Happy Flower Pot

Begonia

Begonia spp. (Begoniaceae)

Also called Over 1, 000 species and 10, 000 hybrids.

Cats and dogs

Toxic to cats and dogs

Cats: toxic Dogs: toxic

What makes it toxic: Soluble calcium oxalates.

Signs to watch for: Kidney failure (in grazing animals), vomiting, salivation in dogs/cats. Most toxic part is underground.

Source: ASPCA entry "Begonia", checked October 3, 2026.

Light

  1. Low light 3+ mol
  2. Medium light 6+ mol Copes
  3. Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
  4. Direct sun 12+ mol

Clemson says flowering begonias indoors want a bright spot with some direct sun (early morning sun from an east window works well), while foliage types such as rex begonias want bright light without direct sun. NC State notes most begonias prefer partial shade; Clemson's general light table puts wax begonias among very-high-light plants, so needs vary by type.

Direct sun: a little gentle morning sun is fine.

On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 1.1 (how these numbers are set).

Will it grow in my window?

Care

Care level: Moderate. Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, letting it dry only slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogged soil, as begonias are very prone to root rot.

Cane and shrub types flower best with some direct sun; several hours of winter sun helps (Clemson).

Pet-safe plants for similar light

Sources