Sold By: Such humidity level is difficult to get because our rooms are not that humid in normal days. Your email address will not be published. This plant is available in different colors, adding beauty to your house, and making it peaceful and soothing. Humans, dogs, cats, horses, and even wild creatures are all safe. Cacti and Exotica . Simply add light and water, and youve got yourself an interior oasis in the making. Can You Still Salvage Winter Damaged Plants? However, the dryness of the soil determines when to water a begonia. Giving your cats their own plants may seem paradoxical, but it will keep them from devouring yours. Want to know more about this Polka dot begonia? If your only option is to mist, make sure you have a fine spray and dont mist the leaves directly. The Maculata begonia prefers moist soil and should never be subjected to drought. Are polka dot begonias toxic to animals? If the soil is partly moist and youve been watering correctly, other reasons could be inadequate or excessive lighting, nutrient deficiency, or pest infestation. 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. In summer, you may have to water the begonia weekly and in winter less often. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy 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. 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 ideal temperature range for polka dot begonias is between 65F and 86F (16C 30C). And, because the leaves are the plants best feature, you must be careful not to overdo it. Separate your other pets (if you have any) and keep them away from the plants. They suggest covering it with double-sided sticky tape for cats who scratch at the pot. The most common reason for yellow begonia maculata leaves is over-watering. The blooming season is spring until late summer. Toxicity: toxic to humans and pets; Growth Pattern and Habits. Transferring to a larger container encourages growth where the plant can reach 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall. Sold By: Polka Dot Begonia vs Wightii. Search for a comfortable place and enjoy reading!! This eye-catching houseplant is relatively easy to care for indoors. In comparison to Rex and some of the other non-Cane begonias, it grows fairly easily. Begonia maculata also known as polka dot begonia is a precious plant that has unique leaves. You may be interested in How To Propagate Begonia From Cuttings? It the top feels dry and there is moisture below, it is a sign to water your begonia. Sold By: Stop feeding your polka dot Begonia during winter. So always make sure youre giving them enough so they dont ask for more, but cats and dogs arent constantly hungry, so keep a watch on your cats behaviour and actions to see if she attempts to eat the begonias were keeping at a safe distance. BubbleBlooms Begonia leaves are toxic to pets and small children, so keep these plants out of reach for them. 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 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. Plants with polka dots are not poisonous to humans. 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. Polka Dot Begonia Care: Things You Should Know! 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. If you see any signs of discomfort, contact a local veterinarian or go to a nearby hospital. The decomposition of the chips is unimportant because Maculatas are frequently repotted and refreshed. 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. Polka Dot Begonia. The polka dot begonia is poisonous to cats and may pose a threat to other small mammals such as cats and dogs. Status: Popular. Common Medicinal Herbs You Can Find In Your Garden, How To Grow Red Creeping Thyme From Seeds, How To Keep Indoor Plants Alive While On Vacation, Hand Painted Skull Pot w/ Cuban Oragano (Copy), Philodendron Imperial Red | in 2.5 Inch Tall Pot | Starter Plant. 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 consumed, polka dot begonia can cause gastrointestinal problems, and your cat may vomit to get rid of it. Yes, Polka dot begonia is poisonous to cats and it may create problems to every small mammals like cat or dog. If you see your pet eating the plant, take it out of its mouth right away. Insecticidal soap sprays and oils can be used to aid. To prevent more yellow leaves developing in future, its important to allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings. You may feed your plant with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer. Additionally, fungus and bothersome pests like gnats are deterred by allowing the topsoil to dry out. Polka Dot Begonia dont like the air to be really dry. As Polka Dot Plant is not a poisonous plant, it does not have any life-threatening effects. Becoming a plant enthusiast and an environmentalist myself gives me the edge of writing about them. Its simple to maintain, prune, and replant because of this. 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 . It can also cause burning and irritation in the mouth. Unlike the Rubber plant, not any part of the Polka Dot Plant is poisonous. Begonias also thrive when they are slightly rootbound, so that can also encourage flowers to bloom. Bleu Lotus Gardens Read Privacy Policy. One of the most critical aspects of begonia maculata care is getting the humidity right. Water: Begonias LOVE water. However, you can deadhead begonias if you want your plant to grow more stems. This prevents root rot and overwatering. The main aspects of its care that should take precedence are proper . However, keep in mind that caring for polka cats is crucial because they are not easy to develop. Kazumi Nursery NOTE: Vermiculite, which retains an excessive amount of moisture, should not be confused with perlite. Pour enough water through the soil until it drains out the drainage holes in the bottom of your pot. However, begonias are susceptible to powdery mildew, and damp leaves may encourage this disease. Its preferable to plant them in the spring. 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. 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. Remove any leaves and gently set them in a pot with fresh, well-draining soil. The Polka Dot Begonia encounters the same typical problems as the majority of indoor plants. You want to keep your Polka Dot Begonia away from pets and small children as they are toxic. Sold By: Temperature & Humidity. Because of their native environment, high humidity, warm temperatures, and indirect or filtered light are the essential care factors. Pruning can create a fuller-looking plant. In the winter, the plant will become dormant indoors, but thats fine. Yes, begonia plants are toxic if ingested by pets. Hold the begonia plant in the new pot and fill with new, moist, fresh potting mix. The polka dot begonia is also toxic to pets such as dogs, cats, small mammals and birds. $15.99Status:In stock Late autumn is the optimum time to prune and maintain height if your plant grows too tall. The large leaves that this plant exudes help trap dust and toxins, hence, the plant can act as an air purifier. The leaves are burgundy-red in color and variegated. What will happen if a cat eats the polka dot plant? Sold By: Spotted begonia maculata plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and other family pets. Required fields are marked *. The silvery spots on the dark, olive-green angel wing-shaped leaves create striking foliage. Try increasing the frequency of watering a little but keep an eye on the soil moisture to avoid any root rot occurring. When the busy growth season has ended, the plant will finish flowering and will begin to slow down in the winter. The plant has a faint crimson accent throughout. Another simple technique to keep cats away from plants is to use a physical barrier. So, youll have to keep your eye on soil dryness and make sure to water it adequately. It features bronze-green wing-shaped leaves with dramatic rusty-red undersides. Everything You Need to Know, Are Black Cats Smarter Than Other Cats? Even though begonia maculata plants come from tropical rainforests, average room temperatures are ideal. To make your tray, place a layer of pebbles in a shallow tray. I don't like my soil to be too dry or too soggy. For best results, feed every two to four weeks . You dont want to wait for the potting mix to dry out naturally as this risks more leaves turning brown. The best way to ensure that your polka dot flowers is to put the pot in a bright place. Loved for their unique dotted leaves, the Polka Dot Begonia is a great Why does my Begonia Maculata (Polka Dot Begonia) have brown leaves? Toxicity warning: Non-toxic. Pets are unlikely to go near the plant because of the strong smell. . I'm good at listening to music but bad at shopping to muzak. 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. You can avoid most of these harmful plant diseases by only watering begonias when the soil is partly dry. I created this space for other indoor plant lovers who are looking for helpful tips & information. Although begonias are famous for their spectacular foliage, the begonia maculata Wightii is at the top of the list of beautiful indoor plants. Replace the soil if it is waterlogged with fresh houseplant mix and hold off watering as much as you were before. 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. 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. That way, you dont have to worry about spreading potential allergens around or accidentally swallowing any chemicals you used to plant it. It may be receiving too much light and has to be relocated. I write & rewrite articles about creating an environment where indoor plants can thrive. Required fields are marked *. Here are the steps for propagating a polka dot plant using the water method: Select a section of the plant that has at least two healthy leaves at the top and a couple of nodes, which are the bumps that new roots will sprout from. On crimson stems, the plant has stunning silver-green leaves with mid-green edges. Polka dot Begonia requires a high level of humidity - about 45% at least. If you live in warm climates and you grow silver spotted-leaf begonias outdoors, choose a bright but shaded area of your garden. Make sure your Polka Dot plant is away from direct sunlight as this can very easily scorch and burn the leaves. Bleu Lotus Gardens However, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness if ingested. Never water these plants when the soil is wet because too much moisture can cause root rot. Too little lightand you will notice that the leaves lose their vibrancy. Always check for one or more holes in the bottom of your pot. Avoid allowing the leaves to get too damp and always sterilize tools before pruning. Is your Fern looking floppy, crispy, and turning devilishly brownish out of nowhere? Before rewatering, make sure the topsoil is completely dry and that there is plenty of air movement. Feed begonias with a balanced fertilizernitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal quantities. To keep your plants safe from clawed claws, construct floating shelves or hang them from the ceiling. 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. . So, a regular potting soil is a big no-no with Begonia maculata. 2. 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. Rated 4.93 out of 5 based on 40 customer ratings00 Send a lot of TLC with a Little Botanical personalised pot! Yes, the Polka Dot Begonia is poisonous to cats, and it may also be harmful to dogs and other small mammals. Why does my Polka Dot Begonia have brown leaf tips? Begonias can be a bit touchy though, so it is important to know a few things to keep your plant in tip top shape. Astrophytum Asterias Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 39 customer ratings00 Sold By: Sold By: I water 2-3 times per week, depending on how hot it is. Below you will find our complete Polka Dot Begonia care guide with all the info you need to keep your plant thriving. Bird Cage Botanicals It will help you learn more about Begonia. The best place for a potted polka dot begonia indoors is on an east- or west-facing windowsill. Plus, it will grow tall and spindly, with weak stems and no flowers. While spotted begonias are slightly toxic, they are not deadly to humans and animals. Having the right soil for begonia maculata plants is essential because it allows the water to drain well. One of the reasons why the Begonia maculata plant is so popular and its easy to propagate via cuttings. Although it is not considered poisonous, moderate symptoms should be expected. CZ Grain CZ Grain Also known as the polka dot begonia, the spotted begonia, and the angel wing begonia, . You dont want them to expend too much energy on their root system. That makes up the plants unique appearance. Why does my Polka Dot Begonia have yellow leaves? How to repot an angel wing spotted begonia: Many common houseplant diseases can be avoided with your angel wing begonia if you get moisture and humidity levels right. Typically, the spring and summer seasons are when flowers bloom. Please read this article for advice on getting rid of houseplant pests naturally and organically. 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? Always avoid misty conditions. Unlocking The Mystery, Why Is My Black Cat Turning Brown? Begonia Maculata is toxic for cats, dogs, and other pets. Keep your Begonia Maculata in a bright room that's away from direct sunlight. You can also prune it back in winter to help it restore energy. With almost over 1,500 species and 10,000 hybrids, Begonia, in itself, is a mild-poisonous plant. Keep temperatures even with minimal fluctuation to keep houseplants happy. Some begonias, on the other hand, are toxic. Keep your pet away at a safe place until your veterinarian arrives at your location. These Plants should be on your Houseplant Wish List. . Use a liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength while watering once or twice a month during the growing season. Currently, I'm focused on photographing indoor plants & chachkies. Are polka dot begonias toxic? Similar to how it starts with oral irritation, even a small begonia plant can be damaging to your cat's health. Ingestion will also cause excessive drooling, vomiting and possibly make your pet have difficulty swallowing. I've been around the block writing blogs for Men's Magazine, Real Estate, Architectural and other major uprising niches. A general houseplant fertiliser should work just fine but our plants really love this liquid fertiliser from Miracle Gro. Ingestion can cause irritation and vomiting. It offers blooms in lovely shades of red, pink, and mixed hues! 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). Although its stems and leaves can irritate the mouth, the roots contain the majority of the toxin. Instead, you can use a pebble tray, humidifier or place it in naturally humid rooms. Top watering tip for begonias: only water the soil and avoid splashing water on the leaves. Under the right conditions, polka dot begonias produce clusters of light pink or white flowers.