{"product_id":"begonia-lucifer-8cm-pot-15cm-height-house-plant","title":"Begonia Lucifer 8cm Pot 15cm Height House Plant","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"25\" data-end=\"407\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eBegonia Lucifer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is a dramatic rex begonia prized for its rich, fiery foliage. The large leaves are deep burgundy to almost black around the edges, with vivid crimson-red centres and metallic silver highlights running through the veins. The combination of dark and bright tones gives the plant a bold, almost glowing appearance, which is where it gets its name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"409\" data-end=\"638\"\u003eThe leaves are broad, slightly spiralled and lightly textured, with a velvety finish that catches the light beautifully. The undersides are usually a deep red-purple, adding even more colour when the leaves move or arch outwards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"862\"\u003eBegonia Lucifer forms a compact, bushy plant that typically grows to around 20–30cm tall and wide. It is grown primarily for its spectacular foliage, although mature plants may occasionally produce small pale pink flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"864\" data-end=\"1081\"\u003eIts dark, dramatic colouring makes it an excellent addition to your Dark Collection alongside Philodendron micans and Maranta ‘Fascinator’, whilst the red tones also complement the plants in your Pink Hues collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1083\" data-end=\"1105\"\u003eDetailed Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1107\" data-end=\"1116\"\u003eLight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1117\" data-end=\"1164\"\u003eBegonia Lucifer prefers bright, indirect light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1166\" data-end=\"1335\"\u003eA position near an east or north-facing window is ideal. It can also cope slightly back from a brighter window, provided the sun does not shine directly onto the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1337\" data-end=\"1492\"\u003eToo much direct sunlight can scorch the foliage and wash out the rich colours. Too little light can make the leaves lose their contrast and become greener.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1494\" data-end=\"1506\"\u003eWatering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1507\" data-end=\"1596\"\u003eKeep the compost lightly moist, allowing the top 2–3cm to dry slightly between waterings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1598\" data-end=\"1735\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1598\" data-end=\"1655\"\u003eWater thoroughly, then allow excess water to drain away\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1656\" data-end=\"1694\"\u003eNever leave the pot sitting in water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1695\" data-end=\"1735\"\u003eReduce watering slightly during winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1737\" data-end=\"1853\"\u003eBegonia Lucifer is sensitive to overwatering. Soggy compost can quickly lead to root rot and soft, collapsing stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"1988\"\u003eTry to water around the edge of the pot rather than directly onto the leaves, as rex begonias dislike water sitting on their foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1990\" data-end=\"2002\"\u003eHumidity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2003\" data-end=\"2072\"\u003eThis begonia enjoys moderate to high humidity, ideally around 50–70%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2074\" data-end=\"2095\"\u003eTo increase humidity:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2097\" data-end=\"2191\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2097\" data-end=\"2125\"\u003eGroup it with other plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2163\"\u003eUse a pebble tray filled with water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2164\" data-end=\"2191\"\u003ePlace a humidifier nearby\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2193\" data-end=\"2282\"\u003eAvoid misting the leaves, as moisture sitting on the foliage can lead to spots or mildew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2284\" data-end=\"2299\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2300\" data-end=\"2343\"\u003eBegonia Lucifer grows best between 18–24°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2345\" data-end=\"2363\"\u003eKeep it away from:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2365\" data-end=\"2443\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2365\" data-end=\"2380\"\u003eCold draughts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2381\" data-end=\"2392\"\u003eRadiators\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2393\" data-end=\"2417\"\u003eOpen windows in winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2443\"\u003eTemperatures below 15°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2445\" data-end=\"2530\"\u003eIt prefers a stable environment and can react badly to sudden changes in temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2532\" data-end=\"2543\"\u003eCompost\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2618\"\u003eUse a light, free-draining compost mix that still holds a little moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2620\" data-end=\"2638\"\u003eA suitable mix is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2640\" data-end=\"2720\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2640\" data-end=\"2668\"\u003e2 parts houseplant compost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2669\" data-end=\"2685\"\u003e1 part perlite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2686\" data-end=\"2720\"\u003e1 part orchid bark or coco chips\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2722\" data-end=\"2802\"\u003eThis helps prevent waterlogging whilst keeping enough moisture around the roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2804\" data-end=\"2815\"\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2816\" data-end=\"2913\"\u003eFeed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2915\" data-end=\"2978\"\u003eAvoid feeding in autumn and winter when growth naturally slows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2980\" data-end=\"2993\"\u003eRepotting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2994\" data-end=\"3049\"\u003eBegonia Lucifer prefers to be slightly snug in its pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3051\" data-end=\"3124\"\u003eRepot every 1–2 years in spring, only moving to a pot one size larger if:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3126\" data-end=\"3242\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3126\" data-end=\"3170\"\u003eRoots are coming out of the drainage holes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3171\" data-end=\"3207\"\u003eThe compost dries out very quickly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3208\" data-end=\"3242\"\u003eThe plant has become overcrowded\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3244\" data-end=\"3263\"\u003eCommon Problems\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3265\" data-end=\"3528\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3265\" data-end=\"3319\"\u003eBrown crispy leaf edges: Low humidity or dry compost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3320\" data-end=\"3360\"\u003eYellowing leaves: Usually overwatering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3361\" data-end=\"3412\"\u003eSoft, drooping stems: Root rot caused by wet soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3413\" data-end=\"3452\"\u003eFaded red colouring: Not enough light\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3453\" data-end=\"3528\"\u003eBrown patches on leaves: Too much direct sun or water left on the foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3530\" data-end=\"3544\"\u003ePet Safety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3545\" data-end=\"3705\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eBegonia Lucifer is toxic if eaten and should be kept away from pets and young children. The leaves and stems can cause irritation and stomach upset if consumed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DS Plants For All Seasons","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57665909850486,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0562\/5990\/3625\/files\/16158fec-bbc8-4d51-9a3f-5cb9633e0161.jpg?v=1778590563","url":"https:\/\/www.plantsforallseasons.co.uk\/products\/begonia-lucifer-8cm-pot-15cm-height-house-plant","provider":"Plants For All Seasons","version":"1.0","type":"link"}