Begonia Kapuas Hulu
$999.00
The Ghostly Velvet of Borneo
Hidden within the deep, humid shadows of the West Kalimantan riverbanks, the Begonia sp. Kapuas Hulu is a plant of haunting, ethereal beauty. This rare "jewel Begonia" looks as if it were plucked from a midnight dream, featuring dark, velvety leaves that shimmer with a mysterious, silvery-blue iridescence. Its deep, near-black surface acts as a dramatic backdrop for its prominent veins, creating a look of "dark elegance" that is unmatched in the botanical world. For the collector who seeks a plant with a moody, sophisticated, and prehistoric charm, the Kapuas Hulu variety is a living treasure—a delicate fragment of Borneo’s ancient rainforest that brings a touch of the sublime to any curated collection.
Growth Habit (How it Grows): This is a petite, slow-growing Begonia that stays low to the ground. It grows from a creeping rhizome (a thick, root-like stem), forming a neat, lush mound of foliage. Because it stays small and compact, it is considered a "specialty species," perfect for life under a glass cloche or as the centerpiece of a high-end terrarium.
Exotic Foliage (The Leaves): The leaves are heart-shaped and covered in a dense, plush velvet that absorbs light, making them look incredibly dark—almost black. Depending on the angle of the light, the leaves can show a soft, metallic blue or silver glow. The undersides are often a deep, contrasting wine-red, adding a hidden layer of rich color to the plant.
Light & Color: This plant is a true "shadow dweller." It thrives in low to medium, indirect light. To keep its dark, velvety color intense, avoid any direct sunlight. Strong light will bleach the delicate leaves and destroy the "glowing" blue effect. It is the perfect choice for a dimly lit plant cabinet or a shaded terrarium.
Care & Maintenance: This is a high-end collector's plant that requires very high humidity (above 70%) to survive. It is sensitive to dry air and will shrivel quickly if left in a normal room. It prefers a very airy, moisture-retentive medium like long-fiber sphagnum moss. Water it with distilled or rainwater to keep the soil consistently damp, but never let it sit in stagnant water, as it is prone to melting if too wet.
Safety Note (Important): Like most Begonias, this plant is toxic to pets and humans if eaten. It is also physically very fragile; the velvet leaves can bruise or tear if handled roughly. Because of its need for constant humidity and its delicate nature, it is best kept inside a glass enclosure where it can be admired safely from behind the glass.
