Begonia: planting, growing and care at home

A few words about begonias

There is a belief that begonia has a certain magic: everyone who sees this plant falls in love with it at first sight. It is not surprising that begonia has attracted your attention. This note describes the features of caring for begonia at home. This indoor plant comes in various types, but they are all divided into flowering and decorative deciduous.

Blooming begonias are distinguished by their colorful flowers, fluffy to the touch, in various colors: from red, white, pink, yellow and their various spectral shades.

Decorative foliage crops are distinguished by a variety of colors of beautiful leaves, small flowers or their absence. The most common plant among flowering species is terry begonia mix. This exotic culture can very often be found in flower shops and, of course, it is difficult to pass by and not purchase it.

First meeting

Terry begonia belongs to the extensive genus Begoniaceae, which is native to the hot subtropics of Africa, South America and India. Plants of this genus were domesticated back in the 17th century; since then, the species and varietal diversity of begonias has exceeded tens and thousands.

Terry begonia is a compact, neat bush with beautiful carved leaves of reddish or green color and large flowers of bright colors - white, red, pink. yellow, orange. This type of begonia received its special beauty and its name thanks to the terry border on the flower petals.

Depending on the root system, tuberous and bush terry begonias are distinguished, and based on the height and growth pattern of the bush, they can be divided into ampelous and ordinary bushes. Almost all types of begonias produce two types of flowers - male and female. The former are highly decorative, while the latter are simple, non-double and small, but it is in their place that a seed pod will form over time.

The flowering period of these plants usually lasts throughout the summer, although some varieties, such as double everflowering begonia, may continue to bloom into autumn and even winter.

You can grow terry varieties of begonias both indoors and on the balcony, veranda or in the garden. The main thing is to choose the most comfortable place for them that meets all the requirements of agricultural technology.

Features of caring for begonia mix

If you become the owner of a flowering begonia, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of caring for this plant at home. After all, this exotic culture is very capricious. Even the time of purchase of terry mix begonia and its transportation significantly influence its adaptation to the new habitat. It is advisable not to purchase begonia during cold weather, because it may not survive sudden temperature changes between the street and the room.

It is better to place the plant on a windowsill on the southwest or southeast side to avoid direct sunlight that is undesirable for the flower. If you place the begonia correctly, then throughout the spring and summer you will watch it bloom. Closer to the cold field, the plant bulb pauses the growing season and remains dormant until it warms up.

Features of winter care

The time of rest is coming. The stems and leaves are cut off. Move the pot to a dry place with a temperature of 15-17 degrees. Watering is reduced to 3-4 times a month. They don't fertilize.
In March, the flower is transplanted into new soil, watered abundantly and fertilized. Occurs during a warm period of time. Take proper care in winter . In the spring, provide abundant watering and feed the plant to begin abundant flowering.

Caring for begonia after the flowering period ends

It is recommended to reduce the amount of watering and fertilizing. When the leaves begin to fall off, the pot with the begonia should be moved to a dark room, where it will be in complete peace at a temperature of 10-13 degrees, and watered periodically. With the arrival of spring, the plant can be moved to its original place and watered more often than in winter. Do not forget that begonia is quite whimsical, so you must adhere to the following rules:

1. The plant is adversely affected by drafts and changes in location. Therefore, determine which room is more suitable for the begonia, and do not disturb it by moving it.
2. Watering should be moderate and regular. It is not recommended to flood the plant.
3. It is strictly forbidden to spray begonia leaves, otherwise they will become covered with dark spots and begin to crumble.
4. The soil for the plant should be loose and nutritious, and good drainage at the bottom of the pot will protect it from souring.
5. If you do not follow the rules of caring for begonia, this may affect the plant in the form of some diseases.

Diseases to which begonia mix is ​​susceptible

Begonias can suffer from various types of diseases. Pay special attention to the appearance of the plant:

• White coating on the leaves is a symptom that indicates the appearance of powdery mildew. To eliminate the problem, it is necessary to remove the affected leaves and spray the begonia with a fungicide. Frequent ventilation of the room in which the begonia is located is also mandatory.
• Leaf curling is a sign of normal natural leaf dieback. But if darkening of the leaves is observed, this indicates a lack of nutrients. Also, this may be a consequence of improper watering of the plant: either scanty, or, conversely, too abundant.
• Brown spots and holes in the leaves are most likely an indicator that water that is unsuitable for the plant is being used: too hard and cool.
• Darkening and dying of begonia flowers is the result of careless watering and water getting on them. Sometimes this can be the reason why the air in the room is too dry.
• Leaf sticking together and becoming covered in lumps is one of the main signs of aphids. There are many ways to combat this pest. For example, spraying a plant with celandine or onion tincture.
• Envelopment in a thin web is a sign of the appearance of spider mites. To fix the problem, you need to wipe the leaves with a damp sponge, paying special attention to the underside. It is also necessary to increase the air humidity in the room, remove dead leaves and flowering products.

Diseases and pests

Tuberous begonia is not very susceptible to diseases and pest attacks. However, with improper care or severely unfavorable weather conditions, troubles can happen.

If the air is too dry or there is insufficient watering, the leaves and buds may dry out and fall off. It is necessary to provide the plant with proper care.

Due to excess moisture, gray and leaf rot, powdery mildew, and root infections occur. In this case, it is necessary to avoid waterlogging and treat with fungicides.

It will be useful to read:

Effective remedies for powdery mildew The fight against powdery mildew (ashtray), a widespread and dangerous disease for many plants, must...

Treatment with insecticides or acaricides will help cope with root-knot and leaf nematodes, thrips, false scale insects, whiteflies, and aphids.

It is advisable to plant the diseased plant during treatment and carry out preventive treatment of its “neighbors”.

How to care for Begonia Elatior so that it pleases the eye even in winter?

Autumn and winter are a time of depression, when nothing makes you happy. To get rid of the blues, it would be nice to get a wonderful plant - Elatior begonia.

When you see an unsurpassed bright bush, your bad mood will instantly disappear. Such lush, multicolored flowering in the midst of frost and cold is rare in plants. It’s not for nothing that this variety is called “winter.”

You will learn more about this plant, what it looks like, how to care for and propagate, as well as what diseases and pests can worsen the appearance and health of the flower.

Plant varieties

Hydrangea rough or rough - planting and care in open ground

The following varieties are most popular among gardeners.

Ampelous pink begonias

The most popular varieties of ampelous pink begonia:

• Alcor. The plants have fleshy shoots and bright emerald leaves. Flowering lasts from May to October. The leaves are similar to camellia. The color of the central part of the bud is light pink, and the edges are salmon;
• Pink. The bush reaches a height of 30 cm. The flower has thin stems and light leaves. The buds are small in size and rich pink in color.

Begonia ampelous Mix

This is an interesting hybrid variety. Begonia Mix is ​​characterized by medium bushes and double inflorescences. They have different colors. The culture is characterized by long flowering and ease of care.

White ampelous begonias

Popular white begonia varieties include:

• Illumination White. During the flowering period, the bushes are covered with many double flowers. The root system of the plant consists of tubers. The culture is also characterized by long and thin stems and asymmetrical leaves;
• Lapland. Flowers can be double or semi-double. They are snow-white in color and reach a diameter of 6-8 cm. The shape of the inflorescences resembles camelliaceae. The roots are tubers. The bushes have 5-8 hanging stems, which reach 30-45 cm in length.

White begonias look very impressive

Begonia ampelous yellow

The yellow culture is a subshrub 40-50 cm high. It is characterized by recumbent shoots and a thick rhizome. The cuttings are covered with fluff. Large leaves reach 20 cm in length and 15 cm in width. They have pointed tips and jagged edges.

The flowers have a dull yellow color. The Margarita variety looks very impressive. It is characterized by lush flowering.

For your information! Yellow begonia is often used to create hybrids.

Begonia Golden Balconi ampelous

This crop reaches a height of 25 cm. Ampelous begonia Golden Balconi has yellow and orange inflorescences. They reach 13-15 cm in diameter. The flowers have a pleasant aroma. They bloom from May to October. This variety can be planted in a well-lit or slightly shaded place.

Important! Bushes require loose and nutritious soil. In this case, the soil must have a neutral reaction.

Begonia ampelous Venus F1

This crop is characterized by long stems. Flowering continues until the coldest weather. The flowers have a double structure and a white-pink color. In a variety called Venus, the inflorescences reach 6 cm in diameter.

Ampelous red begonia

There are many varieties of red begonia. Many of them look very impressive and resemble roses:

• Carmen. This variety is characterized by stems hanging down, the length of which reaches 40 cm. The culture has dark red inflorescences. It is used to decorate terraces, verandas, gazebos;
• Belleconia Elserta. This terry begonia has excellent resistance to diseases and pests. It is characterized by lush flowering and long hanging shoots;
• Santa Cruz Sunset. The stems of the plant reach 40 cm. The flowers have an orange-red hue and resemble fuchsia.

There are many spectacular varieties with red flowers.

Bolivian ampelous begonia

This variety was discovered back in 1864 in Bolivia. This plant is characterized by a root system in the form of tubers. It comes from a species that grows on rocks. The culture is considered very sensitive to moisture and cold.

The optimal length of daylight should be 14 hours. At the same time, Bolivian ampelous begonia can grow at a temperature of 13 °C.

Important! This variety has certain differences in care. To get abundant flowering, it needs to be planted in a permanent place as late as possible.

Begonia tuberous ampelous

This crop can be grown at home or outdoors. Tuberous ampelous begonia is planted from stem cuttings. This allows you to preserve the original characteristics of the culture. It can also be grown by seed method.

Begonia ampel Chanson

This crop is characterized by 5-8 stems. Their height reaches 40 cm. The culture has double and semi-double inflorescences. They are 6-8 cm in diameter.

Begonia ampelous Scarlett

The culture reaches 20-30 cm in height. It is characterized by lanceolate leaves with serrated edges. The flowers are large and double. Scarlett begonia is characterized by different shades - white, yellow, red.

Begonia Scarlett looks very attractive

Begonia is a spectacular crop that is suitable for growing in a wide variety of conditions. To achieve lush and abundant flowering, the plant must be properly cared for.

Author:

Natalia Zhizhko

Appearance and characteristics of the plant

The begonia variety Elatior is a hybrid , bred at the end of the 19th century in England. Its ancestors were the Socotrans and tuberous varieties of begonia. In the future, this made it possible to obtain hybrids with non-trivial flowering and excellent decorative properties.

During this period, Holland is considered the mass producer of Elatior plants. There, flowers are bred in greenhouse and indoor conditions, obtaining new species that are more resistant to fungal diseases. Dutch begonias are transported to European countries, Russia, and America. Plants are used for landscaping.

The winter begonia hybrid is an annual shrub with densely flowering inflorescences. The maximum flower height reaches 40 cm .

The plant has a dense, developed stem, as well as asymmetrical heart-shaped foliage. The leaves have a rich green color on top, while the bottom part is light green. The size of the flowers is up to 8 cm in diameter.

Description of the flower

The genus Begonia unites almost 1,600 species; 125 species and various variants of hybrids and varieties are used in indoor and landscape floriculture. The list of begonia varieties is very large, which indicates the popularity of the plant and its biological plasticity.

Queen of home flowers

Begonia terry is a small shrub with a lot of foliage. Asymmetrical begonia leaves can be whole or dissected. The edge of the leaf blade is wavy or serrated. Their colors are varied; sometimes the foliage is as decorative as the flowers.

Variety of leaves

Large double female flowers are collected in inflorescences. There are also small, inconspicuous male flowers on the inflorescences. There are a great many colors of begonia flowers. Bright white, red, orange, coral, pink, yellow flowers delight with their beauty all summer long. And the terry ever-blooming begonia continues to bloom until the beginning of winter.

Different colors of flowers

Varieties

With conscientious care, begonias are capable of abundant flowering throughout the year. It is these subspecies that grow indoors, as well as outdoors in the warm season.

Frequently sold varieties:

But still, among the brothers of the Elatior variety, I would like to especially highlight the following representatives:

1. Borias . A popular species among amateur gardeners, as well as in flower farms. And this is not strange, since the plant has a very long flowering period. The shape of the bush is neat, quite compact. The foliage is shiny, rich green. The inflorescences are pale pink with a white stripe along the edge. Flowers with double and smooth texture. The hybrid often decorates the premises of shops, offices, and cafes.
2. Begonia Mix . It is a medium-sized plant, up to 30 cm high. The foliage has jagged edges. Flowers are arranged on several tiers. The shades, unlike the previous representative, are varied. Red, white, yellow, pink, orange. Due to the small size of the bush, this species is often called a “bouquet in a pot.”

Varieties and varieties

There are many types and varieties of begonia. All begonia plants are divided into two large groups: tuberous and bush begonia. The first type is suitable for cultivation in apartments, and the second - for growing in gardens and greenhouses. There is also a division into ampelous (hanging) varieties and ordinary (ground) varieties. The division into varieties occurs depending on the color of the inflorescences of the crop.

Yellow

Terry yellow begonia (begonia yellow) is an elegant and variegated flower. Yellow begonia is not very tall and can grow up to 30 cm.

If you look at a photo of yellow begonia, you can see a bush-like plant with numerous dark green leaves. Yellow begonia blooms at the end of spring - beginning of summer.

Yellow terry begonia (begonia yellow)

The yellow beauty blooms for a long time - until November. The flowers are large, delicate lemon color with wavy petals. The inflorescences emit a pleasant, sweetish aroma.

You can grow terry yellow begonia both in pots and cache-pots, and in flower beds. Since the stems of the lemon beauty are fragile, they can break in a strong wind, so you need to make sure that the flower is protected from wind, drafts and burning sun rays.

Pink

Terry pink begonia (begonia pink) looks gorgeous both in a pot and in a flower bed. This variety is characterized by half-meter growth, wide, slightly jagged leaf blades.

Photos of different varieties

In the photo there are varieties Borias, Begonia Mix and others:

Where and how to plant?

Vases for begonias are preferable to small diameters. The maximum size is 12 cm. The plant has an underdeveloped root system, which hardly covers the space prepared for it. The new pot should be 1-2 cm larger than the old one.

Planting and replanting winter begonias is done extremely rarely . They tolerate this process very difficult, most often the flowers die. As a rule, at the end of flowering, healthy, strong shoots are pruned from the plant and then rooted. And the flower itself is destroyed.

When purchasing Elatior begonia in a store, for the first time after transportation, it should be allowed to adapt for no more than 10 days. If the plant is in the process of flowering, you should wait until it finishes. Afterwards, very carefully transplant into a permanent pot.

1. We buy a soil mixture at a garden store or prepare it ourselves.
2. Drainage is poured into the bottom of the prepared pot.
3. We moisten the soil 3-5 hours before planting.
4. Carefully removes the begonia from the old flowerpot with a lump of earth.
5. We also carefully place the plant in new soil.

If possible, do not do this procedure; begonias are difficult to recover. At first, transplanted begonia requires special attention and care .

Find out more details about planting, replanting and caring for Elatior begonia at home here.

Priming

The main criteria when choosing soil should be: lightness, breathability, looseness, saturation with micronutrients.
There are various types of soil available on the market that are suitable for winter begonias. To prepare the soil mixture yourself, take in equal proportions :

• peat;
• organic fertilizers, in particular humus;
• leaf soil;
• ½ part sand.

All components are carefully moved and can be used to transplant begonias.

Temperature

Elatior plant is a delicate flower. Begonia is afraid of cold weather, even minor frosts are destructive for it, therefore, with the onset of autumn, the plant should be moved to a warm and bright room.

Reproduction methods

Reproduction of tuberous begonias, like most other plants, can occur by seeds and vegetatively.

Tuberous begonia is rarely propagated by seeds. This is due to the fact that most beautiful hybrid varieties do not produce seeds (sterile) or produce severe splitting (do not retain parental characteristics). However, resistant varieties or special hybrids can be grown from seeds.

Garden begonia has tiny seeds that are extremely inconvenient to sow. This should be done in February, mixing them with fine sand or using snow for contrast. The soil is usual for seedlings, sowing is superficial, watering is careful by drip. Germinate the seeds at a temperature of about 25 degrees under a transparent film. They dive, like other seedlings, after the formation of the first leaves. Another pick may be needed.

Vegetative propagation of begonias by cuttings or dividing the tuber is more often used.

Begonia cuttings can be carried out in autumn and spring.

If you decide to prepare cuttings in the fall, then at the end of August, before digging them out of open ground, separate the shoots from the tuber. Then plant the cuttings in a small container with light soil, about 4 cm deep and water moderately. Begonias are very thermophilic, so the temperature for rooting should be 22-25 degrees. For better survival, the cut can be dipped in Kornevin and sprinkled with crushed coal. In spring, rooted shoots should be transplanted into separate pots in new soil. Autumn cuttings are not taken from first-year plants grown from seeds.

If you decide to propagate begonia in the spring, then the cuttings of tubers after a three-month dormant period in January are planted for germination. We will look at how to do this correctly in the next section. When the sprouts reach about 10 cm and they have 3 leaves, use a sharp knife to cut off part of the sprout with two internodes and two leaves (we must leave one lower leaf on the tuber). Don’t forget to dry the cuttings (2-3 hours) and dust them with charcoal powder. Then we plant it in a light and nutritious soil mixture (sand, peat, soil), cover it with a bag and place it in a warm place for rooting. Maintain soil moisture. Rooting should occur in about a month. The young plants are then potted into separate pots and provided with sufficient light.

Sometimes rooting is carried out in water. This is most often done with leaf cuttings. To do this, place charcoal in a glass of cold boiled water, and place a leaf with a petiole on it. Water should cover no more than 1 cm of the petiole. You can cover the leaf with the cup with a bag (make a mini-greenhouse). When the roots appear, they are transplanted into the ground.

But the main method of reproduction in this type of begonia is tuber division. For this, adult tubers (over 3 years old) are used. At the end of winter, when small sprouts (up to 4 cm) appear on the awakening tuber, cut it into pieces with a sharp knife (each part should have a well-developed bud). Then sprinkle the sections with wood ash (coal) powder and dry for 24 hours. Afterwards we carefully plant it in light nutritious soil so that the tuber section is half buried. Water carefully, cover with a transparent bag (to maintain air humidity) and place in a warm place. When the plant has taken root, remove the bag and add just a little soil (do not bury it).

In this way we not only propagate the plant, but also rejuvenate the tubers. Since old tuberous begonias (after 5-6 years) already bloom poorly.

How to care for and deal with problems?

Winter begonia is quite susceptible to stressful situations and unfavorable conditions, so caring for it is a troublesome task.

1. The plant begins to fade, the leaves dry out. This occurs when indoor air is dry. This parameter is quite important for a hybrid variety. Humidity should be maintained at 50-70%.
2. Growth stops and the flower sheds its buds. This may be due to the rather low air temperature. In this case, stem and root rot diseases may develop. Drafts are terrible for hybrids.
3. Leaves and shoots fade a little - the first signs of lack of water. After moistening, it regains its original shape. Water for irrigation should be soft, clean, without impurities and salts. The plant is so heat-loving that it should even be watered with warm water.
4. Plants lose their beauty and decorative appearance. The shoots are elongated, pale green. This indicates a lack of sunlight.
5. The tips of the leaves turn yellow, growth slows down, and the lack of lush flowering means a lack of nutrients. At the beginning of the growth phase, mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen are used to stimulate growth. During the flowering period, it is important to feed with fertilizers high in potassium and phosphorus. Fertilizers should be selected for decorative flowering varieties.
6. Rooting of the root system, leaves also begin to dry out and rot. The reason for this is the disease gray rot. Occurs as a result of excess moisture. It will be applicable to this variety of begonias: it is better to have a deficiency of moisture than to have an excessive amount of it.

The plant does not require intensive watering. In summer, it is necessary to water when the soil in the flowerpot becomes covered with a dry crust. Gray mold can be combated using special fungicide solutions, as well as 1% Bordeaux mixture.

• 
  A white coating on begonia leaves indicates the development of powdery mildew. The foliage dries out, and then the whole flower fades. This fungal disease occurs in conditions of high humidity and a complete lack of ventilation. This type of problem can also be dealt with using fungicides.

• Another disease that is dangerous for begonias is bacterial spot. The plant becomes covered with watery spots, which soon turn brown, and the inflorescences and shoots become black. To treat a flower, the soil is treated with disinfectants. And as a preventive measure, it is enough to treat the plant with a mixture of copper oxychloride.
• The condition of Elatior begonia is negatively affected by the appearance of harmful insects in the house. Such as aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. To get rid of them, it is important to repeatedly spray the plant with a soap solution. If the process is advanced, they use drugs to kill pests: Karbofos or Intavir.

How to winter properly

Tuberous begonia is most afraid of cold weather. Of course, she is a tropical flower. Therefore, by the end of summer you should already think about wintering it. Gradually, with the onset of autumn, they reduce watering and stop feeding. We do the last fertilizing without nitrogen, but with a high potassium content. Starting in September, the buds should be cut off so that the plant does not waste energy on flowering. Let the shoots and leaves gradually die off on their own. But as soon as there is a threat of even the most minimal frosts (the timing depends on your climate), we immediately dig up the begonias, and bring those growing outside in pots indoors and stop watering. We store the remaining tubers in the pots without watering in dry soil in a room with a temperature of 5 to 10 degrees.

We dry the dug up tubers for several days so that the soil is well covered. And then we put it away for storage. Having studied the experience of begonia lovers, we offer you several storage options.

1. We put the tubers in cardboard boxes, sprinkle them with a mixture of sand and vermiculite (you can sprinkle them with dry sawdust or peat) and store them in a cool place (5-10 degrees).
2. If there are only a few tubers, then put them in a bag with holes and sprinkle them with dry sawdust or perlite and put them in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for the winter.
3. You can also store tubers in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator, simply wrapped in several layers of newspaper.

These methods apply only to adult plants. Since first-year begonias need to increase the mass of tubers, they do not go to rest, and their green part does not die off. They overwinter in pots on the windowsill (necessarily a bright place) with very moderate watering. In the spring, we cut off very elongated shoots into cuttings. And we transplant the plant into new soil or a little later directly into a flower bed.

Tuberous begonias really need a period of winter dormancy, as they need to “rest and gain strength” before new shoots appear. At the end of summer, begonias begin to grow tubers, so you need to pick off the buds and feed them with potassium so that the plant has time to accumulate nutrients for the new season. The dormant period for this type of begonia should be about three months (November - mid-February). If you leave the plant to bloom on the windowsill in winter, it may die in the spring.

Reproduction

You can propagate the plant in 3 ways:

The optimal seasons for breeding young begonias are spring-autumn . The rest of the time the effect is less successful.

For the cutting method:

1. It is important to take a healthy, large shoot of at least 7 cm.
2. The shoot is planted in a soil-free substrate or container with water, to which ½ tablet of activated carbon is added.
3. Then the plant stands in a dark place for 60 days.
4. After this period, the rooted shoots are exposed closer to the light.

The method of dividing a bush follows the same principle.

Taking into account some nuances in caring for a hybrid flower, you can get a healthy and strong indoor plant. Efforts should be made to create comfortable parameters for Elatior begonia . And in return you will receive a wonderful decoration for a city apartment, country estate or workplace.

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Useful video

In this video you will learn more about the plant:

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Begonia (photo below) entered the ranks of catchy ornamental plants about two hundred years ago. Now we can admire the sensual flower almost everywhere: in gardens, parks, squares, and just in our homes. Gardeners love beautiful flowers for their variety of leaf shapes and rich palette of flower colors.

Homeland of begonia

The history of begonia originates from the Antilles, where Michel Begon first described it. Subsequently, this flower was named in his honor. A couple of decades later, an ever-flowering begonia native to Brazil was described, and even later, a royal begonia from the Hindustan Peninsula, as well as a tuberous subspecies from South America. In fact, all current varieties originated from them. After the widespread use of this flower for decorative purposes, begonia became incredibly popular: at first it was just a greenhouse flower, and then those that perfectly withstand climate surprises appeared.

Read also: Houseplants that attract money

Famous species of begonia

Today, about nine hundred species of begonia are known in the world and at least two thousand hybrids have been obtained. Crops for growing indoors are symbolically divided into two fairly large groups - deciduous and flowering. Decorative deciduous trees are distinguished by their original shape and color of leaves. Flowering varieties of begonias are divided into groups of tuberous, evergreen, and bushy, which require a dormant period. We will describe in detail the most popular types:

Begonia, home care (photos and videos attached)

For good development, the plant needs proper care. Begonia is not capricious, but there are a number of recommendations that will help maintain its beautiful appearance. The main thing is to ensure sufficient humidity and moderate air temperature.

This elegant, spectacular flower with decorative flowers and original leaves looks great in the interior of residential buildings. Among the varieties and forms of begonias, there is sure to be one that is suitable for decorating your apartment.

Lighting and temperature

The houseplant likes to grow in bright light. Flowering specimens are considered to need it most. However, during the hottest days, the plant must be shaded from the active sun, since by doing this, burns can be eliminated. Decorative deciduous species need diffused light; the flower should be placed on an eastern or western windowsill.

Choosing soil and pot

Before you start planting your begonia, it is recommended to choose the most appropriate pot for it. For such a plant, it is recommended to choose a small pot, which should be made of ceramics. So, the size of the container should exceed the size of the flower’s root system by only three to four centimeters.

Watering

The top dried layer is loosened. And only when the soil dries to a depth of 1-2 cm can it be poured into the pan. The best thing is to place the pot in a container of water until the soil is completely saturated. Then the pot is returned to the tray, and the excess water that has leaked into it is drained. The frequency of watering depends on the conditions in which the begonia is kept: on a sunny window, an open balcony, in the garden. In the open air they water every day, in an apartment, on a shady closed balcony - once every 2-3 days. The condition of the soil should serve as a guide. The water must be softened. To do this, it is filtered and settled.

Water for watering begonias can be softened and made acidic using peat: 1 kg of peat in a fabric or gauze bag is infused for 24 hours in 10 liters of water.

In addition, begonia is demanding on air humidity, but its leaves cannot be sprayed. There are several ways to moisturize more gently: place cups of water next to the flower or pour sand, peat, expanded clay, moss into a tray and always keep this filler moist. In winter, place a damp cloth on the nearest radiator.

Begonia mix home care

Begonia Double mix – Bush tuberous begonia. A bright mix of terry begonias.

Description Tuberous begonia Double mix . The bushes are compact, 35 cm high, of various colors, with erect stems, green, heart-shaped leaves with jagged edges. The inflorescences are large, double, fragrant, up to 10 cm in diameter. They bloom in June-October.

Tuberous begonia is a native of South America, one of the most beautiful representatives of the begonia genus. A perennial plant, the above-ground part dies off in the winter, the underground part goes into a dormant state. The root system is represented by a corm. The stems are erect or drooping, the leaves of begonia are succulent, heart-shaped, asymmetrical, serrated. There are many varieties of begonia , very different from each other. Begonia flowers come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, simple and double, white, yellow, orange, red, with a diameter of 3 to 20 cm.

Place for planting Begonia tuberous Double mix . Grows well in both sunny and slightly shaded areas. Prefers light fertile buds, slightly acidified (pH=5.5-6.0). Before planting, poor soils must be enriched with rotted manure, superphosphate and nitrophoska must be added (50 and 80 g, respectively).

Planting Begonia tuberous Double mix . Previously, in mid-March, begonia corms are taken out of storage for growing. Healthy corms are laid out in boxes with peat at a distance of 5-7 cm from each other, without being completely covered with soil. Water a little with water with complete mineral fertilizer dissolved in it, but so that it does not get on the tubers themselves. Begonia tubers are kept at a temperature of +18 +22 °C without access to direct sunlight, and are fed several times with organic or mineral fertilizers. At the beginning of May, the plants are taken to a greenhouse for hardening, protected from direct sunlight. Begonias are planted in open ground in early June, when the threat of frost has passed. Corms are planted to a depth of 2 cm, at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other, and the soil is mulched with humus.

Caring for Begonia tuberous Double mix . Begonia grows and develops best at moderate temperatures and slightly high humidity. Caring for begonia involves watering and fertilizing. Begonia is not watered often, but abundantly. Feed every two weeks with complete mineral fertilizer, and with the approach of autumn only with phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. For the winter, begonias are dug up, but only after the above-ground mass has completely died off (the corm must accumulate nutrients) and put away for storage. The tubers are first dried in natural conditions for two weeks, and then transferred to boxes with peat. Begonias are stored in winter in a room with a temperature of +5 +10 ° C.

Reproduction of tuberous Begonia Double mix . Begonia is propagated by seeds, tuber division and cuttings. Seeds are sown in boxes in a mixture of leaf soil, tophra and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1 in January-February. The soil is not covered; watering is carried out by spraying with a spray bottle. The boxes are covered with glass and kept at a temperature of +20 +25 °C without access to direct sunlight. Seedlings dive twice: with the appearance of 1-2 true leaves for the first time and a month later for the second time. Seedlings are kept at a temperature of +19 °C, watered and fed with organic or full mineral fertilizers. Planted in open ground with the onset of stable warm weather. Begonia tubers divided in January. The tubers are cut into pieces with a sharp knife so that there is at least one bud on each section. The sections are sprinkled with crushed charcoal, planted in pots or boxes with a peat-sand mixture at a distance of 4 cm from each other and stored at a temperature of +20. The bulbs are first dried under natural conditions for two weeks, and then transferred to boxes with peat and stored at a temperature of +20 ° C. In order to propagate begonia by cuttings , at the beginning of January the corms are laid out for growing in boxes with a mixture of leaf soil and peat and stored at a temperature of +20 ° C. Over time, cuttings are formed from the buds, which, when they reach a height of 0-15 cm, are broken out and planted in a peat-sand mixture, kept at a temperature of +20 ° C, shaded and regularly sprayed. When the begonia cuttings take root, they are transplanted into boxes with a mixture of leaf soil, sand and peat (2::1) at a distance of 10 cm from each other, placed in a bright place with a temperature of +20 +22 ° C, watered and fed.

Application of Begonia tuberous Double mix in garden design. Begonias are good as part of complex flower beds and ridges, in the shade of bushes, in proximity to low-growing ornamental grasses such as gray fescue. Mono plantings of different varieties of begonia . Begonia is beautiful in hanging baskets and flowerpots; hanging begonia is used for vertical gardening ; begonia is also suitable for rocky hills. You can also grow begonia at home in pots.

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Planting begonias consists of three main steps:

1. Selection of pots. The most suitable are ceramic pots. Their volume should be 4 cm larger than the root system of the seedling. In the future, this will help avoid stagnation of moisture and rotting of the roots.
2. Soil preparation. A mixture of leaf soil, sand, peat and humus is well suited for begonia. You can also buy ready-made soil. The main thing at this stage is disinfection by steaming this mixture for 30 minutes in a rag bag in a steam bath.
3. Planting begonias. Drainage is placed in the prepared pots, and a layer of charcoal is placed on top. After this, the plant is placed and sprinkled with a little soil. After planting, begonia is well watered.

Important! The best time to plant begonias is March.

Terry begonia plant: planting and care at home

It's time to talk about my “maiden beauty,” as this beautiful plant, terry begonia, is also called. There are several varieties in my flower collection, and they are all my favorites and favorite flowers. The magical bloom leaves no one indifferent: both members of my family and friends who come to visit. Today I would like to share with pleasure my experience and information with photos on how to plant terry begonia and care for it.

Short description

This plant is very famous and popular among gardeners. Belongs to the Begoniaceae genus. Many lovers of indoor flowers admit that once they see this flowering plant, they never want to part with it again. And there is an explanation for this - fluffy bright flowers are simply beautiful against the background of green foliage.

1. The plant is a small bush of dark, rich green color, carved foliage and small double multi-petaled flowers.
2. Begonia became a domestic flower only in the 17th century, and before that it grew in natural conditions in Africa, Asia and America. Today we can admire a huge number of varieties and varieties of this wonderful plant. Each gardener can choose a variety to suit his taste.
3. You can often see mixed Begonia in flower shops, which has recently become very popular. And there is also ever-blooming begonia. It blooms throughout the year. The foliage of this variety does not die off. In some cases, the flowering period begins in early spring and ends in late autumn.
4. It is sometimes confused with the ever-blooming simple. It has one significant difference - there is no terry edge on the petals.
5. Begonia can grow as a small bush, but there are hanging varieties. On the peduncles of the plant there are usually 2 types of unisexual flowers: male double and female single. On the female ones, at the end of flowering, a seed box is formed.

It is recommended to move the plant into fresh air in the summer months. An excellent solution would be a slightly shaded place in the garden or on a balcony or loggia, protected from wind and drafts. In cold weather, the flower is brought into a warm room. Do not forget that begonia is a guest from hot countries.

Description, characteristics

A plant from the Begoniaceae genus. It is a small, decorative, green shrub with numerous carved leaves. The flowers are large, of various shades, shaped like small roses. The species received its unusual name due to the terry border on the flower petals , which gives them special tenderness and showiness.

In nature, begonia is widespread in Africa, Asia, and America. It began to be grown in domestic culture in the 17th century. Since then, quite a few different species and varieties have been obtained, differing in size, color and some features of care.

“Begonia terry mix” is more often found in specialized stores. Many designers prefer it. With its bright, varied colors it will decorate any flower arrangement.

Terry ever-blooming begonia is often confused with simple ever-blooming begonia, which lacks the characteristic terry border.

Landing Features

The processes themselves are no more complicated if other indoor plants were grown. But begonia is a delicate flower and will require a little more care, attention and compliance with all basic recommendations.

Which pot should you choose?

This question will be of primary interest, because the plant should be comfortable in it. In addition, you need to choose a flowerpot that matches the style of the rest of the interior of your home.

Soil composition

For this decorative flower, light, loose and porous soil, nutritious and rich in minerals, is suitable. It is not recommended to plant begonia in heavy and dense soil, since it categorically does not accept stagnation of moisture in the root system.

You can purchase ready-made soil for begonias, with a low level of acidity and enriched with vermicompost. More experienced gardeners can prepare the substrate themselves. To do this, you need to mix the soil from the greenhouse, add sifted river sand and peat.

It is imperative to make a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot. You can use small pebbles, expanded clay fractions, crushed stone, pebbles, and pieces of polystyrene foam. Air permeability and moisture permeability are especially important for tuberous varieties. They are most often subject to putrefactive processes due to stagnation of water.

Place

1. Begonia loves the sun very much. Diffused lighting is very suitable for growing this flower. But you should not place the flowerpot on the south side under the scorching rays of the sun. They can cause burns to the leaf blades and general overheating of the plant.
2. On particularly hot and dry summer days, place the begonia in a place where it will be light and not hot.
3. Periodically turn a standing pot of begonia 180 degrees in a circle. Then the development of the bush will be symmetrical and uniform.
4. In the autumn-winter period, if the begonia is still blooming, arrange additional lighting with fluorescent lamps. Then you can enjoy the wonderful flowering and healthy appearance of the bushes.

Temperature

The flower has a negative attitude towards too hot and dry air in the room. The optimal temperature for growing is +18 - 23 degrees. Begonia also does not like sudden changes in temperature. It is necessary to ventilate the room more often, but at the same time protect the begonia from drafts.

During the summer months, be sure to take your begonia outside. In winter, you can lower the temperature a little, but not below +15 degrees. Too low a temperature can kill the plant.

Humidity

• It is important to maintain a sufficiently high level of humidity in the room where the plant is located. But the bush itself is not sprayed. It is undesirable for moisture to get on the leaves and flowers.
• You can spray the air nearby, place an aquarium, or wet napkins and place them on the battery. This is especially true in winter, when heating devices are on and the air becomes too dry.

Planting and transplanting

If you are growing begonias at home, there are only a few options for planting. This is a seed and tuber method. Each of them has its own characteristics.

1. In the autumn, tubers are harvested. They must be carefully pulled out of the soil, cleaned and the stems removed. Next, they should be placed in containers, where a mixture of peat and sand must first be poured. Tubers are stored at a temperature of +8 - 11 degrees. The place should be cool.
2. From the second ten days of February until the end of spring, tubers can be planted. To do this, prepare a nutrient substrate.
3. The seed method is not so common. It is quite labor-intensive and requires certain knowledge and skills. Seeds should be planted in a soil mixture consisting of leaf soil, peat and sand. The procedure is carried out in winter.
4. You can also transplant or plant a flower in open soil. But this has only been done since mid-May. At this time, the soil is already sufficiently warmed up and the plant will develop well. It is important to wait until the residual night frosts are completely gone and the daytime is sunny and warm. If the weather does not allow, then it is better to wait a little.
5. Transplantation is carried out no more than once every few years. The new pot should be several sizes larger. If the begonia is tuberous, then it is replanted annually when the dormant period ends, in early spring.

Planting begonias

Tuberous begonia seedlings are planted in open soils in early June. Before planting, the seedlings are hardened off by placing them in a bright room for 5-8 days, where the temperature is maintained at +23 during the day. +27°С and at night +12. +15°С.

To plant tall begonias, the holes are placed at a distance of 35-40 cm from each other; for low-growing varieties, 15-20 cm is enough. If you plant low-growing begonias in hanging containers, then a distance between holes of 8-12 cm is enough.

Planting begonias in flowerpots

The depth of the planting hole varies depending on the size of the seedling, but it must be taken into account that the stem of tuberous begonia is unusually fragile and breaks easily. Therefore, deepen the hole taking into account that the base of the stem is also covered with earth.

Before planting, the hole should be thoroughly watered with potassium-phosphorus fertilizer. The southern charmer loves fertile soils, the ideal soil substrate for her is: leaf soil, humus, sand and peat, in the proportion: 2:1:1:1. After planting, the ground will need to be sprinkled with ash or humus. If the nights are cool, cover the seedlings overnight.

Rules of care - tips

In order for the plant to delight with lush and bright flowers, it is necessary to take care of the begonia. It is advisable to carry out all procedures according to the recommendations.

Watering

In the spring and summer, when the growing season takes place, you need to water the flower twice a week. In winter, the amount of watering is reduced.

Begonia cannot be overwatered. Before moistening the potting soil, make sure the top layer of soil is dry. Stagnation of water is strictly prohibited. It is not recommended to use tap water. Only settled, melted or filtered water at room temperature is suitable.

How to feed terry begonia?

It is advisable to purchase a special fertilizer for flowering indoor plants. This complex of nutrients is added during bud setting and subsequent flowering no more than 1 - 2 times every 30 days.

Trimming

• Over time, begonia loses its elegant decorative appearance. They rejuvenate it using cuttings.
• Bushes need to be regularly pruned so that the flower looks well-groomed and neat. At the same time, he is rejuvenated. Subsequently, it develops and grows better.
• The procedure is carried out only with disinfected instruments. The knife must be sharp so as not to tear the tissue of the stems.
• The upper part of the shoot should be pinched when the shoot grows to 10 - 11 cm. Then the side shoots begin to form and grow. When they stretch up to 11 - 12 cm, they are also pinched. This creates a very compact and symmetrical crown.
• Periodically, all dry and damaged branches, as well as faded inflorescences, are also removed from the begonia. Then the plant has enough nutrients.
• The ampel shape is also trimmed as needed. Typically, pruning is done when you want to create a neater appearance.