Begonia burkillii ‘Dark Form’ captivates plant enthusiasts with its striking appearance and distinctive foliage. Its dramatic coloration and texture make it a sought-after addition to any collection, offering a rewarding challenge for cultivators.
What Makes Begonia burkillii ‘Dark Form’ Unique
The ‘Dark Form’ of Begonia burkillii is celebrated for its deep, almost black, velvety leaves. These dark hues are dramatically contrasted by finely separated silver leaf veins, creating a mesmerizing pattern. The leaves often display a strong iridescence, shimmering with a blue sheen particularly pronounced in dim light.
Beyond the striking leaf coloration, the plant’s petioles, or leaf stalks, exhibit a contrasting striped pattern. Leaves are oblique-lanceolate and acuminate, reaching 10 to 20 centimeters, often with a heart-shaped appearance. This Begonia grows with a creeping rhizome, leading to a low mounding habit that sprawls outwards. While foliage is its primary draw, it also produces delicate, pale pink flowers.
Essential Care for Begonia burkillii ‘Dark Form’
Light Requirements
Begonia burkillii ‘Dark Form’ thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Place it near a west or east-facing window to receive filtered sunlight, avoiding direct exposure. Too much direct sun can scorch leaves or cause yellowing. The plant’s blue iridescence is more prominent in lower light, suggesting a preference for diffused illumination.
Watering Practices
Maintain consistent moisture, avoiding waterlogging. The soil should remain slightly moist, but allow the top inch or two (2-4 cm) of potting mix to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue leading to root rot. Water from the base or use a bottom-watering method to prevent water from sitting on the leaves, reducing fungal problems. Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking sensitive roots.
Humidity Needs
High humidity (60% or more) is ideal for Begonia burkillii ‘Dark Form’. A terrarium or plant cabinet often provides the consistent humidity this plant needs. Increase ambient humidity with a humidifier or by placing the pot on a pebble tray. Direct misting is not recommended, as fine hairs on the foliage can trap water, potentially leading to fungal issues like powdery mildew.
Potting Mix and Drainage
This begonia prefers a loose, airy, well-draining potting mix that also retains some moisture. A substrate rich in organic matter, such as peat moss, perlite, and potting soil, or a specialized aroid mix, is suitable. Given its creeping rhizomatous growth, a shallow but wide planter is more appropriate than a deep, narrow pot, allowing the rhizome to spread. Excellent drainage is essential to prevent water accumulation and root rot.
Temperature Considerations
Begonia burkillii ‘Dark Form’ thrives within a temperature range of 16 to 27 degrees Celsius (60-80 degrees Fahrenheit). While it can tolerate temperatures between 12 to 35 degrees Celsius (55-95 degrees Fahrenheit), it generally prefers cooler nights, around 12 degrees Celsius, which can promote more vigorous growth. Protect the plant from temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) and cold drafts, which cause stress.
Fertilization
During its active growing season (typically spring and summer), Begonia burkillii ‘Dark Form’ benefits from regular, but conservative, fertilization. Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength every two to four weeks. Reduce or stop fertilization entirely during winter as growth slows. Stunted growth indicates insufficient nutrients, emphasizing the importance of a consistent feeding schedule.
Propagating Begonia burkillii ‘Dark Form’
Propagating Begonia burkillii ‘Dark Form’ is straightforward, allowing enthusiasts to expand their collection. Two common methods are effective: leaf cuttings and stem cuttings. For leaf cuttings, select a healthy leaf and cut it into sections, ensuring each piece contains a major vein. These sections are gently pressed into a moist, well-draining potting mix, with new plantlets emerging from the veins.
Alternatively, for stem cuttings, select a healthy stem with at least a few nodes. Make a clean cut just below a node, removing any lower leaves. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone (optional) before planting into moist potting mix, ensuring the node is buried. Dividing the creeping rhizome and planting sections into a moist medium is another method. Regardless of the method, maintain a warm, bright location with indirect light and consistent moisture for successful rooting.
Addressing Common Challenges
Begonia burkillii ‘Dark Form’ may encounter common issues that can be addressed with timely intervention. Yellowing leaves often signal watering imbalances (either over or under) or too much direct light. Brown or crispy leaf edges typically point to low humidity, excessive heat, or rapid temperature fluctuations, suggesting a need to adjust environmental conditions. Leaf drop can be a symptom of stressors, including insufficient light, improper watering, overly high humidity, or poor air circulation.
Fungal infections, such as leaf spots or blight, appear as dark or water-soaked areas on the foliage, especially in overly damp conditions with poor air circulation. Proper watering practices that avoid wetting the leaves can help prevent these issues. Pest infestations, including aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, can affect the plant, leading to symptoms like curled leaves, sticky residue, or visible insects. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray can effectively manage these pests.