{"product_id":"begonia-black-velvet","title":"Begonia 'Black Velvet'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBegonia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ‘Black Velvet’ is a rhizomatous hybrid prized for its dark coloration and angular foliage. Developed by U. U. Stanford in 1967 from ‘Joe Hayden’ crossed with an unknown parent, it offers collectors a documented vintage cultivar with enduring appeal. Its creeping rhizomes gradually create a spreading display, allowing the foliage’s shape, texture, and shifting undertones to take center stage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Overview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bright, gentle light. An east-facing window or filtered light near a brighter window works well indoors. Protect from strong afternoon sun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Water thoroughly when the surface of the potting mix begins to dry, then allow excess water to drain. Avoid both prolonged sogginess and letting the entire root ball dry out.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e Moderate humidity with good airflow. Many homes in San Francisco, Daly City, and Half Moon Bay provide suitable conditions; a humidifier may help in drier Oakland or San Jose homes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Use a light, fine-textured potting mix amended with perlite or pumice. Choose a pot with drainage, preferably wider than it is deep, and keep the rhizome near the soil surface.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Typical comfortable indoor temperatures suit this plant. Outdoors in San Francisco, choose a sheltered location in bright shade and protect from cold nights, drying wind, and prolonged winter rain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A spreading rhizomatous begonia that can eventually spill over the edge of its pot. Propagate through rhizome divisions or leaf cuttings. Growth may slow in winter; reduce watering to match rather than imposing a dry dormancy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFertilizer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Feed with a diluted, balanced fertilizer during active growth. Reduce or pause feeding when growth slows.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Small pink blooms can appear above the foliage, often in late winter or spring. Flowering varies with light and growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePest Care:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Inspect regularly for mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. Maintain airflow and remove damaged foliage. Test any pest treatment on a small area first, as begonia leaves can be sensitive to sprays.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePet Safety:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Not pet safe. Begonias are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, with the highest concentration of toxic compounds in their underground parts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rudy's","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48445142925518,"sku":null,"price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0574\/2280\/7246\/files\/IMG-3396.heic?v=1792008326","url":"https:\/\/theplantladysf.com\/products\/begonia-black-velvet","provider":"The Plant Lady SF","version":"1.0","type":"link"}