§ Toxic plants · Begoniaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is wax begonia toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Severe, level 3 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include kidney failure, vomiting and drooling. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Begoniaceae plants toxic to pets
Wax begonia belongs to the Begoniaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about wax begonia and pets
Is wax begonia toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists wax begonia as toxic to cats.
Is wax begonia toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists wax begonia as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats wax begonia?
Signs include kidney failure, vomiting and drooling. Plant Smart rates it Severe, level 3 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is wax begonia called?
Wax begonia is also sold or known as bedding begonia.