begonia 'Black Knight'

Grow in light, open, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic potting compost, whether loamless (for example with leaf mould, bark and sand) or loam-based such as John Innes No. 2, and in bright indirect light, at an optimum temperature of 21-24ºC, and with moderate humidity; water moderately when in growth, with balanced liquid fertilizer at alternate waterings, and sparingly in winter: immerse the whole plant, still in its container, in water, then allow the water to drain, to minimize the risk of rhizome rot; pot on annually in spring; for more advice, see begonia cultivation (houseplant)

No pruning required

Propagate by root cuttings of rhizome sections in summer, or by leaf cuttings in spring or summer in a propagating case, in partial shade

May be affected by vine weevil, caterpillars, mealybugs, mites, thrips, and aphids

May be affected by grey moulds (Botrytis), powdery mildews, stem rot, and rhizome rot