Begonia 'Lucifer' (kalimantan hybrid)

Dark, dramatic, and full of character, Begonia ‘Lucifer’ is a striking foliage begonia prized for its deep bronze to near black leaves and rich red undersides. The bold colouring and textured foliage give this plant an almost gothic appearance, making it a standout addition to terrariums, indoor plant cabinets, and rare houseplant collections. As the plant matures, the foliage develops even greater depth and contrast, especially when grown in warm, humid conditions.

Despite its dramatic appearance, this begonia grows well indoors with stable humidity, gentle watering, and bright filtered light. Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for smaller spaces while still delivering maximum visual impact.

Scientific Name
Begonia ‘Lucifer’ (cultivar begonia)

Common Name
Lucifer Begonia

Origin
A cultivated foliage begonia selected for its unusually dark foliage and richly coloured stems and leaf undersides.

Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the foliage and reduce the richness of the dark colouring. Lower light levels may result in softer tones and slower growth.

Water
Keep the soil lightly moist but never waterlogged. Allow the very top layer of soil to begin drying slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during cooler months.

Humidity
Thrives in moderate to high humidity levels above 60%. Excellent for terrariums, cabinets, bathrooms, or rooms with a humidifier. Avoid dry air and cold draughts.

Soil
Use a loose, airy, free draining mix rich in organic matter. A blend containing fine bark, sphagnum moss, coco coir, and perlite works especially well.

Food
Feed every 2 to 4 waters during spring and summer using a diluted balanced houseplant fertiliser. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter.

Temp
Prefers temperatures between 18–26°C. Avoid temperatures below 15°C and protect from sudden temperature fluctuations.

Pet-safe
Toxic if ingested, so keep away from pets and children.

Sprouts Top Tips
Stable warmth and humidity help maintain the deep, dramatic foliage tones. If the leaves begin fading or crisping at the edges, the plant is likely receiving too much direct sun or not enough humidity.

Extras
The undersides of the leaves and stems often develop rich burgundy red tones, adding extra contrast and interest when viewed from different angles.

Did You Know?
Dark leaved begonias like Begonia ‘Lucifer’ are especially popular in terrarium and cabinet collections because their foliage creates dramatic contrast against lighter tropical plants and mosses.