Begonia 'Black Night'

🌿 Begonia 'Black Night' (Begonia hybrid) is a showstopper rex begonia that originates from selective breeding programs focused on dramatic foliage. This begonia belongs to the Begoniaceae family and showcases some of the darkest leaves you'll find in the plant world. Native begonias hail from tropical and subtropical regions, but this cultivar was developed specifically for indoor growing. It's best suited for intermediate plant parents who enjoy a bit of a challenge. Here's something interesting: the nearly black colouration comes from an extremely high concentration of anthocyanins, the same pigments found in blackberries and red cabbage.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This rex begonia grows in a compact, mounding habit that stays relatively low and bushy rather than climbing or trailing. The leaves are the main attraction—large, asymmetrical, and deeply textured with a pebbled surface that catches light beautifully. The colour ranges from deep burgundy to almost true black with metallic silver or pink undertones depending on the light. Each leaf has a velvety texture that makes you want to touch it, though it's best admired from a distance to avoid damaging the delicate surface.
FLOWER DETAILS
Begonia 'Black Night' produces small, pale pink to white flowers on tall stems that rise above the foliage. The blooms are delicate and clustered, with a simple, four-petaled shape that contrasts nicely against the dark leaves. They have no noticeable fragrance, but their subtle beauty adds a soft touch to the dramatic foliage display. This begonia flowers sporadically throughout the growing season, typically spring through early fall. To encourage more frequent blooming, maintain consistent humidity, provide bright indirect light, and feed regularly during the active growing months. Many growers actually remove the flower stalks to redirect energy back into the stunning foliage.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright, indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves; too little light causes the dark colour to fade to green.
💧 Water: Keep soil lightly moist during spring and summer, watering when the top inch feels dry. Reduce watering in fall and winter, allowing the top two inches to dry out. Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting leaves wet, which can cause spotting and rot.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-70% humidity. Lower humidity causes crispy leaf edges and stunted growth.
🪴 Soil: Light, airy mix with excellent drainage. A blend of peat, perlite, and orchid bark works well.
🏺 Potting: Use shallow, wide pots with drainage holes—terracotta or ceramic work best. Repot every 12-18 months in spring, going up just one pot size.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate grower. Expect noticeable new leaves every few weeks during the growing season. Reaches 12-18 inches tall and wide at maturity within 1-2 years.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. Stop feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Begonias are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing due to insoluble calcium oxalates.
WHERE TO PUT IT
Begonia 'Black Night' thrives in bright bathrooms where humidity stays naturally high, or on a kitchen counter near an east or north-facing window. It also does well in a bedroom or living room with a humidifier nearby. Display it on a plant stand or shelf where its dramatic foliage can be admired from above. Avoid placing it in direct sun—south or west-facing windows without sheer curtains will damage the leaves. Keep it away from heating vents, air conditioners, and drafty areas, as fluctuating temperatures stress the plant. Don't put it in low-light corners or basements, as the foliage will lose its striking dark colour and become leggy.
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