Proper pinching of begonia at home: crown formation

How to care after the procedure?

To prevent infection from entering the wound, the sections are treated with crushed charcoal or activated carbon and ash. Sometimes the cut sites are covered with woven bandages for several days. After pruning, the plant needs a short period of rest
. The pot with begonia is shaded - placed in a shaded part of the house or protected with a curtain. The quantity and frequency of watering is reduced.

The watering regime is gradually returned after the side shoots begin to grow. After the irrigation regime is restored, the plant needs feeding. It is not recommended to do this for the winter; it is better to feed the begonia in spring and summer. You should not overfeed, since the introduction of additional nutrients changes the pH (acidity) of the soil. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are best.

Pruning is a necessary procedure for the formation of a healthy and beautiful bush.

. There is nothing complicated in the process itself; even a novice gardener can handle it. With a competent approach to pruning and pinching, taking into account the variety and time of year, you can get a magnificent plant that will delight the eye for many years.

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Begonia is a wonderful plant that can be grown at home, on the balcony and in the garden. Many novice gardeners do not know how to prune begonias

- a procedure without which it is impossible to grow a flower.

Why do you prune begonias?

As soon as begonia appears in your home, you need to start pinching and pruning. Why are these procedures performed?

to form the crown of a young plant;
improving begonia flowering;
maintaining the correct proportions between the root system and crown;
rejuvenation and maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the bush.

How to prune? How to prune begonia correctly?

Begonias grow quickly, experienced flower growers know that the stems of the plant quickly stretch, and if they are not trimmed in a timely manner, the leaves will become smaller, flowering will stop, and the lush attractive appearance will disappear.

The first pruning is carried out when the plant stems reach 7-8 cm; the bush can be given any shape (standard, bush, pyramidal, spherical), it depends on the preferences of the owner.

Once the plant is pruned, reduce watering until active growth begins. When the side shoots grow to 12 cm, their tops are trimmed. This procedure will help awaken the lateral kidneys. This is how a young begonia bush is formed; in the future, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the plant, remove loose or dried branches and leaves, shoots directed into the begonia.

If you still haven’t noticed, the plant has grown a lot and has become unattractive, then you can rejuvenate it if you pinch off the lower shoots and the top. This method does not always help to restore the attractiveness of begonias; then it is easier to re-root.

Pruning is carried out only with a sharp knife; under no circumstances should you use scissors, which can seriously injure the begonia. To avoid rotting and speed up the healing process, the cut areas should be treated with wood ash or crushed coal.

Features of proper pruning of different varieties of begonia

Begonias of all varieties need careful care; it is important to promptly get rid of dry and damaged leaves, otherwise they can lead to plant disease. Proper pruning of begonias is carried out depending on the type of plant: the royal rex and all its hybrids do not need to be pruned at all, thick-trunked adults are shortened rarely and only when necessary, the tops of ampelous ones are regularly cut off, this stimulates the awakening and growth of lateral shoots

Gardeners prune bush begonias heavily, choosing places above the outer bud; usually pruning is carried out frequently; this variety of plant grows very quickly.

It is necessary to prune begonia correctly, as the shoots grow, to prevent strong stretching of the branches and a decrease in the exchange of leaves. As soon as you have purchased a begonia, try to immediately form a beautiful crown; in the future, it is enough to simply remove excess branches and leaves.

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Begonia is a plant that belongs to the Begonieceae family and decorates public gardens, parks and apartments. There are about 900 full-fledged species of this plant in the world. The homeland of begonias is Southeast Asia. The size of the plant can be from 5 cm to 3 m in length.

In this article you will learn some secrets of caring for beautiful flowering begonias at home.

How to properly form a begonia bush

The speed of growth and quality of flowering is directly determined by how correctly the begonia bush is pruned and how it is formed. This should be taken care of at the early development stage:

The first such procedure is performed when the plant reaches a height of 7-8 cm.
In the subsequent period, the number of waterings decreases, it resumes when the flower begins to grow.
After begonia is pruned after flowering, the upper parts of shoots that have reached a length of more than 10 cm are removed.

The desired crown shape is maintained by periodically shortening elongated stems and removing dried shoots.

Why do you need to form a crown of indoor flowers?

Among the main goals of plant formation are:

Limiting the space that the plant occupies;
Giving the desired shape and attractive appearance;
Removing ugly, weak shoots;
Providing access to light and air to the flower;
Stimulating flowering by reducing the number of shoots and branches that deplete the plant;
Ensuring equal development of all shoots, uniform distribution of nutrients between them;
Stimulating the development of shoots that will produce flower buds.

The main techniques for forming the crown of indoor plants are pruning, pinching, pinching and tying.

Why is pruning needed?

In most cases, an unkempt indoor begonia that has never seen scissors looks extremely untidy. Therefore, first of all, the pruning procedure involves maintaining the beautiful appearance of the plant. But besides aesthetics, other goals are pursued:

establishing the correct relationship between the above-ground foliage mass and the root system;
creating and maintaining the desired crown shape;
rejuvenation and increase in the life of the bush;
regulation of growth and branching;
improvement of flowering.

Features for some types: how to form?

Red leaf begonia. The purpose of pruning is to obtain planting material. It is not recommended to form its crown.
Elatior, a beautiful flowering hybrid. After the flowering period, this species loses its attractiveness; this is corrected by pruning. To do this, leave stumps 5-7 cm tall. New shoots that grow are pinched to form a bush with dense foliage.
Terry begonia, ever-blooming variety. It grows intensively, the stems quickly stretch, so regular pruning is required. Thanks to this, the plant actively blooms and looks impressive.
Coral begonia, bush variety. A special feature of caring for this species is its formation in the form of a bush. Therefore, to form side stems, it must be pinched periodically.
Masona, decorative deciduous variety. In order for this type of flower to begin to bush, it needs to be pinched, setting the desired shape.
Hogweed. During growth, the plant becomes longer and the lower part of the stem becomes bare, so the elongated shoots are cut off, leaving small stumps, from which new foliage will later appear.
Cleopatra, decorative flowering plant. This species is pruned in the spring or when replanting, leaving about 5 cm of stem.
Tiger begonia, ampelous tuberous variety. When transplanting, the leaves are cut off for successful rooting. A young plant up to 4 years old is replanted every spring.
Spotted begonia, decorative deciduous variety. The top of the species is pinched to form a lush crown. To increase the size of the leaves, the buds are cut off. Old plants are rejuvenated by pruning every 3-4 years.
Collared begonia, ornamental flowering plant. Trim it to form a beautiful crown. The top shoots are removed to allow the side stems to grow. This is usually done in the spring.

What varieties need this care?

Bush varieties. They are characterized by rapid growth, and to shape the crown of the bush it is necessary to trim the crown and side stems, 6 cm together above the bud. Young shoots will subsequently develop from the resulting stumps. Pruning of bush varieties is mainly carried out in the spring and after dropping the leaves.
Thick-trunked varieties. Pruning of such varieties is rarely done, only when necessary, in order to correct the shape of the crown.
Ampelous varieties. Plants of these varieties do not need pruning. They require pinching of the tops to spread the side stems and shape the appearance. Old foliage and dry stems are also removed from flowers.
of decorative deciduous begonias are pruned.
Tuberous varieties are pruned in preparation for winter.
Ever-blooming varieties. During the growing season of such varieties, they require both pruning and pinching. To correct the appearance of the bush, shoots 12-14 cm long are cut off. Moreover, the length on the main stem is longer than on the side ones. When the plant recovers and continues to grow, you should fix the desired height of each shoot with special clips. Then the flower will grow in accordance with the given shape.

If the flower has stopped growing, it is resumed by pruning, removing the buds at the top and cutting off the lower leaves.

It is not recommended to cut the flower and replant it in a new container at the same time. These are two complex procedures for a flower, after each the plant needs time to adapt. It is better to replant in the spring during the active growth period, and then prune.

How to prune correctly at home if the plant is stretched?

The specifics of pruning begonias include four points:

Start of trimming. The formation of begonia begins at an early stage of growth. A plant 6-7 cm long needs to be cut off at the top. This will lead to intensive growth of side shoots.
Reduce watering. After the first pruning, the frequency of watering is reduced until the active development of the flower begins.
Further pruning. When the side shoots grow to 10 cm, their tops are cut off. In this case, the pruning should be above the bud located on the outside of the shoot.
End of trimming. This completes the formation of the young begonia. After this, you can trim the elongated shoots to regulate the shape of the plant, cut off the dried stems and those growing inside the bush.

Is it possible to carry out the procedure?

An unpruned neglected plant is characterized by:

elongated thin stems;
small leaves;
poor flowering.

Pruning a plant helps:

The formation of a crown of the desired shape, a well-groomed appearance of the bush.
Increased flowering.
Preservation of the proportions of the root system and the above-ground part of the begonia.
Disease prevention - dry foliage and damaged stems that provoke flower diseases are pruned.
Rejuvenate the flower and stimulate the growth of young shoots.

Tools

Begonias are pruned with pruning shears or garden shears. Tool requirements:

the tool must be sharp; a dull one can damage the flower;
the instrument is disinfected with alcohol to avoid suppuration of the cut site;
the instrument must be clean and dry;
Scissors used in everyday life should not be used.

What to do after flowering?

The aerial part of a faded tuberous begonia is completely cut off, leaving a small stump. This promotes the absorption of the maximum amount of nutrients from the soil. Or they dig up the tubers, dry them and store them in a cold place until the new season.

After flowering, bush begonia needs to remove flower stems and trim shoots.

Preparing for winter

Winter is the plant's dormant time. Preparation for this period takes place in the fall. It consists of reducing the amount of watering, moving the flower pot to a dark, cool place up to +15 degrees (basement, loggia) and pruning.

Begonias need to be pruned in October. To do this, remove the upper part, leaving a stump of 2 cm above the ground. Six months of rest is enough to recover before the next season.

There is also an opinion that pruning a plant before winter does not make sense.

But it has been noticed that if you do not prune a flower for the winter, it will be exhausted, bloom sparingly, or flowering will not occur at all, the buds will wither without opening. In February-March, the plant begins to wake up, and already in the summer it pleases with overgrown foliage and abundant flowering.

Do I need to pinch?

Pinch out in spring or autumn, before budding or after flowering.

The procedure consists of pinching off the top shoot of the main stem by 1-2 cm. After a couple of weeks, the bush will begin to grow actively, side stems will form, and the plant will become bushier.

Pinching differs from pruning in that only a small portion of the top of the stem is removed. Pinch with your hands.

Video about pruning and pinching begonias:

When is it necessary to pinch begonia?

Pinching begonias is carried out for each variety with different frequencies. The right time for this procedure is autumn or spring. Pruning to prepare for wintering and crown formation is carried out in October. Active flower growth begins in early spring and by this time it must fully recover from the removal of excess shoots. It takes begonias about six months to do this.

Ampelous petunias - when and how to pinch

You should not pinch or trim excess shoots immediately after the plant has been replanted. It will grow much slower.

Winter is a rest time for begonias. Therefore, during this period, only diseased shoots are pruned so that the plant does not die. All other types of shoot removal are not carried out in winter.

Note! Pinching should be carried out no later than mid-spring or autumn. The formation of side shoots takes time - at least three weeks.

Anti-aging pruning

Some plants, especially those that grow slowly, can do without rejuvenation. But most indoor green “friends” still have to be pruned for this purpose. For example, these are flowers that quickly stretch out when there is a lack of light. Plants with long shoots especially need this type of pruning.

Over time, due to lack of light, too high a temperature or insufficient air humidity, their leaves at the base dry out and fall off. And the flower takes on an unattractive appearance. These are, for example, tradescantia, balsam, passionflower, abutilon, pelargonium, dieffenbachia. Their lower part quickly becomes exposed, and the only way to maintain a well-groomed and attractive appearance is to trim them regularly and thoroughly.

Anti-aging pruning is best done in the spring before or shortly after the growth period, or in the fall, when the plant is dormant (you can read more about the life phases of indoor plants here).

Shoots are cut almost to the ground

It is important that there are 2-4 living buds left on the “stump”. Only 10-15% of the entire flower may remain

However, the more thorough the pruning, the more vigorously new shoots will grow. If it’s hard to decide to trim the entire plant at once, you can do it in 2 stages. First, half of the shoots are cut off. And when new ones grow from them, the remaining half is cut off.

After rejuvenating pruning, the flower needs feeding, because it will undergo intensive growth.

Watering at this time is slightly reduced, because the shortened upper part does not need a lot of moisture. It is better to place the pot in partial shade, away from direct rays of the sun. After such pruning, the flower produces many healthy, strong shoots and acquires a luxurious appearance.

What is pruning?

One of the properties of plants is their unlimited growth in the presence of the necessary nutrients in the soil. Over time, indoor flowers lose their attractiveness due to the growth of branches, become sloppy and cease to please the eye. Old branches lose strength and take away juices from young ones, preventing them from developing.

To rejuvenate and ennoble begonias, pruning is used - removing certain shoots and limiting the growth of new ones.

Trimming excess stems improves appearance, stimulates the growth of young shoots, and allows you to maintain a balance between above-ground and underground parts. In flowering plants, pruning helps to form a flowering crown, remove excess flowers, or even trim the peduncle to preserve vitality. Pinching differs in that only a small tip of the shoot is removed . When the apical (apical) bud breaks off, the so-called “spare” lateral buds wake up.

Pinching is used to increase the branching of the plant, and pruning is used to rejuvenate and shape the crown.

Pinching begonias is done when pruning is not possible - for example, in very young plants.

Young bushes have not yet formed old shoots that need to be pruned. Pinching allows you to form the crown of the required shape .

Bush varieties need pruning because they tend to grow rapidly and have smaller leaves.

What problems might arise?

When growing begonias from cuttings, some problems may arise.

If roots don't appear

For them to arise, the following rules must be observed. It is worth refreshing the cut on the cutting, which is in the liquid, and pouring clean water. You can also add Kornevin to the liquid. It is necessary to check the dryness of the soil; if the soil is dry, then you need to cover the cutting to obtain high humidity. It is necessary to periodically change the method of soaking cuttings in liquid to the method of rooting cuttings in the soil. You can't rush, you need to give the flower time.

If the flower does not develop

We need to inspect the plant. Due to poor care, diseases and pests can appear. Diseases can be cured with the help of special medications, but harmful insects must be removed yourself or use systemic insecticides. It happens that the flower is too filled with liquid. If the plant is lethargic, then you need to remove the soil from the pot to dry it. It is necessary to replace the soil and trim rotten roots. Then you need to put the begonia back in the container.

If the flower does not develop with the onset of winter, then it should be left until spring. In spring, begonia will continue to develop. In summer, the plant needs to be transplanted outside to make it healthier.

It is important that the room where the begonia will be planted is protected from winds, showers and hot sun. Thus, this flower is very easy to care for, it is easy to cut and grow.

If the cuttings cannot take root, then they need to be planted again.

For information on how to propagate begonia from cuttings, see below.

How to save a dried out begonia

Flower growers sometimes encounter this problem: the begonia has bloomed and dropped all its leaves.

Reasons for the phenomenon:

dry air;
stagnation of water in the pot;
drying out of the soil;
lack of nutrition;
illness;
pests

You can try to save the plant. To do this, you need to take the following steps:

Remove the begonia from the pot. Check the condition of the root system. Living roots can be saved.
Replant into new soil.
Trim off dried parts of the plant.
Cover the flower pot with film.
Once every 7 days you should spray with Epin.

After some time, new leaves will appear.

Transfer

For all types of begonias, including tuberous ones, acidified soils are preferred. Plants are undemanding to the composition of the soil; it can be easily prepared at home. Good drainage is a guarantee of flower health and active growth. It will be provided by a layer of medium-sized gravel, peat moss or regular sand placed at the bottom of the pot. Lay leaf soil on top; it should fill the container halfway. The remaining space is occupied by peat and black soil, mixed in equal proportions. Then all that remains is to plant the plant in the ground.

If the begonias become cramped in the pot, you need to change it to a more spacious one. It is better to do this in early spring

The flower is carefully removed, its roots are carefully cleaned of old soil and briefly dipped in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After disinfection, carefully examine the root system of the plant.

If there are areas with signs of rot, they are removed.

After transplanting, which is stressful for the plants, begonias will need more attention and care. They need to be watered more often and thoroughly. You should not immediately place the flowerpot on a brightly lit windowsill; it is better for the flowers to stay in the shade for some time. They usually take root in a new pot within 1 month.

Begonia is one of those plants that can safely be called universal. Its cultivation is possible both outdoors in the garden and at home. It will decorate any window, balcony, veranda, front garden, steps in front of the house. The shapes and varieties of the plant are so diverse that even the most capricious gardener will find a variety that suits his taste. A special place in women's hearts belongs to the tuberous begonia.

It is difficult to find another flower that would combine whimsical sophistication and amazing unpretentiousness. It is worth giving indoor begonias just a little time and care, and they will definitely thank you with lush fragrant flowers or dense carved foliage, the beauty of which will not leave anyone indifferent.

Pinching Tools

How to pinch petunia for lush flowering

The tools required for pinching and trimming include:

sharp knife;
pruner;
well-sharpened nail scissors;
own fingers.

Special pruning shears for trimming plants

Important! If possible, you need to have a special tool for pinching and cutting shoots. You cannot use ordinary office scissors or dull household knives. The cut on the shoot should be even. A tool that is not sharp enough will split the shoots.

Before pruning begonia, the tool must be processed, especially when doing sanitary pruning. Various methods of disinfecting equipment are used:

disinfection with alcohol-containing liquids, wet antibacterial wipes, antimicrobial hand gels;
wiping scissors, pruning shears and knives with kerosene;
calcining cutting objects over a gas burner or lighter;
washing with chlorine-containing cleaning agents;
treatment with a special drug “Farmayod”;
soaking in a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate.

Farmayod

Recommendations regarding further care of begonia

Before wondering how to propagate begonia from leaves or cuttings, a novice gardener should definitely familiarize himself with some recommendations regarding plant care. Cuttings and cultivation of the crop require regular ventilation of the begonia, as well as moistening the soil with a spray bottle. With the appearance of the first shoots, it is necessary to gradually increase the ventilation time so that the begonia has adapted and become accustomed to the air.

If the night is relatively warm and cloudy, the window in the room where the cuttings are located can be opened. If you follow the advice of experienced gardeners, you can quickly transplant young shoots into separate containers. It is also worth noting that rooting begonias using leaves must be carried out in the second half of spring or early summer, but always at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees Celsius.

Suitable conditions are extremely important for begonias.

Begonia can very often be affected by diseases and pests such as spider mites and aphids. It is recommended to treat the crop and fight parasites with the help of an infusion prepared according to a recipe from garlic or onion peels, with which you need to periodically spray the plant. To avoid the reappearance of pests, begonia should be treated with wood ash, previously diluted in water.

Important! Young seedlings need to be additionally fed with mineral fertilizers, which include potassium and phosphorus. You can put a small amount of compost or peat on the garden bed

If all recommendations are carefully followed, growing and propagating begonias will certainly lead to the desired result, and a beautiful flowering plant will become a real pearl of a garden plot or living space.

Sources

https://sadovnikam.ru/475885a-begoniya-razmnojenie-listom-v-domashnih-usloviyah
https://7ogorod.ru/cvety/kak-razmnozaetsa-begonia.html
https://ZnaySad.ru/komnatnye-rasteniya/begoniya-klubnevaya-razmnozhenie.html
https://zen.yandex.ru/media/id/5acdc749a936f403513eae47/5b6bd44e2d39ed00aa0db6fb
https://floplants.com/razmnozhenie/kak-razmnozhit-begoniyu-v-domashnix-usloviyax/
https://osobnyachkom.ru/beauty-benefits/houseplants/kak-razmnozhit-begoniyu-cherenkami.html
https://floradoma.net/flowering-plants/begonia/begoniya-razmnozhenie.html
https://greensotka.ru/dekorativno-listvennye/begonia-razmnozenie.html
https://o-rasteniyax.ru/kak-razmnozhit-begoniyu-v-domashnih-usloviyah-raznyimi-sposobami/
https://stroy-podskazka.ru/begoniya/razmnozhenie-cherenkami/

Begonia diseases

If the conditions of maintenance are violated, the begonia may get sick.

Diseases that the plant suffers from:

powdery mildew;
gray rot;
bacterial spot;
ring spot.

Powdery mildew is characterized by the appearance of spots with a white coating on the leaf blades. The affected areas turn brown and dry out.

Ways to combat powdery mildew:

spraying with a solution of colloidal sulfur;
use for treating liquids consisting of soap and copper sulfate.

If measures are not taken, the disease will spread to the entire plant, leading to its death.

How to properly care after cutting?

After pruning, it is enough to follow basic rules of care.
The most favorable temperature range is from 13 to 22 degrees Celsius, but do not forget to maintain stable air humidity. The optimal level of air humidity is 60 percent. Since our begonia is a herbaceous species, the dormant state lasts from October to February.

To transfer the plant to this state, watering is reduced and wilted shoots are cut off. Some experts advise storing begonia tubers in the dark at a temperature of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius for up to two months. The best growth properties appear when the plant is in partial shade. Watering is carried out only after the top layer of soil has completely dried.

To provide the begonia with the necessary moisture, the pot should be placed on a tray with water, but so that the pot itself is not in the water, or placed on wet peat.

If the humidity level is too high, the begonia will rot, so do not overdo it. On hot summer days, the air around the begonia is sprayed, but so that water does not get on the leaves. The room in which the begonia is located must be ventilated periodically, but so that the plant itself is not exposed to a draft. Transplantation is performed only in cases of extreme necessity.

In conclusion, I would like to say that pruning and pinching begonias are very important procedures that will both increase the splendor and decorativeness of the begonia and extend its life. In addition, these procedures are so simple that any novice gardener who has never even approached begonias before can perform them.

The process itself will also be useful in the future, when pinching and trimming other plants, because in fact the technology is the same.

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Pruning begonias for lush flowering

Only the top of the plant shoots is carefully cut off. Trimming is done according to the desired shape.

Pruning indoor begonia

Begonias whose sprouts have reached 10 cm also need to be pruned above the top bud. After properly performed pruning, side shoots begin to appear within two weeks. If your favorite plant is trimmed according to the rules, the bush will acquire a beautiful, lush shape.

Attention! The trimmed plant should not be watered abundantly; you need to wait until growth resumes.

After the begonia bush has been shaped, it is necessary to constantly monitor the emerging shoots. They also need to be trimmed as they grow, remove dried leaves and remove those shoots that grow inside the bush.

If for some reason a flower has been neglected and it has lost its attractiveness, you can fix everything. The lower leaves need to be removed and the top cut off by 2 cm. This will stimulate the plant to rejuvenate and grow. New shoots will need to be pruned as expected and on time.

For the winter

In the fall, it is necessary to prepare tuberous begonia for the dormant period. To do this, reduce watering; when the leaves are dry, remove the part that is above the ground, leaving a stump of 2 cm.

The place for the pot should be dark and cool; in an apartment, a loggia or a niche under the bathroom is ideal. Occasionally you need to water the pot. Bush begonia should be pruned in October . This is the most suitable period. From February to March, the plant will begin to wake up and again delight its household with beautiful greenery and abundant flowering.

Photo of begonia pruning

If the begonia is not pruned before the winter, it will not gain strength for the new spring season. The plant will become exhausted and bloom sparingly. Some begonias will only be able to form a bud, but will not begin to bloom. The buds will fall off without opening.

After flowering

The flowering period of begonia lasts all summer and autumn. After the plant has flowered, it should be placed in a shaded place and watering should be limited. If we are talking about tuberous begonia, then pruning is done, leaving a small stump above the soil. This is done so that the tubers absorb the maximum nutrients for the next season.

Begonia after flowering photo

After the soil in the pot has dried, you can put it under the bathtub or dig up the tubers. The tubers are dried and stored until the next season in a cool place; a refrigerator will do. If the begonia is bushy, the stems of the flowers are removed after flowering and the shoots are pruned as usual.

Follow-up care at home

Both pinching and pruning are stressful for the plant. Therefore, after these manipulations they need special care:

It is important to place the pots in a very bright place. Bright lighting will increase metabolism in the leaves and also prevent new shoots from stretching out.

The lack of the necessary lighting will negate the meaning of the pruning and pinching, since the plant will again be elongated with a small number of flowers. The temperature should be within +17- +23 degrees Celsius. Watering should be moderate. The plant has lost a large amount of greenery, so it needs less moisture. Do not overwater the flower, the roots may rot. Make sure there is no stagnation of water in the pot. Drain any leaked water from the pan. Water should be used at room temperature. After spring pruning, you need to wait 10 days. Then you can start feeding. Feed once every 2 weeks with fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen. They are needed for the formation of foliage. As the flowering phase approaches, fertilizers need to be changed to ones containing potassium. You can find out more about how to feed pelargonium here.

If you remember your grandmother’s house, there were always tall pelargoniums on its window sills that spanned the entire window. Naturally, in the past no special attention was paid to flower care. But today, when there is unlimited access to Internet resources and literature, where it is explained in detail and step by step how and when everything needs to be done, it would be a sin to neglect this opportunity. Study, grow, follow simple care rules and enjoy healthy and beautiful pelargoniums.

You can learn more about growing pelargonium and caring for it here.

For those interested in pelargoniums, other articles on our website about the composition of soil for a flower, about the lack of flowering, as well as about replanting and rooting may be useful.

Types of pruning

Since different types of begonias require pruning in different ways, the technology for carrying out the work is also individual.

There are the following types of pruning:

sanitary - broken, dried, old and simply excess leaves are removed, as well as shoots (especially bald ones);
formative - branches are pruned to create the required crown and enhance branching;
full (pre-winter) - the entire above-ground part is mowed;
pinching - only the very tips of the sprouts are shortened.

What to do to make the bush grow thicker?

On a note. In order for geranium to grow into a lush bush, its apical bud on the main shoot above the stem node must be pinched.

This stimulates the growth of lateral buds on the lower nodes of the stem. After this event, the seedlings will slow down their growth, but will begin to gain strength. The geranium will eventually take on a beautiful spherical shape due to the appearance of many side stems.

How to prevent the flower from stretching too much upward?

To prevent geraniums from stretching out, pinching should be done at the most important upper point of stem formation. If after this procedure the shoots begin to grow again from the upper axils of the leaves, they must be removed, then allowed to grow a little and pinched back again. During this time, the buds are removed so that the flower devotes all its strength only to the growth of side shoots.

What to do for lush flowering?

Only young shoots bloom in geraniums. Therefore, in order for it to develop quickly and bloom luxuriantly, young shoots must be pinched after the formation of the first 4-5 pairs of leaves. As a result, the remaining strong shoots will begin to actively grow and develop, turning into a lush crown with many flowers.

Do all begonia varieties need to be pruned?

How to feed begonia - types of fertilizers, application

Not every begonia variety needs to be pruned. When it comes to tuberous varieties, gardeners debate whether they should be pinched and trimmed. Some believe that it is mandatory to cut off the drying shoots of tuberous varieties of begonias before sending them for the winter. The tuber will quickly deplete if this is not done. They use pruning to form a neat crown. Pinching of tuberous begonia is done to stimulate lush flowering. Other flower growers do not advise doing this and recommend simply removing diseased and dried shoots.

Tuberous begonia

Hanging (hanging out of the pot) begonia varieties are not pruned at all. If shoots are too long, you need to pinch off the tops. With proper and timely pinching, many side shoots will appear.

Ampelous begonia

Bushy begonias are pruned for several purposes:

When they want to give a certain shape. Bush varieties tolerate this procedure well. If the bush begonia has stretched out, then what to do? Trim the top and new shoots will develop from the side buds. In addition to the top, the lower leaves are also removed.
For sanitary purposes, for cutting out branches affected by parasites and withered.

Properly formed bush begonia

Do I need to pinch my Rex begonia? Royal varieties are not pinched. This is due to the fact that the plant has no branches, and the flowers are completely inconspicuous. The leaves of the Rex species grow straight from the root. But even in these varieties it is necessary to cut off diseased leaves and old peduncles.

Reproduction of begonias at home

Now it's time to talk about how to propagate begonia at home. The plant can be propagated using leaf cuttings, stems and dividing the bush.

Leaf cuttings

This method is used specifically in indoor floriculture. Cuttings are parts of a plant that are used in vegetative propagation. This propagation can be done using root, stem and leaf cuttings.

Reproduction can be carried out in several ways: a whole leaf with a petiole, a whole leaf without a petiole, or part of a leaf blade.
Propagation by a whole leaf with a petiole is suitable for some types of begonia. The length of the petiole depends on the rooting environment of the cutting. If you root in water, the petiole should be 3-4 cm long, if in the ground - 1-1.5 cm.

Reproduction by a whole leaf without a petiole is suitable for the “rex” begonia species. To do this, cuts are made on the thick veins of the begonia leaf and placed horizontally on the ground with the underside. After this, the leaves are pinned down, and after some time new shoots form in the cut areas, which can be grown.

Did you know?
Begonia began to be used for decorative purposes in 1890.
Propagation by part of the leaf blade is suitable for royal begonia and Mason begonia. A part of the leaf at the base, 4-5 cm wide, is cut off from the plant. Plant vertically 1-1.5 cm deep and install small supports. In this case, the begonia leaf should not come into contact with the ground.

To obtain a full-fledged shoot from a leaf cutting, it is necessary to maintain favorable conditions for rooting. The leaf must be plucked from a healthy plant. Old leaves are not suitable, as they are not capable of regeneration and quickly wither. Special requirements for caring for cuttings are humidity, lighting and temperature.

While the cuttings do not have roots, they will not be able to absorb water, so it is necessary to reduce the evaporation process.

Lighting should be diffused, as direct rays cause overheating and burns. The optimal temperature is 20-25°C.

A soilless substrate is used as soil. To do this, sand and peat are mixed in equal parts. Peat prevents the development of pathogenic fungi. Pure Vermiculite may also be suitable. It not only absorbs excess moisture, but also gives it back to the plant as needed.

Did you know?
The smell of begonia flowers helps cleanse the bronchi and is also an excellent natural filter for people with nicotine addiction.
Many florists are wondering how to fertilize begonia after propagation. Our answer is that the plant should not be fertilized at all at first.

With this method of propagation, you should not use chemicals, as they do not give the expected effect in the form of rapid root formation, and this can also inhibit the appearance of new shoots.

Types of indoor begonias

About 800 species of this plant are known, not all of them are used in indoor floriculture. There are several classifications of species. We present the most popular option, it was proposed by V.V. Vorontsov.

Classification of begonias:

beautifully flowering;
shrubby;
tuberous;
decorative deciduous.

Decorative deciduous begonia loves home care (photo of the plant below), which meets all the requirements.

The most popular varieties of this type of begonia:

Royal;
Metallica;
Tiger;
Mason;
Cleopatra;
Collar;
Red-leaved.

Bush begonia can reach a height of 10 cm to 2 meters, depending on the plant variety.

At home you can get excellent specimens by creating the care necessary for begonias. At home (photo of the plant below), two varieties have become widespread: Coral begonia and Fuchsia begonia. Both varieties can reach sizes from 0.5 m to 1 m. Begonia tuberous, depending on the variety, can have simple and double flowers of different sizes - from 3 cm to 30 cm in diameter.

At home, you can also get beautifully flowering specimens by creating the necessary care for begonias. At home (photo below), the varieties of Ever-blooming begonia, Gloire de Lorraine begonia, and Elatior begonia are very popular.

Rules for removing stems and shoots, when and how to do it?

Forming a crown for lush flowering

Pruning is necessary to maintain and improve the decorative appearance of plants. In fact, there are four main features when pruning begonias:

Start of trimming.
This process must begin at the young flower stage. As soon as the small plant reaches a length of 6-7 centimeters, the top is cut off with scissors. Thanks to this simple procedure, begonias stimulate the growth of side shoots.
Reduce watering. After the first pruning, the amount of watering is reduced. This is done to increase the growth rate of begonia.
Further pruning.
The next pruning is carried out after the length of the side stems reaches 10 centimeters. Shortening must take place above the bud, which is located on the outside of the stem.
End of trimming. Further, the shortening procedure can be carried out only to remove the most overgrown stems, or those that have dried out altogether. This procedure can also be carried out to maintain a specific shape.

In what cases is it performed?

Pruning is performed in the following situations:

in decorative-leaved begonias, flower-bearing shoots are cut off;
when dry or damaged leaves or shoots appear, this is done to avoid the appearance of diseases;
in young plants to obtain decorative properties;
pruning before winter.

When to prune plants for winter?

Flower growers often ask themselves a similar question. It is necessary to prune only tuberous begonias for the winter; all others are pruned at the request of the grower.

Attention! The optimal time for circumcision is October. With proper pruning, the active development of side shoots begins, which will greatly increase the splendor of the begonia itself.

How and when to pinch?

The pinning procedure is carried out in the fall, or in the spring, or, to put it correctly, either before flowering or after it. Now about the process itself, which is actually very simple. On the main stem you need to find the top growing point and pinch it off 1-2 centimeters. With proper pinching, active growth of side shoots should begin within 2-3 weeks. Also, this procedure should be carried out only in cases where it is not possible to prune the begonia.

If your begonia has ceased to please you with its blooming and beautiful appearance, then you need to familiarize yourself with our materials that will help solve such problems with your pet:

leaves curl, dry out and turn yellow;
blooming begonia refuses to bloom;
leaves and flowers dry around the edges;
buds fall.

Which begonias are not recommended to be rejuvenated (trimmed)

It is not necessary to radically prune the following begonias, down to the stumps:

Royal Rex and hybrid varieties derived from it. Their stem is short and does not extend much, and the bulk of the leaves grow from the root. The maximum lifespan of such begonias is 3 years, so there is no point in rejuvenating them. It’s easier to take cuttings in time to get a younger generation.
Ever-blooming. This variety has compact forms. Regular pinching will help preserve them, and in case of large loss of leaves, it is better to root the apical cuttings.

Begonia rejuvenation

Begonia elatior has a very short dormant period. It blooms almost all year round, and therefore ages quickly and needs annual rejuvenation. If you want to see a beautiful well-groomed bush on your windowsill, you need to give the plant cosmetic pruning throughout the year: remove dry leaves, thin out a little so that the begonia is better ventilated.

As for me, I rejuvenate begonias by cuttings, that is, in the fall I take cuttings from a one-year-old plant, root them in water, plant them in the ground, and by spring a new, young, strong plant blooms.

What to do and how to make the plant produce flowers?

Begonia is a plant that will never bloom if gardeners have not created all the conditions for it to have a dormant period. She doesn't like being woken up early.

Experienced gardeners are reconsidering the care of a plant in the absence of an ovary. They pay attention to:

lighting;
temperature;
watering (you will learn how and what to water begonia in this article);
air humidity.

Sometimes all the parameters from the list above are met. In this case, the problem is more “deep” - when replanting, the soil is selected at random. They end up with non-nutritious soil. The soil must be loose and nutritious. Replanting in a mixture of sand, peat, humus, turf and leaf soil helps restore flowering.

Begonia after flowering - what to do to preserve it

Beautifully blooming begonias in pots are often given as gifts for the holidays instead of bouquets, and this is a great idea. After all, fresh flowers last much longer than cut ones, and if you provide the plant with proper care, it will always bring joy. Let's consider what to do with begonia after flowering, how to prune and replant it correctly in order not only to preserve it, but also to propagate it.

Begonia varieties

The Begonia genus includes more than a thousand natural species, as well as a myriad of hybrids and varieties bred by breeders. Wild begonias are found in the tropical zone of America, Africa, and Asia. Their species are strikingly different from each other - among them there are large bushes with tall herbaceous stems, caudex plants with bottle trunks, ground cover grasses with creeping rhizomes. But, despite all their differences, begonias can always be identified by their leaves - succulent, with thick veins and often asymmetrical, as if beveled in one direction.

Begonias were “discovered” in 1687 during a French botanical expedition to the Caribbean islands. The name of the genus was given in honor of the organizer of this expedition, Michel Begon. Decorative species of these plants immediately took their rightful place in the collections of botanical gardens, and starting from the mid-19th century, breeding work began to create new varieties and hybrids of begonia, which continues to this day.

All begonias grown as indoor plants can be divided into two categories - decorative deciduous and decorative flowering. Species and varieties with beautiful leaves have become more widespread among home gardening enthusiasts. Their unique beauty and endless variety infect with excitement, forcing you to acquire more and more new plants for your collection.

But decorative flowering begonias are still rarely found on window sills. As a rule, they come into the house as a gift, replacing cut bouquets. And after the begonias bloom, not knowing what to do , most owners simply throw them away. Meanwhile, beautifully blooming begonias are rightfully considered one of the most beautiful flowers in the world.

Some modern hybrids have double flowers reaching a diameter of more than 20 cm. This is a truly delightful sight. But flowers of more modest size are also very beautiful, especially the double Elatior varieties, which are shaped like roses. In addition to their beauty, these plants are also quite unpretentious. Undoubtedly, they deserve to take their rightful place in our homes among other indoor flowers.

Potted decorative flowering begonias can be either tuberous, which have a dormant period, or constantly vegetative, which does not hibernate. Let's look at how to care for each of these varieties of begonias at home during and after flowering .

How to care for blooming begonia

So, you have a flowerpot with a flowering begonia bush. And you, of course, want it to bloom as long as possible. To achieve this, you need to follow these recommendations:

Choose a bright place for the plant, but without direct sunlight. It is understandable to want to place a flowering begonia on a table or chest of drawers so that it is visible, but we should not forget that this is a living plant organism; it needs good lighting for normal development.
The best place would be the window sill of an eastern or western window; at first it is advisable to shade the flower from the sun's rays until it adapts. The plant must not be exposed to heated air from the radiator. If the window sill is cold, place insulation under the pot.
If you get a blooming begonia in the fall or early winter, in order to prolong its flowering, it is advisable to provide additional lighting for it with lamps for up to 12-14 hours. And plants that have already bloomed can overwinter without artificial lighting.
Begonias tolerate cold well; they can grow at temperatures of +13-18°C and can withstand short-term drops to +5°C. But heat has a bad effect on them; at temperatures above + 28-30°C, the plant may die.
Flowering begonias do not tolerate either drying out or waterlogging of the soil. The substrate must be kept slightly moist at all times. It is recommended to water with settled warm water (3-4 degrees above room temperature) only after the surface of the substrate has dried slightly.
It must be remembered that with excessive watering, the root system of this flower is affected by rot. Drying the roots followed by abundant watering is especially dangerous. If the soil is too dry, water it little by little at first, in small portions.
Begonias prefer high air humidity; in the dry microclimate of residential premises, the tips of their leaves dry out. But it is not recommended to spray them; you can increase the humidity around the flower by placing the pot with the plant on a tray with wet expanded clay. In this case, the drainage holes should not come into contact with moisture. You can also spray the air and nearby plants to increase humidity.
Blooming begonia must be fed with complex mineral fertilizer with an increased content of phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizing should be done once every 7-10 days, the dose of fertilizer should be 2-3 less than recommended.
To maintain a decorative appearance, dried flowers and leaves must be removed from the plant.

You also need to remember that with the purchased flower you can bring pests into the house. For safety, it is recommended to keep the newcomer separate from other plants for the first 2 weeks.

Replanting begonias during flowering

Many people are interested in whether begonias need to be transplanted after purchase during flowering . Yes, a transplant is necessary, but not immediately. Allow the plant to adapt to new conditions for 10-14 days. Begonia has thin fibrous roots, so it is better to take a pot for it that is wide and not too deep; its diameter should be 4-6 cm larger than the previous one. There must be a large drainage hole at the bottom, or better yet several. For drainage, place a layer of expanded clay or pieces of foam.

The substrate for begonias should be loose, moisture-absorbing, nutritious and slightly acidic. You can take ready-made soil for violets and add about 1/5 of humus or vermicompost to it. But it is better to make the substrate yourself from high-moor peat, crushed sphagnum moss and humus in a ratio of approximately 4:2:1. Moss in the soil loosens the soil well and regulates humidity, absorbing excess water when watering and gradually releasing it to the roots.

Replanting begonias during flowering should be done carefully, without destroying the earthen clod, using the so-called transshipment method. To do this, the slightly dried lump of substrate with the root system is carefully removed from the pot, a layer of slightly moistened soil is poured onto the bottom of the new pot, then the empty pot is placed in the center and the gap between the walls of the old and new pot is filled with the substrate. After this, the old flowerpot is removed and the plant being handled is lowered in its place.

How to prune begonia after flowering

During flowering, as a rule, the begonia bush becomes somewhat elongated and loses its decorative effect. It is recommended to trim the elongated shoots, this will stimulate branching, and young plants can be grown from the trimmed stems.

On each branch of a faded bush, 2-3 buds are left, which are located in the axils of the leaves; the rest of the stem is broken off or cut off with a sharp knife. Cuttings are made from the cut shoots. All flower stalks and buds must be removed. The apical cuttings should have a length of 8-10 cm and 3-4 leaves, intermediate cuttings should have at least two leaves. The planting material is left for a few minutes to allow the cut to dry, while care must be taken to ensure that the leaves do not wilt.

The cuttings are planted one at a time in transparent disposable glasses with a volume of 200 ml. Peat mixed with perlite is used as a substrate; it can be planted in peat tablets. The slightly moistened substrate is poured into a glass without compacting it, a cutting is stuck into it, the soil is pressed and watered lightly. Then the glasses with the planted cuttings are placed in a greenhouse, which can be made from a transparent plastic box or plastic bag. Begonia does not take root well in hot weather, so it is advisable to cut it in the spring. If you do this in the fall or winter, then it is advisable to organize lighting up to twelve hours of daylight.

When the young begonias have new shoots and the roots become visible through the walls of the glasses, you can open the greenhouse and gradually accustom them to room air. When they actively begin to grow, you need to transfer them to pots with a volume of about 1 liter. During the period of leaf mass gain, plants should be fed with nitrogen fertilizers, and to stimulate flowering, provide good lighting and switch to fertilizing with fertilizers with a predominance of phosphorus and potassium.

An old pruned plant slows down its growth for a while and after resting it begins to grow again. Since after pruning the volume of leaf mass decreases significantly, the plant’s need for water decreases, so during this period it is necessary to reduce watering. With the beginning of active growth, the begonia must be transplanted into fresh soil. If the above-ground part is missing, do not rush to throw away the plant. Perhaps this is a tuberous begonia, which, after flowering, goes into rest, and at the end of winter is reborn again.

Place the pot with dormant tuberous begonia in a cool place (+5-10°C) and make sure that the soil does not dry out, but is always slightly moist. When the sprouts appear, the pot is placed in a bright place and fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers begins. You can also, after the above-ground part dies, dig up the tuber, soak it for 20-25 minutes in a phytosporin solution, dry it and place it in a zip bag with slightly moistened perlite. You need to store the bag with the tuber at a temperature of +5-7°C, checking from time to time to see if it has started to grow. In the spring it should be planted in a pot with fresh soil.

The flowers of decorative flowering begonias amaze with their richness of colors and shapes; with proper care, flowering lasts for at least 7-8 months. These highly decorative plants can be grown not only indoors, but also as a potted crop in the garden.

Soil and replanting

How do you know if a begonia needs to be transplanted? If the root system has filled the entire container, you need to replant. To do this, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one. It is better to choose a container made of ceramic or clay, that is, the surface should be breathable, so the roots will not rot. There must be holes at the bottom. Good drainage is also necessary: expanded clay, shards. It is recommended to add coal on top. Soil for begonias can be purchased ready-made or prepared yourself. The composition of the soil for begonia should be as follows: 50% leaf humus, 25% peat, 25% river sand.

Begonia should be replanted before the period of active growth begins; the best time is mid-spring. You need to be careful, the root system of the plant is very fragile.

Procedure for transplanting begonias:

Remove the flower with a lump of earth from the old container.
Check the root system.
Trim off all dry areas.
If the root system is rotten, it is necessary to wash it using potassium permanganate, diluted to a pale pink color.
Cut off the rotten areas, dry them, it is better to sprinkle them with powder, which can be made from charcoal.
Place in a new pot with soil.
Cover with soil until there is about 1 cm left to the edge of the container.
Water the plant well.

After the event, it is necessary to give the plant time to adapt. In this regard, the begonia will not bloom for some time.

Peculiarities

Begonia has flowers of different sexes: there are female flowers with pistils, and male flowers with stamens. How to tell them apart:

On the back side of the flower, female flowers have a bulge - the future seed capsule; male flowers have nothing there.
Double flowers in the corresponding species can only be male; female flowers cannot be double. But male flowers, at the same time, can be simple.
If you understand what pistils and stamens look like, you can simply see them. By the way, some double male flowers may have no stamens at all. It is the modified stamens that make the flower double.

Interesting fact! Removing female flowers from their very formation can significantly increase the flowering period of begonias, as well as increase its intensity. But only if you don't want to get seeds.

Plant during flowering

From the moment it awakens, the plant begins to accumulate strength and nutrients for the upcoming flowering.
Buds are laid and reproductive organs are formed. When the begonia is ready to reproduce, first the male and then the female flowers bloom. If pollination occurs, which is done by hand, then the male flowers wither, and in the female flower a fruit-box with seeds begins to ripen. This is the time of the highest activity of the plant.

At this time, a huge amount of nutrients and microelements is consumed. An accelerated metabolism requires more water, sunlight and heat.

Pinching begonias

The fundamental difference between pinching and pruning is that only a small part (no more than 2 cm) of the apical shoot is removed (pinched). This manipulation awakens spare (dormant) lateral buds and stimulates branching, which allows you to achieve the required crown shape. The procedure is especially important for very young small plants, when the tops of young branches are simply pinched off with your fingers. It is better to do this in early spring before budding or in the fall after the flowers have withered.

Features of the flowering period

The duration and characteristics of flowering at home depend on how the owner cares for the green pet. You will learn about proper cultivation of begonia at home in a separate article.

When does it start and how long does it last?

Experienced flower growers can enjoy begonia flowering for six months to a year. After prolonged flowering, it needs rest, after which the plant is gradually awakened and soon enjoys bright buds.
Many people plant the plant in mid-February so that the first buds form at the end of April and bloom in May. In this case, it pleases with an abundance of buds until October.

With proper care, begonia blooms all year round , but this does not happen if the grower does not prune it. Read about proper pruning of begonias here.

How does this happen at home?

Begonia blooms profusely and brightly. Its flowers are luxurious, similar to the buds of peonies, roses or carnations. They can be terry or simple, large or small. They gather in racemose axillary inflorescences that form at the tips of the shoots. The perianth is formed by 2-5, and sometimes 6-8 petals.

Flowering process:

At the beginning of development, all female flowers are cut off and fed three times a month.
Flowering begins immediately after the possibility of pollination appears in a developed flower, i.e. its parts become accessible and free to influence pollination factors.
Soon a yellow, red or orange flower will bloom (it can be single or multi-colored). The duration, as well as the flowering period itself, depends on how the grower cares for the begonia and whether pollination occurs.
As the flowers fade, seed pods form.

For long-term flowering, feed the flower once a week with complex mineral fertilizers (Good Power, Bona Forte). Before adding them, feed it with a weak solution of potassium nitrate. Read more about how to feed a plant for abundant flowering in this article.

Not all begonias have fragrant flowers. Bauman's begonia smells. It has a unique smell, and besides, it has healing properties. It cleanses the bronchi and increases the vitality of the respiratory tract. Read about the beneficial and harmful properties of this plant here, and we talked about whether it can be kept at home and why it is needed in this material.

Read on to see photos of blooming begonia maculata and other varieties, as well as what the plant looks like without flowers.

Begonia maculata:

Begonia Volumia:

Begonia Baby Wing:

Begonia Bada Boom:

Begonia Ray:

How to properly get rid of unnecessary shoots before and after flowering?

When thinking about how to prune begonia, it is important to remember that pruning and pinching are not done for all varieties. There are varieties that do not require the procedure (for example, Royal Rex).
Pruning is done with pruning shears. You should not cut the branches with scissors, much less break them off - such injuries will not benefit the begonia.
In decorative leaf forms, the flowering shoot is cut off.
Pruning is done as the branches extend.
When caring for ampelous varieties, the tops are trimmed regularly.
The crown begins to form almost immediately from the moment the plant is purchased.
Both procedures are carried out either before flowering or immediately after.
Drying flower stalks and drying leaves must be removed (read about why begonia leaves curl and what needs to be done here).
Do not replant and prune at the same time - double stress is harmful to the flower.

It is recommended to first trim the plant, wait until the side shoots begin to grow, and only then replant it in new soil. Transplantation can also be carried out in early spring before the start of active growth , and after the adaptation period, cut off excess and non-viable shoots.

Do not throw away the stems that remain after pruning. This is an excellent material for propagating begonias. To avoid any difficulties with growing and caring for the plant, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with our other materials:

Step-by-step instructions for propagating indoor rooting begonia.
Secrets to successfully planting begonias at home.
Features of begonia transplantation. Caring for the plant after the procedure.
Tips and recommendations on what to do next if the begonia has faded. Features of preparation for awakening.
How to grow indoor begonia so that it is beautiful and healthy?

Is it possible to pinch?

Pinching is carried out in the spring before flowering begins, or immediately after flowering until the end of summer.
The procedure is carried out using sharp scissors or pruners. You can also pinch by hand, but this can injure the stems.
Among the shoots, the youngest and most unbranched ones are found.
The top of the shoots is pinched to the first lateral bud from the top - usually no more than 2-3 cm.

Removing branches for lush flowering

For good and lush flowering, indoor begonias are pruned for the winter (you can find out why begonias don’t bloom and how to achieve beautiful buds here). The first time is carried out when the plant reaches a height of 8-10 cm.

The top is trimmed to stimulate the growth of lateral buds. The second pruning is carried out at a growth of 12-15 cm for branching. It can be replaced with a pinch.

At this time, the future crown of the flower is formed. Next, pruning is carried out as the shoots dry out and mature. Sometimes several flower stalks are cut off for longer and more abundant flowering. The crown is regularly thinned out, removing old and overgrown shoots, and young shoots are pinched for branching.

Winter pruning is mandatory for tuberous begonias; for other varieties, it is at the discretion of the gardener. Winter cutting allows the formation of more densely flowering plants .

We invite you to watch a video about the correct removal of begonia branches:

Reproduction of ampelous begonia by seeds

Seeds should be sown in late February or early March.

If you purchased a set of seeds in granules, you can plant them in peat tablets. To do this, place them on a tray and water them generously; they will increase in size. Then you need to place one seed in each tablet and sprinkle a little water at room temperature from a spray bottle.

You can cover the tablets with polyethylene. You should not allow the soil in the tablets to dry out; you should constantly maintain moisture.

You can also place a granulated seed in each cell of a container with soil, spray it with water from a spray bottle and cover it with polyethylene.

If the seeds are without a shell, then it is better to prepare boxes and make several holes in the bottom of each. Then pour fine crushed stone into the container, then earth, it should have slightly acidic properties. To do this, mix 4 parts of leaf soil, 1 part of turf soil, and 1 part of sand. It is better to ignite the soil in the oven for 30 minutes.

The day before sowing, it is recommended to thoroughly water the soil in the boxes. Then scatter the seeds over the surface of the substrate, cover with glass or a plastic bag. You need to place the boxes in a warm place with an air temperature of +24, +25°C and constantly moisten the soil with a spray bottle.

The first shoots will appear in 9 - 25 days.

The necessary conditions

In order for your beauty to bloom at home, you need to take care of it in a certain way. The plant requires the following conditions:

No drafts. You cannot place the pot so that it is blown from all sides. Tuberous begonias have fragile shoots. They break in strong winds. To avoid this, protect the plant from its blows. Without fulfilling this condition, they are not surprised at the fall of buds and flowers.
Good ventilation. There is no need for air stagnation. For normal development, begonias provide a constant flow of fresh air.
Lighting. Flowering specimens need bright light. Direct sunlight is contraindicated for them, as they cause burns on the leaves. It is better to place the pot on a western or eastern window.
Temperature. In the summer months the temperature should be +21-23⁰С, and in winter – +15-18⁰С.
Air humidity. Begonia loves high humidity, but should not be sprayed. If water from the spray bottle gets on the leaves, brown spots will appear on them. To solve the moisture problem, place the plant on an inverted tray. This structure is placed on a larger pallet. Expanded clay and moss are sprinkled around its circumference, onto which water is sprayed from a spray bottle from time to time.
Watering. It should be plentiful on hot days. Do not allow moisture to stagnate in the pot. During the winter months no watering is required as the tubers are placed in peat.
Feeding. During flowering, feed the plants three times a month.

Reproduction of ampelous begonia by tubers

Plants with tubers should be planted in February or March. This is due to the long growing season. If planting work is not carried out in time, flowering may begin only at the end of summer.

For planting, it is important to purchase high-quality tubers. They should be healthy, medium in size, dense in consistency and round in shape.

Place drainage at the bottom of the pot. The soil for begonias should be loose and nutritious.

Before planting, the tubers should be kept in a damp and bright place. To do this, the lower part should be placed on a warm, damp cloth, and the top should be left in the light. When small white roots appear from below, the tubers can be planted in the ground. To do this, the soil should be pre-moistened. This must be done carefully. It is best to sprinkle the soil. Tubers should be planted in the part on which the roots have formed. The space around should be covered with earth, but not to the top. The top of the tubers should remain open until sprouts appear.

It is necessary to move the plant to a permanent place in May. It is worth considering that the soil surface dries out quite quickly. Therefore, the tubers need to be slightly deeper into the ground, only 1-2 cm.

It is important to use fertile soil for planting crops. Soil temperature is also important for this crop. If the values are too low, the roots cannot absorb moisture, which causes the flower to dry out. The optimal temperature is 18-20 °C.

If you plant 1 tuber in a pot, its diameter should be no more than 13-15 cm. However, you should not choose a container that is too deep, since begonia has a superficial root system. The deeper the container, the faster acidification of the lower layers of soil will occur. Begonia can hardly tolerate such conditions.

Causes of problems

Sometimes it happens that indoor begonia does not bloom, but only produces foliage - let’s look at why this happens at home.

Sometimes gardeners place a pot of begonia in direct sunlight and forget about watering. After a while they notice that she is wasting away. The main condition that is observed if you want to see a flowering plant on the windowsill is abundant watering. You will learn important nuances of caring for a flower in a pot in this material.
For prevention, water it with a weak solution of manganese or fungicides to prevent the development of fungal diseases.
If you do not feed begonia with mineral fertilizers, the tuber will develop poorly and the flowers will fall off.
The absence of flowers is caused by a substrate and pot that are incorrectly selected in composition and size. You can learn about choosing a pot and caring for a flower in a flowerpot here.

Before looking for a way to make begonia bloom, they look for the reason for the lack of buds.

The pot is in the shade. If the pot is in the shade, move it to another place where the length of the day will be different. At the same time, make sure that direct sunlight does not shine on it in the new place. Begonia feels better on southwestern and southeastern window sills.
Poor watering. Lack of moisture is determined by leaves that have dried out at the tips.
Dry air. It can be easily dealt with by purchasing a water spray or diffuser without perfume additives.
Temperature fluctuations. To prevent stress, move the pot to a warm place where there will be no drafts.
No rest period. It is important because it promotes the formation of buds that will bloom in the spring. To do this, reduce lighting to seven hours a day and cover the begonia with a cap or towel.
Pests. Constant inspection helps identify aphids or mites before they seriously damage the plant. We wrote about diseases and pests of begonia here.
Burnt roots.
Lack of fertilizers. Nitrogen ones are excluded, as they prevent the formation of buds.

Identifying the cause helps to change the care and return everything to normal.