Note that rex begonias are toxic to dogs, cats and . 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. This article was last updated by Shudeshna Pandey on January 18, 2023. Other causes of curling leaves include underwatering (theyll also look and feel quite crispy), overfertilization and too much direct sunshine. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its a houseplant that, thankfully, isnt too difficult to care for and is likely to draw attention to your home. As Polka Dot Plant is not a poisonous plant, it does not have any life-threatening effects. Yes, the Polka Dot Begonia is poisonous to cats, and it may also be harmful to dogs and other small mammals. 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. Sold By: After handling a polka dot plant, though, you dont have to worry about washing your hands or clothes or taking a thorough shower. Are Dahlias Really Deer Resistant? link to Philodendron Moonlight vs. Golden Goddess. 15. You may feed your plant with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer. 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. That makes up the plants unique appearance. Humidity: High humidity is key to a polka dot begonia that thrives. If it receives very little light, it will become leggy. Sold By: The simple answer to this question is a NO. However, dont increase it too much. 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. The Polka Dot Begonia prefers a well-aerated soil or growing medium that drains well and retains moisture without becoming too wet. Such humidity level is difficult to get because our rooms are not that humid in normal days. This article will give you all the information, you need to know about the relationship between cat and polka dot plant. High humidity and mild temperatures are required for this tropical plant. Pets are unlikely to go near the plant because of the strong smell. Repotting is best done in the spring. Even if they do not show signs of poisoning, they may become unwell if they eat any portion of the polka dot plant. Consider a heavy pot made of terracotta or stone because they can become top-heavy. I created this space for other indoor plant lovers who are looking for helpful tips & information. Household heating dries out the air and the dry conditions can kill your houseplants. To make a springy, fluffy mix, you can start with a light commercial . If the top layers of potting mix seem dry upon touching, it's a sign to water your Begonia polka dot. 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 Begonia Maculata is not toxic in and of itself, but it may cause some irritation and vomiting. If your Polka Dot plant is not growing healthy and is in the phase of dying, check out this link Polka Dot Plant Dying: Reasons and Solutions. Similarly it begins with irritation in mouth even a small part of begonia can be harmful to your cat's health. The Polka Dot Begonia prefers a well-aerated soil or growing medium that drains well and retains moisture without becoming too wet. However, the dryness of the soil determines when to water a begonia. Sold By: Poke your finger in the soil. Fertilizing. The same care advice is applicable if you transfer your indoor potted begonias outside in summer. I'm an SEO expert and a Content Manager prodigy. 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]. Measures to Protect Yourself While Handling Polka Dot Plant, Polka Dot Plant Dying: Reasons and Solutions, Why is my Fern Turning Brown? This over-the-top Begonia is no doubt an excellent choice if youre searching for something different that will surely draw attention. Use discount code TABLE25. Let's learn all about Polka Dot Begonia care! Often the leaves will turn quite dark brown in colour, become quite soft and droopy and can even fall off your plant. 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. You can avoid most of these harmful plant diseases by only watering begonias when the soil is partly dry. . To prevent more yellow leaves developing in future, its important to allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings. Bedrooms, toilets, kitchens, and cubicles, to name a few There isnt a room in the house that a houseplant cant liven up. Everything You Need to Know, Are Black Cats Smarter Than Other Cats? The chances are it is, Are you in awe with the White Bird of Paradises striking white and blue flowers so much that. Here are some common issues that you might run into. There is no safe level for polka dot begonia, and it is poisonous to cats, dogs, and humans. Begonias can be a bit touchy though, so it is important to know a few things to keep your plant in tip top shape. Its also been observed that cats who eat a lot of food every day dont eat other things, such as plants. Now, botanists who began to classify this plant in about 1850 from the species found in Brazil, have reported . The Polka Dot Begonia ain't no picky eater. Indoor or Outdoor plant: Mostly an indoor houseplant. Another simple technique to keep cats away from plants is to use a physical barrier. You can also delight your friends by gifting one of these unusual tropical plants. The best part is that if your catis well-fed, he will not consume any plants. Is The ZZ Plant Poisonous for Cats, Dogs, or Other Pets? They are super affordable and available on Amazon here. Sold By: 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 decomposition of the chips is unimportant because Maculatas are frequently repotted and refreshed. Your email address will not be published. If the entire leaf is turning brown, rather than the tips or edges, then this suggests you are overwatering your Polka Dot Begonia. We will also teach you how to propagate them. a Complete Guide, How to Propagate Spider Plants? Although it is not considered poisonous, moderate symptoms should be expected. Spotted begonia maculata plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and other family pets. The larger varieties of polka dot begonia can reach up to 5 feet tall with the right care. This can assist if the air in your home or office is dry. The leaves of your maculata will tell you if it isnt receiving enough light: first, they lose some color, then turn yellow, and finally start to shed. Some of the symptoms are: Even if the plant is non-toxic, the first advisable thing to do would be to call your nearby local veterinarian and ask for help without panicking. I don't like my soil to be too dry or too soggy. The plant may need staking as it grows. 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. While spotted begonias are slightly toxic, they are not deadly to humans and animals. However, we tend to avoid misting as too much moisture directly on their leaves can be damaging. Here are some of our recent journal entries that we think you might like. Check the moisture in the soil and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Begonia leaves are toxic to pets and small children, so keep these plants out of reach for them. 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. However, keep in mind that caring for polka cats is crucial because they are not easy to develop. Your email address will not be published. Remember to keep the houseplant out of drafts as they can chill your indoor plant too much. Want to have another houseplant with a magical appearance? The majority of the Begonias are terrestrial, whereas small portions of them are epiphytes. | Will Deer Eat Dahlias? Before we give you the essential tips, take a look first at the plants overview. Growing new plants from cuttings lets you increase the number of potted houseplants. At this time, the growing season has finished, and your plant will rest over the winter. This gorgeous green beauty is a firm favourite amongst plant people because it's the perfect height for a coffee table or sideboard. Having a begonia maculata in your room will instantly grab everyones attention. The polka dot plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachys) is an eye-catching little plant with brightly variegated leaves that stand out against most other foliage. Sold By: Why does my Polka Dot Begonia have brown leaf tips? 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. Fertilize monthly during active growing season. Status: Popular. Even while it is unlikely to cause significant illness, if your cat enjoys eating plants, this is not a good idea. Place them under LED light and they'll still happily grow to become a beautiful adult. There are thousands of different begonia species and cultivars because of the way they can hybridize with each other. Allow no more than half of the soil to dry out between waterings. However, sometimes houseplant pests and diseases can afflict your polka dot begonia. Provided you care for the Polka Dot Begonia properly, it can grow up to a metre tall. Rose Green Leaf. The Begonia macula wightii is a large plant that can reach 5 feet tall, with large, asymmetrical leaves covered in distinct "polka dots" of silvery white. Begonia Birch Trees Black Walnut Bleeding Heart Boston Ivy Bougainvillea Burro Tail Cactus Caladium . Bloomscape says that Begonia maculata (polka dot begonia) is one variety that does not like misting because it can develop powdery mildew. Common Name: Polka dot begonia, Spotted begonia Scientific Name: Begonia maculata Type: Perennial shrub Origin: Southeast Brazil Habitat: Tropical rainforests Size: 18-24 in. If this 6 section of stem has any leaves, be sure to remove all of the lower leaves and place in either water. Humans, dogs, cats, horses, and even wild creatures are all safe. The best place for a potted polka dot begonia indoors is on an east- or west-facing windowsill. The most toxic parts of the plant are under the soil. Begonia maculata is a type of cane begonia that has thick stems that support spotted angel wing-shaped leaves. 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. Not all Polka Dot Begonias are Wightii Begonias, but all Wightii Begonias are Polka Dot Begonias. Most plants belonging to the family Begoniaceae are toxic to humans and pets, which might cause different health problems, including kidney failure. Polka dot begonia cats. If ingested the Begonia maculata create the issues in stomach or the pet may vomit to overcome this. 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. How do you keep begonias blooming? 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. Annual soil refreshment is beneficial to them even if you are not potting up. Begonia maculata, otherwise known as the spotted begonia or polka dot begonia, is a perennial flowering plant found in many gardens. Endless Blooms! Becoming a plant enthusiast and an environmentalist myself gives me the edge of writing about them. Replace the soil if it is waterlogged with fresh houseplant mix and hold off watering as much as you were before. Always check for one or more holes in the bottom of your pot. 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. Nonstop Rose Begonia. Under the right conditions, polka dot begonias produce clusters of light pink or white flowers. Is your Fern looking floppy, crispy, and turning devilishly brownish out of nowhere? As Polka Dot Plant is non-toxic, look out for symptoms of an allergy. It is a colorful member of the Begonia genus and the Begoniaceae family. Mature Height: 12 - 18 inches. Too little lightand you will notice that the leaves lose their vibrancy. Share: Facebook; Pinterest Email; Friday, May 7, 2021 Houseplants, Trending Tropicals. Its also important to know that some yellowing on Polka Dot Begonia plants is totally normal. You can also prune it back in winter to help it restore energy. Little and often is what I'm after. That way, you dont have to worry about spreading potential allergens around or accidentally swallowing any chemicals you used to plant it. So, youll have to keep your eye on soil dryness and make sure to water it adequately. Pruning begonia maculata Wightii plants is an essential part of their care if you want a spectacular bushy potted houseplant. 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. Although the plant isnt dangerous to cats, its not worth the risk of your cat being ill as a result of eating it. Add to cart The health of the spotted green leaves is an excellent way to know if your begonia Wightii is getting enough light. All parts of a Polka Dot Begonia plant are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Mealybugs look like tiny white fluff that congregates where leaf stems join main stems. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pro tip:This Begonia can tolerate low lights but not too dark. Kazumi Nursery The best way to try and save a polka dot begonia that is looking poorly is to repot it. Keep your plants where your pets cannot reach. Lightly spray the air over and around the begonia plant. Order above 100 (215 in basket) will be qualified for table for 25. The plant will tolerate low light if necessary, but it wont thrive in extremely dark spaces. Taking cuttings from the top of an existing polka dot plant and planting them in fresh soil during the spring and summer is one of the simplest ways to create a new polka dot plant. Is Polka Dot Begonia Toxic to Humans and Pets? Bringing plants into your house is not only aesthetically pleasing but can also provide significant health advantages. 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.