Plants have different shape: from grasses creeping on the ground to tall upright bushes or shrubs. The begonia leaf is asymmetrical, it can be whole or dissected with wavy or serrated edges.
The inflorescences consist of several small, medium or large flowers. Their color is monochromatic red, pink, yellow, orange, white, or with edging of various shades along the edges of the petals. The time of flowering of the plant is summer and autumn, indoor begonia can bloom until December. The fruit is a box with small seeds inside.
Here you can see a photo of a begonia flower in a pot.
Features of the root system
There are three types of begonias root system:
- Tuberous. It is characterized by growth in the form of a spherical, and subsequently flat-round tuber. It forms at the bottom of the stem. A branched root system forms in the lower part of the tuber. This type is possessed by decorative foliage varieties of begonias.
- Rhizome. Plants form fleshy, horizontally arranged rhizomes with numerous small roots. The rhizomes are pubescent and bear stipules. More common in flowering varieties.
- Ramified root system without pronounced modifications.
The roots of all types of begonias are usually located in the upper layers of the soil, grow more in breadth than in depth. They are thin and easily injured if handled carelessly.
The soil
Requirements
- Optimum soil acidity pH: from 6.1 to 7.5.
- Begonia loves soil rich in nutrients.
- The soil must have good drainage properties.
- It is not recommended to take soil from the house, in the country or in the forest. Such soil is almost always infested with diseases and insects, and its acidity is unknown.
Mix recipes
Tuber germination mixture:
- moss - 1 part;
- sheet land - 1 part;
- perlite - 1 part.
For tuberous begonia:
For the royal:
- leaf land - 2 parts;
- peat - 2 parts;
- humus - 2 parts;
- sod land - 1 part.
For ever blooming:
- sand - 1 part;
- humus - 1 part;
- leaf land - 2 parts;
- peat - 1 part.
Important! The potting soil must be sterilized before use.
Watering
To ensure optimal growing conditions, it is necessary to water the plant, observing certain rules:
- Depending on the air temperature in the room, watering the begonia is required once every 2-3 days.
- Watering should be done evenly, preferably at the same time of day.
- Watering is carried out in the morning or evening.
- In summer, water is plentifully so that excess water flows out of the drainage holes. This is especially important in hot dry weather. If the soil in the pot is completely dry, soak the pot in water for several hours.
- Starting from mid-autumn, the watering intensity decreases. In winter, the plant is dormant. Watering is required minimal. Begonia should be watered as the soil dries out in the pot - once every 5-7 days. Read more about begonia care in winter time we wrote to.
- After the soil has absorbed all the water, you need to carefully loosen it to a depth of 1-2 cm. This will save optimal humidity inside the pot and will provide good air exchange.
- Watering begonias can be done using the pot dipping method. In a shallow container, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the pot, you need to pour water and put a flowerpot in it. Leave until water is absorbed into the soil through the drainage holes.
- For watering begonias, it is advisable to use a warm, settled tap water... The water should be allowed to stand in an open container for at least 24 hours. To soften it, you can filter it with a regular household filter, or bring it to a boil and cool it down.
- After watering, be sure to drain excess water from the pallet. Begonia does not tolerate stagnant water in a pot.
- Begonia leaves are thin, so you need to avoid getting water and dirt on them when watering. Do not spray the leaves.
You can find out how and what to water begonias in.
What capacity is needed for planting?
Note! Given the peculiarities of the structure of the root system, it is necessary to give preference to containers, the diameter of which is slightly higher than the height.
The size of the pot depends on the purpose of planting. Cuttings, which have already begun to take root, are seated in containers measuring 5-6 centimeters. The pots must have several drainage holes.
After 6 months, when the root system is already entangled with an earthen ball, the begonia needs to be transplanted into a pot 8 - 10 centimeters in size. If the first planting was carried out in the spring, after a year, the capacity is selected bigger size... It is determined based on the size of the resulting root system.
The flowerpot should be one third larger than the previous one. You can't choose too spacious a container for begonias the first time. Root system plants can rot. When dividing the overgrown begonias, the diameter and height of the flowerpot for each of the separated parts is 2-3 centimeters less than the previous one. When separating young outlets, children are temporarily placed in seedling containers measuring 60 by 60 millimeters.
The form
For begonias, it is better to take a regular round pot. The shape of the container should not complicate.
Material
Ceramic pots are more suitable for normal functioning of the root system of begonia. They do not retain moisture and provide good air circulation.
Plastic can also be used if you choose the right soil, ensure good drainage and to prevent overheating or hypothermia of the container.
On a note. Popular glass pots not worth buying for begonias. Such flowerpots are of little use, and decorative effect absent when growing plants in a conventional substrate.
Read about how to properly care for a potted plant.
Training
If the pot remains the same when transplanting the plant, you need to disinfect it by placing it in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes. The lower third of the begonia pot must be filled with drainage - a layer of expanded clay and coarse sand. In order to prevent rot, it is covered with a layer of charcoal 2-3 centimeters thick.
How to plant?
Planting a plant can be done independently, using its parts such as stems, tubers, leafy cuttings, as well as vegetatively.
Planting with rhizome
The pot should be four centimeters larger than the diameter of the root system. Planting begonias in a pot is carried out a little more in the spring, as well as transplanting. The bottom of the pot must be filled with drainage by 2-3 centimeters. Next, add a layer of charcoal to prevent decay.
Mix the soil enriched with vitamins with river sand and humus, you can also add peat. Young begonia badly perceives the increased acidity of the soil. It should be in the range of 5.5 pH. Young plants tolerate planting well, so after watering they can be immediately put on a permanent place.
Important! With age, begonia grows a large number of fragile young leaves. Florists most often cut it or make rejuvenation by dividing the rhizomes.
Tuber planting is carried out towards the end of March. Before planting in a pot, germination must be carried out by planting the tuber in a nutrient medium. During this period, the flower must be kept in the light at high humidity and an air temperature of + 18 ° C. Watering is best done in a pallet. After the tubers sprout, they are planted in a pot.
When planting, the bottom of the tuber should be at the bottombecause the kidneys are located on the top. The pot should not be filled with soil to the brim: after the tuber has grown well, its base must be sprinkled with earth by three centimeters.
- When planting by dividing the tuber, cut it into pieces so that each has a kidney. Sprinkle the cut with ash. Then plant part of the tuber in moistened soil. Cover the pots with foil and place in a bright room. After rooting, plant the plants in pots for permanent residence.
- When vegetative propagation children need to cut off the top of the begonia up to seven centimeters long. Move for rooting in a small container with soil, where peat and coarse sand are in equal proportions. Cover the pot with foil. When the new seedling sprouts, transplant the plant into a permanent pot.
- For planting with leaf cuttings, the leaf of the plant should be cut into squares. Place them vertically in the substrate. Cover with foil. Remove it when the cuttings take root. Plant young plants each in its own permanent pot.
- For planting with stem cuttings, stem cuttings with at least two nodes are needed. It is necessary to make a cut. Create a well in the substrate. Insert the handle into the hole. Cover with foil. Rooting occurs in 15 to 30 days.
Why is it so important to choose the right one and what are the consequences?
On a note. If you choose too large a container, the flower will suffer from waterlogging. In pots with curved edges, it is more convenient for pests to hide.
When growing begonias in a plastic flowerpot, there is a risk of a greenhouse effect in the soil and overheating of the root system. In addition, stagnation of water in the root area can form in such a pot.
Ceramic pot provides air exchange and excellent thermal insulation, preventing overheating of the begonia root system. When proper care behind the plant, there is no risk of excessive moisture in it. Begonia is demanding on growing conditions.
For the plant you need to create correct composition soil, choose a suitable pot, observe certain conditions for planting and care. If all the rules are followed, begonia will delight its caring owner with luxurious flowers and delicate leaves.
Begonia feels good in a lit room, but in diffused light or in partial shade. It is best to keep it on the windowsills of the eastern and western windows, additionally illuminating it in winter.
Water the begonia regularly and abundantly, but drain the excess water from the pan. In the summer, you can water it a couple of times a week, and at the peak of the heat - every day. Since October, watering is needed only when the land dries up; in winter, water is needed least until March, when the intensity of watering can be increased again.
Conditions that begonia prefers
Home care is about creating high humidity and moderate temperatures. Moisture can be provided by placing wet peat in a saucer or by pouring pebbles and pouring water. Evaporation will give the flower the moisture it needs.
The land in which the begonia is planted should be nutritious and consist of leafy soil with the addition of peat and black soil. Drainage is provided with a layer of coarse sand, then leafy soil is laid, and the top of the pot is filled with peat mixed with black soil. In spring and summer, it's time to fertilize the plant, using full mineral fertilizer for this. 
It is necessary to transplant a flower every two or three years, when the roots cease to fit, and you need new pot... When replanting, the roots must be washed and inspected, if rotten ones are found, cut them out. A plant is placed on a layer of expanded clay and coarse sand and covered with soil. The first time after transplanting, you need to water the begonia abundantly.
For the plant to bloom longer, the first female flowers must be removed. In order for tubers to form, it is necessary to prevent flowering in the fall by removing the buds. Tubers are needed in particular for reproduction.
Begonia can be propagated vegetatively - with leaves and stems, as well as tubers and seeds. Cuttings can be done in summer or spring by taking a cutting from the stem or using a strong leaf. The planted cuttings are kept in dark place... It will take one to two months for rooting.
Seed propagation is done in winter. They are laid out on the surface of the soil and pressed into it. 10-15 days later, seedlings may appear, which dive and, together with the ground, are transplanted into pots. By August, young plants can start blooming. 
By the cold, begonia forms tubers, which are stored in the sand in winter at a temperature of 8-10 degrees Celsius. In the spring, planting takes place. The tuber is half immersed in the soil and kept in the dark for several weeks, moderately moisturizing. After the emergence of shoots, the tuber is sprinkled with earth and the pot is transferred to light and heat.
Varieties of begonia
Common begonia - indoor or garden - is divided into many different types... There are those that do not bloom, but have decorative leaves. So, royal begonia has large, up to 30 cm long leaves in the form of hearts or spirals, like snails. 
Ever-flowering begonia fully justifies its name and blooms all year round... It has beautiful red-green leaves and multi-colored small flowers. Tuberous begonias are very beautiful, and ampelous varieties are used in vertical gardening: its flowering shoots come down from hanging pots.
The plant can hurt due to improper care of it. Watch for symptoms and take action. How to care for begonia at home, you already know:
- the leaves turned brown at the edges and began to crumble - an obvious lack of watering and moisture;
- pallor of the leaves indicates a lack of light;
- fungal infection - excess moisture and low temperature;
- dry air leads to powdery mildew.
Under these conditions, aphids also breed and spider mite... It is necessary to fight pests with special formulations.
Begonia: the basics of successful grooming.
Caring for begonia will not be difficult even for a novice florist. Give her very little attention and she will delight you with her beauty.
Begonia. Types 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.
There are now over 2,000 species of begonias. All types of begonias are divided into 3 groups:
- tuberous begonia (propagated by tubers);
- leaf begonia (has a thickened root that is used for reproduction);
- bush begonia (propagated by apical shoots and seeds).
Begonia is also subdivided into shrubs, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. For growing at home, hybrid varieties are most often used, which in turn are subdivided into decorative flowering and decorative deciduous.
The most popular species among flower growers are tuberous, decorative flowering begonias. They have beautiful, large flowers in various shades: from white, pink to red. Most begonias bloom all summer, but when created for them favorable conditions, can please their beautiful flowers and 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 her at home will not cause much trouble, but still, he must be literate so that your indoor plant developed correctly and had a beautiful well-groomed appearance.
The begonia flower is a thermophilic plant, and the temperature for it must be maintained within + 15 + 20 ° С, and in winter - not lower than + 15 ° С. But do not put it near a battery or electric heaters.
The lighting should be bright, but without bright sunlight, so in the summer, the flower should be shaded.
Watering and spraying
In spring and summer, begonias require abundant watering, but the plant should not be flooded, since it does not like stagnant water. In winter, water the flower in moderation. When watering, it is necessary to avoid getting water on the begonia leaves, otherwise brown spots will form on them. Use soft, settled water.
Full care of begonia requires air high humidity, but it is not recommended to spray the plant. Most the best option is placing pots of begonias on a tray with wet peat or moss.
Begonia breeding at home
Reproduction of begonias at home, depending on the species, can be done with leafy or tuberous cuttings.
Reproduction of tuberous begonia must be done as follows. In autumn, you need 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 done in moderation. It will take several weeks for the sprouts to germinate. As soon as the shoots appear, the tubers should be cut into pieces, the cuts should be processed charcoal and dry.
The separated tubers are planted in small boxes, while deepening the tubers only halfway. After 20-25 days, you can plant it 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 spring. For propagation by leaf cuttings, it is necessary to cut off the leaf at the very base of the begonia stem, at least 5 cm long. Bury the cutting into 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 planting you use not a leaf, but a stem cutting, then its length should be more than 7 cm. It is necessary to plant the cuttings as soon as possible so that the cut does not have time to dry out.
Begonia transplant
Begonia transplant is needed annually, it is better to do it in early spring... If transplanted less often, then the leaves of begonia, which is in a cramped pot, begin to fade and lose their decorative effect.
To transplant, 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 on top of expanded clay to make the pot more stable.
You can also use a ceramic pot, which does not allow waterlogging and allows air to pass through well. But here you need to take into account that over time, the roots will take up 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.
When replanting, the soil should not be damp or excessively dry. The plant should be carefully removed from the pot, removed the soil and placed for 10-15 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Then carefully examine the roots, cutting off small tangled or large rotten roots and sprinkle the cut with charcoal.
The soil for begonias should be nutritious and slightly acidic. It is better for begonias to use a mixture of peat, leafy and sod land, while you can add a little coniferous soil and coarse sand. It is advisable to cut off the plant after transplanting so that it recovers faster and starts growing. The transplanted plant needs to be sprayed daily and watered as soon as it begins to dry out. upper layer land. It is also recommended to keep the begonia in the shade for several days.
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, leaf earth and sand. Moisten the soil for disinfection with 0.1% potassium permanganate solution. Crops are best kept under glass and evenly moistened with heated water.
Keep such boxes with plants on the windowsill so that the plants have enough sunlight... When shoots appear after 2 weeks, the glass is removed. Plants should dive at the stage of appearance of 2-3 leaves. After a month, carry out the second pick. In early May, young plants will need to be planted in separate pots.
Features: home care for begonia
From spring to mid-autumn, it is necessary to feed begonia with liquid complex fertilizers for ornamental plants.
After the plant has bloomed, it should be dried without cutting off the roots and stems by placing it in a dark place. Within a month, all nutrients in the stems and roots will enter the tuber. It is necessary to dig out the formed tuber two weeks after the ground part of the plant has completely died out.
IN winter period the tubers are placed in boxes of sand. The temperature in the room where the tubers are stored should not exceed + 15 ° C. To prevent the tubers from drying out, they must be watered periodically.
Indoor begonia and its diseases
Why begonia does not bloom
If begonia does not bloom, then the reason for this may be that it was transplanted into a too spacious pot. Therefore, when transplanting, it is important to take into account that the new pot in diameter should be no more than 2 cm wider than the old one. To make begonia bloom more luxuriantly, you should carefully remove wilted flowers, as they interfere with the development of new buds. The flowering plant should be fed regularly.
Why begonia leaves dry
With insufficient moisture in the soil or air, the leaves of the begonia begin to dry, and the flowers and buds begin to fall off. An urgent need to establish an irrigation system. If the leaves become pale or turn yellow, this indicates a lack of light for the flower. The appearance of brown edges on the leaves indicates dry air or sun exposure to begonia.
Waterlogging of the plant can cause gray rot, in which case light mold appears on the leaves. The affected parts must be removed, and the plant itself must be treated with a fungicide.
In the presence of drafts, dry air or temperature changes, leaves can form white bloom - powdery mildew. In this case, the plant should be treated with ground sulfur or sprayed with 1% colloidal sulfur solution.
Of the pests, begonias are most often attacked by spider mites or aphids. They should be dealt with by spraying the underside of the leaf with soap solutions of tobacco. Or, you can treat the begonia with preparations containing pyrethrum or an insecticide.
What to look for when buying begonias
When buying begonias, 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, absence of plaque and dry spots.
Begonia is a wonderful plant, it is used to decorate gardens, parks, squares, they love to grow it at home. This flower belongs to the numerous Begoniaceae family. This genus has 900 species found in wildlife, and about 2000 bred hybrid samples. The plant got its name thanks to Michel Begon, who described it at the end of the distant 17th century. As decorative flower begonia began to be used only after 100 years.
Begonia history
Michel Begon described her in the Antilles. A few decades later, they described the ever-flowering begonia from Brazil, then the royal begonia from the Indian subcontinent, and then the tuberous from South America... They served as the basis for the emergence of modern varieties. At first its wide used for decorative purposes - it was exclusively a greenhouse flower, then varieties appeared that could withstand the vagaries of the weather.
Around the world today there is a huge variety of hybrid forms and varieties of this culture.
Depending on decorative qualities all begonias are classified as follows:
- Decorative flowering.
- Decorative deciduous.
Tuberous begonia stands out among the most popular species. Its flowers are of extraordinary beauty and brightness, and this is combined with unpretentious care.
In nature, the plant prefers the humid climate of the tropics and subtropics. Selects shady places, but can be found at an altitude of 4000 meters above the sea, in the mountains and arid slopes.
Variety of types and shapes of flowers
Begonia can be a small herb, not exceeding 3 cm, and also a fairly tall shrub. Some species have no stem, others have only one leaf. Leaves have different shades green, back side it happens solid or stained and patterned... Flowers shine with a variety of warm colors.
Begonia blooms very abundantly and brightly. Her luxury flowers look like roses, camellias, daffodils, carnations. A variety of elegant flowers will decorate the summer garden from the beginning of summer to September. If the plant is in the room, then the flowering time increases - begonia blooms from late spring to late autumn. How to care for begonia at home?
Begonia. Home care, photo
Home-grown begonias, depending on care, can bloom both in the warm season and in winter. Decorative-flowering species are distinguished by the beauty of the resulting flowers, while decorative-deciduous ones have a spectacular color and shape of leaves, have pubescence, while the resulting flowers do not have decorative value. The photo shows specimens from both groups.
Lighting and temperature
Indoor plant prefers to grow in bright light... Blooming specimens are in greatest need of it. However, in the very heat, the plant should be shaded from active sunas by doing this, burns can be prevented. Decorative deciduous varieties need diffused light, the flower should be placed on the eastern or western windowsill.
The begonia flower loves warmth, in the warm season it is necessary to maintain the air temperature at around 22 degrees, in winter the air should warm up at least 15-18 degrees.
Air humidity, watering and feeding
Caring for a room flower involves creating a certain microclimate. Since the plant is tropical, it needs high humidity, but experts do not recommend spraying. Since water gets on the leaves, it provokes the appearance of brown spots. To increase humidity, creating the necessary microclimate for begonias, the following structure should be built. Place the flower on an inverted tray, which will place in a larger container, the remaining space cover with expanded clay... Constantly monitor its moisture content, which will ensure required humidity air around begonia.
In summer, in hot weather, it is required to arrange an abundant drink for the plant. In this case, you need to ensure that there is no stagnation of water either in the pan or in the pot itself. Pour with settled water when 1.5 cm of the earthen coma has already dried up from the previous watering. In winter, watering is reduced. Tuberous species are not watered at all in winter, since they have a sleep period, they are placed in peat.
After the indoor begonia flower has bloomed, top dressing should be carried out. Fertilizers are applied 2 times a month. Ornamental deciduous species are fed with nitrogen, which affects the growth of leaves. Decorative-flowering specimens with fertilizers containing this component are not watered, since it inhibits flowering.
Begonia flower transplant
Soil for indoor flower purchased in a specialized store or made by yourself. To do this, you need:
- Place a drain made of regular sand at the bottom of the pot.
- Cover half the pot with leafy soil.
- Add a one-to-one mixture of peat and black soil.
The soil should be prepared correctly as this will affect the growth and health of the begonia.
Begonia care is carried out with periodic transplants, it is done as needed. If the roots are sticking out of the drainage hole, then it's time to transplant into a more spacious container. The plant is transplanted, as a rule, in the early spring... The begonia should be carefully removed from the pot, the roots should be cleaned from the ground and placed in a potassium permanganate solution. After cleaning and disinfecting the roots, the dead parts are cut off.
Reproduction
Indoor begonia reproduces in three ways, namely:
- Leafy cuttings,
- Stem,
- By dividing the bush.
Each type of begonia has its own characteristics of reproduction, so they must be reckoned with, otherwise the plant will not take root. For example, the tuberous species uses seeds and tubers for propagation.
Transplant and reproduction of this type is carried out in the following sequence:
- IN autumn period tubers are taken out of the ground.
- Cut off the leaves.
- They cleanse the roots from the earthy coma.
- Place the tuber in the peat so that it does not dry out.
- The temperature is maintained at about 10 degrees.
The tuberous type of begonia after transplantation will grow well if this procedure is carried out from February to May.
A shoot will appear from the seeds, if they are sown in a pot filled with earth and sand, they should be watered sparingly. The seeds germinate very slowly, the sprouts and roots that have appeared will tell you about the process that has begun.
Diseases and pests
Often from an excess of moisture, begonia suffers from fungal disease - powdery mildew. In order to prevent the development of the disease in time, you should periodically carefully examine the core of the bush and lower leaves... It is these parts of the plant that are most prone to rot and powdery mildew... If you find this problem, you should immediately reduce watering and remove the affected plant areas. This will prevent the fungus from spreading throughout the plant.
So begonia is a grateful home flower, if the plant is properly looked after. If you grow decorative deciduous varieties, then you can create green corners, where the beauty of begonia leaves will manifest itself in full force. And abundantly and effectively blooming samples will bring brightness to your life and give you many pleasant moments.
Begonia flower
Begonia is a houseplant that blooms not only in the summer, but also in the winter. It represents both completely herbaceous plant (up to 3 cm high) and a tall, dense bush. Decorative foliage species have very beautiful, developed foliage, different sizes and shades of green. A plant can have one large or many small leaves... Moreover, their flowers are not expressive and small.
A characteristic feature is the asymmetry of the sheet, one side is always smaller than the other. Flowering begonias, on the contrary, have large, bright flowers with a range of different shades warm color... In shape, they can be regular and double, reminiscent of roses. Thanks to a variety of crosses, a huge number of species of this beauty are known today.
Types and varieties of begonias
- does not have a stem, and the leaves grow directly from the rhizome on long legs. Propagated by dividing the leaf and cutting. This type is used to decorate window sills and balconies (loggias). Among the most popular types, the following are known:
Leaves reach 30 cm in height (adult shoots), heart-shaped, asymmetrical, have an unusual, irregular color, red, brown and green shades. The flowers are removed from this plant, they are small and their presence slows down the growth of leaves, and it is the leaves that are the main focus of this species.
Masoniana or mason's begonia on a light green heart-shaped leaf, a dark green pattern in the form of a five-fingered cross is drawn. It looks very unusual. The length of the leaves is about 15-20 cm.
Metallica or metal begonia branching bushes of this species reach one and a half meters in height. The stems are reddish, and the leaves (10-15 cm) are dark green with reddish veins and metallic luster... It grows all year round, but more actively in summer and spring.
- a low-growing plant with bright pink flowers, blooms late.
It has a pink stem and large, pointed, finger-like, green leaves with light veins. It resembles the leaves of the hogweed.
- has a thick stem covered with red hairs. The leaves are large with jagged edges. The plant reaches a meter in height.
- a small plant in the form of a bush (20-25 cm). The leaves are small, dark green with light spots.
Leaves unusual shape with a velvet surface. They are dark green to almost black.
- has a cranked stem, somewhat reminiscent of a bamboo trunk. Reproduction occurs by cuttings, seeds and shoots (from the top). Such flowers are more suitable for home growing, as they take root better in closed rooms. Some of the types:
It has a long flowering period, for which it gained its popularity. Has a glossy leaf surface, green or reddish. The flowers are small: white, red and pink tint. It can be propagated from seed and grown both in the garden and at home. Indoor begonia can delight its owners with flowering almost all year round. It is periodically transplanted by grafting (every three years), as over time it loses its attractiveness.
- a large plant with rich red inflorescences that grow in dense bunches. The leaves are smooth, glossy, oval in shape.
- enough large view, leaves 10-15 cm in length, have white spots. The flowers are bright pink.
Differs from others, small, decorative leaves and small flowers hanging in the form of mushrooms. The flowers are bright red. Blooms from December to March.
- perfect decoration household plots, gardens and parks. It blooms from June to October, and in closed greenhouses ( winter gardens, greenhouses) and before the first frost. Does not like drafts and strong winds, and is also afraid of direct sunlight.
It differs from other members of the family by the presence of a large tuberous rhizome, from which large translucent stems with heart-shaped leaves with a slightly fleecy surface grow. Inflorescences of various colors. You can find the following types:
It has curly flowers and well-branched, slightly inclined shoots. They are used in landscape design for decorating various suspended structures.
Ampel begonia has an advantage over others, in continuous flowering... It is hung in pots, from which hang a large number of inflorescences tightly fitting the stem 20-40 cm long. It can be white, raspberry, orange, yellow, and sometimes two-color.
The diameter of the flowers reaches 25 cm.
Among garden and home begonias, there are species that are used only in indoor floriculture, for example, begonia Elatior ... The tuberous hybrid has rather fragile shoots of a reddish tint, which need additional support. White, pink, orange, yellow, red and their various shades (usually two-color), inflorescences (6-7 cm in diameter) bloom at any time of the year. Leaves with a glossy surface, rounded. The bush reaches 30-35 cm.
The height of the bush is about half a meter. Dark green leaves wavy at the edges (7-10 cm). Flowers: white, pink and red.
The characteristic feature of this continuously flowering plant, is an delicate flowerhaving a wavy petal shape, white with a pink border and a bright yellow core.
Begonia home care
The plant is quite light-requiring, especially flowering species need light. But direct sunlight must be avoided, otherwise burns will appear on the leaves.
Therefore, on the street they should be shaded, and in the apartment they should be displayed on the east or west windows, and in hot summer days hide deeper into the room, or protect the windows with special paper or film. Rotate the pot from time to time, changing sides of the flower's illumination. A comfortable temperature can be called 20-24 ° С in summer and not lower than 15 ° С.
Watering begonias
Since begonia is a tropical plant by origin, she loves high humidity... You cannot spray the leaves, otherwise they will begin to deteriorate (covered brown spots). Therefore, if the plant does not have enough moisture (for example, in hot weather), put it in a large tray on a stand and pour water (so that it does not touch the bottom of the pot) and pour some expanded clay into it. By evaporating, the water will provide the necessary moisture around the flower.
Watering is necessary with abundant, settled water, but do not allow water to linger in the pan. The irrigation regime is regulated from the season, as soon as the topsoil (1.5-2 cm) dries up - watered. In winter, watering is sharply reduced, and tuberous specieshibernating are not watered at all, but placed in peat.
Fertilizers for begonias
Top dressing is carried out 1-2 times a week during the period of active flowering. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen are used for deciduous begonias, as they improve leaf growth but slow down flowering.
Begonia transplant at home
The transplant is carried out as needed, for example, if the flower has become cramped in the pot, it can be moved to a more spacious one. A good time for transplanting is the beginning of spring.
The plant is taken out of the pot, carefully freed from the old soil (it is a huge mistake to move the flower into a new pot with old soil and sprinkle it with new). You need to act carefully so as not to damage the roots and stems. To clean the sand, you can use a light solution of potassium permanganate, lowering the roots there for a couple of minutes.
After that, weak points will become noticeable (if there is decay, then they should be cut off). The cleaned plant is placed in a new substrate. Watering after transplant is frequent. The earth is not poured to the top, it is necessary to wait until the roots dry up, and then fill up.
Do not expose only the transplanted begonia directly to the sun (the flower needs time to adapt, about a month). In addition, the begonias are pruned slightly to form a new, fresh crown.
Soil for begonia
The soil has no special requirements. You can buy it at a flower shop or make it yourself. A little sand is laid out at the bottom, then the pot is filled with leafy soil in half and a mixture of peat and black soil (1: 1) is added.
If the soil is properly prepared, the begonia will delight the eye with abundant bright growth and flowering, the colors will be rich, the leaves are juicy and healthy, and the trunk is thick and strong.
Begonia tuberous storage in winter
As soon as the first frost has struck, the harvesting of tuberous begonias for storage begins. For this, the upper part is cut off, leaving only 3-4 cm. It is dug out without clearing the roots from the ground, and is folded into storage boxes.
When the tubers are dry, remove the remnants of the shoots and spread soil with peat around them. Store in a dry, dark place at a temperature not lower than 10 ° C. As for forever flowering species, then the wintering period as such is not observed.
Begonia leaf propagation
When propagating by leaf cuttings, the strongest and healthy leaf is selected and cut into several pieces along the veins, so that each specimen has 2-3 veins. After which they are laid out on the surface of wet sand, and covered with a film or cellophane bag... It is necessary to spray the sand periodically.
When young leaves appear, gradually accustom the plant to room air, open for 10-15 minutes and close again, increasing the interval every day.
Propagation of begonias by stem cuttings
This method is suitable for any kind of begonias with a stem. To do this, cut best stalk 7-8 cm with 2-3 leaves, the lower ones must be removed, and the large upper ones must be cut in half. Place the cut, treat with charcoal.
In a prepared pot, with a mixture of sand and soil for begonias (1: 1), insert the cutting into the previously made hole with a stick, deepening it to the leaves. Cover with cut plastic bottle... In a month, new leaves will appear. Gradually accustom the plant to air. It will bloom in a couple of months.
Begonia reproduction by dividing the bush
Bush-growing begonias can be propagated using rhizomes. To do this, remove the plant from the ground, soak the roots a little in water, then carefully divide the rhizome into parts so that each has a bud or sprout.
Excess, dry leaves and inflorescences are removed, and the cut sites are treated with charcoal. Plant in pots and water.
Seed begonia
Not the most popular method, as not all seeds germinate or turn out to be viable, but it is still used.
Seeds are sown in a prepared substrate, without falling asleep on top of the earth, sprayed and covered with film or glass (periodically opening it, preventing waterlogging).
After thinning, wait until the sprouts get stronger and transplanted into separate pots.
Reproduction of tuberous begonia
In the fall, the leaves on the begonias are cut off, the tubers are removed from the soil and cleaned of the ground and dried. In February-May, the tubers are cut into several parts (two, three), but so that roots and sprouts remain on each.
The cut side is sprinkled with charcoal and placed in peat (not deeply deepening, a small part should be on the surface), making sure that it does not dry out. The temperature should not drop (10-12 ° C). The germination process is very slow, you need to be patient.
