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.
Mild caution — stomach upset
The roots and leaves of pink pearl 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 pink pearl 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 semperflorens cultivar
- Common name
- Pink Pearl
- 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
