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.
dog safety reference
Is Elephant-Ear Begonia safe for dogs?
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.
Begonia scharffiiBegonia scharfiiElephant-Ear Begonia
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright, bushy
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs that chew elephant-ear begonia leaves typically get a mild stomach upset; the bigger problem is a dog who digs up the pot, because the toxic soluble calcium oxalates are concentrated in the underground tubers. ASPCA's reported clinical signs in dogs are vomiting and salivation, with serious systemic effects mainly seen in grazing livestock — not pets. Still call your vet for any persistent vomiting.
What to watch for
Drooling. Vomiting (sometimes repeated). Reduced appetite. Mild lip-licking. Severity tends to scale with how much root or tuber material was actually chewed and swallowed.
Time window
Drooling and vomiting generally appear within a few hours of ingestion; most dogs are back to normal within 24 hours. Exact timing is not well documented in the cited source.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting won't stop, your dog refuses water, or you suspect any of the tuber was eaten.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
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.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the plant tissues can lead to significant oral discomfort due to calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed any part of this plant.
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
Same dog verdict
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