Beleaf Inca Night Begonia

Beleaf Inca Night Begonia (Begonia 'Beleaf Inca Night') is a bushy foliage plant, about 45cm high and wide, with large heart shaped leaves of iridescent purplish red. Each leaf is edged in a thick border of deep green so dark it is almost black. It is the dramatic one of the Beleaf group, and it grows indoors or in a frost free garden.

Why you'll love it

• Deep, dramatic colour. Mature leaves are purplish red with thick, almost black green borders, a rich contrast that other foliage plants struggle to match.
• It deepens with age. The colour develops as the plant grows, so allow a few months for the full effect.
• Compact and healthy. Beleaf begonias are bred to be bushy and low maintenance, and they grow faster than traditional rex begonias.
• Flexible placement. Use it as a houseplant, a summer container or basket, or underplanting in a shaded tropical garden.
• Textured, iridescent leaves. The surface of each leaf is textured, with an iridescent sheen that shifts in the light.

Where it works best

Indoors. A warm, humid room with bright filtered light shows it at its best. Begonias are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Containers and baskets. In summer a pot or hanging basket on a sheltered patio makes a bold feature. Bring it inside before cold nights.

Shaded tropical gardens. Plant 40cm apart as underplanting in shade or semi shade in frost free gardens, where the dark leaves add depth to a green scene.

Growing Beleaf Inca Night Begonia in Australia

Position and climate. Shade or semi shade with filtered light or indirect sun. It enjoys humidity, and a light mist helps in dry air. Outdoors it suits tropical and subtropical gardens, and it needs protection from frost in every climate.

Soil. A free draining, organic rich potting mix for containers, or humus rich, well drained soil in a shaded bed.

Water and feed. Water lightly but regularly for the first 12 weeks until established, and avoid soggy soil. Feed with a liquid fertiliser at half strength every 8 weeks, since too much food does more harm than good.

Pruning. It needs very little pruning beyond removing worn leaves. If the foliage dies back in cool months, treat it as dormancy: no feeding, less water, and repot in spring only if rootbound.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Beleaf Inca Night Begonia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The leaf colour is still developing on a young plant, and the richer tones come as it grows. Pot it into a free draining mix or set it into shaded ground soon after delivery, and keep it clear of frost and cold draughts.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none ready, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• House and indoor plants
• Variegated and patterned plants
• Plants for balconies
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

Will the colour be this dark when it arrives?

Not at first. The colour develops as the plant grows, so a young plant shows less of the deep red and dark border than a mature one.

How much light does it need?

Filtered light or indirect sun in a shaded or semi shaded spot. Strong direct sun can scorch the leaves.

Is it toxic to pets?

Yes. Begonias can harm cats and dogs if they chew the plant, so keep it out of reach.