Pink Pearl
Begonia semperflorens cultivar · Begoniaceae
How it looks
Pink pearl begonia is a begonia with rounded, glossy leaves and pink-to-red flowers that bloom year-round. The leaves are deep green or purplish, and the flowers appear in small clusters. Grows 8–16 in tall; common in flower beds and pots.
Caution — drooling and tremors; kidney failure is rare
The roots and leaves of pink pearl begonia contain irritating compounds that can cause drooling and tremors if chewed. In rare cases this can progress to kidney failure, so as a caution-level plant it calls for monitoring.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Symptoms
- Kidney failure (rare), Tremors, Drooling
- Onset (typical course)
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
Guide for parents
The calcium oxalates in pink pearl begonia irritate the mouth and mucous membranes, so chewing it can bring on drooling and tremors. Kidney failure is rare, but it has been reported, so don't just shrug off a nibble — keep an eye on your cat.
Make it a habit to clear fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach.
If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
Details
- Scientific name
- Begonia semperflorens cultivar
- Common name
- Pink Pearl
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Toxic parts
- Roots, Leaves
- Compounds
- Calcium oxalates, Oxalates
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Begoniaceae
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