Amorphophallus sagittarius
$999.00
The Dark Lord of the Jungle
Emerging from the sheer limestone cliffs of Sarawak, Borneo, the Begonia darthvaderiana is arguably the most dramatic and legendary species in the plant world. Named after the iconic cinematic villain, this "Black Queen" of Begonias features massive, waxy leaves of a deep, light-absorbing obsidian that is as close to true black as nature allows. This dark, "Vader-esque" foliage is electrified by a shimmering, silver-white neon border that traces the jagged edges of every leaf. For the elite collector, this is the ultimate "Holy Grail"—a sophisticated masterpiece of gothic beauty that commands awe and brings a powerful, cinematic presence to any high-end sanctuary.
Growth Habit (How it Grows): This is an upright-growing Begonia that carries itself with a bold, stately posture. It develops a central stem that can reach a moderate height, holding its large, heavy leaves like dark shields. It is a "slow and steady" grower that requires a stable environment to maintain its majestic form, making it the prized centerpiece of any humidity-controlled glass case.
Exotic Foliage (The Leaves): The foliage is breathtaking. Each leaf is broad, asymmetrical, and possesses a unique "plastic" or metallic sheen. The color is a moody, near-black charcoal that contrasts sharply with the vivid, glowing silver-white edges. When a new leaf opens, it often has a deep burgundy tint before maturing into its signature "Dark Side" obsidian.
Light & Color: To preserve its deepest black tones and the brilliance of its silver trim, this plant requires medium, filtered indirect light. It is extremely sensitive to light; if the light is too bright, the black will fade to a dull green. Conversely, direct sunlight will "melt" the leaves almost instantly. Consistent, soft light is the key to its dark, "Vader" aesthetic.
Care & Maintenance: This is a high-level collector's plant that is famously "fussy." It requires extremely high and stable humidity (above 80%) and cool-to-intermediate temperatures. It is very sensitive to "melting" if the air is stagnant or if water sits on its leaves. It thrives in an airy medium like long-fiber sphagnum moss and should be watered exclusively with distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral shock.
Safety Note (Important): This plant is poisonous to pets and humans if ingested. It is also one of the most physically and environmentally sensitive plants in existence. A sudden drop in humidity or a change in water quality can cause it to drop its leaves. It must be kept in a glass enclosure—not just for safety, but for its very survival.
