Begonia is a flowering houseplant of the begonia family, which includes the following types and varieties:

Begonia ampelous.

Begonia royal- one of the most beautiful varieties of begonias that needs special care. This begonia should be watered abundantly and thoroughly, especially in spring and summer, but at the same time be careful not to get water on the leaves, since if this happens, the begonia will begin to shed leaves and flowers, the same will happen with constant flower maintenance in the sun. Begonia got its name for the special beauty of the leaves, with which it can be easily propagated.

Coral begonia- a plant with leaves covered with white spots and inflorescences hanging beautifully from the pot. Begonia of this variety has many varieties and is extremely popular with gardeners. There are dwarf and giant varieties of coral begonias, the former do not reach a height of even 30 centimeters, while the height of the latter exceeds this figure three times. Begonia loves light, but it is not recommended to stay in a pot with a flower in direct sunlight for more than 4 hours a day, it can fade prematurely. It is best to grow a flower at a temperature not higher than 24 degrees, while you need to feed it with phosphorus fertilizer at least once a month. It propagates in the same way as other varieties of begonias.

Begonia Griffin- indoor begonia, which is a hybrid of the royal variety of this plant. Begonia has large, wide leaves, and its height reaches 42 centimeters. This plant is unpretentious in care and does not require frequent watering, it can be easily placed both in a winter and in a regular garden.

Red-leaved begonia- a beautiful deciduous plant, the lower part of the leaves of which has a bright red color, which is why the flower is given this name. The stem of the plant is short, thick, inclined towards the soil, has a light green tint. Flowering occurs in summer, flowers have a pleasant pink tint. Begonia of this variety looks beautiful in hanging pots; it is not recommended to plant it in the garden.

Begonia Rex- grows at temperatures from 18 to 20 degrees, requires moderate watering and being in direct sunlight for no more than an hour a day, the rest of the time, in order to get a beautiful and healthy plant, you need to provide it with partial shade. It needs feeding, it should be done at least once a month. Propagated by cuttings, tubers, or parts of leaves. Needs year-round watering. Planting Rex begonia is best in a mixture of humus, deciduous and sod land with the addition of sand. Susceptible to attack by powdery mildew and mealybug, including root.

Yellow begonia- a plant with yellow flowers, grown in the same way as ordinary begonias, with the exception that with proper watering it can bloom from early spring to early winter. Belongs to the tuberous varieties of begonias.

Tiger begonia- a decorative variety of begonias with bright olive-colored leaves covered with dark spots like a tiger, located closer to their end. Caring for a tiger begonia is as easy as for an ordinary begonia, watering the flower in a timely manner and avoiding direct sunlight. At proper care, dressing and preventive measures in order to protect against pests, this variety of begonias reaches a height of 30 centimeters.

Begonia Elatior- Another variety of begonia, which differs from the rest mainly in that it quite clearly reacts to a reduction or, conversely, an lengthening of the sunny day, which has a significant effect on the duration of flowering. Distinguishing elatior begonias by color from other varieties is not easy, since this variety contains a variety of color shades.

Subtropical forests are considered the birthplace of begonias. South America, Africa and Asia. Most varieties of begonias are ever-flowering, and flowering also lasts in winter, stopping for a short moment only at the beginning of March, the ever-flowering varieties include, first of all, bush varieties of begonias that reproduce by leaves and cuttings.

Tuberous varieties of begonias, especially ampelous begonia, are propagated both by cuttings and tubers, with the latter method being preferable.

Ampelous begonia: home care

Ampelous begonia is a tuberous garden plant that is loved by most gardeners because of its abundant long flowering from early summer to late autumn.

This type of begonia is also characterized by a variety of colors, among ampelous plants there are red, pink, yellow, white and orange shades, and flowers can be either double - large or ordinary - small. The height of the shoots of large ampelous begonias can reach a meter, while their smaller counterparts barely peep out of the pot.

Ampel begonia is quite unpretentious to care for and very beautiful, therefore it can most often be seen on the shelves of flower shops, ready for transplant, or in the form of an adult plant.

Ampelous begonia: growing from seeds

But experienced gardeners it is not at all necessary to buy a ready-made plant, it is quite possible to grow it from purchased seeds. Ampelous begonia, growing from seeds of which is not difficult at all, grows well and does not need special care.

A feature of this species is the presence of both male and female flowers on the same inflorescence.

Terry begonias are distinguished by multi-petal male flowers and simple female ones, that is, on one bush there can be both double and quite ordinary flowers.

Ampel begonias do not need intense lighting, they prefer partial shade or diffused sunlight, therefore, when placing the plant in the garden, it is necessary to place it in the shade of other trees.

In summer, begonias feel best on a balcony or veranda, while they should be protected from strong gusts of wind and rain, since the leaves and inflorescences of the flower are extremely fragile and easily damaged even with the slightest fluctuation in the breeze.

Watering and care in winter

In winter and autumn, begonias should be watered. warm water Trying not to flood the tubers, in the summer, water for irrigation should also be warmed up in the sun. Some gardeners manage to keep begonia blooming all autumn and even winter, but most ampel varieties still need special care for the winter.

In September, pots with begonias from the garden should be moved to a closed room - a veranda, a glazed balcony. As it gets colder outside the window, the gardener needs to reduce the watering of the plant, gradually bringing it to a minimum, and then completely stopping it, which will lead to the death of the upper part of the plant and the transition of its lower part - the tuber to a dormant state, in which it will be about 3-4 months.

Pots with tubers, trying not to disturb them, are transferred to a room with a temperature of no higher than 15 degrees and occasionally watered so that the plant does not completely dry out and die.

Tuberous begonia: planting and care

Somewhere in early March, the first buds will begin to form on the tubers, the number of which usually does not exceed 7 pieces. A tuber with a large number of buds can be divided and placed in a separate pot, obtaining another new plant, while on the separated part of the tuber there should be no more than 3 buds.

Budding is the easiest way to propagate an ampelous tuberous begonia, therefore you should not think for a long time about the question of how to grow begonia from a tuber, it is better to think about how to get a plant from seeds, the size of which is so small that they are sown with great care, acquiring in the store, granular seeds with a protective nutritive shell.

Transfer, video:

The begonia should be propagated with tubers no earlier than the beginning of March, while the first seeds should be planted in the ground no later than December-January, since such an early planting will contribute to the fact that by the fall, sufficiently large and healthy tubers ready for wintering will be set on young begonias.

There is no need to think about how to plant tuberous begonia, as well as where to get planting material for this.

Begonia tubers can be purchased at any flower shop, as long as there were the first hatched eyes.

It is not recommended to immediately plant the purchased tubers in the soil; at home they need to be laid out in a dark place on a cloth soaked in water. After the first weak roots appear, the tubers can be planted in a pot, while the planting depth should not be too large, 1-2 centimeters is enough.

Before establishing permanent warm temperatures begonia tubers should be in a pot on the windowsill, but at the beginning of June they can be buried together with the pot on garden plot and admire the first shoots, and then flowering by the fall.

Not being sure when to plant tuberous begonia in the ground, you should get a regular thermometer, which you need to hang out of the window and regularly monitor the temperature.

Tuberous begonia: home care in winter

Once on garden plants the first frost will appear, the begonia, along with the tubers, should be dug up, cleaned of excess leaves and placed in a dark, cool place, until the beginning of March. Occasionally, the plant needs to be watered, carefully observing that the soil near the tubers does not dry out. Begonia overwinters in a pot.

It is important to remember that young first years should spend the winter on a light windowsill, that is, not to have a well-defined state of rest.

Watering such a plant should be at least once every ten days, while it should be, like adult begonias, in a room with a temperature of 10-15 degrees.

Wanting to grow a plant such as begonia, which is not difficult to take care of at home in winter, it is important to free the upper part of the tubers from the ground at the end of the cold weather and wait for the first shoots to appear.

Ever-flowering begonia

Everyone who loves floriculture, but still do not know how to care for begonia at home, prefer the indoor version of this flower - garden, which includes ever-flowering bush begonia.

The garden variety of this plant includes such common varieties as fuchsia, haga, bright red and coral begonia.

Ever-flowering begonia, like all other species and varieties of this plant in the garden, prefers to grow in a bright, but not sunny place, with moderate humidity and watering.

Based on the name of this type of begonia, it follows that it blooms all year round, without a break, because for the winter it should be placed in a winter garden or on a windowsill in a warm, well-lit room.

In spring and summer, bush begonia must be watered intensively, carefully observing that its roots do not rot, watering is not stopped in winter, but the amount of water is significantly reduced, as is the temperature in the room with begonia, which should not rise above 15 degrees.

Planting, growing from seeds

Ever-flowering begonia is propagated by stem cuttings, or by planting seeds. So, for example, ever-flowering coral begonia, reproduction by cuttings of which is considered the most common method, easily tolerates such a procedure, for which it is necessary to take a cutting of a non-flowering stem and place it in a mixture of peat moss and ordinary sand, taken in equal proportions.

After the stalk has taken root, it must be transplanted into a pot, the bottom of which must be filled expanded clay, fragments of bricks, or earthenware which is necessary to improve stability and drainage.

It should be noted that ever-flowering begonia growing from seeds of which is not difficult at all is the only species of this plant, in addition to decorative flowering varieties that can give practically 100% seedlings when planting.

Growing begonias from seeds, video:

The propagation of begonias by seeds, due to their small size, is an easy procedure, but it requires a lot of concentration of attention, because gardeners plant begonia seeds only when it is necessary to preserve the varietal qualities of the plant - color, growth, shape of stems and flowers.

Seeds should be planted in the soil in February, not earlier or later, since too early or too late planting will not allow begonias to grow stronger until autumn.

Seeds are sown in containers filled with sand, peat and leafy soil, trying to land in such a way that they are not covered with earth, but only slightly pressed into it.

Containers with seeds are covered with glass or ordinary film to avoid drying out. Watering plantings should be done with great care, using a spray bottle, or a system drip irrigation otherwise, the seeds may be washed off with water and they will not germinate.

From the time of planting to the appearance of the first shoots, it usually takes no more than a week, after which the first small shoots are shown, they will all have a different size, but soon they will stretch out and become almost the same.

After the first shoots appear, the glass must be raised, making room for their further growth. After about 2-3 weeks, pick young begonias, freeing up a space of 2 centimeters between them.

By the time of the first pick, the ever-flowering one should have at least two leaves.

After a month, the sprouts can be planted in pots, where they will be until the next transplant.

It is important to remember that large plants need to be replanted every spring, picking them up a pot that is larger and more stable than the previous one.

In the summer, begonia can be planted in the ground, but for the winter the plant must be in a pot. With a timely and correct transplant, begonia will begin to bloom in May.

Planting begonias on the street, video:

The begonia flower is very beautiful, therefore it is best to transplant it correctly, and then the gardener will have a very real opportunity to admire it on his own windowsill, and not in someone else's garden.

Pests, diseases

Begonia is a plant that, regardless of the method of reproduction, prefers to spend the warm season outdoors - on a veranda, balcony, garden, that is, where there is a possibility of infection of both the flower itself and the pot various pests more than high.

Pay attention to this stuff -

Most often begonias suffer from attacks gray rot, the causative agent of which is botrytis mushroom.

The first sign of the disease is the appearance of white spots on the leaves and stems, which at a later stage turn into brown rot and even mucus.

Affected leaves, stems and flowers begin to break off, the plant dies.

Begonia - unique herbaceous plant by the number of species and varieties that differ in shape, flowering color, size and habitat. In the Begoniev family, there are perennials and annuals, which are represented by herbaceous plants, dwarf shrubs and full-fledged shrubs.

Begonia can be found in countries with tropical and subtropical climates - in Africa, America and Southeast Asia, and even on the island of Madagascar. Begonia species are striking in a range of sizes and shapes. The smallest plant can be only a few centimeters in height, and the largest reaches the three-meter mark. Begonia has adapted to different conditions growth. It can grow in moist wooded soils, and on the roots of old trees, and in crevices of cold rocks.

The Antilles are considered the birthplace of begonias. The plant was discovered there back in 1687 by members of one of the scientific expeditions organized by Michel Begon. Subsequently, plants unknown at that time, found and described by the botanist from France Charles Plumier, who also participated in this trip, were named after him.

In horticulture, there are 125 species of this flower and a large number of hybrid forms, as breeders have done a tremendous and active work over the past decades. The total number of begonias is approaching a thousand. Among this large family, you can find decorative begonias, both flowering and deciduous. Tuberous large-flowering begonias obtained by hybridization are very popular.

In the second half of the nineteenth century in different countries new types of begonias have been found. For example, in India - royal begonia, in Peru - Veich begonia, in Bolivia - Pierce and Bolivian begonia, in the highlands of South America -. But florists and gardeners give the greatest preference to Belgian begonias.

Types of begonias

For growing in indoor conditions hybrid forms of begonias are most suitable. Both flowering and deciduous plant species have decorative qualities. Among the flowering species, there are two categories of plants. Some belong to evergreen representatives, while others to shed foliage. Evergreens do not bloom as effectively as other species, but they delight with luscious green foliage all year round. Those specimens in which foliage dies have a beautiful and lush bloom, but tuber propagation will be required to grow the next generation of flowers.

Location and lighting

Lighting for deciduous begonias should not be very bright, partial shade, especially in hot and sunny summer period, since the sun's rays, when it hits the begonia leaves, leave burns. Blooming begonias prefer brighter lighting at any time of the year, but you need to protect it from direct sun with a white cloth or tissue paper, and use blinds.

Temperature

The temperature regime of keeping begonias changes with the seasons. In the warm spring and summer months, the plant needs a temperature in the range of 20-25 degrees, and in the rest of the months - from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.

Air humidity

Air humidity has for the development of begonia great importance... Its level should be constantly close to 60%. Such humidity can be maintained with the help of additional containers of water that will stand next to a houseplant or a special electrical device that will humidify the air. The liquid will constantly evaporate and maintain the required moisture level.

Another way to moisturize is a container with damp moss or peat, in which you want to place a pot of begonia. But you will have to abandon the spraying that is usual for other colors, since begonia from such water procedures can die. Water droplets on the leaves of the plant will leave stains. Brown color and will lead to foliage falling.

Watering

Watering the begonias should be plentiful or moderate, depending on the season. On hot summer days, the plant needs a lot of moisture, and in cold autumn and winter times, the amount of watering and their volumes are reduced. An excess and lack of moisture in the soil can lead to negative consequences... Therefore, the next watering is recommended only when the soil dries out by two centimeters. Water should not stagnate in the soil, so it is necessary to regulate its volume during irrigation. Water for irrigation should only be purified or thawed and approximately equal to the air temperature in the room.

The soil

The optimal composition of the soil for growing begonias: 2-3 parts of leafy land, 1 part each of sand, black soil and peat.

Top dressing and fertilizers

Complex fertilizing must be applied twice a month, starting from the budding period of begonia and throughout the entire flowering period. This applies to decorative flowering begonias. But for decorative leafy representatives, fertilizers without nitrogen content are needed, because this nutrient contributes to the active development of the leaf mass and inhibits the flowering process.

Transfer

Tuberous begonias are planted in the soil in early spring. Transplantation of rhizome flower species is performed as it grows indoor plant... Do not transplant begonias with dry soil in a pot or immediately after moistening it. A favorable time for replanting is the next day after watering.

It is worth taking care of the volume and composition of the soil mixture for a new flower container in advance. The composition of the soil should include: sand, peat and black soil in equal proportions, as well as two parts of leaf or garden soil. On the day of transplanting, the soil in the flower container should be only slightly damp.

Begonia must be removed from the pot along with an earthen lump and carefully (using a small thin stick) free the root part from the ground. The plant should stand for some time in a weak manganese solution (only its root part), and then it is necessary to get rid of damaged or rotten parts of the root with a sharp knife. All small roots entangled in a lump, as well as diseased parts of large roots, are subject to pruning. It is recommended to sprinkle the cut sites with crushed activated charcoal or charcoal.

Begonia is placed in a new pot with soil mixture and sprinkled with earth almost to the very top, immediately watered abundantly. Over the next week, the earth will gradually settle, the top layer will dry out a little, after which you can fill up the missing amount of soil. During these 6-7 days, watering is not carried out, they are replaced by daily spraying.

It is recommended to prune the plant immediately after transplanting. This will promote the formation of a shrub form and less moisture evaporation. The begonia should spend the first week in a new container indoors without drafts and in shady conditions.

Resting begonia care

After flowering, begonia of tuberous species should gradually pass into a dormant period. To do this, it is necessary to gradually reduce the number and volumes of irrigation until the aboveground part is completely dry. indoor flower... All dried parts of the plant are completely removed, and the flower is placed in cool conditions with a temperature of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius for 2.5-3 months. At the same time, watering should be continued, but in minimal quantities and very rarely.

The beginning of spring is the most favorable time for breeding begonias.

Seed propagation

Sowing seeds is recommended in the last week of winter or at the very beginning of spring. Small seeds are scattered over the surface of the earth in a box, without crushing them with soil, covered with glass and placed in a warm (about 25 degrees Celsius) room in a well-lit place. Watering the soil is carried out using a sprayer. For sowing, it is advisable to use freshly harvested seeds, although they retain their germination for three years after collection.

The picking of young seedlings is carried out twice. The first time - after the formation of the third full-fledged leaf, and the second time - 1.5-2 months after the appearance of seedlings. Young plants are transplanted into small individual pots.

From the moment the seedlings appear until the beginning of April, it is necessary to supplement the illumination of the plants with fluorescent lamps due to the short daylight hours and the lack of natural light... This is about 4-5 hours a day.

Early sowing of seeds (approximately in the first week of January) promotes the formation of large tubers and active flowering already in the first summer season... With late sowing, small tubers are formed (about 1 centimeter in diameter), and flowering does not occur in the same year.

Reproduction by dividing the tuber

The tubers of a mature plant should be cut into several parts, sprinkled with chopped charcoal, leave to dry, and then germinated in seedling boxes or flower pots.

Propagation by cuttings

At least three leaves should remain on a cut begonia stalk. Places of cuts must be sprinkled with activated carbon (powder). Rooting of the plant takes place within a month at a temperature of at least 20 degrees and good moisture in the soil and air. The location of the flower needs to be shaded.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

Bush begonias are suitable for this method. The bush is divided along with the root part and planted in separate pots. At the time of rooting, begonia should be in a bright and warm room.

Reproduction by dividing the rhizome

This propagation method can be used during the spring transplant of the plant. After separation, each part of the plant should have a shoot with or without a bud and a root. Charcoal is used to cover the cuts in the roots to prevent root rot. All parts of the begonias are planted in separate containers and follow all the rules for caring for a potted flower.

Great harm to begonias is caused by: spider mites, nematodes and aphids. Gray mold can form due to the appearance of a fungus. Pest control measures - pruning of affected parts, treatment with fungicides.

The plant is sick due to violation of the rules for caring for it. The most common diseases:

• Withering and dropping of buds and leaves - due to lack of moisture in the air and soil.
• Drying of the tips of the leaves - improper watering.
• The pallor of the leaf mass is a lack of light.
• Curling and drying of leaves, appearance white bloom(signs of a fungal disease - powdery mildew) - due to an excess of humidity in the room and water condensation on the leaves.

Control measures - regular airing of the room, moderate lighting, timely fertilization.

Growing flowering indoor begonia (video)

This is the real queen of the windowsill. Belongs to the genus Begonievye. Homeland - South Africa. Natural conditions - alpine regions, tropical forest. The flowers are large, reaching up to 13 cm in diameter in the tuber, and up to 4 cm in the ever-flowering one. The color is varied: red, white, pink and many others. With proper care, flowering is long-lasting - from April to October.

The flower is not capricious in its care. He needs diffused light, frequent but moderate watering, while the plant does not like spraying.

Different sexes, different irregular shape... Perianth of rich bright color. A box with brightly colored seeds is presented as a fruit. A perennial herb is actively used in folk medicine.

Growing and care

Site selection and temperature

The best choice is windows facing east or west. Flowering species demand more sunlight... In the heat, create an artificial shade, otherwise burns are possible. Most favorable temperature regime:v summer time from 21 to 22 degrees, in winter 18-19 degrees.

Systematic ventilation is required, but the picturesque beauty does not tolerate drafts. From them, she can shed foliage or wither. Decorative foliage thrive in diffused light. In winter, it is important to provide the plant with additional lighting. Great helpers are fluorescent lamps.

The lack of light can be understood by the excessive green mass. The flower begins to stretch upward and flowering may stop altogether.

Soil for a flower

Nutritious is required. You can buy it at a specialty store or mix it yourself. To prepare it, black soil and peat are used in equal quantities, and 2 times more leaf land. Coarse river sand is used as drainage. Leafy earth is poured onto it, and peat and black earth on top.

Pot selection

The right pot is half the success of flower care

Preference is given to a wide container made of natural materials, with many drainage holes. A container that is too spacious does not fit. In it, begonia will suffer from waterlogging, which will negatively affect the flowering period.

Watering and humidity

A tropical dweller needs frequent but moderate watering and high humidity air. It is important to closely monitor the condition of the soil. Stagnant moisture causes root rot. Spraying is not applied, it causes brown spots on the foliage. Therefore, a mechanical humidifier can be used. On hot days and in winter period when the heating devices are turned on, the pot is placed on a pallet with expanded clay, onto which water is poured. The excess is poured out of it. This helps to protect the root system from excessive moisture and create a favorable environment. Purified, settled water is used.

Cold moisture is unacceptable, it is better to use room temperature... For tuberous begonias, watering stops completely from December to February. The most suitable watering schedule: from June to August, abundant watering every 2 days (if the temperature is abnormally high, then a moderate daily is allowed); from mid-October to early December, moisture is significantly reduced and occurs as the land dries up.

Plant food

Timely and competent introduction of nutrients is a guarantee of the health of the culture. The feeding period begins with the appearance of buds. Special complexes for flowering potted plants are applied twice a month. When forming ovaries, it is recommended to use phosphorus and potash fertilizers.

Decorative deciduous species require nitrogenous substances. Adding to watering fluid organic fertilizers you can achieve more lush and long-lasting flowering.

Cropping - is it necessary?

Not needed for potted begonia. You can remove faded flowers. This will allow the other buds to bloom more luxuriantly. So that the plant does not waste energy, the seed box is also cut off.

Neighborhood - as an important element of proper care

For full flowering and growth, space is needed. Too close congestion flower pots on one window negatively affects the decorative qualities of the plant.

Transplanting a flower

Should be carried out in March, every 2-3 years for an adult. The signal about the need to change the pot is the root system, which does not fit in the container. The new vessel slightly differs in size from the previous one - by 2-3 cm in diameter. The bush is pulled out of the ground carefully so as not to damage the roots.

The earth lump is carefully shaken off. After that, the roots should be disinfected in a weak solution of manganese (it is enough to soak for 1 hour). After that, you need to carefully examine them for rot, disease or pests. If necessary, remove the affected fragments.

If the pot is new, then the first layer is expanded clay, coarse sand is poured on top. A plant is installed on it, and the roots are covered with soil mixture. The process ends with abundant watering.

Pests and diseases

Decrease in decorativeness

Failure to comply with the rules of care immediately affects appearance pet. If he is dropping buds or leaves, then it is important to change the watering and hydration schedule. This signals a lack of water and dry air. Flowering not starting? Multiple reasons can contribute to this:

• incorrectly selected temperature mode,
• poor or abundant watering,
• drafts,
• lack of sunlight.

Rot and powdery mildew

Excessive moisture or spraying with a spray bottle will attract these unpleasant ailments. You can fight them without chemicals. It is enough to let the soil dry and remove the infected parts.

and

Spider mite - can cause significant damage to the plant

These "intruders" feed on begonia juice. This is the basis of their diet. From folk remedies the most famous of them is tobacco soap solution. But more success can be achieved with insecticides.

Flower propagation

Seeds

Simple, lightweight and effective method... At the end of winter, they are sown in a loose substrate, without deepening into it. It is enough to evenly distribute over the surface and spray with water. Each bowl is covered with a film (to preserve moisture) and transferred to a warm and bright room. As an irrigation, spraying or a pebble tray is used, onto which liquid is poured.

The first shoots will appear in 4 weeks, the cover is immediately removed. After the formation of at least 4 leaves, they dive into separate cups. After 7-8 weeks, it can be transplanted into a permanent flowerpot.

If you follow the rules of care, you can achieve flowering in the same year.

Cuttings

Each cut stalk should have 3-4 leaves. Slices must be sprinkled with crushed activated carbon to avoid contamination. For rooting, a special substrate is used: leaf and peat soil, sand, peat in equal parts.

A room for storing vessels is chosen warm, with good lighting and reliable protection from drafts. Watering is necessary moderately so that the top layer of the earth has time to dry out. For rooting, it is permissible to use water. Root system formed within a month.

How to choose a healthy plant in the store

If there is no desire to grow from a tuber, then at the end of spring you can purchase a pet with already formed buds.

The first criterion is the color and size of the flower. Next, you should pay attention to the state of the exotic. Spots, signs of insects, diseases are symptoms of an unhealthy pet and should be discarded. Inspection is carried out closely: the stems and foliage are turned over, the pot is shaken slightly and the soil is slightly pressed. Such, at first glance, incomprehensible actions will help to understand whether the conditions of irrigation and moisture are being met.

After the purchase, the pot is transferred to the shade and treated with special chemicals. If the begonia is chosen correctly, and its care is carried out in good faith, then it will delight the owner for many years. If you are buying a tuber, then pay attention to the size. It must be at least 4 cm in diameter. Healthy planting material should have pink or white buds.

Types and varieties

The most popular and most decorative representatives:

• decorative leafy... Cultivars vary in shape and color of leaves and buds. The most popular varieties: Big Mazonia, Gray Queen;
• decorative blooming... varied color. Lush and long flowering. Grades: Merry Christmas, Yulitaid;
• bush... Reaches up to 25 cm in height. Not whimsical, does not require much attention. Varieties: Multiflora;
• tuberous.

Begonia, decorative leafy or leafy, can rightfully be considered the most popular type of begonias grown on the windowsill. This species includes many varieties that are easily distinguished by the shape and color of the leaves. The main advantages of the species can be considered unpretentiousness and rather simple terms cultivation, as well as rapid growth, subject to simple care rules.

Begonias of this species usually look rather lush bush, but there are also tree-like forms.

Variety of species

The leaves of this kind of begonias are very similar to the ears of an elephant, they are round and cut, twisted into a spiral and with a carved edge. But such begonia is valued not because of the shape of the leaves, but because of their color, which can be green and red, yellowish and white, silver and chocolate brown. Leaves can be monochromatic and two - tricolor, with a contrasting border and covered with spots of different colors. Quite often, the leaves and petioles themselves are covered with hairs.

Flowers in plants are inconspicuous, usually small, collected in loose panicles, are white, pink or yellowish in color.

Royal begonia

The most popular of the decorative leafy begonias is the royal begonia, also called Rex begonia. This begonia has an unusually beautiful leaf color, usually two or three colors. This plant grows as a bush, the leaves can grow up to 30 cm long and 20-25 cm wide.

Temperature regime

The ideal temperature for growing this species is the environment from 20 to 25 ° C. In winter, a short-term decrease in temperature to 16-18 ° C is allowed, a decrease

Cutting begonia cuttings

temperatures below 16 ° C for a long time can lead to the death of the plant.

Lighting mode

Begonia likes long daylight hours and bright lighting, but cannot tolerate direct sunlight. Therefore, if you decide to place this plant on a sunny windowsill, make sure that the light is diffused, otherwise the leaves of the plant will decorate with ugly spots from burns. The desired length of daylight hours is 11-15 hours, if the daylight hours in your area are shorter, the plants should be supplemented with fluorescent lamps.

Air humidity

Sufficient air humidity for this plant is slightly above average, with prolonged exposure to dry air, the tips of the leaves will begin to dry out.

Leaf-cutting

To maintain the moisture regime, you can place trays of water around the plant. In the summer, plants can be sprayed, but very carefully so that water droplets do not fall on the leaves; in winter, spraying is strictly prohibited.

The soil

A substrate of the following composition is suitable for planting begonias: 2 parts each of sod land and peat, one part each of coarse-grained and fine sand. If you don't have time to select components, buy ready-made soil mixture for begonias at the store.

Watering mode

Plants hardly tolerate stagnant water and drying out of an earthen coma, but at the same time they like that there is enough moisture.

Therefore, it follows that before planting, take care of the drainage and drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. In the spring and summer, begonias need to be watered abundantly, after watering, you need to wait for the excess water to drain into the sump and drain it.

In winter, the watering regime should be reduced to moderate, and the plants should be watered only after the earthen ball dries slightly. Also, when watering, you should act very carefully, avoiding drops of moisture on the leaves, otherwise unattractive stains and traces of drops will remain on the leaves. Water the begonias with lukewarm or room temperature water.

Reproduction by dividing the leaf - parts of the leaf sprouted

Plant feeding

During the period of active growth, plants need regular feeding. To do this, they should be watered once every 12-18 days with a solution of any fertilizers, but it is advisable to alternate mineral and organic dressings, and not mix everything in one dressing.

Mother plant with leafy cuttings and leaf parts

Transplanting and planting begonias

It is best to transplant plants of this species annually, after the plant reaches the age of 1-2 years. The most the best time for transplant early spring, the beginning of a period of active growth. A transplant is also needed because the plant becomes cramped in the pot, and its leaves may lose their decorative appeal.

When planting or transplanting, the plant is removed from the old pot, the roots are carefully cleaned from the old soil and examined. If old dead or rotten roots are found, they should be removed, and the sections should be sprinkled with crushed activated carbon.

After that, you should prepare a pot, it is worth remembering that when transplanting a pot that is too large, you should not take it, it should be two centimeters wider in diameter than the previous one. At the bottom of the pot, a drainage layer of 2-3 cm should be poured, from any material suitable for this. The plant is placed in a new pot and the remaining space is filled with the substrate, the substrate should be slightly crushed and watered.

Germinating cuttings in water

Reproduction of begonias at home

This type of begonias is propagated by stem cuttings and by dividing the leaf and dividing the bush. This is best done with the onset of spring.

Propagation of begonias by cuttings

This is perhaps the easiest way to reproduce decorative leafy begonias. Young healthy leaves are used for cutting. The leaves are cut from the plant, the cut is treated with activated charcoal and placed in a mother liquor with a nutritious soil mixture. The nutritious soil mixture should contain equal parts of leafy soil, peat and river sand. For quick rooting over the leaves, you can create a greenhouse, but you can do without it. Water the cuttings as the earthen coma dries. After about a month, the cuttings will take over and young leaves will begin to grow from the root.

The stalk gave roots

In addition to soil germination, cuttings can be germinated in water. To do this, cut cuttings are placed in a jar with warm, settled water and kept there until roots form at the ends of the cuttings. After the roots appear, the cuttings can be planted in the soil.

Begonia leaf propagation

A number of begonias have large leaves with pronounced veins. Such begonias can be propagated by dividing the leaf. For this, a healthy large leaf of the plant is taken and cut into pieces. These parts are laid with their underside on wet sand or substrate, and lightly pressed with pebbles or pinned with wooden sticks, you can use toothpicks.

Dividing the bush

After about 20-30 days, these parts of the leaf will sprout, and after a while begonia bushes will begin to grow from them. When the bushes get stronger and grow well, they can be transplanted.

Begonia - reproduction by dividing the bush

Dividing the bush is also a rejuvenating procedure. To do this, you should take an adult plant with a trunk creeping along the ground, on such a trunk in places of contact with the soil, as a rule, additional roots are formed. Such a bush must be cut with a very sharp knife so that both of its parts are with roots, the cut points should be treated with activated carbon. After this procedure, the plants can be planted in separate pots.

In the green corners of many amateur flower growers, pride of place is surprisingly beautiful flower called begonia. The plant has large bright buds that look like roses. It blooms for a very long time and abundantly. However, to enjoy this beauty at home, one should know potted. After all, a flower needs attention and care.

Interesting to know

Breeders know more than 1000 varieties of representatives of this family. The homeland of the plant is the Central and Southern part of America, and begonia was introduced to our region in 1700. At first, flower growers cultivated exclusively deciduous ornamental species, then they got carried away with ever-flowering, and more recently - tuberous varieties.

Description

The stems of the plant are translucent, juicy and different in color. They can be light green, and can have an olive or even reddish tint. The stems are covered with fine hairs. Indoor tuberous begonia has large double buds. The leaves of the plant, resembling small hearts, are pointed at the top and rounded at the base. On each of the peduncles, as a rule, from two to five buds ripen. Flowers have a bright saturated color.

How to care for potted begonia?

A flowering plant needs bright lighting. However, in summer it should be shaded from the direct sun. Otherwise, burns may appear on the leaves. How to care for potted begonia? First of all, choose the most comfortable place for her. The ideal location would be on a window facing east or west. For plant growth, a temperature of + 20-22 degrees is favorable, in winter - not lower than +15. Talking about how to care for potted begonias, you should touch upon the issue of watering. The plant loves moisture very much. However, spraying is extremely destructive for him. To prevent the flower from suffering from excessively dry air, place the flowerpot on an inverted tray. Place this entire structure in an even wider pot. Pour expanded clay (moss) around and moisten it from time to time. This will provide the begonia with the moisture it needs. However, when watering, it is recommended to avoid stagnant water in the pot. In winter, soil irrigation should be reduced. Potted begonia needs feeding. Fertilize the flower once every 14 days.

Transplant and reproduction

This procedure is recommended to be carried out annually in the spring. It is best to use garden, leaf and peat soil as a substrate for planting, as well as sand in equal proportions. What kind of pot for begonia? The plant will feel most comfortable in

After planting, it needs to be watered well and put in the shade for five days to adapt. Rhizome plants reproduce by cuttings and seeds, tuberous ones - by dividing the tuber.

Post-flowering care

When the buds begin to wilt, they must be carefully removed. It is recommended to cut the plant itself, leaving a 5-centimeter bush. From the end of October, watering should be reduced, and when the leaves turn yellow, stop until spring. In this case, you need to place the flowerpot in a room, the temperature in which will be in the range of 15-17 degrees Celsius.