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Begonia burkillii Dark Form
Begonia burkillii Dark Form
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Begonia burkillii Dark Form is a striking rhizomatous begonia cultivar/variant of the species Begonia burkillii, valued mainly for its deeply colored, almost black foliage with a pronounced iridescent sheen — often showing blue or silver highlights in dim or indirect light.
Features:
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Native habitat: Endemic to the eastern Himalayas (Arunachal Pradesh, India), where it grows on rocks in humid, shaded environments.
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Foliage characteristics: The Dark Form features very dark, almost black leaves with a strong iridescent sheen, most pronounced under low-light conditions.
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Growth habit and leaf shape: Leaves are oblique-lanceolate to slightly heart-shaped, typically 10–20 cm long, borne on creeping rhizomes that form a low, spreading plant.
Care Tips:
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Light: Provide bright, indirect light or soft filtered light. Low to moderate light helps enhance the iridescent sheen; avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves and fade color.
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Watering: Keep the substrate evenly moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top layer to slightly dry between waterings to prevent rhizome rot.
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Humidity: Prefers high humidity (60–80%). Ideal for terrariums, plant cabinets, or rooms with a humidifier. Avoid misting directly on leaves to reduce fungal risk.
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Temperature: Grows best between 16–27 °C (60–80 °F). Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 12 °C (54 °F).
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Soil / Medium: Use a loose, well-draining, organic-rich mix (e.g. peat or coco coir with perlite and fine bark). Good airflow around the rhizome is essential.
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Potting: Shallow pots or trays are recommended to accommodate the creeping rhizome growth.
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Fertilizer: Feed lightly during active growth with a diluted balanced fertilizer (¼–½ strength) every 3–4 weeks.
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Air circulation: Gentle airflow helps prevent fungal issues, especially in high-humidity environments.
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