Begonia care and reproduction. Ideal Soil Options

Due to its colorful, different colors, indoor begonia has gained great popularity in growing it at home. The plant is of tropical origin. Grows wild in South America, Africa and Asia. The main country for breeding flower hybrids is Belgium. Modern world There are about 1000 of its forms.

Currently, you can find a large number of varieties and hybrids of this crop. Let's take a closer look at them.

Indoor begonias are usually divided into two large groups - deciduous and flowering. A group of deciduous begonias, characterized by an unusual shape and shade of the surface layer. These include the following types begonia:

PHOTO OF BEGONIA. CLICK ON THUMBNAIL TO ENLARGE IMAGE

Begonia tuberous

Begonia coral

Begonia Rex

Begonia tiger

red begonia

Begonia royal

The begonia flower is one of the most common classes of floristry, found both on the street and in room conditions. They amaze with the beauty and originality of their blossoming.

Flowering begonias are divided into tuberous and bushy. Bushy varieties of indoor begonia:

Coral. Its buds have a rich pink tint. The front side of the leaf is green with white spots, and the inside is red. It is customary to plant it in hanging flowerpots, decorative flowerpots or baskets.
Bright red. Due to the appearance of the cotyledons and inflorescences, it is considered an ideal indoor bush, as well as an excellent addition to any interior.
. That is why it has such a name that it blooms all year round. This beauty has baskets of red, pink and white.
Collar. It has this name because of the drooping edges of the leaves, like those of a collar or cuff. The panicles are collected with a bright pink tassel.

Tuberous varieties include:

Indoor hanging begonia is often used for vertical gardening. Hybrids of this culture number about a thousand species. They were obtained through several crossings different varieties. These include:

Rex. This is an always-blooming begonia, which has wide oval leaves and small pale pink buds and requires a place protected from the sun, as well as moderate sprinkling.
Alfalfa. It is a cross between coral and Richards begonia. Zelentsy oval with sharp edges. Pink umbrellas are distinguished by long, bright blooms.

And this is not all varieties of begonias; a description of any category that interests you can be found in catalogs or magazines on floriculture.

Care and conditions

Like many other indoor flowers, begonia is easy to care for. Growing begonias will not be special labor to any amateur gardener. Its transplantation, watering, lighting and other conditions are almost no different from other flowers. However, they exist, so you need to know how to care for begonia at home. Since the plant is a tropical plant, it needs to be provided with humidity appropriate to the given climate.

Lighting

The best place to grow curvaceous beauty- window sill on the western or eastern side, as she loves diffused light or partial shade. Royal begonia does not tolerate direct sunlight. In winter, your pet may require artificial lighting.

Humidity and watering

As mentioned above, evergreen begonia is a tropical plant that loves moisture. To do this, you need to create an artificial microclimate that reminds the plant of the tropics. To ensure normal humidity, you need to pour pebbles into the container on which the flower stands or add some peat and water to the tray.

During evaporation, the water will provide the indoor begonia with the necessary humidity.

It is better to settle water for irrigation. Moisturizing rules:

in summer, irrigation is carried out 2 times a week;
in the fall, water as the top layer of soil dries out;
in winter, watering can be reduced to once a week;
In the spring, irrigation can be increased little by little.

By the way! Drain on time excess water from the pallet so that there is no stagnation. Do not spray green shoots indoor pet can't stand it and may die!

Temperature

Normal temperature in summer is 20-25 degrees, in winter – 15-20.

Fresh air is the key successful cultivation this plant. The living room where your flowers are located needs to be ventilated. But at the same time it is necessary to ensure that there are no drafts, otherwise the flower garden may die.

Fertilizer and soil

Any hypermarket sells soil for begonias with fertilizing. Today it is not difficult to purchase material for planting. Purchased soil- this is already ready mix. They immediately pour it into a container and begin sowing seeds or replanting. But it’s easy to prepare at home. The soil consists of three parts. River sand is placed at the bottom of the pot, on top of which leaf soil is poured up to half of the pot. The second half of the pot is filled with peat and black soil in equal proportions.

Such soil for begonia will give excellent result, and she will delight you with her beauty for many years. Bushy beauty is fed mineral fertilizers 2 times a month: in spring or summer at the stage of bud formation and flowering.

Reproduction and transplantation

It is customary to replant begonia in the spring once every 2-3 years, when the overgrown roots simply do not fit into the flowerpot. Each subsequent begonia pot is chosen 3 cm wider.

The transplant procedure takes place in stages:

First you need to remove the shoots from the container and remove excess soil from the roots.

The seedling is placed in a jar with a small amount potassium permanganate solution. This procedure desirable for disinfection of rhizomes.

The next step: inspecting the roots for rot, pests, and removing them.

A layer of expanded clay is poured into the begonia pot, then sand.

Place the prepared bush in a container and fill it with soil.

Then you need generous watering and protection from direct sunlight. How to water the beauty was discussed above.

Reproduction

Along with others indoor flowers Begonia propagates by cuttings, tubers, seeds, and also by dividing the bush. Let's take a closer look at how begonia reproduces.

Pay attention! Begonia has healing properties. It is an analgesic and prevents inflammatory processes, relieves spasms and headaches.

Tuberous begonia requires early planning for its propagation. This is due to the fact that opening takes a lot of strength from the flower and does not allow the tubers to develop to their full potential. To do this, at the beginning of autumn, all buds are removed.

Cuttings are carried out in spring or summer. Select and cut off the thickest stem or leaf. Next, the landing takes place ready soil from peat and sand (proportion 1:3). The container with the flower is left for some time in a dark place. The plant takes root within two months.

Sowing of seeds is carried out from December to March, in nutritious soil made of leaf soil, peat and sand. The seeds are slightly deepened into the soil. The first shoots appear after 2 weeks.

The strengthened seedlings dive. As the plant grows, it is transplanted into separate pots, in which it can bloom by mid-summer. As winter approaches, the flower forms a tuber, which is stored in sand or peat. With the onset of spring, the tubers are placed in pots.

Pests and diseases

Improper care and propagation can lead to diseases affecting the bush. How to recognize a plant disease?
The most common pests of indoor begonia, affecting many indoor plants- These are aphids and spider mites. To get rid of them, you need to examine your pet more often and thoroughly. Insects are more often found on the underside of the cotyledon, where there are more nutritious juices. To combat them, the surface is treated with a soapy water solution or tobacco.
Flower growers are faced with different situations growing a begonia plant. Care at home will certainly raise the question - why doesn’t begonia bloom?? The reason for this may be:

Lack of light or low humidity;

Wrong temperature regime;

Presence of drafts or excessive feeding.

Another question that is no less popular among flower growers is: why do begonia leaves dry? If we are talking about the lower leaves, then this is natural process falling of old leaves. But if the entire begonia is affected by this disease, you should pay attention to watering so that there is no overflow, and also feed the plant.

For the beauty to bloom, follow the conditions of its maintenance, and it will delight you with bright blooms!

Begonia feels good in a lit room, but in diffused light or partial shade. It is best to keep it on the windowsills of eastern and western windows, with additional lighting in winter.

Begonia should be watered regularly and abundantly, but excess water should be drained from the pan. In summer you can water a couple of times a week, and during the peak of the heat - every day. From October, watering is needed only when the soil dries out; in winter, the least amount of water is needed until March, when the intensity of watering can be increased again.

Conditions that begonia prefers

Home care involves creating high humidity and moderate temperature. Humidity can be ensured by placing wet peat in a saucer or adding pebbles and pouring water. Evaporation will give the flower the moisture it needs.

The soil in which begonia is planted must be nutritious and consist of leaf soil with the addition of peat and black soil. Drainage is provided with a layer of coarse sand, then sheet soil is laid, and the upper part of the pot is filled with peat mixed with black soil. In spring and summer it is time to fertilize the plant, using complete mineral fertilizer.

The flower needs to be replanted every two or three years, when the roots no longer fit and a new pot is needed. When replanting, the roots must be washed and inspected; if rotten ones are found, cut them out. The plant is placed on a layer of expanded clay and coarse sand and sprinkled with soil. The first time after transplantation, you need to water the begonia abundantly.

In order 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 - by leaves and stems, as well as tubers and seeds. You can take cuttings in summer or spring by taking a cutting from a stem or using a strong leaf. The planted cuttings are kept in a dark place. Rooting will take one to two months.

Propagation by seeds is done in winter. They are laid on the surface of the soil and pressed into it. 10-15 days later, seedlings may appear, which dive and, together with the soil, are transplanted into pots. By August, young plants may begin to bloom.

In cold weather, begonia forms tubers, which are stored in sand in winter at a temperature of 8-10 degrees Celsius. Planting takes place in spring. The tuber is half immersed in the soil and kept in the dark for several weeks, moderately moistened. After the shoots appear, the tuber is sprinkled with earth and the pot is transferred to light and warmth.

Begonia varieties

Common begonia - indoor or garden - is divided into many different types. There are also those that do not bloom, but have decorative leaves. Thus, royal begonia has large leaves, up to 30 cm in length, in the shape of hearts or spirals, like snails.

Begonia ever-blooming fully lives up to its name and blooms all year round. It has beautiful red-green leaves and colorful small flowers. Tuberous begonias are very beautiful, and ampelous varieties are used in vertical gardening: its flowering shoots descend from hanging pots.

The plant can become sick due to improper care. Pay close attention to the symptoms and take action. You can already imagine how to care for begonia at home:

the leaves turned brown along the edges and began to fall off - a clear lack of watering and humidity;

paleness of the leaves indicates a lack of light;

fungal damage - excess moisture and low temperature;

Dry air leads to powdery mildew.

Under these conditions, aphids and spider mites also multiply. Pests must be controlled with special compounds.
Begonia: the basics of successful care.

And considering that the popular plant can be grown not only in the garden, but also in an indoor pot, you can admire the beauty of the flower all year round. It would seem that such splendor requires special care and constant attention from the grower. By no means, begonia is a relatively unpretentious crop. Basic knowledge planting and caring for the plant will provide 100% positive results. To learn how to properly plant and grow begonia at home, read the article.

Home begonia, plant description

Begonia - known and loved by many cultivated plant from the extensive Begoniev family. The plant is rightfully recognized as one of the most popular decorative deciduous and decorative flowering crops.

The genus of begonias is presented various types and varieties that differ in both external and morphological characteristics. So, begonias are annual and perennial, herbaceous plants and shrubs, with creeping and tuberous rhizomes. External signs are also striking.

The habitat of begonia is widespread throughout the world. In natural natural environment, the plant is found in South America, India, Africa and Asia. Spectacular flowering begonia can most often be found in tropical rainforests, mountains and regions with a subtropical climate.

One of the main advantages of cultivated begonia is its bright and lush inflorescences. Same-sex culture, begonias have female and male flowers grow side by side on the same plant. The color of the inflorescences is varied: there are yellow, pink, red, white flowers.

An equally spectacular decoration of begonia is considered to be asymmetrical, unusually colored foliage of various shapes and textures. At the same time characteristic feature of all begonias is leaf blade with outlines resembling a heart.

The stem of the plant is thick and fleshy. The rhizome is massive, tuberous or creeping.

Begonia flower - very heat-loving plant, preferring moderate diffused lighting and light fertile soil. These factors are important to consider when planting begonias.

Use of begonia for home

Begonia grown at home is a fascinating sight, and the pleasant aroma only enhances the effect of the overall impression.

Begonia can be grown at home, as in open ground, and in protected (pots). Tuberous begonias grow outdoors, on garden plots And flower beds. Home rhizomatous begonia is more suitable as indoor plants decorating window sills and balcony areas.

Indoor begonia blooms all year round, regardless of the time of year. Decorative deciduous species are distinguished by unusually beautiful foliage, various shapes and shades of green. At the same time, a certain pattern can be traced: the “richer” the foliage of the begonia, the smaller and more inconspicuous its flowers, and vice versa.

Garden forms of begonia have also become widespread. Highly decorative appearance allowed the plant to quickly win the love of flower growers and landscape designers all over the world.

Landscaping premises, creating unusually bright garden compositions, planting in flower pots or hanging pots, using the plant as a ground cover or for decorating walls, gazebos, windows - this is not the entire list of decorative uses of begonia.

Classification of indoor begonias

Considering the huge number of species (about 1600) and the varietal diversity of begonia, there are several classification options for this plant.

By external morphological features There are 2 types of begonias: deciduous - ornamental and beautifully flowering plants.

According to the structure of the root system, begonias are divided into 3 types: rhizomatous, tuberous and crops with a superficial root system.

Begonia is often classified depending on the characteristics of the shoot and the growth of the crop. In such a system, 4 groups are distinguished: bushy begonias with an erect stem, begonias with rhizomatous lodging shoots, begonias with creeping thin shoots, beautifully flowering begonias.

In floriculture indoor crops Begonias are divided into 3 groups: decorative-flowering indoor begonias, decorative-deciduous indoor begonias, decorative-flowering potted begonias.

Currently, there are thousands of varieties and hybrid forms begonias.

Types and varieties of indoor begonias

Let's consider the most famous and popular types and varieties of begonias grown at home.

Group of decorative deciduous begonias

Begonia royal- one of the most beautiful begonias, on the basis of which many decorative and deciduous hybrid varieties have been bred. It is distinguished by large, heart-shaped, asymmetrical foliage with jagged edges. The color of the leaf blade can be brown, crimson, purple shades with contrasting splashes or spots. Pink flowers small and inconspicuous.

The best varieties of the species are considered:

Cartagena - has round leaves, wrapped as if “in a shell”. The color of the leaf blade is unusual: the dark green general background is dotted with pink-silver spots, and the middle of the leaf changes during growth from brown to purple.

Hallelujah - distinguished by lilac leaves twisted into a spiral, with a bluish tint. The edges and core of the leaf are cherry-colored, the rest is covered with silver inclusions and a bright wide green stripe.

Silver Greenheart is a variety with silvery, beveled, heart-shaped leaves. A green border frames the leaf blade along the entire edge.

Evening Glow is a variety with a predominance of bright crimson shades on the leaves.

Mikado - high grade With large leaves, painted in contrasting tones: dark purple patterned center gives way to light green tones. Along the edge the leaf is coming clear edging.

Begonia tiger - a low plant with a creeping stem and green leaves mottled with dark spots. Small, soft pink flowers are collected in loose inflorescences.

The most beautiful varieties:

Tiger is a low-growing (up to 10 cm) variety, with velvety patterned leaves.

Cleopatra is a variety characterized by changes in leaf color depending on the lighting. The lower part of the leaf is painted in red or burgundy tones.

Begonia coral – subshrub, reaching a height of up to 1 meter in indoor conditions. Stems are bare and erect. The foliage is oblong, with jagged edges. The leaf blade is a rich dark green color on top, with silver inclusions, and light green underneath. The flowers are collected in a raceme inflorescence.

Popular varieties:

President Carnot has shield-shaped leaves, dissected at the base. The foliage color is green with light spots.

Alfalfa has large, toothed leaves that are red on the underside of the leaf.

Group of decorative flowering begonias

Begonia everblooming- a bush reaching a height of about 60 cm. The erect stem takes on an ampelous shape with age. The leaves are small, slightly pubescent, round in shape. Flowers can be simple or double, white, red or pink. The inflorescences quickly fade and are replaced by new flowers.

The best varieties:

Gustav Knaake is a beautiful spreading bush with green foliage and red edges. Small bright red flowers are collected in inflorescences.

Bikola is a low-growing (up to 20 cm) bush that blooms with white-pink inflorescences.

Carmen is a medium-growing variety with brown foliage and many bright crimson flowers.

Orania is a neat low bush with green foliage edged with a red stripe and bright orange-carmine flowers.

Begonia elatior - a favorite of indoor begonias, characterized by its bright and abundant flowering. The bushes are compact, no more than 40-45 cm high, with a thick, strong stem and small oblong (8-10 cm) leaves. Upper part The sheet is glossy, the bottom is matte and light.

Known varieties:

Schwabenland is a tall variety with profusely blooming bright scarlet flowers.

Rose is a variety distinguished by double flowers of deep purple shades.

Renaissance is a tall variety with double, carmine-colored flowers. Different lush flowers with corrugated wavy petals.

Begonia ampelous- mostly garden form begonia. The species is characterized by drooping shoots with many flowers of different sizes, depending on the variety. Different flowers color range(red, yellow, white) and textures (double, simple, semi-double).

The most popular varieties:

Gale - forms a large spreading bush with small, soft pink flowers.

Christie - distinguished by double white flowers and hanging shoots.

Roxana is a compact bush with double orange flowers.

Begonia tuberous- a universal group of begonias grown in the garden, on the balcony or in indoor pots. Main feature plants of this species have a tuberous rhizome. Inflorescences different shades They resemble a small rose in shape, the flowering is lush and abundant.

Popular varieties:

Crispa white-red - has flowers of red-white tones with a yellow core.

Dark Red - distinguished by matte, dark cherry inflorescences.

Separately, it is worth noting the modern decorative flowering hybrid varieties of begonias, which have gained wide popularity among flower growers. These include the following varieties: “Harlequin”, “Gold Dress”, “Crispa Marginata”, “Camellia Flora”, “Marmorata”, “Diana Vinyard”, “Ami Jean Bard”.

Reproduction of begonia at home

Depending on the species, begonias reproduce by seed and vegetative methods (leaf, stem, rhizome cuttings or by dividing the bush).

Propagation of domestic begonia by seeds

This method of propagating begonias is considered not labor-intensive and quite simple.

Sowing of seeds is carried out at the end of winter - beginning of spring.

Begonia seeds are very small, so they are sown on the surface of a light soil substrate without being planted deep. The soil mixture, as a rule, consists of peat, sand and leaf soil in a ratio of 1:1:2.

Place the container with the seeds in a warm, bright place, covering it with film or glass. After the first shoots appear, this coating is removed.

Moisten the soil with a spray bottle or by pouring water into a special bottom pan of the container.

In the phase of 3-4 leaves, the seedlings dive. Grown up 1.5-2 month old begonias are transplanted into separate pots.

Begonia from seeds blooms already in the first year of development. To do this, it is important to provide the plant with maximum favorable conditions: watering, loosening, lighting.

Propagation of begonia by tubers at home

The tuberous form of begonia is easily propagated by part of its rhizome - a tuber.

In the fall, when the leaves are cut and the begonia tubers are dug out, the latter are cleared of soil and dried for storage.

In early spring, the tubers are cut into several parts so that each of them has roots and sprouts. You can stimulate the rapid formation of roots by placing the tubers on a constantly moistened cloth.

The cut is sprinkled with charcoal (or sand) and planted in peat (or loose soil substrate), not completely deepened, but so that a small part (1-2 cm) of the tuber still remains on the surface.

It is important to provide in moderation warm temperature indoors and constant soil moisture.

In stable warm weather, sprouted tubers can be planted in open ground.

Propagating tuberous begonia at home is not difficult if you follow all the steps correctly. A whole, intact begonia tuber can be stored for about 5 years.

Propagation of begonias by cuttings at home

Many gardeners practice breeding begonias using cuttings - shoots with several leaves.

First, cuttings of the required length are prepared, with 3-4 leaves on the shoot.

To prevent the cut areas from rotting, they are treated with charcoal.

The cuttings are planted in a light substrate and the container is placed in a warm, bright place without direct sunlight. Provide moderate watering.

You can root cuttings in water, but with this method there is a higher risk of shoots rotting.

After 3-4 weeks, young roots begin to form on the cuttings.

Propagation of begonia by leaves at home

This method is carried out in the spring and is used only for begonias with large, massive leaves.

For propagation, the whole leaf blade or part thereof is used. The leaf is cut at the very base of the shoot, 5 cm long and above.

Large veins are cut on the underside of the leaf blade and the leaf is placed (cuts down) on wet sand or soil mixture. Lightly press and fix the sheet (for example, with a pin) in one position. To create greenhouse effect, you can cover the container with film.

Moisten the sand (soil mixture) from below, through the pan. After 1.5-2 months, the first roots appear at the incision sites.

Grown seedlings are separated and planted separately in a soil mixture of peat, sand and soil.

Planting begonias at home

Planting begonias at home does not require special effort or special knowledge. It is enough to choose the right soil for the flower and plant the seedling in a pot or in a flower garden, depending on the type and purpose of the begonia.

Begonias prefer light, fertile soil with good drainage. Soil acidity should be neutral or slightly acidic.

Soil mixture for planting can be purchased at the store (choose a peat-based substrate) or you can make it yourself. To do this, it is enough to mix leaf soil with peat and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1.

The pot for begonia is not very large, only 3-4 cm larger than the root system of the plant. Moreover, rhizomatous species of begonia need more spacious containers for planting than tuberous representatives of the genus.

Drainage (expanded clay, small crushed stone) is poured onto the bottom of the pot, with a small (2-3 cm) layer on top charcoal. This “technique” will allow you to avoid rot. A seedling with a lump of earth is placed in a pot and covered with prepared soil mixture, slightly compacting the soil to avoid the formation of voids.

A humid microclimate has a beneficial effect on flower development, the growth of green mass and the duration of flowering. The main thing is not to allow moisture to stagnate at the roots to prevent them from rotting.

Tuberous begonia can be planted in open ground or a container. For successful survival, the tubers are germinated in advance on a constantly moist substrate (you can take damp gauze or cloth) and planted with the rounded side down.

Transplanting indoor begonia

Begonia is replanted as needed: if the flower has grown too much and requires a new, more spacious pot; if begonia needs to be propagated; if the begonia loses its decorative effect (for example, the leaves turn yellow).

It is better to replant begonia early spring, before the start of the active growing season.

Carefully remove the plant from the pot and clean the roots from the soil. Then you should inspect all the roots and, if necessary, remove rotten or damaged areas. Treat the cut areas with charcoal powder.

A good way to prevent diseases is to treat the roots in a solution of potassium permanganate. To do this, the entire root system is placed in a container with a solution for 20-30 minutes.

After replanting, the plant needs regular watering and careful care until the begonia is completely established. You should not immediately place the begonia pot in the open sun after transplanting. For the first few days it is better to place the plant in partial shade.

When replanting a plant that is more than 3 years old, it is better to rejuvenate it by dividing it into parts and planting it in separate pots.

Indoor begonia, features of plant care at home

Growing begonia requires knowledge of the peculiarities of its care. If all conditions are met to the maximum, begonia will delight others with lush, healthy foliage and abundant, long-lasting flowering.

Lighting, humidity, temperature of home begonia

Caring for indoor begonia begins with choosing the right place for the flower.

It should be well lit, warm (about 18-20 0 C) with high level humidity, place.

In summer, it is better to avoid direct sunlight to prevent the formation of burns on the begonia leaves. The best option is diffused light from the east or west side.

Native to the tropics, begonia prefers high humidity air. But it is not recommended to spray it, as after this brown spots appear on the foliage. It is better to place the pot with the plant on an inverted tray, which, in turn, is placed in another, slightly larger tray. Expanded clay is poured into it, which must always be wet.

Begonia “loves” space, so you can’t place flower pots too close to each other. Regular ventilation (without drafts) in the warm season will only improve the condition of the flower.

Watering home begonias

Caring for begonias at home requires mandatory and regular watering of the plant. The flowering process of begonia directly depends on soil moisture.

Water the begonia abundantly, at the root, as the soil dries 1-2 cm, with settled soft water. Do not allow water to stagnate in the pan.

After flowering, watering is reduced. In winter, even less water will be needed. Tuberous begonias that go into dormancy are stopped being watered altogether in the fall, and the tubers are placed in storage.

Feeding indoor begonia

The application of fertilizers ensures the active development of the plant, increasing the flowering phase, the size of flowers and leaves.

Begonia begins to be fed during the flowering period, once every 2 weeks.

Nitrogen fertilizers are applied to stimulate the growth of decorative deciduous begonia species. For flowering varieties, nitrogen is not desirable, as it will inhibit the flowering process.

For decorative flowering species use phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, which are introduced from the moment of formation of the ovary and the formation of buds.

Before applying fertilizer, the plant is first watered. Fertilizers are applied in liquid form.

In addition to mineral complexes, it is also practiced to add organic matter to the soil, for example diluted (1:5) manure.

Pest and disease control at home

The appearance of pests or signs of disease is often associated with improper care behind the begonia.

Excessive watering can cause the plant to develop fungal disease — powdery mildew. To combat the problem ( white coating on the leaves), watering rates are reduced, damaged leaves are removed, and the plant is treated with a fungicide. The same control measures are used when infected with gray rot, when characteristic light mold appears on the leaves.

When a begonia is attacked by aphids, the leaves are wiped with alcohol or a special preparation (for example, “Homa”).

If the humidity is too low, spider mites may appear on begonia bushes. In this case, the leaves are treated with a soap solution or insectoacaricidal preparations, such as Karbofos, Intavir, Decis.

Preparing home begonia for winter

Care activities related to preparation for winter period, are relevant for growing tuberous begonia species at home.

Tuberous begonia experiences a dormant period in winter. Therefore, in the fall, you should trim off any fallen leaves on the plant and put the pot in a cool, dark place.

You need to dig up tubers for storage 1.5-2 weeks after the ground part of the begonia has completely died off.

Store the tubers in a dark, dry and cool place (not lower than 10 0 C). You can use a box of sand for this.

Problems when growing begonias at home

Begonia does not bloom.

The reason may be insufficient lighting, low humidity, draft, unstable temperature conditions, or excess fertilizer.

The buds are falling.

Perhaps the watering or light regime is disrupted (either a lack or an excess), or there is a shortage of fertilizers.

The leaves are turning yellow.

The reason may be soil depletion, low humidity, or the appearance of pests in the root part of the plant.

The leaves turn black.

The problem arises due to spraying of begonias, water getting on the leaves during watering, when elevated temperature indoors.

The leaves are turning pale.

Insufficient lighting causes the plant to stretch and the foliage to turn pale.

Leaves curl.

Most likely too high temperature indoors.

Thus, knowing the peculiarities of growing and preferences of begonia, anyone, even a novice gardener, can easily grow this beautiful, spectacular flower at home.

Begonia, photo

Begonia, video: “Basics of successfully growing begonia”

True fans of begonia appreciate not only its bright and lush flowering, but also unusual, beautifully colored asymmetrical decorative leaves. Homeland of the perennial - tropical forests and subtropical regions of America, Asia and Africa.

Popular types of indoor begonia flower and photos

Today, about 900 species of begonia are known in the world and at least 2 thousand hybrids have been obtained. Crops for growing indoors are conventionally divided into two large groups - deciduous and flowering. Decorative deciduous trees are distinguished by their original shape and color of leaves. Flowering begonia varieties are divided into groups of tuberous, evergreen and bushy, which require a dormant period. Let's take a closer look at the most popular types:

tuberous– has simple and double flowers of white, pink, yellow, bright red, orange colors. Petals can be two-colored or framed with a border. Flower sizes range from 5 to 15 cm, shapes are similar to roses, carnations, peonies;

everblooming- the most popular begonia from the bushy group. It is grown as a garden culture, and in room conditions. In the latter case, the plant can bloom all year round. It has glossy leaves in red and green shades, blooms small flowers red, pink, white colors;

royal– decorative deciduous species is distinguished by large, up to 30 cm in length, leaves of heterogeneous color in dark green, brown, and red tones. The shapes of the leaf blades are heart-shaped or reminiscent of a snail's spiral;

ampelous– this subspecies of tuberous begonias is used in vertical gardening. Hanging garlands of shoots 25-50 cm long are strewn with many white, crimson, orange, yellow flowers that bloom throughout the growing season;

elatior– this tuberous begonia hybrid is intended for cultivation exclusively at home. It has thin shoots of red shades that need support. Blooms in autumn-winter. Petals of white, yellow, red, orange tones. Glossy leaves are round in shape, flowers are about 5 cm in diameter.

Caring for indoor flowers at home

Begonia is demanding on lighting; it should be placed in a well-lit place

Home begonia is unpretentious in planting conditions and easy to care for. She doesn't need frequent transfers, grows at moderate temperatures. Its tropical nature places special demands on air humidity. Some species have a dormant period after flowering.

Lighting and watering

A well-lit room suits begonias. Abundantly flowering varieties prefer diffused light. Decorative deciduous specimens develop better in partial shade. Good location flower pot there will be a window sill on the east or west window. During the winter months, it is recommended to provide additional artificial lighting.

Begonia is moisture-loving. For irrigation, soft, settled water is used, the excess is drained from the pan. Adhere to the following rules:

in summer, water generously twice a week;

in extreme heat, the soil is moistened daily;

from October the plant is watered as the top layer of soil dries;

in winter, watering is reduced to a minimum;

in March, the intensity of moisture gradually increases.

Tuberous species hibernate during the winter. During this period, they are placed in peat, and watering is completely excluded.

Humidity

Never spray begonia as it can lead to illness

The tropical origin of the plant places increased demands on indoor air humidity. It is not recommended to spray begonia, as this causes it to hurt and spots appear on the leaves.

To satisfy the requirements of the flower, a special microclimate is created for it. To do this:

the pot is placed on a saucer with wet peat;

Pebbles are poured into a tray of water and a flower is placed on it.

As water evaporates, it will provide necessary for the plant humidity level.

Optimal temperature for begonia

The plant does not like changes and prefers moderate temperatures. In summer it is advisable to keep the flower at +18...+20°C. In winter, the air temperature should not fall below +15°C.

Soil for begonias and fertilizers

After transplanting begonias, frequent and abundant watering is necessary.

Begonias required nutritious soil. It is made up of:

2 parts leaf soil;

1 part peat;

1 part black soil.

Place a layer of coarse grains on the bottom of the pot. river sand. Half the container is filled with leaf soil. The top is filled with a mixture of peat and black soil.

It is difficult to grow beautiful begonia without such an important component of care as fertilizer. Fertilizing is carried out no more than twice a month during the period of bud formation and intensive flowering. As a rule, this happens in spring and summer. For this purpose, complete mineral fertilizers are used.

How to replant correctly

Begonias are transplanted in early March once every two to three years. The need for this procedure is indicated by roots that do not fit in the old pot. The new one is chosen 2-3 cm larger in diameter.

The begonia is carefully removed from the substrate, the roots are cleaned of any remaining soil. Place it in a container with a weak solution of potassium permanganate for an hour. Afterwards, the root system is checked for the presence of rot or pests. Remove diseased areas down to healthy tissue.

A layer of expanded clay is placed on the bottom of the new pot, and coarse sand is placed on top. The plant is placed in a container and the roots are carefully sprinkled soil mixture. After transplantation, the flower needs abundant watering.

Begonia flowering

Begonia blooms profusely and very brightly. To extend this period, female flowers are removed at the very beginning of development. When the grower's goal is quality education tubers, new buds are removed in September. Then the plant will not waste energy on flowering.

When propagating by leaf cuttings, take a strong specimen

Begonias are planted with seeds and tubers, and propagated vegetatively - by cutting leaves and stems, dividing the bush.

Reproduction by cuttings

This method is used in spring and summer. Stem cutting for rooting it must be at least 7 cm long. Immediately after cutting, the planting material is planted in a moist substrate of sand and peat in a ratio of 3:1. The container with plantings is placed in dark place. After 1-2 months the plant takes root.

For propagation by leaf cuttings, the strongest specimen is selected. The cuttings are buried in the ground so that the leaf does not touch the soil surface. Before rooting, containers with leaves are kept in a dark room.

Growing begonia from seeds

Propagation by seeds is carried out from December to March. The nutrient substrate for sowing is prepared from leaf soil, peat and sand. The seeds are distributed over the surface of the soil, lightly pressing into the ground. Shoots appear in 10-15 days.

Grown seedlings dive. Young plants are transplanted into separate pots with a lump of earth. In mid-summer, strong begonias may already bloom. By winter, a plant tuber forms. In autumn, the tubers are stored in sand or peat. Planting material kept at a temperature of +8…+10°С. In spring, the tubers are planted again in pots.

Caring for tubers after planting

How and when to plant tuberous begonia depends on when you expect to receive flowering plant. They begin planting in February and continue until June. To do this:

the tuber is buried halfway into the ground;

leave in a cool, dark room;

water moderately for several weeks;

when the shoots sprout, the tuber is completely covered with earth, and the pot is transferred to a bright, warm place.

Diseases and pests of begonia and plant care during this period

Spider mites and aphids are the most common pests of begonias.

Careless care and maintenance errors lead to the fact that the plant begins to get sick and drop leaves and buds. To understand the reasons for this condition, take a close look at the begonia:

if the tips of the leaves turn brown and begin to fall off, the flower does not have enough watering and air humidity;

a pale leaf blade indicates a lack of lighting;

excess moisture at low temperature leads to the formation of fungus. The affected foliage and shoots are removed, and the flower is treated with fungicides;

dry air and temperature fluctuations are a favorable environment for powdery mildew. It looks like a white coating. To combat it, begonia is treated with 1 percent aqueous solution colloidal sulfur.

Memo to the florist

Begonia may not bloom for a number of reasons, from poor lighting to excess fertilizer.

In the process of growing begonias, unusual situations may arise and gardeners have additional questions about how to deal with them.

If begonia does not bloom, the reasons may lie in the following factors:

the plant does not have enough light;

low humidity in the room;

unsuitable temperature conditions;

excess fertilizer;

watering with hard water;

lack of rest period;

drafts.

Change the conditions of detention and observe the pet. You may need to replant the flower in a fresh substrate. The lack of flowering may also indicate that it is time to rejuvenate the plant.

Why do begonia buds fall off immediately after they appear?

This phenomenon indicates a weakened state of the flower. It may be caused improper watering and shortage minerals. This flower needs feeding.

Why do begonia leaves turn yellow?

Begonia can purify the air

Begonia leaves are rich in phytoncides, thanks to which it has amazing properties purify and improve indoor air. With its help they fight pathogenic microorganisms. In particular, it is effective in the fight against staphylococcus.

It has been noted that the presence of begonia improves immunity, increases performance and relieves fatigue. It is recommended not only as a home plant, but also as an office plant, since the flower helps enhance mental activity.

The plant has the ability to clean the air of dust and absorb toxic chemical compounds. Therefore, it is recommended to start begonia at home immediately after renovation.

It is believed that begonia can give its owner strength and determination.

Begonia is believed to help in achieving personal success. It contributes to the birth of new ideas, therefore it is useful for writers, journalists, and scientists.

Begonia is an Aries plant. The flower generously bestows energy, like all fire signs:

useful for Leos and Sagittarius, as it helps balance their energetic chaos;

Capricorns, Gemini, Libra - develop prudence;

Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio - establish harmonious relationships.

The influence of begonia on other zodiac signs is neutral.

Energy and symbolism

Thanks to its strong energy, begonia can give strength and determination. It is necessary where pessimists live and there are frequent quarrels. She transforms negative energy to the positive. It has a calming effect on irritable people and is a great mood lifter.

Begonia is a symbol of material well-being. She personifies purity and virtue. Seeing begonia in a dream means that a person has a negative program that needs to be cleansed from.

Healing properties of begonia

The plant is widely used in folk medicine. It is a good analgesic and antispasmodic and has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.

An infusion of flowers is used to treat wounds and burns, irritation and ulcers. The juice from the leaves is used to relieve headaches. The root is used in the treatment of conjunctivitis.

An evergreen plant of amazing beauty, begonia is loved by flower growers for its bright, beautiful, long-blooming inflorescences, fancy leaves of various colors and ease of care. When growing any type of begonia, care and reproduction will not take up much time and effort.

Variety of species

The begonia family has about 900 species. Flowers grown at home are divided into the following groups: flowering and decorative foliage. The most popular of them include:

Begonia: home care, photo

All flowering species this beautiful plant love rich lighting. But, since their leaves are delicate, on southern window sills with straight sun rays Flowers cannot be placed. Otherwise, the leaves may get burned.

Decorative deciduous varieties large quantity no daylight needed. They can be grown on western, eastern and even northern windows. Therefore, in order for the flower to always have a beautiful appearance, you need to choose suitable place for begonia. The care and propagation of a decorative flower depends entirely on its variety.

Watering and air humidity

The indoor begonia flower loves watering. However, it will not tolerate stagnant water and constantly waterlogged soil. Its fleshy stems may begin to rot. Watering a flower is carried out according to the following rules:

in summer, indoors, water twice a week;

in open ground, on a balcony or indoors in extreme heat, moisten the plant daily or every other day;

with the onset of the dormant period (in October), the soil is moistened as it is added;

varieties that rest in winter are watered to a minimum;

the frequency of watering increases again in the spring.

Begonias love moist air, but it is not recommended to spray them. Spots appear on the leaves after water gets on them. To create a suitable microclimate, place the flower pot in a tray filled with damp pebbles or moss. The evaporating water will increase the humidity level around the plant.

Feeding and soil for begonias

Flower care and propagation are quite simple. But we must not forget about fertilizing, which is necessary for growth and long-term flowering. For this purpose they are used special fertilizers, which can be purchased at flower shop. Feeding is carried out during the growing season, which lasts from spring to autumn.

When replanting an overgrown plant or a newly purchased flower, you should prepare special soil for it. You can buy it in the store and prepare it from the following ingredients:

chernozem – 1 part;

peat – 1 part;

leaf soil - 2 parts.

The bottom of the pot is covered with drainage, the role of which is played by ordinary sand. Leaf soil is poured from the top to the middle of the pot, and then peat mixed with black soil.

Begonia transplant

The time for replanting has definitely come if the roots of the plant are sticking out of the drainage hole. This procedure should be done in the spring, when flowering has not yet begun. New pot should be three to four centimeters larger than the previous one. Before placing a bush in new soil, you need to inspect its roots. To do this, they are carefully freed from the ground and placed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. The disinfected roots are inspected and their dead parts are cut off.

Reproduction of begonia at home

There are three pretty simple ways flower propagation:

dividing the bush;

stem;

leaf cuttings.

Cuttings are carried out in the spring and summer. For rooting, a part of the stem at least 7 cm long or large is cut off healthy leaf. Rooting is carried out in soil consisting of peat and sand (3:1). The soil is moistened, the cutting is covered from above glass jar or cellophane. The container is placed in a warm place. The plant should take root in one to two months. During this period, you should maintain soil moisture and ventilate the cuttings daily, removing the cellophane from them.

Growing begonia from seeds

Tuberous varieties are propagated by seeds and tubers. Sowing takes place from December to March. The seeds are lightly pressed into the soil, which consists of sand, peat and leaf soil. The seedling container is covered with film on top. The first seedlings appear after 10-15 days. When 2-3 true leaves appear, young plants dive.

Begonias planted with seeds can bloom by mid-summer. Their formed tuber is placed in peat or sand in the fall, where it is stored all winter at a temperature of +8-+10C. With the onset of warm spring days, the tubers can be planted in prepared pots.

Care tuberous begonia is as follows:

The pot with the half-deep tuber is placed in a dark, cool room.

The soil is moderately moistened for several weeks.

After the shoots appear, the flower is placed in a permanent bright place, and the tuber is completely covered with earth.

Growing and propagating begonias - possible difficulties

Flower growers, especially beginners, may experience some difficulties when growing plants. Some possible questions can be answered below.

Why do begonia leaves turn yellow?

Yellowing of the leaves can result from:

lack of nutrients;

lack or excess of moisture;

pests in the soil.

If there are insects in the soil, it is best to replace it with a new one. The roots should be treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Why does begonia dry out?

Begonia leaves can dry out for the following reasons:

Pests. If the leaves begin to dry out and turn yellow, they must be carefully examined, especially on the underside. If pests are detected, it is recommended to treat the flower with insecticidal preparations.

Dry air. Delicate begonia leaves can be damaged by dry indoor air. First of all, the tips of the leaves begin to dry on the plant. Most often, indoor plants suffer from dry air in winter, when the heating radiators are turned on. Increasing air humidity will prevent foliage from drying out.

Drafts and cold air. Growing flowers in a draft and cold air from open windows can be another reason for dry leaves on a flower.

Lack of fertilizers. Begonia can dry out due to a lack of fertilizers in the soil, which must be applied regularly from spring to autumn.

Why do begonia buds fall off?

On a weakened bush, the flowers do not have enough strength to open. This may be due to a lack of minerals or improper watering.

Why doesn't indoor begonia bloom?

There can be many reasons for this:

drafts;

lack of rest period;

watering with hard water;

excess fertilizer;

unsuitable temperature conditions;

low humidity;

lack of lighting.

Having studied all the rules for caring for a flower, you need to observe it. It is possible that the plant needs to be rejuvenated or transplanted into new soil.

Diseases and pests of begonia

Fungus formation. This is facilitated by low air temperature and excess moisture. Affected shoots and foliage must be removed. The remaining parts of the bush and the soil are treated with fungicides.

Pale leaves they say that the plant does not have enough light.

Powdery mildew loves dry air and temperature fluctuations. Its appearance is indicated by a white powdery coating on the shoots or leaves. The bush must be treated with a 1% solution of colloidal sulfur.

If the leaves turn brown at first and then fall off, then most likely your pet lacks air humidity and watering.

From pests begonias are most susceptible to attack by aphids and spider mite. They settle on the underside of leaf blades and feed on plant sap. You can get rid of pests using insecticides.

The leaves of the flower can purify and improve the health of the air in the room. This is possible due to the fact that they contain a lot of phytoncides. That is why begonia is effective in the fight against pathogenic organisms (staphylococcus).

The flower cleanses the air of toxic compounds and dust. It can enhance mental activity, relieve fatigue, increase efficiency, and improve immunity. That's why indoor begonia in a pot you can see not only in apartments, but also in offices.

Begonia: signs and superstitions for the home

This beautiful, easy-to-care flower not only has beneficial properties, but is also a symbol of material well-being. It has strong energy and is able to transform negative energy into positive. It is recommended to keep it in houses where there is frequent arguing and where pessimists live.

The plant is useful for scientists, journalists, writers, as it contributes to the birth of new ideas. Those who have begonia growing in their home will soon experience personal success.

Begonia is the flower of Aries, which will generously endow it with energy. It will also help other signs:

It will give harmony to Scorpios, Cancers and Pisces.

It will help Libra, Gemini, Capricorn to develop prudence.

Sagittarius and Leo will be able to balance their energetic chaos.

The plant has a neutral effect on other zodiac signs.

At proper care begonia will bring into your life bright colors flowers. And with the help of decorative deciduous varieties you can create a beautiful green corner in your home.