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Darth Vader Begonia in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Begonia darthvaderiana

 

Darth Vader Begonia

Rhizomatous Begonias have a thickened stem called the rhizome which develops on or just below the surface of the soil. Roots, leaf stalks and flowerheads all sprout directly from the rhizome. They make fine foliage plants. They are not hardy and are grown as flowering specimens for the home, conservatory or greenhouse. Some rhizomatous begonias (particularly Begonia Rex) are grown for their interesting foliage, varied in colour and pattern. The majority being shades of green, black, silver and brown. Many also have interesting ruffled edges. Some cultivars of rhizomatous begonias are good for growing in containers and hanging-baskets. 'Darth Vader' Begonia is endemic to Borneo, and is very rare.The leaves are near-black (hence its name) edged with lime green, and it bears bright red flowers. It requires very high humidity and needs to be watered very sparingly (do not let any water touch its leaves).

Contributed by @Scratchycat13

 
plant Features
  • Darth Vader Begonia likes partial shade

    Partial shade

  • Darth Vader Begonia likes occasional watering

    Occasional watering

  • Darth Vader Begonia is not frost hardy

    Not Frost hardy

  • Darth Vader Begonia likes moist and free draining

    Moist and free draining

 
plant information

Common name

Darth Vader Begonia

Latin name

Begonia darthvaderiana

type

Houseplant

family

Begoniaceae

ph

5.5 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Darth Vader Begonia likes partial shade

    Partial shade

  • Frost

    Darth Vader Begonia is not frost hardy

    Not Frost hardy

  • Soil

    Darth Vader Begonia likes moist and free draining

    Moist and free draining

  • Water

    Darth Vader Begonia likes occasional watering

    Occasional watering

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Darth Vader Begonia is 0.40meters x 0.60meters 0.40 M 0.60 M

Begonia darthvaderiana

Rhizomatous Begonias have a thickened stem called the rhizome which develops on or just below the surface of the soil. Roots, leaf stalks and flowerheads all sprout directly from the rhizome. They make fine foliage plants. They are not hardy and are grown as flowering specimens for the home, conservatory or greenhouse. Some rhizomatous begonias (particularly Begonia Rex) are grown for their interesting foliage, varied in colour and pattern. The majority being shades of green, black, silver and brown. Many also have interesting ruffled edges. Some cultivars of rhizomatous begonias are good for growing in containers and hanging-baskets. 'Darth Vader' Begonia is endemic to Borneo, and is very rare.The leaves are near-black (hence its name) edged with lime green, and it bears bright red flowers. It requires very high humidity and needs to be watered very sparingly (do not let any water touch its leaves).


Planting

From Early Spring TO Early Spring

All begonias do best in neutral soils or compost and most prefer to be sited in partial shade. When first planting young plants, it is worth removing any early flower buds as this will allow the plant to reach its full size as quickly as possible. Rhizomatous begonias will grow in all the various types of pots. Many can even be grown as epiphytes using various methods such as on boards with a small amount of mix covered with spagnum moss. Most rhizomatous begonias do best in shallow pots or bowls when using plastic pots. If you encounter difficulties growing this type of begonia using plastic pots, you may do better using clay azalea pots or clay bowls. These pots are more expensive and heavier but nearly all rhizomatous begonias will do well in them. Rhizomatous begonias will also do very well in wooden pots or moss covered baskets.

 

Propagation by division

From Early Spring TO Early Summer

For small rhizomatous types, divide the rhizome and use root pieces

 

Propagating by leaf cuttings

From Early Summer TO Mid Summer

A single leaf can produce several young plants. Remove a healthy leaf, and, use a clean, sharp knife, to cut it into postage-stamp sized pieces, with each piece having a vein down its length. Stand leaf pieces upright in pots of compost ensuring that the cut vein is in contact with the compost. Water, to settle the compost around the cuttings, then place the pot in a clear polythene bag, and put it in a warm, light position, until the cutting has taken root and produced shoots (this is usually several months). When large enough to handle, pot on.

 
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