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Begonia Midnight Sun
Begonia Midnight Sun
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Begonia ‘Midnight Sun’: A Shimmering Blend of Shadow and Light
A Complete, Very Easy-to-Follow Growing and Care Guide for This Mesmerizing Rex Begonia
If you’re looking for a plant that blends mystery and brilliance in one stunning display, Begonia ‘Midnight Sun’ will light up your collection. This Rex begonia brings a dramatic contrast of deep, dark foliage highlighted with radiant, fiery tones—just like a glowing sunset against a night sky. It's rich, moody, and vibrant all at once, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any indoor garden.
Perfect for collectors and beginners alike, this begonia is both eye-catching and easy to love.
What Makes Begonia ‘Midnight Sun’ So Stunning?
It’s all about high contrast and glowing detail.
Here’s why it stands out:
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Leaf Color: Deep plum to black backgrounds laced with veins and center zones of glowing red, magenta, or warm copper—like the last light of the sun peeking through nightfall.
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Leaf Shape: Broad and asymmetrical with ruffled or serrated edges, creating movement and texture.
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Texture: Velvety surface with a subtle shimmer under light.
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Growth Habit: Compact and mounded, typically growing 10–14 inches tall and wide.
It’s bold, moody, and full of life. Every leaf feels like a new, fiery painting.
Light: Bright, Indirect Light for Best Color
To keep those glowing colors rich and saturated, bright, indirect light is essential.
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Indoors: An east- or north-facing window is ideal. South- or west-facing windows are fine with sheer curtains for filtering.
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Outdoors: Only in full shade or soft morning sun. Harsh light will fade or burn the leaves.
Too little light can dull the red tones and make growth slow and leggy. Keep it bright but gentle.
Watering: Even and Thoughtful
Like all Rex begonias, ‘Midnight Sun’ prefers even moisture and dislikes extremes.
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Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
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Always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy roots.
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Avoid getting water on the leaves to reduce the risk of mildew or leaf spotting.
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Water less frequently in winter when growth slows down.
Listen to the leaves—crispy tips = too dry, mushy stems = too wet.
Humidity: The More, The Better
This begonia glows brightest in 50–60% humidity or higher.
To raise humidity:
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Use a humidifier near the plant.
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Place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water (without letting roots touch the water).
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Group with other plants to share moisture.
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Excellent choice for terrariums or glass cabinets.
Low humidity can dull the sheen and cause brown edges, while higher humidity keeps it vibrant and velvety.
Soil: Light, Fluffy, and Fast-Draining
Your plant’s roots need room to breathe and a soft place to land.
Best soil mix:
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1 part coco coir or peat moss
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1 part perlite or pumice
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1 part high-quality potting soil
Or use a begonia or African violet mix, which is already blended for optimal breathability.
Feeding: Monthly in Growing Season
Feed monthly during spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
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Skip feeding in fall and winter—your plant will naturally slow down.
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Avoid overfeeding, which can cause salt buildup and leaf burn.
Regular feeding keeps the leaf color intense and supports healthy new growth.
Temperature: Keep It Warm and Cozy
‘Midnight Sun’ thrives in temperatures between 60–75°F.
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Avoid temperature drops, drafts, and blasts from AC or heaters.
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Never let it drop below 55°F—this will stress the plant and damage leaves.
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Bring it inside early if you summer it outdoors.
Stable warmth = happy plant.
Grooming and Maintenance
A little regular care keeps this dramatic begonia looking crisp and beautiful.
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Remove faded or damaged leaves regularly.
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Wipe the leaves gently with a soft cloth to enhance their shimmer.
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Pinch back leggy growth to encourage a fuller, more compact shape.
It stays neat with just a few moments of attention each week.
Propagation: Easy and Rewarding
You can propagate ‘Midnight Sun’ using leaf cuttings or rhizome division.
Leaf cutting method:
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Choose a mature, healthy leaf and cut it cleanly.
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Lay it flat on moist potting mix and make small cuts along the veins.
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Cover with a humidity dome or clear plastic bag.
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Place in bright, indirect light.
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Wait for baby plantlets to appear along the cut veins—usually in 2–4 weeks.
It’s a fun way to expand your collection or share with friends!
Pests and Problems: Stay Ahead
This begonia is fairly low maintenance, but watch for:
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Powdery mildew – Avoid overly humid air with poor airflow.
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Spider mites – Dry air can attract them. Increase humidity and treat early with neem oil.
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Root rot – Caused by overwatering or dense soil. Let the top inch dry and ensure good drainage.
Consistency is your best defense.
Styling Tips: Make It the Star of the Shelf
This begonia deserves to be seen. Style it where it can shine.
Try this:
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Place it in a deep black or jewel-toned pot to enhance its shadowy glow.
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Display with silver or green foliage plants for contrast.
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Feature it solo in a spotlight shelf or under a grow light to highlight the leaf sheen.
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Pair with Begonia ‘Black Coffee’, ‘Venetian Red’, or ‘Fireworks’ for a full fantasy-inspired foliage showcase.
Wherever it goes, it brings warmth, depth, and elegance.
Why You’ll Love Begonia ‘Midnight Sun’
This is a begonia for dreamers, stylists, and collectors who want their plants to tell a story.
You’ll love it because:
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It’s easy to grow and compact
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It offers dramatic color and texture year-round
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It’s perfect for modern interiors and shaded displays
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It propagates easily and shares beautifully
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It brings balance and brilliance to any plant collection
If you're ready to light up your space with glowing color and moody beauty, Begonia ‘Midnight Sun’ is the perfect addition.
