Today, there are a huge number of different types of flowers that can be grown at home. The most important thing is to know how to properly care for them.
Begonia is a very common plant that can be used to decorate parks, squares, gardens. It can be grown at home. The flower belongs to the begonia family. In this genus, there are about 900 wild species and 2000 hybrid varieties. This culture owes its name to Michel Begon. It was he who first described this plant in the distant 17th century. The flower began to be used as a decorative plant only after a whole century. In this review, we will consider what begonia is. The care required by the plant, as well as the growing conditions will also be mentioned.
Begonia. Short story
Michel Begon first discovered this plant in the Antilles. Later, researchers discovered eternally flowering begonia in Brazil and India. These plants became the basis for the emergence of modern varieties. Begonia was widely used for decorative purposes. She was planted in greenhouses. Later varieties that could withstand colder weather were bred. Around the world today there are a huge number of different forms and varieties of this culture.
Begonias, depending on their characteristics, can be classified as follows:
- decorative foliage;
- decorative blooming.
Tuber begonia is very popular among flower growers today. Home care for this plant is simple enough. At the same time, it has an unusual appearance with bright flowers. In nature, tuber begonia grows in tropical and subtropical climates. Most often, it is found in shady places, at an altitude of 4 thousand meters above sea level, on arid slopes and mountains.
What variety of forms exists
I would like to note that begonia can be either a small herbaceous plant or a fairly tall bush. Some types have stems, while others have one leaf. As for color, begonia can be of any green hue. The back side is plain or covered with interesting patterns. The flowers themselves are characterized by a wide variety of colors. Luxurious buds resemble at the same time carnations, daffodils, and camellias, and roses. A unique culture can adorn the summer garden from the beginning of summer to the end of September.
Many housewives today are interested in home begonia. Winter care of this plant is not particularly difficult. Let's consider it in more detail.
Home Care
How does begonia grow? Plant care conditions determine the flowering time. Varieties that are decorative-flowering are characterized by special beauty. Leafy varieties are characterized by a spectacular shape and color of leaves.
Here are just a few factors to consider if you want to grow a beautiful and healthy plant:
- Temperature and lighting. This is one of the main conditions. Home begonia should grow in good light. Flowering patterns need light most of all. However, during the active sun, it is better to slightly shade the plant. This must be done so that the flower does not get burns. For decorative leafy varieties, diffused light is more suitable. The flower can be placed on the western or eastern windowsill. Begonia loves warmth more. The air temperature should not be less than 15-18 degrees. The optimal value is 22 degrees.
- Air humidity. The plant needs to create optimal conditions. Since tuber begonia is a tropical flower, it requires high humidity. But experts do not recommend spraying. Water, falling on the leaves, provokes the appearance of spots. You can increase the plant's moisture level by constructing the following structure. The flower must be placed on an inverted tray. It is placed in a large container. Expanded clay is added to the remaining space. Try to constantly monitor the level of humidity. This will allow you to create the conditions that begonia requires. Winter care at home on this can be limited. In the hot season, the plant needs enhanced watering. Try to ensure that the water in the pan does not stagnate. Settled water is best suited for irrigation.
- Top dressing. Fertilizers for begonias must be applied a couple of times a month. Nitrogen fertilizers are suitable for feeding decorative and deciduous species. They favorably affect leaf growth.
- Transfer. For the houseplant in question, it is necessary to buy special soil. You can also prepare the soil yourself. To do this, it is necessary to put drainage in the form of sand at the bottom of the pot. Half of the tank is covered with sheet soil. Then add a mixture of black soil and peat. With proper soil preparation, the flower will grow well. Plant transplantation is carried out periodically if necessary. If the roots begin to stick out of the drainage hole, then most likely the time has come to transplant the flower. Usually spend it in early spring. Begonia is carefully removed from the pot, the earth is shaken off the roots, and then disinfected with a potassium permanganate solution. Dead parts can be removed.
Watering the plants. Features
What watering does begonia require? Caring for this houseplant has many features. The irrigation scheme can also be called quite complicated.
Let's consider it in more detail:
- In summer days, it is recommended to water the plant especially abundantly. It is enough to do this a couple of times a week.
- With the onset of heat, the soil of the flower must be moistened daily.
- Starting in October, the number of irrigations can be reduced. It is enough to water the begonia as the top of the soil dries.
- In winter, the flower does not require abundant watering. Moisturize the soil as needed.
- With the onset of spring, the number of irrigations should be gradually increased. This stimulates the growth of begonias.
How is begonia propagated?
Today, many are interested in what kind of plant should be taken care of at home? Almost every grower has a photo of begonia. But how does this indoor flower propagate? There are several ways to breed begonias: a stem, leafy cuttings, dividing the bush. Each grade has its own characteristics. For example, seeds and tubers are used to propagate tuber begonia. These are the most common options.
Transplantation and reproduction of this species can be carried out in the following sequence:
- tubers are taken out of the ground;
- leaves are removed;
- roots clear from the earth;
- the tuber is placed in peat;
The optimal time for the procedure is from February to May.
Growing from seeds is considered one of the most convenient and effective. Seeds retain their germination for three years. It is better to sow a plant in early January. Thanks to the early sowing, you will be provided with early flowering. The main factor for obtaining positive results is the duration of daylight hours: it should be at least 12 hours. The soil in the box before sowing must be well moistened. While maintaining the optimum temperature of 22 degrees in a couple of weeks, the first shoots will already appear. Watering young shoots is necessary only after the top layer of the earth has dried. Growing a decorative culture with this approach will be more effective.
How will begonia grow further? Seedlings care mainly consists in providing light and water. You need to dive a young plant no earlier than 21 days after the appearance of the first leaves. Flowers can be transplanted into separate containers only in a month. About six months after this, observe the first flowering.
Pests and diseases
What else should you know about a flower like begonia? Planting and care at home can be complicated by the presence of pests. Powdery mildew may appear from excess moisture. To prevent this disease, it is necessary from time to time to conduct a visual examination of the lower leaves and the core of the bush. It is there that rot and powdery mildew most often appear. If this problem is detected, the affected parts of the plant should be removed. Also, experts recommend temporarily reducing watering. So you will not allow further spread of the fungus.
What other diseases are tuber begonia susceptible to? Care for this plant must necessarily include protection from the red spider mite, since the flower is very often attacked by this pest. To combat parasites, insecticide solutions are used. Then the plant is covered with a plastic film to enhance the effect. As a rule, the appearance of pests may be due to improper or insufficient care. Subject to all conditions, begonia will delight you with its appearance.
Appearance
What is remarkable for home begonia? Care, photos and user reviews about this wonderful flower - this is what this article is about. Begonia has incredibly beautiful leaves. Depending on the variety, they can have a different appearance, be small or large, red or green, velvety or glossy. They are somewhat reminiscent of maple leaves. This indoor flower looks very original. The shape of the leaf plate is also quite diverse.
Some varieties have large leaves, similar to burdocks, while others are round and small. There are specimens in which the leaves are cut along the edges. This gives the plant an asymmetrical look. Leaves sit on the stalk mosaic. This arrangement allows them not to obscure each other. As a rule, the top of the leaf is green. Allowed gradation of shades of green. On the back, the leaf may have a purple or brownish tint. On the stem of the plant there are delicate hairs of white, green, scarlet or bronze color. Begonia thus acquires a velvety appearance. She is drawn to touch. Intricate patterns, strokes and various shades give the leaves a distinctive identity. Many even confuse them with the flowers of this plant. Experienced growers recommend not spraying begonia leaves. This can lead to the death of the entire plant.
Bloom
How often is begonia blooming with its owners? Planting and care at home, if all the requirements are met, will definitely give positive results.
There are several varieties of begonia flowers:
- dairy and snow-white;
- red and scarlet;
- lilac and pink;
- yellow and orange.
An important advantage is the pleasant smell. When the plant fades, seed stalks appear on the stems. After ripening, they crack and fly apart.
The main recommendations for growing
How should begonia grow? Photos for plant care, tips and tricks you can find in this article. Begonia feels great indoors. However, few know that it is also suitable for growing in open ground. Most species have juicy grassy stems. Begonia bloom can be observed throughout the summer, and under favorable conditions it will delight you in the fall.
Recommendations for the care of this indoor plant can be given as follows:
- best flower grows in partial shade;
- in the summer it is necessary to provide plentiful watering;
- begonia is recommended to be watered with warm water;
- transplanted flower only if necessary.
What difficulties may arise when leaving
A common problem encountered when growing begonias is the lack of flowering. Perhaps the plant simply does not have enough light or moisture. Also, the reason may be covered in improper temperature conditions. Lack of flowering may be due to an excess of fertilizer. Try changing the growing conditions: rearrange the begonia to another place or choose a different watering mode. If begonia continues to fade, just in case, root a couple of roots.
There are many reasons why begonia does not bloom. Home care must necessarily enrich the soil with minerals. Perhaps your flower is simply not enough fertilizer. Many gardeners also complain about the sudden yellowing of the plant. This phenomenon can be observed with soil depletion and lack of moisture. It is also worth checking if there are any parasites in the soil that can infect the root system of the plant.
Conclusion
Begonia today is widespread. It is decorated with urban apartments and gardens of country houses. Begonia, the care of which does not require significant effort, will delight its owners with chic flowering for many years. It is enough to follow a few simple recommendations set forth in this article.