Rex Begonia
Begonia rex · Begoniaceae
How it looks
Rex begonia is a begonia with large, oblique leaves dramatically marked in silver, pink, purple, and red. Its foliage is the showiest among begonias, making it highly prized as an ornamental. The flowers are small, so the leaves are the main attraction; grows 8–16 in tall.
Mild caution — stomach upset
The roots and leaves of rex begonia contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
A nibble or two of rex begonia rarely leads to serious trouble, but its calcium oxalates and oxalates irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. 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.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Within minutes to 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, vomiting
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Begonia rex
- Common name
- Rex Begonia
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Toxic parts
- Roots, Leaves
- Compounds
- Calcium oxalates, Oxalates
- Onset
- Within minutes to 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, vomiting
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Begoniaceae
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