Is Angel Wing Begonia Poisonous To Pets?

Last Updated on October 25, 2022 by Griselda M.

Is angel wing begonia poisonous? Angel wing begonias are popular succulents, which are easily spotted for their “angel wing” shaped environment. It has dark green leaves, which are often adorned with metallic or frosty specks of silver. The sides of the leaves are bordered with purple or red, which somehow changes depending on the amount of exposure to the sun.

Begonias are best grown outdoors where they receive indirect heat. Generally, you can place them in a wide pot and allow them to grow so they form like a ball or a crown of angel wings. During summer or spring, they can bear beautiful flowers and their leaves become even more vibrant. If you let them grow naturally without pruning, they can develop as tall as 5 feet.

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The Toxicity Of Begonia Plants

Since begonias are a family of succulents, many people wonder whether they are poisonous. Succulents like aloe vera and snake plants are considered poisonous of the allergens they contain. When eaten, their leaves can cause a severe allergic reaction that kills pets and cause stomach upset among kids.

On the other hand, begonias are not entirely poisonous since their flowers are edible. They can have a very sweet-tart taste. According to studies, begonias are not poisonous to humans. However, you should be careful with letting your pets eat begonias. The tubers of begonias are highly poisonous to household pets, such as dogs and cats.

Begonias with over 1,000 species and 10, 000 hybrids. It contains insoluble oxalates that can kill dogs and cats. If you have playful pets, we suggest not placing begonias in attractive places as they may endanger your pets. Putting begonias in hanging pots is also advisable in homes with cats and dogs around.

How To Care For Your Begonias

Learning how to care for your angel wing begonias is very easy. But unlike other types of succulents which can grow in neglect, you might want to reconsider begonias. Even if they can grow rapidly, they require unique care to thrive longer.

Provide bright indirect light. If you’re growing your begonia outside, then you won’t have any issue with it. But if you decide to place it indoors, we recommend using grow lights for your begonia. Unless you have sunlit areas all around your home, better place your plant on the windowsill or south-facing windows.
Keep the soil moist but be careful not to put too much water. You don’t have to water them during the winter since this is their dormant season.
During summer or spring, fertilize your angel wing begonia with a liquid fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. Keep it in temperature above 55°F during the winter to prevent your plant from dying.

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Various Types Of Begonias That You Would Want To Try

Wax begonias

The most widely recognized are Begonia semperflorens assortments, likewise called wax, yearly, or bedding begonias. These shade-adoring plants bring hills of variety when planted under trees or wrapped up growers, hanging bushels, or window boxes. Wax begonias are ordinarily developed as annuals while growing up to 6 to 12 inches tall.

Tuberous Begonias

Another famous kind, tuberous begonias have awesome bright blossoms and are especially striking when placed in hanging pots. They likewise have a bigger development propensity than wax begonias, growing 12 to 18 inches tall as houseplants and up to 3 feet or more in open-air compartments.

Cane Begonias

With an upstanding development propensity and divided stems, stick types have excellent foliage and blossoms. Angel wing begonias, named for their wing-molded leaves, additionally have a place in this gathering. They are famous and appropriate as houseplants, however, can likewise be developed outside. Their size fluctuates with developing circumstances, from 6-to 12-inch houseplants to shaggy plants up to 5 feet.

Rhizomatous Begonias

The biggest class, rhizomatous begonias are recognized by their thick stems, or rhizomes, that develop evenly close to the dirt surface. They have the most fascinating leave and are often grown as indoor plants. You can have a combination of the different varieties of begonias in your home. Creating a beautiful landscape of begonias can look attractive on your front lawn or backyard garden.

Rex Begonias

A subgroup of rhizomatous, Rex begonias (Begonia rex), are broadly sold by flower specialists throughout the year. They have a very unique blossom that makes them a beautiful houseplant.

The best thing about rex begonias is that they’re available in almost all local nurseries. You can also buy them online and have them delivered to your doorstep.

FAQs

Are angel wing begonias toxic to pets?

Not all parts of angel wing begonias are toxic. You should only be careful with the tubers because this is where the toxins are located. If your pet happens to play around your plant and incidentally eats it, you must observe your pet whether or not it shows signs of poisoning. Some signs can include lose tools, upset stomach, and lack of appetite. If this happens, take your pet to the doctor immediately.

Are begonias poisonous to humans?

Begonias are not poisonous to humans at all. The flowers are edible but be careful of eating begonia flowers if you bought your plants from nursery, online stores, or from malls. They could have received pesticides, which make them harmful to your health.

Are begonias safe to eat?

We cannot say for sure if they are safe to eat. Unless you have grown your begonia’s organically, you may eat the flowers. The flowers oddly sweet taste that will surprise you.

Are begonias safe around children?

There are no history or record of begonias being poisonous to kids. They’re one of the safest succulents you can have around even when you have kids in the home. You can confidently plant your begonias in your home, place them in a wide pot, or terrarium. On the safe side, we recommend keeping them in high places that are out of reach of kids. Although they are not poisonous, they can still cause stomach upset among kids if they are eaten accidentally.