Begonia care. Queen of houseplants begonia - home care

Begonia care is not difficult even for a beginner grower. Give her quite a bit of attention and she will delight you with her beauty.

Begonia. Species and varieties

Begonia was discovered by the French botanist Charles Plumier, who took part in a scientific expedition organized by Michel Begon in 1687 in the Antilles. In honor of Begon, this plant got its name.

Now there are more than 2000 types of begonias. All types of begonias are divided into 3 groups:
- tuberous begonia (propagated by tubers);
- leaf begonia (has a thickened root, which is used for reproduction);
- bush begonia (propagated by apical shoots and seeds).

Begonia is also divided into subshrubs, shrubs and herbaceous plants. For growing at home, most often used hybrid varieties, which in turn are divided into decorative-flowering and decorative-deciduous.

The most popular types of flower growers are tuberous, decorative flowering begonias. They have beautiful, large flowers of various shades: from white, pink to red. Most types of begonias bloom all summer, but when created for them favorable conditions, can please with their beautiful flowers in autumn, and even in winter.

Indoor begonia, home care

Indoor begonia - the plant is the most unpretentious and resistant to various diseases indoor plants. Caring for it at home will not cause much trouble, but still, it must be competent so that your indoor plant develops correctly and has a beautiful well-groomed appearance.

Begonia flower is a heat-loving plant, and the temperature for it must be maintained within + 15 + 20 ° С, and in winter time— not lower than +15°C. But do not put it near the battery and electric heaters.

Lighting should be bright, but without bright sunlight, so in summer time the flower should be shaded.

Watering and spraying

In spring and summer, begonias are required abundant watering, but the plant should not be flooded, as it does not like stagnant water. In winter, water the flower should be moderate. When watering, it is necessary to avoid getting water on the begonia leaves, otherwise brown spots form on them. Soft, settled water should be used.

Air is required for proper care of begonias. high humidity, but it is not recommended to spray the plant. Most the best option is to place pots of begonias on a tray of wet peat or moss.

Begonia, reproduction at home

Propagation of begonias at home, depending on the species, can be done by leaf or tuber cuttings.

Reproduction of tuberous begonia must be done as follows. In autumn it is necessary to take out the tubers, clean them from the ground, cut off the stems and store in sand (peat), at a temperature of +8 +10 ° C. In February, the tubers are planted in moist soil.

Watering should be moderate. It will take several weeks for the seedlings to germinate. As soon as shoots appear, the tubers should be cut into pieces, cut into sections charcoal and dry.

Plant divided tubers in small boxes while deepening the tubers only by half. After 20-25 days, they can be planted in pots with a mixture of peat, leaf humus and put in a bright place. During active growth young begonias should be fed with organic fertilizers.

Leaf cuttings are best done in the spring. For propagation by a leaf cutting, it is necessary to cut a leaf at the very base of the begonia stem, at least 5 cm long. Bury the cutting in the prepared soil carefully so that the leaf does not come into contact with the soil, which must be well moistened after planting.

If for landing you use not sheet, but stem cutting, then its length should be more than 7 cm. It is necessary to plant the cuttings as quickly as possible so that the cut does not have time to dry.

Begonia transplant

Begonia transplant is needed annually, it is better to do it in early spring. If transplanted less often, then the leaves of begonias, located in a cramped pot, begin to turn pale and lose their decorative effect.

For transplanting, you must first pick up a pot. When using a plastic pot, it will be necessary to lay out a layer of expanded clay on the bottom, which absorbs excess moisture well. And pour shells or coarse sand over the expanded clay to make the pot more stable.

Can also be used ceramic pot, which does not allow waterlogging and passes air well. But here it must be borne in mind that over time, the roots will occupy all the space inside the pot and begin to grow to its walls. When transplanting from such a pot, the roots will be severely damaged.

The land during transplantation should not be either damp or excessively dry. The plant should be carefully removed from the pot, remove the earth and place it for 10-15 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Then carefully inspect the roots, cutting off small tangled or large rotten roots and sprinkle the cut points with charcoal.

The soil for begonias should be nutritious and slightly acidic. It is better to use a mixture of peat, leaf and sod land for begonias, while you can add a little coniferous land and coarse sand. It is advisable to cut the plant after transplantation so that it recovers faster and grows. The transplanted plant should be sprayed daily and watered as soon as it begins to dry out. upper layer earth. It is also recommended to hold the begonia for several days in the shade.

Growing begonias from seeds

It is best to start growing begonias from seeds in early January. To do this, you can use boxes with a sifted mixture of peat, leafy soil and sand. Moisten the soil for disinfection with a 0.1% solution of potassium permanganate. Crops are best kept under glass and evenly moistened with heated water.

Keep such boxes with plants should be on the windowsill, so that the plants have enough sunlight. When shoots appear after 2 weeks, the glasses are removed. Plants should be dived at the stage of appearance of 2-3 leaves. A month later, conduct a second pick. In early May, young plants will need to be planted in separate pots.

Peculiarities home care behind the begonia

From spring to mid-autumn, it is necessary to feed the begonia with liquid complex fertilizers for ornamental plants.

After the plant has faded, without cutting off the roots and stems, it should be dried by placing it in a dark place. Within a month, all the nutrients in the stems and roots will go to the tuber. It is necessary to dig out the formed tuber about two weeks after the ground part of the plant has completely died off.

AT winter period tubers are placed in boxes with sand. The temperature in the room where the tubers are stored should not exceed +15°C. So that the tubers do not dry out, they must be watered periodically.

Indoor begonia and its diseases

Why is the begonia not blooming?

If the begonia does not bloom, then the reason for this may be that it was transplanted into a pot that is too spacious. Therefore, when transplanting, it is important to consider that new pot in diameter should be no more than 2 cm wider than the old one. In order for the begonia to bloom more magnificently, wilted flowers should be carefully removed, as they interfere with the development of new buds. Flowering plant should be fed regularly.

Why do begonia leaves dry?

With insufficient soil or air moisture, the leaves of the begonia begin to dry, and the flowers and buds fall off. Irrigation system urgently needed. If the leaves become pale or turn yellow, then this indicates a lack of light for the flower. The appearance of brown edges on the leaves indicates dry air or sunlight on the begonia.

Overwatering a plant can cause gray rot, in this case, a light mold appears on the leaves. The affected parts must be removed, the plant itself must be treated with a fungicide.

In the presence of drafts, dry air or temperature changes, leaves may form white coating — powdery mildew. In this case, the plant should be treated with ground sulfur or sprayed with a 1% solution of colloidal sulfur.

Of the pests, begonias are most often attacked. spider mite or aphids. They should be dealt with by spraying the underside of the leaf. soap solutions tobacco. Or you can treat the begonia with preparations containing feverfew or an insecticide.

What to look for when buying a begonia

When buying a begonia, it should be carefully examined so as not to acquire a plant with a "bouquet" of diseases or pests. Pay attention to healthy and bright color leaves, their normal turgor, lack of plaque and dry spots.

This one is amazing beautiful flower adorns the apartments of many amateur flower growers. Bright large buds room begonia reminiscent of small roses that bloom for a long time. You have a begonia, but you do not know the rules for caring for a flower? Easy care and your care will allow you to admire the plant all year round.

How to care for begonia - choose a place and lighting

With the right place, begonia will delight you with beautiful flowers. When choosing a location, consider the following points:

the plant does not like straight sunlight. But there must be enough light. Deciduous varieties of begonias should be placed away from windows, they like partial shade. It is recommended to place a flower pot on the windowsills of windows facing the eastern and northern parts;
do not move the flower from one place to another. It will be destroyed by a change in lighting and temperature;
the ideal temperature for begonias is from 18 to 22 degrees in summer. In winter - from 15 to 18 degrees;
flowering plants require bright lighting.

After the flowering buds wither, carefully remove them. Trim the flower itself and leave a bush five centimeters high.

How to care for begonia - proper watering and humidity

In summer, water the begonia abundantly, but do not allow water to stagnate in a pot or pan. Reduce watering in winter. Tuberous varieties of the plant "sleep" in winter. Place the flower in peat and do not water at all. For watering, take a little settled water.

Don't spray your begonia, even though it likes high humidity. If water gets on the sheets, brown spots will appear. Water carefully. So that the flower does not disappear from excessive dryness, help him:

place the begonia on the inverted tray;
place the resulting structure in a larger pallet;
spread expanded clay around the circumference and moisten it systematically. The water will begin to evaporate and this will help maintain the right moisture balance for the flower.

How to care for begonia - top dressing

Begonia needs fertilizer for long flowering and large buds. Buy a special composition designed specifically for begonias. Feed the flower once a month. If it blooms, do it more often. Deciduous varieties are not fertilized in autumn, and fertilize the flowering and winter plant until flowering is complete.

Choose the right food. The composition of the fertilizer should be free of chlorine. Buy a fertilizer that contains magnesium, phosphorus, iron and calcium.

How to care for begonia - transplant and reproduction

Repot your begonia in the spring. There are no special requirements for the soil, but it is desirable to use peat, deciduous or garden soil, as well as sand in the same proportions. Pour sand into the bottom of the pot. Repot as needed if the pot is too small. The most comfortable pot is clay. After transplanting, water the plant well and place in the shade for 5 days. When transplanting, consider the following points:

carefully remove the begonia from the old pot and clean the roots of the old peat;
it is advisable to place the begonia before transplanting into water with a weak solution of potassium permanganate for several hours;
after cleaning the roots from sand in potassium permanganate, cut off the rotten parts.

Rhizome flowers are propagated by seeds and cuttings, and tuberous - by dividing the tubers. tuberous plant grows very slowly. Do not think that it has not taken root - you will see shoots and roots appear.

Begonia is an unpretentious flower. If you provide charming flower proper care, he will thank with his beauty and long flowering.

Among the popular plants among flower growers, begonia stands out, attracting attention with its bright and lush bloom. Caring for begonias at home is not difficult, but requires attention. To give the interior brightness and liveliness, to create an atmosphere of comfort, this indoor flower fits perfectly.

Conditions for growing begonias

Those who have encountered the cultivation of begonias know that there are more than 900 species of this plant. In order for an indoor flower to open in all its glory, proper care is needed, which will differ depending on the type of plant. It is worth noting that begonia, depending on the care, can bloom both in summer and in winter. Decorative-deciduous species differ in the shape of leaves and colors, the flowers themselves are less attractive, unlike decorative-flowering species. As a rule, begonia grows in a pot at home. It is best to place flowers away from heat sources. Optimal conditions can be created in a separate corner allocated for plants. Room temperature is optimal for growing a flower. In summer, the indicator should not exceed + 22˚С, in winter it should not be lower than +15 ... + 18˚С.

Begonias do not like direct sunlight: the lighting should be plentiful, but diffused, for example, you can create partial shade. Do not place the flower in places where a draft is possible. Such conditions can lead not only to wilting, but also to the death of the plant. One of important conditions when growing begonias is to create a dormant period, which is necessary after intensive flowering for rest. If the care of the begonia is inappropriate, then this will affect its condition. This can manifest itself in the form of wilting of the leaves, the absence of flowering for a long time. Therefore, you can not be surprised why the plant does not bloom.

How to care for begonia (video)

Watering and humidity

Irrigation will vary depending on the time of year. For example, in winter, begonia does not need a lot of moisture; in summer, watering should be done more often. The condition of the soil must be monitored: too wet, as well as too dry, it should not be. At high humidity the root system may simply rot. During the flowering period, the plant must be watered more often. When the inflorescences fall off, you can switch to the previous moisturizing regimen. “Water procedures” are resorted to when the top layer of soil dries out by 1-2 cm.

As for specific data on the number of irrigations, it is impossible to give them, since they depend both on the time of year and on air quality. Your flower will let you know when it was created for it. comfortable conditions and when the watering regime needs to be changed. Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the water used for watering begonias. tap water use is not recommended because it contains a large amount of chlorine. To reduce it, water must be boiled and passed through a filter, or simply let it settle. Watering the plant should be done no more than once a day and it is better to do it at the same time. In summer, moistening is carried out every day, in winter a couple of times a week. So that the plants do not experience stress, warm water should be used for irrigation. Do not spray begonia leaves as they may change color.

The optimal air humidity when caring for a flower is 60%, regardless of where the plant is located - outdoors or indoors. You can achieve the required humidity by placing containers with water next to the begonia; you can use a humidifier in the house. It is important to know that begonias have a negative attitude towards water on flowers and leaves. This leads to the appearance brown spots, the leaves gradually dry up and fall off. Watering should be done exclusively under a bush or in a pan.

Feeding begonias

To properly care for begonia, periodically pay attention to feeding the plant. Nutrients prolong the life of the plant, which not only saves it from diseases and pests, but also pleases us beautiful flowering. Besides, extra food necessary for the development of young shoots. In order for the fertilizer to be suitable, it must have the inscription “for indoor plants”, and attention should also be paid to the composition. Begonia needs elements such as phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium, but the content of chlorine must be avoided.

To date, picking up the necessary fertilizer is not a problem, since their choice is very diverse. In addition, special formulations are offered that are designed specifically for this plant. Separately, it is worth paying attention to the period of fertilizing. For example, there are fertilizers that are applied when buds are set or in the second half of flowering. If you take on average, then begonia is fertilized once a month, but if necessary, it can be done more often by reducing the concentration of the solution. For decorative deciduous species, nitrogen fertilizing is used, which ensures the growth of leaves, but they act poorly on flowering. Decorative flowering species, on the contrary, do not need such an element, since it slows down flowering.

What will happen to begonia if top dressing is excluded? The leaves of the plant will become pale, faded, the bush will take on a nondescript look. The buds become small, and their number decreases. The flowering period in this case is short, because the flowers dry quickly and fly around. But this does not mean that plants need to be filled with fertilizers. Excess nutrients won't do any good either.

Fundamentals of successful care (video)

How to care for begonias during the dormant period?

Any plant that grows indoors and is characterized by abundant flowering, requires rest. One of these is begonia, which requires a slowdown in growth and a dormant period that falls in the winter. The process of caring for a plant has its own nuances and depends on its type. Tuberous begonia is the most demanding for care. It is necessary to ensure the gradual entry of the plant into a dormant period: first, watering is reduced, top dressing is stopped, then shoots and leaves are removed. Only after these steps is the flower transferred to a room where the air temperature is maintained within +15 ... + 16˚С. Stop watering completely should not be reduced to 2-3 times a month. Bringing the plant out of dormancy should also be gradual.

If we consider ampelous begonia, then it is somewhat easier to care for. The flower does not need to be gradually brought out of dormancy; pruning is also not necessary. It will be enough to move the pot with the plant to a bright and cool place, while reducing the amount of watering and fertilizing. special care does not require a hybrid type of begonia - Elatior, it is enough to reduce top dressing and watering. The air temperature should be maintained within +15...+17˚С. Many flower growers use this variety as annual plant by replacing old instances with new ones. As you could understand, some types of begonias are more demanding for a dormant period, but in any case, it can be provided. Living in a private house, the flower is transferred to the basement. If we are talking about an apartment, then the plant can be moved to the entrance.

Transplantation and reproduction of begonias

For transplanting a plant, the soil can be either purchased or prepared independently. If you are an adherent of doing everything with your own hands, then in this case you will need:

pour drainage layer sand to the bottom of the pot;
fill the pot halfway with leafy soil;
fill the rest of the container with a mixture of black soil and peat in equal proportions.

It is important to prepare the soil correctly, the growth and health of the plant will depend on this. If the question is how to properly care for begonia, then you need to know that the plant needs a periodic transplant. This is evidenced by the roots sticking out of the drainage holes. Transplantation is carried out in early spring. For begonias, a large container is selected, the plant is carefully removed from the pot, the roots are cleaned of soil and disinfected in a solution of potassium permanganate. After this procedure, the dead roots are trimmed.

The begonia flower reproduces in several ways:

leaf cuttings;
stem;
dividing the bush.

Each type of begonia has its own characteristics of reproduction, and in order for the plant to take root, they must be taken into account. Consider transplantation and reproduction using an example tuberous. The sequence of actions is as follows:

In autumn, begonia tubers are taken out of the ground.
Cut off the leaves.
Purify root system from the ground.
The tuber is placed in peat to prevent drying.
The temperature should be maintained within + 10˚С.

By the end of the dormant period, the tuber is planted in the ground or big pot. If we consider the propagation of tuberous begonia by seeds, then this process is rather troublesome. In order for this species to bloom from seeds, they must be sown in December. It is necessary to prepare light soil and ensure constant spraying. Seedlings should appear two weeks after sowing. These sprouts are used as seedlings. To do this, they dive and planted in the ground. Flowering should be expected in 4-5 months.

Some growers, usually beginners, are interested in the question of how to care for begonia after purchase? After the flower is purchased, it must be transplanted, because in the store it is in the soil intended for transportation. Such soil is not able to provide normal nutrition. The procedure is performed a few weeks after purchase. During this time, begonia adapts to new conditions. If the plant blooms, then you need to wait for the end of this period.

How and when to prune begonias?

If indoor flowers such as begonias are not cut or pinched, then the plants will quickly lose their attractiveness: they will stretch out, the stem will become bare, the flowers and leaves will become small. To obtain a lush crown, it is necessary to form a begonia as early as possible. The procedure is carried out in the spring in the following order:

When a young plant reaches a height of 7-8 cm, pinch the top, which will stimulate the growth of lateral processes.
When side shoots reach 10 cm, they cut the top. After the development of new branches, the formation of the bush stops.
Subsequent care comes down to pruning or removing overgrown or excess shoots.

If the formation of begonias is too late, you may not have time to form decorative look plant. In this case, you need to perform a re-rooting. It is worth noting that pinching and pruning not only allow you to get an attractive crown, but also positively affect flowering, rejuvenate an adult bush. For pruning, you must use a sharp and clean knife, which will prevent infection. To avoid rotting of sections, they are processed with crushed charcoal.

Diseases and pests of begonias

Quite often, at high humidity, begonia is exposed to such a disease as powdery mildew. To prevent the development of the disease in a timely manner, it is necessary to inspect the lower leaves and the core of the plant, since these parts of the bush are most susceptible to both powdery mildew and rot. If a disease is detected, it is necessary to reduce the number of waterings and immediately remove the affected parts of the plant, which will prevent the development of the fungus throughout the flower. If begonia sheds leaves and buds, then this indicates no proper care: it is necessary to increase the humidity of the air and observe the irrigation regime. When observing the pale color of the leaves, you need to improve the lighting mode. If the temperature is low and the humidity is excessive, then the begonia can be affected by gray rot, which is a mold on the surface of the leaves. The affected areas are removed, and the bush is treated with fungicides.

From the above, it is clear how to care for begonia at home, what points you need to pay attention to for the normal growth and development of the plant, and to maintain it in a healthy state. The flower responds very well to proper care, while a lot of time is not required for this process: a few minutes a day are enough, and the begonia will thank you exuberant bloom and gorgeous foliage.

Begonia is a very beautiful plant that is grown both in summer cottages and in the private sector, and at home. In order for a flower to develop well and please with its beauty, it is necessary to competently approach its care, that is, to have certain skills of a florist.

Begonia was first described as early as 1690. This was done by M. Begon, according to whom the plant was found in the Antilles. A few decades later, descriptions of varieties found in Brazil and the Hindustan Peninsula appeared. A tuberous subspecies has also been found in South America.

AT decorative purposes begonias began to be grown about 200 years ago. At the same time, the plant was first placed exclusively in greenhouses.

Begonia is found in the tropics and subtropics. Although she prefers wet and shady places , it is often found on steep sea coasts and arid mountain slopes.

Kinds

Begonia is distinguished by its size, shape and color. It could be herbaceous plant or large shrub. The shade of the leaves varies from light green to deep green and even dark purple.

Today there are about 900 main varieties of begonias. In addition to them, experts call about 2000 hybrids. One of the popular species is tuberous begonia. It is distinguished by unpretentiousness and bright colors.

All varieties are divided into 2 groups: decorative-flowering and decorative-deciduous.

The advantage of home-grown begonias is flowering at any time of the year. It is worth noting that ornamental-deciduous variety also blooms, but its inflorescences are small and not very bright. In this case, lush leaves covered with villi are of particular value.

Inflorescences of decorative flowering species are similar to camellia or rose. The main advantage of the plant is the abundance and bright shade flowers. Usually, flowering is observed in early summer and lasts until the first half of September. At home, flowers delight the eye until the end of autumn.

How to grow begonia?

Optimal microclimate

Many people buy begonias. Care at home for this plant is simple. It is enough to take into account the basic requirements.

Transfer

Begonia is considered one of the most undemanding plants. Her care is simple. So, it does not need special soil and can be purchased already ready ground. Some experts prefer to cook it on their own. Half of the container is covered with leafy soil, and then the same amount of black soil and peat is added. Put a layer of sand on the bottom of the pot.

The plant is transplanted only if necessary. To understand this, it is enough to pay attention to the drainage holes. If the roots are visible from there, then it is better not to delay the transplant. Optimal time for this procedure - the beginning of spring.

The plant is carefully removed from the pot and shake off the remnants of the soil from the roots. After that begonia for several hours is placed in a container with a solution of potassium permanganate. Next, you need to consider the roots and cut off the rotten parts.

After transplantation, begonia cannot be immediately put on sunny window sill. It is best to choose a place with diffused lighting. The acclimatization of the plant usually takes a month.

reproduction

Begonia can be propagated in the following ways:

leaf cuttings;
stems;
dividing the bush.

Although caring for begonias is simple, you cannot choose the method of reproduction yourself. The variety must always be taken into account. This is very important, because the plant may not take root.

For propagation of the tuberous variety, tubers are often used instead of seeds.

In autumn, it is necessary to carefully remove the tubers from the ground, then carefully cut off all the leaves and shake off all the ground from the roots.

The tubers are placed in a container with wet peat and the temperature is monitored, which should be about + 10º C.

Multiply tuberous begonia stands at the beginning of spring. It must be remembered that this variety germinates slowly. If new shoots appeared on the plant, then this means that it has taken root.

Diseases and pests

Specialists who grow begonias, which are very easy to care for, remind that its shoots and leaves can be subject to various fungal diseases. This is especially true for powdery mildew, which is caused by stagnant water. In order to notice the disease in time, it is necessary to pay attention to the core of the bush and the condition of the lower leaves. This is where powdery mildew appears in the first place. If the disease has been noticed, then it is necessary to cut off the damaged leaves and moderate watering.

Tuberous begonia is often afraid of gray rot, which is caused by a variety of botrytis fungi. It activates in warm, humid conditions. So, with high humidity, white spots with a slight gray coating appear on the leaves and upper shoots. Over time, rot will form here. A little later, the stems begin to break, the leaves curl up, and mucus appears on the buds. As soon as such signs were noticed, need to spray the plant special solution from 20 g laundry soap and 2 g blue vitriol diluted with 1 liter of water. If this does not help get rid of gray rot, it is recommended to use the Fundazol solution.

Bacterial spotting is indicated by small glassy spots located on the lower part of the leaves. It is impossible to cope with such a disease, so the affected areas must be removed and the soil disinfected. In this case, special attention should be paid to prevention. To do this, begonia is sprayed with a 5% solution of copper oxychloride 2 times with an interval of 2 weeks.

Ringspot appears as yellow or greenish lines on the leaves, which eventually turn into large bronze-colored spots. Sick plants are best destroyed. To avoid ring spot, it is necessary to remove weeds in a timely manner and avoid the appearance of aphids and other sucking insects.

If a spider mite was found on the plant, then it is necessary to spray the leaves special composition. The solution "Karbofos" or "Fitoverma" is best suited. After such treatment, the plant is placed in a plastic bag for several days.

Common Questions

Why do begonia buds fall off immediately after the appearance?

Most often, the reason is not proper watering or inappropriate location. It may also indicate a lack of minerals.

Why is the begonia not blooming?

Buds do not appear if the air in the room is dry, too hot or cold. Another reason may be an excess of fertilizer or a location in a draft. To achieve flowering, just put the pot in another room or stop feeding.

As a rule, this indicates a lack of moisture or poor soil. Also, pests that affect the roots of begonias could start in the soil. In this case, it is necessary to perform a transplant, after washing the root system in a solution of potassium permanganate.

What to do if the leaves begin to curl?

If this happens only with the lower leaves, then we are talking about natural process dying off. If all the leaves begin to dry and darken, then it is necessary to moderate watering. It also needs to be fertilized.

Why do holes and spots appear on the leaves?

Often spots form on begonias when improper watering. In this case, the cause is too rigid or cold water. It may also indicate the presence of pests. Holes are traces of sunburn.

Why do terry varieties of begonias not have terry flowers?

This is due to the fact that on such a plant female and male flowers are presented, which appear in different periods. Terry is only the male variety.

Begonia is really unpretentious beautiful plants. With proper care, it often blooms and develops properly.

Homeland of one of the most popular indoor plants - begonias are the tropics and subtropics. South America. However, as decorative flower it began to grow only in the 18th century. All modern varieties and hybrids of this culture were derived from the first five varieties brought to Europe by English botanists. The plant was named begonia by the scientist Charles Plumier in honor of the French governor of the colony of Haiti, Michel Begon.

Varieties

On the this moment gardeners and indoor plant lovers breed only three main types of begonias: herbaceous, shrubby and semi-shrub. Tuberous flowers are commonly grown in lawns and flower beds. Rhizome, shrub and semi-shrub begonia is more often used as a decoration in city apartments. Some forms of this ornamental plant are valued for beautiful flowers, others - for spectacular leaves.

Care for begonias of all varieties is almost the same, with the exception of some nuances. In this article, we will talk in detail about how indoor, that is, rhizomatous leafy and shrubby forms of begonias are grown.

pot and soil

Begonia is grown at home, usually in rather small containers. The fact is that her roots do not tolerate neighborhoods too well. a large number wet earth. They must occupy the space of the pot completely. In order for the plant to feel comfortable, it must be transplanted into a new container every year. bigger size(about 2 cm).

The soil for begonias should be nutritious leafy. You can mix it with sand and peat in a ratio of 1:1:3. Sometimes in pots under it ornamental plant pour and purchased soil. In this case, it is better to buy peat.

Where to place begonias

Most begonias are shade-loving plants. That is, place them under straight lines sunbeams you can’t, otherwise their leaves will be burned. Most often, begonia at home is grown on window sills located on the north or east side. It is especially important to comply with this condition for rhizomatous varieties with beautiful leaves. Shrub and semi-shrub begonias also love partial shade. However, direct lighting usually does not cause too much harm to them. These varieties adapt very quickly to the sun.

An exception to this rule is the garden tuber begonia. It is usually planted on lawns broken into sunny areas. And she feels very good about it.

Reproduction methods

Seeds and petioles are what can propagate these flowers. Begonia, unfortunately, after a few years of cultivation loses its decorative effect. Therefore, old plants have to be replaced with new ones. And therefore, for those who wish to see this culture as a decoration of their apartment, it is necessary to familiarize themselves with the technologies of its breeding.

Begonia: propagation by seeds

This method, being rather complicated, is used very rarely for breeding begonias. However, if you wish, you can try to propagate this ornamental plant and so. In this case, the cultivation procedure is usually started in February. This begonia is propagated by seeds as follows:

Drainage is poured at the bottom of a large box with a layer of 2-3 cm. It is best to take not too large pebbles.
The leafy earth is sifted through a fine sieve and poured over the drainage also with a layer of 2-3 cm.
A layer of snow is laid on top of the ground.
Begonia seeds are sown on it. They are very small, and therefore the procedure should be carried out slowly, trying to distribute over the surface of the snow planting material as evenly as possible.

Begonia does not tolerate dry air very well. Therefore, the box should be tightened before the seeds germinate. plastic wrap. After the plants hatch, this cover must be removed, and the box placed in a lighted, slightly shaded place.

For the first time, the picking of plants is carried out immediately after the first true leaf appears on them. At the same time they are planted in another box. Previously, leafy earth is poured into it with a small addition of peat and sand. Planting is carried out in such a way that a distance of about two centimeters remains between the rows and between individual plants.

As soon as the bushes become crowded in the box, a second pick is carried out. This time, a mixture is poured into the box, consisting of leafy soil, humus, peat and sand in a ratio of 4x1x1x1. The landing is carried out according to the 3x5 scheme.

Begonia from seeds will develop well only at a temperature of at least 20 degrees. Also, the soil in the boxes should be disinfected from time to time by watering with a weak solution of potassium permanganate (0.6%).

Reproduction by cuttings

Planting begonias can also be carried out using this technique. For propagation in this case, either young or slightly lignified cuttings are taken, on which there should be at least 2-4 buds. Under the lowest node, a very oblique cut is made. sharp knife. big leaves are removed from the cutting. Small ones are best left. Planting cuttings should be in pots one at a time. You can also take big box. However, in this case, planting material should be placed only along its perimeter (near the edges). The fact is that the cuttings are well accepted only under the condition of free air circulation.

Leafy soil mixed with peat and sand is poured into pots or a box. A few days before planting, the soil should be thoroughly wetted. Do not water the soil before and after planting. The cuttings are carefully stuck into the ground and covered with a film on top, fixed on sticks of a suitable length.

For two weeks, the plants must be sprayed and ventilated daily, removing the coating for a while. After this period, the seedlings begin to accustom to room temperature. To do this, the film is removed every day for 2-3 hours. They do this for a week. Then the film is removed completely.

How to propagate by leaves

This method is also often used by indoor plant lovers. Produce propagation by leaves as follows:

with mother plant a large healthy leaf is removed and cut into squares 2 cm long;
the resulting planting material is planted vertically in a moistened mixture of leafy soil, sand and peat, or simply laid out on it;
the box is covered with foil.

Begonia, whose leaves are easy to propagate, germinates in this case in about 2-3 weeks. From this moment on, the box needs to be ventilated. To do this, the film is first removed for 30 minutes a day. Further, the ventilation time is gradually increased. The plant should be fully adapted to room temperature within a week.

How to water properly

Of course, a lover of indoor plants should also know how to properly water these wonderful flowers. Begonia, like any other tropical plant, does not tolerate dry air at all. Therefore, it should be sprayed daily with a spray bottle. But this must be done in such a way that water does not fall on the leaves. Spraying is done around the plant, moistening the air. You can also place the begonia pot in a larger container. In this case, water is poured onto the bottom of the latter and stones are placed. Install the pot with the plant in such a way that its bottom does not touch the water.

Actually, watering begonias is done very rarely. This plant does not like too damp earth. With increased soil moisture, its roots begin to rot and the leaves turn yellow. Water before watering should be defended for a day at room temperature. Blooming begonia, as well as those forms that are valued for the beauty of the leaves, are watered in spring and summer in a day or a few. In winter, the number of waterings is reduced to once a week.

Immersion method

Sometimes this technique is also used to moisten the soil in a pot. Implementing it is completely easy. To do this, you need to take a container in volume larger than a flower pot. Water softened with peat is poured into it (1 kg per 10 liters). Next, the pot is lowered into the container for 20 minutes. As a result, water will penetrate into it through the drainage holes and moisten the soil. Then the begonia in the pot is placed on a pallet. As soon as the water drains from the drainage holes, it is drained.

Growing begonias: how to fertilize

For plant nutrition, a special mixture for begonias is usually used, which can be bought at a specialized store. If you can't find it, you can use any complex fertilizer for indoor flowers. In spring and summer, top dressing is usually done once a month. In late autumn and winter, plants do not fertilize. At this time, the flowers are at rest and top dressing can even harm them. The only exception is the ever-flowering begonia. Fertilize this variety should be all year round.

Diseases

Resistance to different kind diseases - this is also what characterizes these spectacular unpretentious flowers. Begonia, however, sometimes still causes problems in this regard for lovers of indoor plants. Most often it is affected by powdery mildew. In this case, a white or gray coating that is easily erased by a finger appears on the stem and leaves of the plant. The fungus begins to suck out all the juices from the plant. As a result, the leaves curl up and gradually die off.

Relieve plants from powdery mildew, usually with special purchased funds- fungicides. They also treat other begonia diseases caused by fungi. Very popular and effective, for example, are drugs such as Topaz, Gold, Fundazim, etc. Before processing, the diseased plant must be isolated from others, as powdery mildew spreads very quickly. You also need to remove the entire plaque. Severely affected shoots and leaves are removed and burned. Actually, spraying is carried out according to the instructions for the selected preparation.

Pests

Also, begonias are sometimes affected by spider mites or aphids. In the first case, the plant can be treated with infusion of chamomile or tobacco with soap. Aphids are destroyed with drugs that have pyrethrum in their composition. You can also treat the plants with a weak infusion of garlic. To prepare it, 2-3 mashed garlic cloves are mixed with 2 tsp. oil and one teaspoon liquid soap. Next, pour everything warm water in the amount of 0.5 liters.

Most popular varieties

And finally, let's look at what popular varieties begonias exist at the moment and which one is best to choose.

Most often, lovers of indoor plants grow the following varieties:

Begonia ever flowering. This is one of the most beautiful forms, the main feature of which is a thick bare stem, reaching a height of up to 40 centimeters. The leaves, depending on the variety, of this begonia can be emerald or bright green, and the flowers are white, pink, red or salmon. The peculiarities of this variety, among other things, include the fact that it blooms almost all year round.
Begonia coral. The branches of this form hang down very nicely. Its leaves are covered with spectacular white spots. Coral begonia blooms in spring. The flowers of this variety may have different shades red - from hot pink to maroon.
Royal begonia. This variety has a creeping stem and very beautiful variegated leaves.

Coral, ever-flowering and royal begonias are the most popular varieties. However, sometimes indoor plant lovers breed more exotic forms of begonias. For example, tuberous varieties are grown mainly in gardens and yards. However, in a pot, they can look very good. The domestic tuberous begonia is valued, in contrast to the rhizome varieties, not for beautiful leaves. She earned popularity primarily for spectacular terry flowers.

As you can see, there are many varieties of begonia. And all of them, without exception, are distinguished by high decorative qualities. Considering that to look after any forms of this wonderful indoor flower and even propagating them is a simple matter, it is certainly worth using begonia to decorate an apartment.

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