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Begonia Darthvaderiana is available for pre-order – please confirm stock before ordering!
Begonia darthvaderiana (CW Lin & C.-I Peng) is one of the most sought-after species among begonia collectors. Discovered in 2013 in Sarawak, Borneo, this shrubby, perennial plant captivates with its deep, almost black foliage and its cinematic name—a nod to the iconic Star Wars villain, Darth Vader.
It features:
Erect stems up to 70 cm tall.
Oblong-oval, asymmetrical leaves that are dark violet to nearly black, edged in a yellowish-silver border, reaching 22 cm long and 13 cm wide.
Inflorescences in terminal panicles up to 20 cm, with coral-red male and reddish-pink female flowers.
Monoecious flowering habit, with male and female flowers appearing at different times.
Native to lowland rainforests of Borneo at around 140 m elevation, in shaded, humid environments near waterfalls.
Temperature: Ideal range is 20–27°C (68–80°F). Growth halts below 17°C.
Humidity: Requires 90–100% relative humidity. Terrariums, greenhouses, or sealed glass containers are essential.
Light: Prefers low light (500–1000 lux). Direct sunlight or high light levels can cause yellowing or fading. Use a cool white (6000K) grow light if needed.
Substrate: Well-draining and rich in slightly acidic organic matter. Best mix includes:
Peat or sphagnum moss
Pumice, perlite, or Japanese akadama clay
Avoid growing long-term in 100% sphagnum as it can cause nutrient deficiencies.
Keep substrate evenly moist, not soggy.
Use distilled or soft water with pH 6.5–7 at room temperature.
Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent rot.
Place a water reservoir below the root level without root contact to increase ambient humidity.
Fertilize sparingly. Prefer nutrient-rich substrate over liquid fertilizers.
If fertilizing, use diluted solutions and monitor plant response closely.
"Melting" leaves (sudden necrosis) are often triggered by abrupt environmental changes or poor substrate. Remove damaged tissue immediately and apply a diluted fungicide.
Susceptible to powdery mildew, fungal rot, and bacterial infections—maintain cleanliness.
Snails and slugs can destroy the plant overnight. Quarantine all new plants/substrates and keep the setup sterile.
Ideal for advanced growers with controlled environments like terrariums.
Use a hygrometer and thermostat to closely monitor growing conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature or humidity changes to prevent stress-related decline.
