Polka dot begonia
Also called Spotted begonia, Trout begonia.
| Light | bright indirect light |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 6 days in the growing season, every 14 in winter |
| Pets | Cats toxic, dogs toxic |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, toxic and non-toxic plants, Begonia entry.
Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The principle is soluble calcium oxalates, causing vomiting and drooling, and the underground parts are the most dangerous. Keep it where an animal that eats houseplants cannot reach it, and speak to a vet if one does. In South Africa telephone the Poison Information Helpline on 0861 555 777; in the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
A cane begonia with olive leaves scattered in silver spots and a deep red underside, which is the part people forget to look at until the plant is on a shelf above eye level, where it is at its best. It grows on upright canes and will reach shoulder height, so it wants staking and a hard prune each spring to keep it from going bare at the bottom. Two things matter more than anything else: bright light without sun, and water that goes into the compost rather than onto the leaves, because begonias mildew readily. It flowers in clusters of small white or pink flowers on and off through the year, and it roots from a stem cutting in water within a fortnight.
Ailments observed
| White powder on the leaves | Powdery mildew, which begonias are unusually prone to in still damp air. Improve the air movement, water the compost rather than the leaves, and take off the worst affected foliage. |
|---|---|
| Leaves falling off | A cold draught, or compost that swung from dry to soaked. Keep it above fifteen degrees and away from a door, and water on a steadier rhythm. |
Filed underPlants for humid air, Statement plants
Neighbouring entries
African violet
Streptocarpus ionanthusAfrican violet care that keeps it flowering all year, with why you water from below, what makes the pale rings on the leaves, and how to root a single leaf.
Alocasia
Alocasia x amazonicaAlocasia care with the humidity and warmth it insists on, why it drops leaves in winter, and what the tuber is doing when the plant looks dead.
Asparagus fern
Asparagus densiflorusNot a fern at all but an asparagus, in soft green plumes that turn out to have thorns. Easy, fast, and toxic to cats and dogs.