Beautiful plant. It arrived quickly in excellent condition. I'm very happy with it.
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Email Us FAQs Community PageBegonia 'Black Velvet'
Black Velvet Begonia
Rhizomatous Begonia
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Iron Cross Begonia is a captivating, shade-loving tropical perennial (widely grown as a spectacular indoor house plant) prized for its dramatically textured, bright apple-green leaves adorned with a striking, dark chocolate-brown cross-shaped marking radiating outward from the center of each leaf. This exceptionally distinctive rhizomatous begonia is celebrated for its deeply puckered, pebbled foliage, softly hairy leaf surfaces, and compact, mounding growth habit that creates a lush display of exotic texture and rich contrasting color. Under optimal growing conditions, it produces delicate clusters of small, pale pink to white flowers that rise gracefully above its spectacular foliage. It thrives in warm temperatures, elevated ambient humidity, and bright, indirect light, making it an outstanding ornamental selection for indoor tabletops, tropical plant collections, shaded patios, and decorative containers. With its unmistakable iron-cross pattern and wonderfully sculptural foliage, Iron Cross Begonia delivers an extraordinary display of bold tropical character and year-round visual interest.
Growing Iron Cross Begonia
Light: Bright, indirect light; thrives in filtered sunlight, dappled shade, or near a bright window when grown indoors. Protect its delicate, highly textured foliage from harsh, direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and cause unsightly brown patches. Insufficient light may result in weak growth and reduced foliage coloration.
Soil: Rich, airy, well-drained soil; prefers a highly organic, moisture-retentive potting mix amended with perlite and fine orchid bark to maintain adequate aeration while preventing excessive moisture accumulation. Its shallow, rhizomatous root system is particularly susceptible to root rot in dense, compacted, or waterlogged soils.
Water: Moderate; water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, maintaining lightly and consistently moist soil without allowing the roots to remain saturated. Avoid prolonged drought and standing water, both of which can damage its delicate root system. Provide elevated ambient humidity and good air circulation to prevent crispy leaf edges and discourage fungal problems. Avoid repeatedly wetting its textured foliage.
Maintenance: Relatively low maintenance when provided with stable warmth and humidity. Remove damaged, yellowing, or aging leaves at their bases to maintain a tidy, attractive appearance and encourage healthy new growth. Avoid excessive handling of its delicate, hairy foliage, and protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Wildlife: Primarily grown indoors; like other begonias, it contains soluble calcium oxalates and is toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets if ingested. When grown outdoors in suitable climates, begonias are generally considered deer-resistant, although browsing may occasionally occur.
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 10–11 in protected, frost-free conditions; widely cultivated as a spectacular tropical house plant or seasonal shade container plant in cooler regions. Protect from temperatures below 55°F and bring indoors well before the first frost.
Shipping Info
Iron Cross Begonia plants are shipped as healthy young starts in 4" nursery pots. Allow 1–2 weeks after arrival for plants to recover from shipping and resume active growth before repotting or planting outdoors.
Low Temperature
60°F
High Temperature
85°F
Fragrant
Non Fragrant
Polinator Required
No
Polinator Friendly
Low (Typically kept indoors, though its blooms would attract bees if kept outside in a tropical zone)
Flower Color
Black Green Pink
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil
Requires a highly aerated, exceptionally well-draining, and rich terrestrial potting mix; highly susceptible to rhizome and root rot in heavy, waterlogged soils
Moisture
Moderate
Sun Exposure
Bright Indirect Light to Partial Shade
Mature Spread
6 to 12 inches
Mature Height
6 to 12 inches
Bloom Period
Late Winter to Early Spring
Pruning Time
Requires minimal pruning; simply remove dead, dry, or damaged leaves at the base of the stem as needed to maintain a tidy mounding habit and prevent fungal issues
Pet Safe
No
Perennial / Annual
Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous
Evergreen
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