the leaves. Keeping cat grass or catnip away from your houseplants gives a healthier alternative for your cat. Its preferable to plant them in the spring. Water thoroughly and only fertilize after four weeks. 10 Reasons Why Your Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow. Hypoestes phyllostachya grows to be around 10 inches tall. Although these plants are not very difficult to grow, many gardeners treat them as annuals and replace them with fresh plants each year because they are native to warm climes. Fungal diseases or bacterial diseases that affect begonias include powdery mildew, leaf spot, botrytis, and Pythium root rot. How to Save It? Well tell you more below. Height and Structure: when grown as a houseplant, it reaches a height of 4 feet or more. Flower Color: The plant is glazed with Silvery-white dots with a reddish . Its easy to fall in love with growing and caring for orchids. If you see any signs of discomfort, contact a local veterinarian or go to a nearby hospital. As Polka Dot Plant is not a poisonous plant, it does not have any life-threatening effects. Another option is to use a short-acting organic pesticide before releasing beneficial predators such as ladybugs to eat the remaining pests. Growing polka dot plants necessitates warm temperatures and high humidity. If we have pets and babies in our place, we have to be more cautious. Shake off excess soil and loosen the rootsuntangle if necessary. Why does my Begonia Polka dot has crispy leaves? Begonias have grown in popularity as a result of their eye-catching foliage and equally stunning flowers. 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. 15. Succulent Oasis Wightii, or Polka Dot Begonia, is a variety of cane begonia. Bleu Lotus Gardens The plant will tolerate low light if necessary, but it wont thrive in extremely dark spaces. Having a begonia maculata in your room will instantly grab everyones attention. In order to properly water this begonia, you must have the right type of soil, which we will discuss in more detail shortly. I don't like my soil to be too dry or too soggy. Avoid contact with children and pets, and do not feed this plant to them. a Complete Guide, How to Propagate Spider Plants? The decomposition of the chips is unimportant because Maculatas are frequently repotted and refreshed. However, make sure it's in a well-draining pot as polka dot begonias hate soggy soil and make a perfect candidate for root rot. Hence, it is one of the most beautiful and unique indoor plants, which can be placed anywhere around your house to enhance the indoor environment. Ideally, this would mean the Begonia gets fertilized every 2 weeks. No, part of the polka dot plant is poisonous to cats. However, in the case of Polka Dot Begonia, it is non-poisonous to humans and pets. . If this 6 section of stem has any leaves, be sure to remove all of the lower leaves and place in either water. I've been around the block writing blogs for Men's Magazine, Real Estate, Architectural and other major uprising niches. We offer faster transactions online and ensure your plants safety! Late summer or early autumn is when this plant blooms. The most critical requirement to care for begonias is to get humidity right. You may feed your plant with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer. You want to keep your Polka Dot Begonia away from pets and small children as they are toxic.

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