Per Irene Ngoo of Min's Garden @tropicaljungle in Singapore:
"I have kept this Begonia darthvaderiana literally under wraps for mo...Read Morenths for fear that I might jinx it after several failed attempts in the past three years. In fact, I gave up trying to grow it for a period as I found it too challenging to keep it alive, not to mention the disappointments and heartbreaks each time it went to Begonia heaven. But it has always remained a must-have on my wishlist. Six months ago, a private grower who has been successfully propagating it, offered one to me at a special price. One look at it and my resistance gave way - yet again. I have kept it since in a tall glass vase covered with a clear plastic bag, with a layer of moist volcanic stones at the bottom to keep the humidity high. Once every two to three weeks, I lift the plastic wrap to give the plant some fresh air and to clear the condensation inside the vase and bag. I water very sparingly. Although this Begonia prefers a cooler spot, mine gets bright but indirect light. I cover it with newspaper when the afternoon sun creeps upon it. This extraordinary begonia species with all-black leaves with a silver lining around each, was discovered around 2013 by a group of researchers hiking near the Batang Ai dam bordering West Kalimantan, on the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo. It was later published by a group of taxonomists in Taiwan, sparking a frenzied rush to get it among many novice and serious Begonia lovers alike, and leaving a trail of broken hearts and empty wallets. At its peak demand, a small plantlet was going for S$100. I still watch mine very closely, with much trepidation and dread. And fingers crossed."
3/3/2919
Irene Ngoo added these observations after her continued struggle to keep this plant alive. Note: Irene Ngoo is a gardener of great experience and avid begonia grower. Notes to go along with her photos posted on 3/3/2919:
"Still can’t quite fathom why this Begonia B. ‘darthvaderiana’ is such a hit with collectors when it’s one of the most challenging and daunting Begonias to grow. Many, including myself, have tried to keep it alive but failed on repeated attempts. It just melts and gives up the ghost for no apparent reason despite all the special care it’s given. This is my only surviving plant which is growing in a tall flower vase with a clear plastic bag wrapped over it - its life support system. It’s almost 16 inches tall, its stem supported by a plastic stake. Once in a while, I remove the plastic wrap to wipe the water condensation that’s built up and to give it a small drink. Even for brief moments out of its comfort and safety zone earlier when I took off the wrap to photograph it and clean the inside of the vase, the leaves started to droop. This “Darth Vader” does not have the power of the Star Wars character, and its universe is the shrouded space in the vase. It will never flower as there’s no chance of pollination taking place in the enclosed environment. Why do I still care so much for it and worry about it all the time, when I feel sorry for the way it’s trying to survive - with absolutely no quality of life."
It lost its leaves and now has come back
Per Irene Ngoo of Min's Garden @tropicaljungle in Singapore:
"I have kept this Begonia darthvaderiana literally under wraps for mo...Read More