Begonia 'Black velvet'

Begonia ‘Black velvet’ has been specially developed for its black leaves. They are attached to their stems in the middle, from where apple green veins radiate in a star-like pattern. The plant can reach a height of 50cm but is easy to keep smaller if necessary. The flowers – white and pale pink with red blotches - are equally dramatic. The stamens and pistils are exceptionally curly and bright yellow in colour.

Begonia ‘Black velvet’ does not take up much time. It is best cultivated in half shade. Room temperature is sufficient but a slightly higher temperature of 22⁰C is best. The temperature must never be lower than 10⁰C or higher than 30⁰C. A high level of humidity of around 70% is needed to prevent the plant from drying out. If necessary, the pot can be placed in a dish with a small amount of water. Sphagnum moss around the base of the plant will also help keep the growing medium moist. If the plant is grown in a terrarium, it is advisable to create good air circulation in order to minimise the threat of infection and disease. A mixture of peat and perlite forms an ideal growing medium. For details of this and other essentials, consult the section entitled Plant accessories’. If the plant becomes too big, simply prune it. It can be fertilised once or twice a month.