Name: Begonia black mamba
SKU: 11043
Availability: InStock

The Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ is a highly desirable and dramatic cultivar, classified as a Rhizomatous Begonia. It is intensely sought after by collectors for its extraordinarily dark foliage, making it a striking contrast plant in any indoor collection.

Key Characteristics

Foliage: The name ‘Black Mamba’ perfectly describes its appearance. The leaves are typically medium-sized, rounded to slightly spiraled, and exhibit a stunning, near-black coloration. The color is a result of extremely high concentrations of dark pigment, often appearing as a velvety, lustrous deep mahogany or dark chocolate-brown that looks black in low light. The surface can have a slight metallic sheen, especially when wet or when the light catches it just right.
Texture: The leaves have a delicate, slightly puckered or velvety texture, adding to the plant’s sophisticated look.
Habit: As a rhizomatous type, it grows from a thick, creeping rhizome that rests on the soil surface. It forms a compact, mounding clump of dense, dark foliage, excellent for creating a focal point in a bright location.
Flowers: It produces delicate clusters of small, pale pink or white flowers on tall, thin stalks, primarily in the late winter or early spring, though the foliage is the main reason for its popularity.

Optimal Care

To maintain the intense dark color and health of the Begonia ‘Black Mamba’, specific care conditions are required:

Care Aspect	Requirement	Notes
Light	Bright, Indirect Light	Essential for deep color. Adequate bright, filtered light is necessary for the plant to produce the dark pigments that give it its color. Too little light will cause it to turn a duller green-brown.
Watering	The ‘Dry’ Test	Allow the top half of the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the biggest risk, leading to rhizome rot.
Humidity	Moderate (40% – 60%)	Appreciates average to moderate household humidity. Good air circulation is crucial to prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew on the dense leaves.
Soil	Well-Draining, Airy Mix	Use a specialized begonia mix or a blend of potting soil, perlite, and coco coir to ensure sharp drainage.
Temperature	Warm (18°C – 25°C / 65°F – 77°F)	Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.