Begonia: home care - important points (photo). Creating conditions for the flowering of begonias at home all year round. Begonia home care

Planting and caring for begonias (in brief)

• Bloom: some species are grown as ornamental foliage plants, and flowering begonias can bloom at any time.
• Lighting: bright diffused light (east and west window sills).
• Temperature: optimal - 18 ˚C, but in summer begonia can withstand higher temperatures.
• Watering: balanced: usually moderate and not very frequent, in heat and drought - plentiful. Between waterings, the substrate in the pot should dry out 1.5 cm deep. In winter, watering is noticeably reduced, and tuberous species Plants are not watered at all.
• Air humidity: increased, but it is undesirable to spray the flower, it is better to keep it on a pallet with wet pebbles or expanded clay.
• top dressing: flowering begonias - 2 times a month with a solution of a mineral complex for flowering indoor plants, and during the budding period - with potassium-phosphorus top dressings such as Bloom, Bud or Ovary. Deciduous species begonias are fed in the same mode with a complex for decorative and deciduous houseplants.
• rest period: in evergreen species, it is weakly expressed, and tuberous species rest for a long time: from mid-autumn, the leaves die off, therefore, feeding the tuberous begonia is stopped, watering is reduced, and when the ground part dies off completely, pots with tubers are stored until the start of the new growing season in a dark room at a temperature 10-15˚C. But even if the tuberous begonia does not intend to rest, you need to force it to do this: reduce watering and stop feeding.
• Transfer: as needed in early spring. Large plants can be divided during transplantation.
• reproduction: seeds, leaf cuttings, division of the rhizome or tuber.
• Pests: aphids, nematodes and red spider mites.
• Diseases: gray rot, peronosporosis, powdery mildew, black root rot.

Read more about growing begonias below.

Home begonia - care conditions

In addition to more than 1000 species of begonias, there are about 2000 thousand hybrid forms of this plant, so it is very difficult to give an average botanical description of the genus, especially since begonias in different classifications are divided into decorative and deciduous and decorative flowering, evergreen and deciduous, annual and perennial , tall and creeping, tuberous and rhizomatous. Many species and varieties of begonia are grown in indoor culture, so first we will talk about how to care for home begonia and in what conditions it should be kept, and we will give a description of the plants in the section on species and varieties.

Begonia care at home

How to care for begonias.

indoor begonia loves constancy, so determine a place for her in the apartment once and for all - well lit, but without direct sunlight. Blooming begonias especially need bright lighting, so the best place for representatives of the begonia genus is the window sills of windows facing east or west. Optimum temperature for a plant both in winter and in summer 18 ºC, but in summer begonia can endure even higher temperatures.

Accustomed to the conditions of the tropics, home begonia loves high humidity air, but it is still better not to spray it, because after that appear on its leaves brown spots. So that the plant does not suffer from dry air, especially in winter time When the heaters are running at full power, place the begonia pot on an inverted tray inserted into a larger tray. Sprinkle expanded clay around the smaller pan and keep it wet all the time so that the evaporating water creates required level humidity around the plant.

Decorative begonia does not tolerate crowding, therefore, when placing a plant on a windowsill next to other flowers, try to take it into account maximum size. Begonia needs regular ventilation, but the plant reacts to drafts, as well as to too high or too low air temperatures, withering and dropping flowers and leaves.

Pots and soil for begonias.

Planting and caring for home begonias begins with the choice of a container for growing a plant. Begonias need small and preferably ceramic pots, which are only 3-4 cm in diameter larger than root system plants, because in too spacious containers, begonias can suffer from waterlogging and bloom late. Soil for begonias can be purchased at a flower shop, or you can mix it yourself from two parts of leafy soil with the addition of one part of high-moor peat, sand and humus, or sod land. The optimal acidity of the substrate for begonias should be in the range of pH 5.5-6.5.

Planting begonias.

When planting begonias, a third of the volume of the pot is filled with drainage material, and a layer of charcoal 2-3 cm thick is placed on top of it to prevent rot. Then begonia is placed in the pot with earthy clod and fill all voids with soil mixture. Water the begonia after planting. Planting is carried out in the spring, from mid-March, when sufficient illumination and duration are established for the development of plants. daylight hours. Tuberous begonias should be germinated before planting in boxes without deepening into the substrate, in a bright place at a temperature of 16-18 ºC and at high humidity - 60-70%.

Watering begonias.

Begonia care at home requires a balanced plant moisture. Indoor begonia flower is moisture-loving, but this does not mean that it needs to be watered often. It is much more important to create a sufficient level of air humidity for the begonia, otherwise the tips of the leaves of the plant will dry out. Abundant watering will be required only on hot summer days, however, you need to make sure that the water does not stagnate in the begonia roots. For irrigation use settled water during the day room temperature. Moisturizing the plant is required when it earthen clod dried out to a depth of 1.5 cm. In winter, watering is reduced, and tuberous plant species do not need watering at all in winter.

Fertilizer begonias.

Caring for home begonia involves the introduction of fertilizers into the soil. Decorative flowering types of begonias are fertilized from the moment the buds are formed twice a month with a liquid complex fertilizer for flowering plants. In the phase of formation of the ovary, top dressing is carried out with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers - Bud, Ovary, Pollen. Only decorative leafy begonias need nitrogen fertilizers - if flowering species are fed with them, begonias may not bloom.

Begonia transplant.

Care and cultivation of begonias require timely plant transplantation, and it is carried out in early spring, before intensive growth begins. Hanging from drain holes roots. The begonia is taken out of the pot, carefully cleaned of old peat, the root system is placed for half an hour in a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate, then the roots are carefully washed from the remnants of the substrate with settled water, rotted areas are removed, the roots are allowed to dry and planted in a larger pot in that order, which we have already described. The transplanted plant is returned to permanent place and water frequently at first.

Young begonias tolerate the procedure easily, but replanting more mature plants is much more difficult due to the overgrown fragile leaves, therefore, as soon as the plant is 3 years old, it is divided into several parts.

Begonia in winter.

The dormant period in evergreen begonia species is weakly expressed, and tuberous species require a long rest. How to care for begonias in winter? Care for home begonia during the dormant period depends on the type of plant. Bush and decorative types contain at a temperature of 15-22 ºC, maintaining high humidity - for this, the batteries are covered with wet towels or air humidifiers are installed.

Tuberous begonias prepare for a dormant period from mid-autumn - their leaves dry out and die, so watering should be reduced, and when the ground part of the plants completely dies off, pots with tubers are transferred to a dark room until the end of winter and stored at a temperature of 10-15 ºC. Sometimes a tuberous begonia behaves as if it is not going to rest, and in order for it to bloom profusely next year, you will have to force it to rest: greatly reduce watering and cut off the ground part.

Indoor begonia - reproduction

How to propagate begonia.

Begonia propagates by seeds and vegetatively - leaf cuttings, stems, division of a bush or rhizome (tuber). It is easier and more reliable to propagate begonia vegetatively.

Growing begonias from seeds.

Growing begonias from seeds is not labor intensive and does not take much time. In late February or early March, small begonia seeds are sown on the surface of a light, loose substrate without embedding them in the soil, after which they are placed in a warm, bright place and covered with film or glass. Watering is carried out in a pan or by spraying from a spray bottle. As soon as shoots appear, the cover is removed, and when the seedlings develop 3-4 leaves, they dive. After two months, the seedlings are seated in separate pots. Begonia blooms from seeds in the first year, but for this it may need additional lighting.

Propagation of begonias by dividing the rhizome (tuber).

Deciduous begonia reproduces by dividing the rhizome. To do this, in the spring, the plant is removed from the ground, the rhizome is cut into pieces with a sharp knife, each of which should have roots and at least one shoot or bud. The sections are treated with crushed coal, after which the parts of the rhizome are planted in separate pots.

The tuber of an adult begonia can also be divided into parts and, after drying the sections a little and treating them with crushed coal, plant the delenki in separate pots.

Propagation of begonias by cuttings.

Propagation of begonias by cuttings is the easiest of the vegetative methods. Cuttings with 3-4 leaves are cut from the plant, their cuts are treated with charcoal to prevent decay, after which the cuttings are planted in a substrate of sand, peat and leafy soil in equal parts and placed in a bright, warm place, protected from direct sunlight. Begonia cuttings are watered moderately - the substrate should have time to dry between waterings to a depth of 1-2 cm. Rooting can be done simply in water. The roots of the cuttings grow within a month.

Propagation of begonias by leaf.

Since many types of begonias have large and dense leaves, they can be propagated by leaf cuttings, using both the whole leaf and part of it. When propagating with a whole leaf, the main veins are cut on the underside of the plate, the leaf is laid with the bottom side on pre-calcined wet sand and fixed in this position. Moisturizing the soil is carried out through the pallet. After about two months, roots grow from the veins in the places of cuts, and then new plants. When small begonias get stronger and grow, they are separated and planted in a soil mixture of equal parts of peat, sand and hardwood.

Pests and diseases of begonias

At home, begonia can be damaged by aphids, nematodes and red spider mite. Aphids and mites feed on the cell sap of the plant, from which the begonia loses its attractiveness and lags behind in development. 2-3 treatments with Actellik or Karbofos with an interval of 7-10 days can save the plant from aphids, and ticks can be destroyed with Decis, Derris or other insectoacaricides. From nematodes, during the life of which the leaves of begonias become discolored, and nodules form on the roots, there is no treatment - the flower will have to be thrown away.

Of the diseases, begonia is affected by botrytis, gray rot, downy or true powdery mildew, black root rot - fungicides - Bordeaux liquid, Fundazol, Skor, Quadris or any other drug of similar action will help you against these diseases. But sometimes begonias get sick with bacterial or viral ailments - cucumber mosaic, bacterial wilt or tomato spotting. There is no cure for these diseases, so the plant will have to be destroyed.

The begonia is drying up.

Begonia diseases are not the only problem you may face. Sometimes the plant behaves strangely - its leaves suddenly begin to dry. This is explained too high temperature and insufficient soil and air moisture. Water the plant and move it to a cooler place by building a tray with wet expanded clay, as described at the beginning of the article.

The begonia is turning yellow.

Sometimes begonias appear on the leaves yellow spots or rings - this is how cucumber mosaic or tomato spotting appear. Sick plants are destroyed. If the leaves turn yellow and droop, then this means that the begonias are cold, and there is too much moisture in the soil. Let the potting soil dry out and move the plant to a warmer location.

Types and varieties of begonias

There is no single, well-established classification of begonias today, but in the specialized literature one can find conditional options for dividing begonia species, for example, into decorative leafy and decorative flowering or, for example, division according to the characteristics of the underground part - into rhizome, tuberous begonias and begonias with superficial root system. Some prefer to divide the species of this plant into the following groups: decorative leafy, bushy and tuberous. But recently, the types of begonias are more often divided into:

• - bushy begonias with upright bamboo-like shoots;
• - begonias with thin and flexible drooping or creeping shoots;
• - species with thick rhizomatous decumbent or lying shoots;
• - species that are the ancestors of flowering hybrids.

AT indoor floriculture it is more convenient to use this classification of begonias:

• - decorative flowering indoor begonias;
• - decorative leafy indoor begonias;
• - decorative flowering potted begonias.

We offer you the names of the types of begonias, the most common in room culture, with their brief description, as well as the name of the varieties of begonias related to these species. Deciduous begonia, or leaf begonia, in indoor floriculture is represented by the following types:

- a plant native to East India. This is one of the most beautiful begonias, on the basis of which numerous decorative leafy varieties and hybrids have been bred. It has a thickened rhizome and beautiful, large, bare or slightly pubescent leaves up to 30 cm long and up to 20 cm wide, asymmetrical heart-shaped with wavy or unevenly serrated edges of bronze-brown, velvety-crimson or red-violet color, which are sometimes adorned with red-violet or silver spots. There are hybrids with almost black leaves in crimson spots. This species blooms with inconspicuous pink flowers. The best varieties of royal begonia:

• – Cartagena- a variety with dark green rounded leaves wrapped in a shell. The dark brown middle of the leaf becomes plum-colored as the plant matures. The green background of the leaf is covered with spots silver color with a pinkish glow;
• – Silver Greenheart- a plant with silvery leaves of an oblique heart shape with an emerald green border in silver splashes;
• – Chocolate Cream- the middle of the spirally twisted leaf of this variety has a juicy plum shade, and the main part of the plate is silvery with a pink tint;
• – Evening Glow- a variety with medium-sized leaves with a bright crimson center, from which greenish-brown veins diverge across a crimson field. The edge of the sheet plate is crimson;
• – Hallelujah- a variety with large, delicate purple leaves with a silvery tint, spirally twisted at the petioles. The center and edge of the leaf plate are cherry-colored, and between them there is a wide bright green strip, completely covered with silvery spots.

In addition to those described, such varieties and hybrids of royal begonias are popular: Lillian, Pearl de Paris, Red Tango, Regal Minuet, Titika, Silver Korkskrew, Benitochiba, Black Fang, Dudrop, November Frost, Charm and many others;

or begonia Bauer, or maple begonia, originally from Mexico. This is a low plant - it reaches no more than 25 cm - with a creeping stem and leaves of light green color with black or brown spots along the edges. The underside of the leaf plate is pubescent. Light pink inconspicuous flowers are collected in drooping loose inflorescences. In nature, this species is rare, but thanks to the hybridization carried out by breeders, many very spectacular varieties have been bred. The best varieties tiger begonias:

• – Tiger- a plant with a creeping stem, reaching a height of 10 cm. The leaves are velvety, bronze with a pattern, along the veins there is a brown stripe, the petioles are reddish, spotted;
• – Cleopatra- in this variety, leaves covered with light hairs change color depending on the lighting, the underside of the leaf plate is red or burgundy.

- semi-shrub plant rainforest Brazil, in room conditions reaching a height of about 1 m. The stems of this species are erect, bare, resembling bamboo. Leaves with serrated edges, oblong, ovate, up to 20 cm long and up to 7 cm wide. The upper side of the leaf plate is dark green with silvery spots, the underside is light green. Flowers on coral peduncles are collected in racemes. The most famous varieties:

• – Alfalfa- a plant with large green leaves with jagged edges, covered with silvery spots on the upper side of the plate. The underside is red;
• – President Carnot- a variety with shield-shaped leaves dissected at the base of the plate with a slightly serrated edge. The length of the leaves is up to 30 cm, the width is up to 15, whitish spots on the green background of the leaves.

- one of the oldest indoor plants, imported from Mexico. It has a creeping stem about 4 cm thick and large, palmately dissected leaves up to 35 cm long, located on yellow-green petioles, with obvious venation. The flowers are greenish-pink, collected in loose racemose inflorescences, open in February.

In addition to those described, the following types of decorative leafy begonias are in demand in the culture: Mason, striped, hogweed, metal, white-dotted, Bover, red-leaved, yellow, Limming, shiny, imperial and many others.

Decorative flowering types of begonias in room culture are:

- a small bushy plant, reaching a height of 60 cm with erect shoots at a young age, and in an adult plant they take an ampelous or semi-ampelous form. The leaves of begonias of this species are rounded, slightly pubescent along the edge, up to 6 cm long, light green, dark green, sometimes with a reddish tinge. Simple or double flowers of white, pink or red color up to 2.5 cm in diameter are collected in short-lived inflorescences, quickly fading, but immediately replaced by other flowers. If you provide good care for ever-flowering begonia, organize the necessary lighting and nutrition for it, it can bloom in winter. The best varieties of this species are:

• – Gustav Knaacke- a sprawling bush up to 30 cm high with green leaves with a red stroke and bright carmine flowers up to 3 cm in diameter, collected in inflorescences;
• – Carmen- medium-sized begonia with brown leaves with anthocyanin and numerous pink flowers;
• – Ambergris- a plant up to 15 cm high with brown leaves and pink flowers up to 3 cm in diameter;
• – Bicola- bush up to 14 cm high with green leaves and white flowers with pinkish edges;
• – Orania- a compact bush up to 16 cm high with green leaves with a red border and orange-red flowers.

In culture, varieties of ever-flowering begonias Leila, Bella, Lucifer, Rozanova, Scarletta, Linda, Albert Martin, Ball Red, Othello, Kate Teicher and others are also grown.

- this is the brightest and most abundantly flowering hybrid plant, an absolute favorite among indoor begonias. It reaches a height of no more than 40 cm, it has a fleshy thick stem and regular heart-shaped leaves up to 8 cm long with a jagged edge. The upper side of the leaves is glossy, bright green, the lower side is matte and lighter. Flowers are collected in inflorescences on long peduncles. The most famous varieties:

• – Schwabenland – tall variety, blooming profusely with small bright red flowers;
• – Renaissance- terry begonia, tall, red flowers have corrugated petals;
• – Louise- a variety with light cream flowers with a pinkish tinge:
• – Piccora- undersized begonia with double flowers of a bright pink hue;
• – Rose- a variety with dark pink double flowers.

Begonia varieties Elatior Sharlach, Kyoto, Cleo, Goldfinger, Annebel, Azotus, Bellona, ​​Berlin and others are also popular;

often grown in gardens and for decorating terraces and balconies. It is characterized by drooping shoots descending in cascades with numerous flowers. Grow ampelous begonias in hanging planters, baskets and pots. Among this group of begonias there are varieties with simple, semi-double, double and dense double flowers of white, red, pink, yellow and orange flowers, as well as their various combinations. Flowers can be small, medium and large. We offer you several the best varieties ampelous begonia:

• – Gale- a sprawling bush with long hanging shoots up to 30 cm long with jagged green leaves pointed at the top and semi-double pale pink flowers up to 3 cm in diameter;
• – Christie- sprawling bush with rather weak hanging shoots up to 40 cm long and white double flowers up to 4 cm in diameter;
• – Roxana- compact shrub with hanging shoots up to 40 cm long with orange double flowers up to 4 cm in diameter;
• – Katy- sprawling bush with rather weak shoots up to 30 cm long with semi-double yellow flowers up to 3.5 cm in diameter.

Of the decorative flowering begonias, today such hybrid varieties:

• – Harlequin – large-flowered variety with a spreading bush up to 25 cm high with green leaves and double flowers up to 12 cm in diameter yellow color with red border;
• – Gold Dress- semi-spreading variety up to 25 cm high with light green leaves and pink densely double yellow flowers up to 20 cm in diameter;
• – Duck Red- a semi-spreading shrub no more than 16 cm high with bright green foliage and dark red double peony flowers up to 10 cm in diameter with wide petals;
• – camellia flora- a compact shrub up to 25 cm high with green leaves and pink camellia-shaped flowers up to 12 cm in diameter with tiled petals with a white border;
• – Crispa Marginata- bush up to 15 cm high with green folded leaves with thin purple ropes and white flowers up to 12 cm in diameter, broadly oval in shape with a bright pink border and strongly corrugated wavy side petals;
• – Amy Jean Bard- a bush up to 12 cm high with green small leaves and inflorescences of 5 orange double flowers with a diameter of up to 3 cm;
• – Diana Vinyard- compact begonia up to 20 cm high with light green foliage and densely double white flowers up to 20 cm in diameter with folded wavy petals;
• – Marmorata- a semi-spreading bush up to 20 cm high with scarlet double flowers up to 12 cm in diameter with white strokes;
• – Feuerflamme- a bush up to 20 cm high with green leaves with raspberry veins and semi-double flowers up to 3 cm in diameter, orange-pink.

Begonia- This is one of the most common indoor plants. This flower is very loved by flower growers, it is a real decoration of any home. More than a thousand species are now known. beautiful plants. Begonia came to our homes from the hot tropics and subtropics, this plant grows in Africa, Asia, but there are especially many of them in Central America. Breeders worked with begonias for a long time and unusually fruitfully.

A bit of botany

Begonias are a genus of plants that is part of the family of the same name. These are herbaceous plants (annual or perennial), as well as shrubs and semi-shrubs. Plants have asymmetrical leaves, with a strongly indented leaf plate, the most diverse different colors and shades.

flowers bright, irregular shape, monoecious and same-sex. The fruit is a box. Many begonias have rhizomes or tubers.

The history of the distribution of the plant. To Europe this gorgeous flower arrived at the end of the 17th century. An expedition to the Antilles led by the Frenchman Michel Begon discovered beautiful flowers there, which were brought to France. It was named after the organizer of the scientific expedition.

After that, new discoveries rained down as if from a cornucopia: a little later, ever-flowering begonia was discovered in the New World, royal begonia was discovered, and in the jungle South America tuberous begonia was found. Begonias can be divided into plants with beautiful flowers and decorative foliage. Decorative leafy begonia usually has big leaves very beautiful shape.

Growing Features

Begonia is one of the most common and affordable plants, they can be easily purchased at any specialized store or grown on your own.

These flowers are very hardy. pets (for which flower growers love them), caring for them is very simple. In addition, these plants are quite resistant to diseases. However, there are certain nuances of growing begonias and caring for them.

Landing methods

Ground condition- this is a very important factor in the successful development of this plant. Begonias do not tolerate too wet soil. This factor must be taken into account when planting a flower.

Begonia loves abundant watering, especially during the hot season, but does not like it very much if the water remains in the pot for a long time.

When landing, you should not choose too much big pot, it should be slightly larger than before.

Take care of suitable drainage, choose the right soil. The pot must have a drainage hole. Suitable soil for begonias resembles soil for another indoor flower- azaleas. Pick up good garden soil, peat, organic fertilizer and sand in equal proportions. If you buy soil in a store, then it is better to choose a substrate based on peat.

Before planting, thoroughly wet the soil and let it dry a little for several hours.

Optimal landing time

Planting a flower is best done in autumn or mid-spring. It usually takes about five weeks for the plant to adapt.

Care

First of all, you should pay attention to the importance of its placement in the room. Lighting and temperature depend on this, they are very important for the normal well-being of the flower.

Lighting

Begonia loves bright lighting. but does not tolerate direct sunlight. Indoor begonia grows well on the east and west side, in winter it can be moved to the south side.

Important! Flowering begonias need slightly brighter lighting.

Air humidity

Begonias come from regions with high humidity. Owners of this beautiful flower it is important to remember this fact. The problem is that in winter the air in our apartments is usually overdried by central heating radiators. Therefore, do not place a flower next to a central heating radiator - begonias will definitely not like dry and hot air. In addition, you should humidify the air with a humidifier or a simple sprayer.

Temperature regime

The optimal temperature for begonias are: in winter - 18-23 ° C, and in summer - 20-25 ° C. home flower begonia does not tolerate temperatures as low as 15 °C.

Watering

Begonia should be watered when the soil has dried out a couple of centimeters deep. For watering, use soft and well-settled water. In the warm season, water the plant abundantly, but it is advisable to drain the water from the pan.

Advice! In winter, the plant hibernates, so minimal watering is required. In the spring, you should gradually return to the normal watering pattern.

In hot weather, begonias can be watered daily.

Winter care. How does the plant overwinter?

Winter care for home begonia is quite simple: the plant hibernates, it should not be disturbed often. Watering should be reduced to a minimum.

If your begonia grows in the ground, you need to wait until the aerial part of the plant dies off, and then carefully remove the tuber. Clean it up and dry it. The tubers are then placed in wooden boxes, covered with sand and left for the winter at a temperature not lower than 10 ° C and high humidity (60%). Usually this is a basement or cellar. It is impossible to water the tubers, they should be periodically inspected for damage to fungal diseases. If a disease is detected, its focus must be removed.

In early spring, tubers should be gradually prepared for planting - gradually increase the temperature and increase the abundance of watering. This is right time to propagate the plant by dividing the tuber.

Flower nutrition and fertilizer

The soil for the plant can be prepared independently. You need to pour a little into the pot river sand, top to half add humus and top up with a mixture of black soil and peat (1: 1).

Begonias need mineral nutrition , especially for plants living in old soil. To do this, once a week, a solution of mineral fertilizer must be applied to the pot. In winter, begonias do not fertilize, with the exception of ever-flowering species. These members of the family need feeding. It is better to exclude nitrogenous fertilizers, which negatively affect the development of flowers, and replace them with phosphorus ones.

pruning

In order for the begonia to retain its attractive appearance, it is necessary to prune the plant. If this is not done, then the flower stretches, the leaves become smaller, flowering stops.

However, this procedure is not necessary for all types of plants. for example, domestic tuberous begonias do not need pruning. Quite seriously, bushy begonias are pruned, as they grow extremely quickly, in ampel varieties the tip is plucked, and thick-stemmed plants are pruned only if the flower is very old.

When the flower reaches a height of seven centimeters, it is necessary to cut off its top. So you can achieve the formation of a more lush bush. After the side shoots reach a length of 10-12 centimeters, it is also desirable to cut off their tops. After these manipulations, you will get a beautiful and lush begonia bush.

If the plant is already old and it is not possible to form its bush, you should pinch off the apical bud and remove the lower leaves. This is how you activate dormant kidneys.

Another purpose of pruning is to remove damaged leaves, they greatly spoil the appearance of the flower, and can become a "gateway" for infections.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out around the middle of spring, even before the start of active growth. To determine that your flower needs a transplant, you can by the appearance of its roots. If they filled the pot completely, then it's time to arrange a housewarming party for your green pet. It is often not worth transplanting begonias: its root system is quite fragile, it is easy to damage it when transplanting. In addition, immediately after transplantation into new pot begonia will not bloom: the plant needs time to adapt.

A flower should be transplanted into a container slightly larger than the one in which it grew. Drainage should be laid in the pot, then prepare the soil (see above), carefully move the plant.

Plant propagation methods

Begonia reproduces sexually and vegetatively. Vegetative way:

• propagation by cuttings;
• tuber reproduction.

Reproduction by cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is the most convenient way, it is great for indoor flowers. The leaf cutting should be deepened into moist soil or pressed against it. You can just put it in water. The stalk along with the soil should be covered to create high humidity. If you put it in water, make sure that its temperature is slightly above room temperature. After the roots appear, the plant can be transplanted.

Reproduction by tubers

Reproduction by tubers is more suitable for garden begonias. In the spring, before planting, the tuber must be divided. Growth buds should be present on each part of the tuber. After planting, the tubers should be well watered.

sexual reproduction

Begonia can also be propagated by seeds, but it is difficult. Seed propagation is used by breeders to consolidate the traits of a variety.

Bloom. When does begonia bloom?

Begonia blooms very brightly, colorfully and very plentifully. Flowering usually begins in summer and continues until late autumn. There are plant species that can bloom in winter and even year-round. To prolong the flowering period, you should remove the female flowers at the very beginning. Sometimes flowers are removed to achieve more powerful tubers.

Important! After flowering, all pedicels should be removed so as not to deplete the plant.

The most popular types and varieties

In nature there is a large number of types of begonias. A lot of them now live in our homes and delight us with their beautiful flowers. There are several particularly popular types of these flowers.

Here is their list:

• Begonia coral. Top part sheet platinum is silvery, with green streaks. The bottom of the leaf is red. The plant lives for about five years.
• Collar begonia. This popular plant came to us from Mexico. Collared begonia has large, heavily cut leaves covered with a reddish fluff. The stem has the same coating. The flowers are pale pink, form a beautiful brush. They usually bloom in winter.
• Very beautiful and very unpretentious plant is Bauer's begonia. This plant is very large and beautiful bush. This begonia is quite demanding on lighting.
• Tiger begonia. This flower will easily decorate any interior. The plant has heart-shaped bright green leaves with dark spots on the veins.
• Begonia Cleopatra. It has round leaves of dark green color, needs high humidity.
• Begonia Lucerne. A typical representative of decorative leafy begonias. The leaves of the plant are very large, bright green, elongated, with a glossy sheen. The upper part of the platinum sheet is densely covered with silvery dots.
• Begonia yellow. This flower belongs to tuberous begonias and pleases its owners with beautiful inflorescences of various colors. There is a terry and non-terry form of yellow begonia inflorescences. There are a large number of varieties of this flower: begonia red, white, yellow with a pink border.

The following species are very attractive and very common: Mason's begonia, ampelous begonia, deciduous begonia and the most beautiful Black Queen begonia. It should also be added that a large number of excellent hybrids of these flowers have been bred (for example, begonia Elatior). There are begonias that are more suitable for open ground (for example, garden begonia).

Diseases

The most common diseases of these flowers are fungal diseases.

powdery mildew occurs due to excessive soil moisture, with frequent moisture on the stem and leaves of the plant. It is easy to notice: first, a white coating forms on the leaves, which very soon affects the entire plant.

To heal a flower, it should be sprayed special solution: Dissolve 20 grams of tar soap and 2 grams of copper sulfate in warm water. In addition, you should stop pouring begonias, they do not like this.

Gray rot. Detecting this disease is also simple: a grayish coating appears on the upper part of the leaf plate. This fungus is also well treated with a soap-vitriol solution.

Pests

• spider mite;
• scab.

Aphid leads to deformation of the shoots and twisting of the leaves. Sticky insect secretions appear on the leaf plate. To get rid of them, you should treat the plant with laundry soap.

When infected spider mite on the bottom of the leaf you can see thin threads that look like cobwebs. Process the flower soapy water and after a while, wash it in the shower.

Shchitovka leads to the appearance of pale spots on the leaves, which are easily scraped off with a fingernail.

In summer, it is better to water the plants in the morning, before the peak temperature. So you can protect the begonia leaves from burns.

Don't put a flower near heating appliances or central heating radiators. Begonia does not like dry and hot air.

During heating season Humidify regularly.

Do not splash water on the flowers of a flowering plant.

Related videos

Begonia decorative leafy

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the plant not blooming?

The main reason for the lack of flowers is the too large pot in which the plant is transplanted. Also, the flower may not have enough light.

Why do leaves dry and turn yellow?

Drying of the leaves is most often the cause of too dry air or lack of light. Brown leaf edges may be the result of sunburn.

Is begonia poisonous?

Begonias contain salts of oxalic acid, which can cause burns to the mouth and digestive organs. Especially a lot of these substances in tubers.

We can say that begonia is really dangerous for children and cats.

Everyone wants to breed beautiful plants. In order to grow a rare plant in your flower garden, it is important to know the secrets of care. Every living being requires careful care. The subtleties of growing most classes of plants are different. In this article, we intended to collect a few conditions in order to avoid disappointment when growing a particular flower. It should be determined for follow-up measures to which class the acquired plant is assigned.

How to properly care for begonias?

You can also use an elementary tray filled with water, on which to put a pot of begonia. At the same time, water from the pan should not be allowed to enter directly into the pot, even through the drainage holes. Therefore, expanded clay or coarse gravel should be poured into the pallet. In winter, when the heating is on, it is better to cover the radiators with a damp cloth.

Watering begonias

Begonias should be watered abundantly in the summer, until the water comes out of the drainage holes in the pot. The next watering should be done not earlier than the top layer of soil in the pot dries out by 2-3 cm. In winter, watering should be limited, but regular.

Begonia transplant

Young plants need to be transplanted every year in the spring. Transplantation of adult begonias is recommended to be done as needed, when the roots of the plant are clearly crowded in a pot. For planting and transplanting begonias, you need to prepare a soil mixture.

The most suitable option would be: 1 part of coarse sand, 2 parts of peat and leafy soil. When transplanting, be sure to inspect the root system.

How to care for room begonia at home

Begonia is the most extensive genus of indoor plants, which combines decorative leafy, ampelous and lush flowering plants, sometimes not at all similar to each other. Begonias belong to one of the most popular crops, which captivate not only with their extraordinary decorative effect, but also with their variability, ease of cultivation and breadth of use in interior design. These unique plants are conquering new horizons thanks to new varieties and hybrids appearing almost daily.

Decorative flowering begonias are valued for their extraordinary abundance and decorativeness of flowers that look like small roses. Among this group of species, which include tuberous begonia, bluish-leaved, bright red, ever-flowering, coral and numerous groups of hybrids, one can find evergreen species that do not lose their decorative effect all year round, and plants that are simply thrown away after flowering.

Blooming begonias strewn luxurious flowers all summer and autumn, but leaves fall in deciduous species for the winter. In order for such begonias to bloom again, they need to arrange a dormant period, like any bulbous and bulbous plants.

Decorative leafy begonias in color variability from the darkest variations of red to bright silver leaves can compete with garden geyher, conquering with large carved or whole leaves with sharp teeth and a noble velvety texture. They are less capricious in cultivation than flowering or ampelous species.

All types of begonias can be grown not only in flower pots, but also in balcony boxes, large containers, and even in open ground as an annual.

Growing conditions

All begonias love bright light and shade from direct sunlight, with the exception of the everblooming begonia, which loves the brightest sun and responds well to southern exposure. For winter flowering, it is necessary to provide a day length of at least 14 hours throughout the autumn. If there is not enough light, then to continue the daylight hours, it is enough to use a lamp with a power of about 60 watts.

The temperature difference in the room where begonia is grown can only fluctuate within 13-22 degrees Celsius. Too sharp, and even more frequent drops can cause leaf drop. When buds form on the plant, it is important that it stands in a room with a temperature of about 20 degrees, which can be reduced when blooming.

The temperature for begonias is not as critical as the stability of air humidity (in winter, you need to take measures for additional moisture without spraying). Blooming begonias do not turn to follow the sun.

For begonias, access to fresh air is important, timely removal of withering shoots and pinching of young ones for greater crown density.

How to care for begonia

Caring for begonias is simple, but must be careful. These plants react poorly to both drought and waterlogging. They are watered abundantly, because these are moisture-loving crops, but so that the water does not stagnate in the pot. At the same time, moisture should in no case fall during watering on flowers and leaves. Can only be used warm water. In winter, the need for watering is determined by the condition of the soil: water can be poured if its surface is completely dry.

Fertilizers are applied from the end of April, adding liquid fertilizers in not too large doses to the water for irrigation and increasing the concentration when laying buds. Further top dressing is made every two weeks until September.

In October, the begonia bulbs that you plan to grow as a perennial crop must be dug up, all shoots are cut off. Root tubers are first laid out on paper so that they dry. They are stored all winter, slightly buried in light peat, at a temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. At the same time, during the entire wintering, the corms are inspected every week, slightly moistening the peat, if wrinkling or drying of the tissues is noticeable.

Planting and reproduction

When growing begonias, special attention should be paid to the selection of soil. For these beauties, the soil should consist of only three components - soddy soil, leaf litter and coarse sand, although large begonias grow better in a soil mixture with great content soddy soil, and evergreens need the addition of peat. When planting, it is extremely important to lay high-quality drainage, which will act as a preventive measure for root rot.

Begonias are planted in March, in a fresh and light substrate, without deepening the root tubers too far into the soil. The first feeding in reduced doses can be introduced only a month after planting.

Begonia is propagated by sowing seeds, dividing adult and large tubers and cuttings.

Charming bushes with carved bright leaves and delicate buds adorn front gardens and balconies from late spring to mild autumn. These are mainly tuberous representatives of the species with voluminous conspicuous flowers. Indoor begonia can delight the heart of a plant lover all year round. A variety of species are planted in pots.

What are the varieties?

Among the plants there are also miniature bushes with a height of no more than 5 cm, and large specimens up to 3 m. They are classified in different ways.

In the popular interpretation, 4 types are mentioned, among which:

1. beautifully flowering - stand out with graceful flowers of very different colors, fullness and shapes;
2. shrub and semi-shrub;
3. decorative leafy - have carved characteristically colored leaves.

There are a lot of varieties of flowering beauty, more than 1000. Having spread from the shores of Asia and Africa, as well as South America, it has become popular all over the world.

Rules for caring for begonia at home

Having visited the thematic exhibition in botanical garden or a greenhouse, you will undoubtedly want to place this miracle in your apartment. But how to care for begonia at home so that it does not disappear after a short flowering? Will your conditions suit her?

1. First, choose a spot where the plant will not be directly exposed to direct sunlight. But at the same time there should be a lot of light, the appearance and growth rate depend on it. Deciduous species can be placed at some distance from the windows, they can also tolerate partial shade. Experts recommend placing flowerpots on the windowsills of the northern and eastern windows.
2. Secondly, it should be remembered that the flower feels comfortable being in one place. The constant change in lighting conditions and temperature can ruin it.
3. Thirdly, it is necessary to provide periods of rest between active growth phases, during which a supply of energy and strength is accumulated for a new flowering.
4. Fourth, try to create optimal temperature conditions in the region of 18-22 ° C throughout the year, avoiding hypothermia in winter and drying out in summer.

Watering and humidity

The main care for begonias in the hot summer consists in abundant and frequent watering with soft, settled water. You will be able to understand that another moisture is needed if the top earthen layer has dried out by 1 cm. Since the native climate for a flower is tropical and subtropical, dry air is unacceptable for it. But you can’t spray the leaves, because ugly brown spots may appear on them. How to proceed? Place the pot on a cushion of expanded clay, into which, as it dries, add water. Evaporating, it will well saturate the air with moisture.

To ensure quality begonia care room winter, you need to reduce watering. You can also insulate the pot a little so that the root system is not affected by coolness. In the midst of cold weather, the plant freezes in growth. During this period, do not fertilize, replant, rotate or fill it. It is important to provide him with the necessary rest.

How and when should begonias be transplanted?

Do not transplant a newly purchased flowering bush. Having experienced stress after changing growing conditions, the plant can get sick for a long time, the flowering period will noticeably decrease. The time to change the shipping container to a more beautiful and original pot has come if there is not enough space for the roots to grow, and they begin to peek out in the drainage holes. Choose a flowerpot a couple of centimeters larger than before.

Landing pattern is standard:

• a layer of small pebbles is laid on the bottom;
• expanded clay is sprinkled with suitable soil of 1.5-2 cm;
• having kneaded the pot from all sides, a bush is carefully removed from it, trying not to damage the roots;
• if necessary, unravel the root ball with a wooden stick, straightening it;
• placing the plant in a new pot, the roots are gradually sprinkled with new soil, lightly tamping it down;
• then watered with soft water.

The soil is better to buy ready-made. After all, special requirements are imposed on it: it must have a certain acidity, be light and loose, and have nutritional properties.

Top dressing of indoor flowers begonia

For the colorful color of the stems, the long phase of flowering, large buds, the plant needs fertilizer. Indoor begonia flowers, which are cared for without regular feeding, look weak and depleted. It is recommended to introduce complex mineral mixtures in the spring-summer period, when active growth is observed and buds are laid. There are specialized formulations designed specifically for flowering types of begonias. They are used as directed - once or twice a week. Supplements should be used wisely, their excessive amount will not bring benefits. If you are the owner of a decorative leafy begonia, then in the fall you need to stop fertilizing. If your plant blooms for a long time in winter, feed it until the end of flowering.

Do not be afraid to start a charming begonia. If you can provide her with a good environment, she will thank you with her beauty and long flowering.

Video: room begonia care

The begonia flower has over 900 varieties and is widely distributed as indoor plant. There are three-meter giants among them, and there are very small centimeter crumbs. This magnificent beauty is named after the governor of Haiti, Begon, because the plant comes from the tropics.

Types of begonias - diversity created by nature and people

Before deciding how to care for begonia at home, you need to decide what kind of plant you like.
The main types of begonias are divided into two huge groups - flowering and deciduous, further the classification is as follows:
Flowering varieties:

• tuberous begonia in the photo may be without leaves - they fall from this plant, and a new generation grows from tubers. Luxurious and abundant flowering, flowers 5-15 cm, the most different shades, terry or simple, two-color, with a border;

• bushy, in need of a period of sleep. The most common species is the ever-flowering garden begonia (see photo), planting and caring for which is not difficult. The ever-flowering begonia pleases with its delicate flowers almost all year round, but it must be renewed by cuttings every 3 years, as the stems stretch and become unattractive;

• evergreen begonia.

Decorative and deciduous varieties, characterized beautiful leaves with interesting colors

• when you see the royal begonia in the photo, you will understand why it is in the lead in the group of decorative and deciduous. These are heart-shaped leaves with heterogeneous colors of green, brown and red tones;

• spotted;

• brindle;

• Cleopatra;

• Mason's begonia.

The ampelous begonia will attract attention even from the photo, the planting and care of which is the same as for the rest of the species of this plant. Ampel begonia belongs to the tuberous and is used in vertical gardening, because it forms an attractive flower garland up to half a meter in length. When the plant is not blooming, it pleases with attractive leaves.

Advice! Caring for the ampelous variety is simple - you should plant the plant in a pot with soil made of sand, humus and turf, and place it near a well-lit window.

The basic requirements of begonias are light, watering and humidity, temperature

In order for your plant to be as wonderful as the begonia in the photo, home care should be provided according to the following recommendations:

1. Lighting. It is better to place pots with begonias on the southeast or southwest windows. The place should be bright, but without direct sun, because under the sun's rays, burns will appear on tender leaves.
2. Temperature. In order for you to enjoy a photo of begonia flowers grown by yourself, you need to know that the plant is thermophilic. In summer, the optimal temperature regime for it is 18-20 ° C, and in winter the thermometer should not fall below 18 ° C.
3. Watering. Abundant regular watering is needed only in summer, when it is hot. In autumn and winter, watering is reduced to moderate. Begonias do not like waterlogging, therefore they are watered only when the top layer of the substrate dries out by 1.5 cm. And it is better to use soft, pre-settled water.
4. Humidity. Do not spray begonias, as brown spots appear on the leaves. However high humidity is very important for the plant, and therefore the containers are placed on a tray with wet moss.

Advice! You can also put vessels with water or wet expanded clay next to the plants.

Rules for transplanting begonias. Selection of soil and fertilizers

Care and cultivation of begonias require proper fit and regular replanting. In order for the plant to feel good, good drainage will be required, and the soil should be loose and light, but at the same time nutritious. The most commonly used mixture with the following composition:

• leaf ground - 2 hours;
• turf - 1 hour;
• peat - 1 hour;
• humus - 1 hour;
• sand - 1/3 tsp

If we are talking about planting young plants, you can use a soil mixture of leaf and peat soil in a ratio of 1: 1 for them.

Advice! Ready soil, bought in a store, you can independently supplement with chopped sphagnum moss.

Young plants should be placed on sunny side, and leaves will quickly begin to appear on them. And after 1.5 months, the first buds will appear and beautiful begonia flowers will open as in the photo.

Transplant mature plant stands no more often than every two years, and young - annually, in the spring. The pot should become cramped, and only then is the transplant carried out. An exception is if you bought a begonia in a store - then a transplant is desirable immediately, since during this operation you can assess the condition of the plant's root system.

Important! The soil is not poured under the very top of the container, since the begonia forms additional roots, and they should be covered with new earth.
From the moment the buds appear, the plant is fertilized. This requires a universal complex fertilizer suitable for flowering indoor plants. The frequency of top dressing is twice a month.

Begonia propagation methods

Begonias can be propagated by cuttings of stems and leaves, as well as dividing the bush, and tubers or seeds collected after flowering are used to propagate tuberous varieties. Most often propagated by cuttings in the spring:

• you need to choose a strong and healthy leaf or stalk;
• place it in a moistened mixture of sand and peat (proportion 3: 1). Planted immediately to prevent drying of the cut;
• the container is taken to a dark place for 1.5 months until a new begonia is born.

Important! The leaf stalk for breeding begonias must be at least 5 cm, and the stem - not shorter than 7 cm.

But for the begonia tuberous planting and care are somewhat different. To propagate the plant by tubers, it is necessary to provide proper storage tubers: they are placed in sand or peat in the fall and kept at a temperature of + 8 ... 10 ° C all winter, and in the spring they are planted in containers with a suitable substrate and drainage. Tubers in the substrate deepen only half. Further, the plant is provided with moderate watering. For several weeks, the tuber will germinate, fix roots in the ground, and only then will it release shoots. As soon as the shoots appear, the desired layer of earth is poured on top of the tubers and the containers are transferred to the light. Already in the middle of summer, the plants will be covered with flowers, and by winter they will form new baby tubers.

Possible difficulties in caring for begonia

Various consequences improper care at home for ever-flowering begonia can be seen in the photo.

The most common troubles are:

• the plant sheds buds and leaves - it lacks moisture;
• if the leaves are too pale, then the plant does not have enough light;
• when it is too wet and cold, gray rot can appear on begonias - mold. Then all the affected parts are removed, and the plant is treated with a fungicide;
• a spider mite or aphid may settle, which will draw juices from the plant. Such a begonia must be washed with a soapy solution of tobacco or chamomile, and also treated with an insecticide or preparations with pyrethrum.