Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Rex Begonia
Begonia rex
The Peace Begonia is a popular ornamental houseplant prized for its vibrant, patterned foliage. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Begonia rexBegonia rex 'peace'Painted-leaf BegoniaPeace Begonia
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Clumping
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
Escalation note
The plant contains soluble calcium oxalates which cause immediate irritation upon contact with the mouth and throat. Please contact your veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, and vomiting.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Please contact your veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Begonia species contain soluble calcium oxalates that are toxic to dogs and cats.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Begonia rex is a rhizomatous perennial known for its decorative, colorful leaves.
Questions about Rex Begonia
Is Rex Begonia toxic to cats?
Yes, Rex Begonia (Begonia rex) is toxic to cats. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that cause immediate oral irritation upon contact with the mouth and throat, leading to drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
What symptoms will my cat show after chewing on a Rex Begonia?
Symptoms begin within minutes of chewing and include drooling, pawing at the mouth, head shaking, retching, and mild swelling of the lips or tongue. Your cat may also show reduced appetite and occasional vomiting. Cats that dig into the pot are at higher risk because the underground tubers carry the highest concentration of oxalates.
What should I do if my cat ate a Rex Begonia?
Remove your cat's access to the plant and rinse their mouth with water if possible. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, especially if your cat ate a large piece or chewed on the tuber. Call your vet if drooling continues more than an hour, you see swelling affecting swallowing or breathing, vomiting persists, or your cat refuses food.
Which part of Rex Begonia is most dangerous to cats?
The underground tubers contain the highest concentration of soluble calcium oxalates, making them the most dangerous part. A cat that has dug into the soil and chewed the tuber is at significantly higher risk than one that took a single bite of a leaf, and can remain uncomfortable for longer than with a minor leaf ingestion.
Is Rex Begonia toxic to dogs?
Yes, Rex Begonia (Begonia rex) is potentially toxic to dogs. It contains soluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, along with excessive drooling and vomiting if ingested.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats Rex Begonia?
Within minutes of chewing, dogs typically show heavy drooling, lip-licking, pawing at the mouth, and head-shaking. Vomiting, retching, loss of appetite, and sometimes diarrhea can follow. Mild cases often resolve over a few hours, but larger ingestions — especially of the tuber — can keep a dog uncomfortable for the better part of a day.
What should I do if my dog ate Rex Begonia?
Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth and offer a small amount of water to rinse the irritants out. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian, especially if a large amount was eaten. Seek immediate veterinary care if you see swelling around the mouth or face, difficulty swallowing or breathing, persistent vomiting, or blood in the vomit.
Which part of Rex Begonia is most dangerous to dogs?
The tuber (the underground storage root) is considered the most potent part — ingestion of the tuber can cause prolonged discomfort compared to a dog chewing on a leaf or stem. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals and should be kept out of reach.
Often compared with
Commonly confused with
Same Begonia genus.
Mapleleaf Begonia
Begonia cleopatra
Begonia cleopatra is a popular ornamental houseplant known for its striking, maple-shaped foliage. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same Begonia genus.
Elephant-Ear Begonia
Begonia scharfii
Begonia scharfii is a popular ornamental plant known for its large, fuzzy, elephant-ear-shaped leaves and delicate clusters of flowers. It contains soluble calcium oxalates which can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same Begonia genus.
Iron Cross Begonia
Begonia masoniana
Begonia masoniana is a popular ornamental houseplant known for its textured, puckered leaves featuring a distinct dark brown cross pattern. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same genus
More from the Begonia genus
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae
The Bird of Paradise is a popular tropical houseplant known for its striking, crane-like orange and blue flowers. While visually stunning, it contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema modestum
Chinese Evergreen is a popular indoor foliage plant known for its patterned leaves and tolerance of low light conditions. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested or chewed.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Caladium
Caladium hortulanum
Caladiums are popular tropical foliage plants known for their vibrant, heart-shaped leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus
The carnation is a popular flowering plant known for its ruffled petals and spicy fragrance. While beautiful in bouquets, it contains compounds that can cause mild irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Lace Orchid
Odontoglossum crispum
The Lace Orchid is a popular, elegant flowering plant known for its ruffled, star-shaped blooms. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats.
Not yet rated for dogs.
Lipstick Plant
Aeschynanthus humilis
The Lipstick Plant is a popular trailing houseplant known for its tubular, bright red flowers that resemble lipstick tubes. It is considered non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Orange Star
Guzmania lingulata
Orange Star is a popular, vibrant bromeliad known for its long-lasting, star-shaped inflorescence. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of plant material can occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis sp.
Phalaenopsis orchids, commonly known as moth orchids, are popular indoor flowering plants prized for their long-lasting, elegant blooms. They are considered non-toxic to pets, though their fibrous nature may cause minor digestive upset if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.