If in the right environment and given the right care, Polka Dot Begonia plants can grow up to 2m indoors. 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. Under the right conditions, the spotted dark green leaves will contrast with clusters of delicate white flowers when the plant blooms. Polka dot plants have little lilac or pink-coloured flowers on spikes that bloom intermittently, usually in the summer. Many cats eat grasses or plants, but some do so just to fill their stomachs because they cannot find food to survive, such as stray cats in underdeveloped countries. We offer faster transactions online and ensure your plants safety! 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. Use a humidifier or put the plant on a pebble tray with water if your house is particularly dry, especially in the winter. Begonia Maculata, also known as the polka-dot begonia or spotted begonia, is a lovely and highly sought-after house plant. The decomposition of the chips is unimportant because Maculatas are frequently repotted and refreshed. Table of Contents. 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]. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A Begonia maculata requires a minimum of 45% humidity, but more is preferable. Required fields are marked *. In addition to the care for a Begonia, youll need to cultivate it in high humidity to grow it successfully. We love these ones from Amazon. Find out more about my story, Your email address will not be published. Water thoroughly and only fertilize after four weeks. I'm good at listening to music but bad at shopping to muzak. A Complete Guide to Split-leaf Philodendron Care. Some begonias, on the other hand, are toxic. Note that rex begonias are toxic to dogs, cats and . Did you also know that its known as anAngel Wing Begonia because of the shape of its leaves? The same care advice is applicable if you transfer your indoor potted begonias outside in summer. Ideal conditions fall between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Stop feeding your polka dot Begonia during winter. If youre replanting in the same size pot, gently remove dirt from the rootballs edges to make room for new soil. These evergreen perennial plants are native to the tropical rainforests in Brazil. Well tell you more below. A Complete Guide. Why is my Polka Dot Begonia losing leaves? It features bronze-green wing-shaped leaves with dramatic rusty-red undersides. This sap may cause a variety of adverse responses, including reddening of the skin, irritation of the mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. So, a regular potting soil is a big no-no with Begonia maculata. Mature Height: 12 - 18 inches. What Part of Polka Dot Plant are Poisonous? Check out our polka dot begonias selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. How To Keep Cats Away From Polka Dot Plant? Too little lightand you will notice that the leaves lose their vibrancy. Polka dot begonia is a stunning and popular houseplant that adds style and drama to indoor spaces. Anything in the 55-86F 12-30C range should be fine for your Polka Dot Plant. Begonia Maucluta vs Angel Wing Begonia Image Sources pinterest, pinterest. 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. 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. Check the moisture in the soil and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. 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? It may result in severe or mild problems depending on the amount of the plant your pets have eaten. Root rot, anthracnose, Cercospora, leaf-spot disease, botrytis (grey mold), rust, powdery mildew, and southern blight are linked with Begonia. It's important to diagnose any issues early to give your plant the best chance of bouncing back. In the fall and winter, dont fertilize. Succulent Oasis https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/polka-dot-plant, https://www.thespruce.com/grow-hypoestes-phyllostachya-indoors-1902650, https://thecontentedplant.com/non-toxic-plants-for-cats-dogs-and-kids/, Do Black Cats Shed? In comparison to Rex and some of the other non-Cane begonias, it grows fairly easily. 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. Prepare for a siege in either case. Keep in mind that the more stem cuttings you have, the more likely you are to succeed with the propagation. Plus, it will grow tall and spindly, with weak stems and no flowers. Then place the pot on the pebbles. Gar-Zen Botanical Design Polka dot begonias require a temperature range of 65F to 85F. Sold By: 3 Easy Ways. How to care for begonia maculata: Polka dot begonia (Wightii) needs well-draining soil, and the pot should be in bright, indirect light. It can also cause burning and irritation in the mouth. Search for a comfortable place and enjoy reading!! A cat will feel sick in the mouth and vomit if they eat any of a Polka Dot Begonia. 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. Temperature & Humidity. How do you keep begonias blooming? Here are some of our recent journal entries that we think you might like. Provide bright light for your Begonia maculata away from direct sunlight, as direct rays can fade the silvery spots or even burn the foliage. Gar-Zen Botanical Design This eye-catching houseplant is relatively easy to care for indoors. Cane Begonias aren't heavy feeders, but these guys will still definitely appreciate a regular dash of fertilizer. 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. Because Begonia maculata like to be slightly root-bound, it requires smaller pots than most other houseplants. The dark green veins are guaranteed to seduce you into growing it! The large leaves that this plant exudes help trap dust and toxins, hence, the plant can act as an air purifier. The leaves wont dry out as much if the humidity is above 45%. Although its stems and leaves can irritate the mouth, the roots contain the majority of the toxin. The heavy pot gives the plant stability and prevents tall begonias from falling over. 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. Set temps to 65-85F and 45% humidity. 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 Begonias have similar-looking polka dot patterns on their leaves, but they are extremely poisonous to cats. Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! Heres how you will do it: The Begonia maculata thrives in USDA zones 10 and 11 as an outdoor plant. Pruning begonia maculata Wightii plants is an essential part of their care if you want a spectacular bushy potted houseplant. . That way, you dont have to worry about spreading potential allergens around or accidentally swallowing any chemicals you used to plant it. If the soil is partly moist and youve been watering correctly, other reasons could be inadequate or excessive lighting, nutrient deficiency, or pest infestation. 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. Sold By: Kazumi Nursery Dog Ate Begonia Leaf. But it tends to reach around 30 to 40cm (above the growing pot) as an indoor houseplant. They can also be cultivated as houseplants in containers. Unlike the Rubber plant, not any part of the Polka Dot Plant is poisonous. 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. The silver polka dots on the leaves could be mistaken for splashes of paint. Remove the infected material and treat it with a fungicidehowever, treatments arent always effective, so prevention is the best option. If you dont have a room humidifier, create a humidifying water tray. Be sure to keep this plant out of your furry friends' reach. Check for signs of root disease or damage and snip these off with sterile scissors. Legginess: When the stems grow more than the rest of your polka dot begonia, its become leggy. Full Guide, How Often to Water Aloe Plants? Hypoestes phyllostachya, or polka dot, is not a dangerous plant for cats, and while it is harmless if your cat eats a tiny amount of the leaves by accident, it is harmful if your cat eats a significant number of the leaves, causing diarrhoea and vomiting in the stomach. One of the delights of caring for a spotted begonia Wightii is that they are easy to propagate. Read Privacy Policy. As the water evaporates naturally, it will provide moisture for the leaves. Ideally, this would mean the Begonia gets fertilized every 2 weeks. Begonias with polka dots are poisonous to pets in general, including dogs and cats. 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 . A Complete Guide, How Often to Water Fiddle Leaf Fig? Polka Dot Begonia dont like the air to be really dry. Keep your pet away at a safe place until your veterinarian arrives at your location. BubbleBlooms The polka dot begonia is poisonous to cats and may pose a threat to other small mammals such as cats and dogs.