Reasons for begonia not to bloom and ways to eliminate them. Indoor begonia, home care What begonia loves

Begonia is a beautiful and vibrant representative of the begonia family, which is the most popular plant among gardeners and has a large number of annual and perennial species of herbs, shrubs and subshrubs.

The first to describe begonia was a botanist, a Frenchman by birth, Charles Plumier, who was part of an expedition organized to the Antilles in the 16th century by Michel Begon.

It was in honor of this organizer that the plant got its name - begonia.

The plant is often used in folk medicine; it is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

Features of growing begonia at home

Important points for properly growing begonias at home:

Begonia, grown at home, prefers to do without any proximity to other flowers, since it loves space (for example, on the windowsill) and cannot stand it when someone or something touches, touches, or disturbs it - it touchable!

Begonias require a room with high humidity.

It is better to water the begonia with settled water, but so that the moisture does not linger in the drainage hole.

The soil for begonias needs to be loosened more often, and the plant needs to be fed with a balanced fertilizer and watered with warm water.

Begonia: home care - plant species and propagation

Begonias grown at home are purely symbolically divided into two groups - flowering and deciduous plant varieties.

Deciduous varieties are distinguished by their unusual shape and original coloring of the leaves.

Flowering specimens are divided into the categories of tuberous, evergreen and bushy plants.

The most popular types of begonias:

Tuberous variety– has simple and double petals of flowers of various colors from bright white to red and orange. Petals can combine two colors or be framed with a border. The sizes of the inflorescences range from 5 to 18 centimeters, and their shape is very similar to roses, peonies or carnations.

Ever-blooming variety- the most common specimen belonging to bushy plants. This variety is grown as a garden crop and planted indoors at home. At home, this variety of begonia can bloom all year round, delighting its household with glossy leaves of red and green. This homemade beauty blooms small flowers in bright colors - red, pink and white.

Royal variety- refers to deciduous specimens of begonia and has a striking difference in the form of leaves of various colors, shaped like a heart and reaching a length of 30 centimeters. The green, brown and red tones of the leaves of this variety delight and surprise at the same time.

Ampelous subspecies of tuberous begonia- looks like ivy, which is covered with small flowers that have white, yellow, ruby ​​and orange shades. Hanging garlands of this begonia provide gardeners with flowers throughout the growing season.

Elatior- a tuberous begonia hybrid that is grown only at home. This species begins to bloom in autumn. Flower petals come in a variety of shades. It has round, shiny green leaves.

It is more advisable to carry out seed propagation of begonia at the end of the year, or rather, in December. Begonia seeds are tender and sensitive, as a result of which there is no need to use any substrates when planting them in the ground. After half a month, the seeds planted in the soil will sprout. As they mature and grow, the shoots must be pruned and gradually accustomed to the sun's rays.

Also, begonia grown at home can easily be propagated by cuttings of stems or leaves. To do this, you will need to select a strong and healthy specimen of the plant, at least 10 centimeters in size, and plant it in moist soil made of sand or peat. For better rooting of begonias, you can resort to the use of phytohormones.

Important! To prevent the seedling from rotting, the plant must be planted in such a way as to completely exclude its contact with the ground.

Begonia: home care - soil, lighting, necessary environment for flowering

Soil and lighting necessary for begonia

The choice of soil for begonia must be approached with the utmost seriousness, since this plant has a fibrous rhizome with a decent number of thin and vulnerable roots.

When choosing soil, you need to consider:

Low level of acidity.

Lightness and looseness of the soil.

The ideal combination to obtain the required soil composition would be a 1:2 mixed proportion of sand and peat with an admixture of leaf soil, as well as cow manure.

To plant begonias in a pot, you need to fill three quarters of the container with leaf soil, as well as 1:1 chernozem and peat. In this case, you must not forget to add sand to the above components.

Important to remember, that if, in accordance with all the rules, you prepare the soil for indoor begonia, it will grow well and please the eye.

If such a need arises and the begonia needs to be replanted, for example, its root system has become too crowded in the pot, then you need to do this in accordance with all the existing rules:

The plant must be removed from the pot and the root system must be cleared of old soil.

For a while, begonia should be placed in a container with potassium permanganate.

Clean the begonia rhizome from all rotten or moldy parts.

Pour the required soil composition into a new pot by ¾, no more, and plant the begonia. Subsequently, when the rhizome of the plant gets stronger and grows, you can add more soil.

The transplanted plant needs regular and frequent watering, as well as protection from direct sunlight.

The best lighting for begonias is daylight with diffused sunlight. It is recommended to place begonias on window sills facing east or west. Lighting should exclude direct exposure to the sun. Some partial shade is better for begonias, but in winter, for good development and growth of the plant, of course, additional lighting.

It is important to know that begonia reacts poorly to changes in lighting brightness - it may even develop burns or the plant may die completely.

Bloom

On home windowsills, begonia blooms with great intensity and brightness. But this is if the plant is provided with the necessary and proper care. Then, in gratitude, the begonia will delight its household with flowering from spring until the autumn frosts.

In order to extend the flowering time in the initial stage of plant development, it is necessary to remove female flowers.

Begonia flowers are similar in shape to other types of flowers - carnations, roses, daffodils and others. The bright colors of the petals when blooming can decorate any room and lift the mood of its owners.

If the begonia does not bloom, then you need to change the conditions under which the plant is kept and plant the flower in new soil and a pot. The absence of flowering may indicate that the begonia needs to be rejuvenated.

Begonia: home care - feeding and watering

How to water begonia correctly?

Watering

In order for watering to be correct, two particularly important factors must be taken into account:

Good soil moisture.

No water stagnation in plant pots.

In summer, begonia needs to be irrigated so abundantly that excess water completely flows out of the drainage hole, and after some time it is necessary to permanently remove unnecessary liquid from the pan.

It is best to set a certain watering regime for your pet and irrigate it at the same time. In summer, it is recommended to water begonia at least a couple of times a week, and if the weather is hot, then it must be irrigated as the soil dries out.

In the autumn, the plant needs to be watered less frequently, and with the onset of winter, when the begonia is in dormant mode, watering should be reduced to a minimum.

With the arrival of warm days and spring, the plant needs to be brought out of dormancy, thereby increasing the dose and frequency of watering.

Important to remember, that excessive watering can lead to the appearance of powdery mildew, which can destroy the plant.

Watering is best done with settled and lukewarm water, or boiled water.

In addition, many types of begonia do not perceive direct contact with water on the trunk or leaves of the plant when sprayed; this may cause brown spots to appear in some specimens, which indicate burns from the liquid.

Top dressing

As soon as buds appear on such a luxurious ornamental plant as begonia, it will mean one thing - it’s time to feed.

For domestic flowering beauties, fertilizing in the form of liquid complex fertilizer is advisable. This fertilizer must be introduced along with some water when watering once every half month.

As soon as the plant has bloomed, the fertilizing process must be stopped. And in winter, when the plant is resting, you cannot feed it at all.

Begonia: at home - why it dies

Incorrect care, ignorance, mistakes in growing and maintaining such a flower as begonia lead to the fact that your favorite plant gets sick, sheds leaves and buds, or even dies.

You need to keep an eye on your pupil, so to speak. It is necessary to take a close look at the begonia:

If the leaves of the plant turn brown in places and begin to fall, this can only mean one thing - the begonia does not have enough water and air humidity.

If the leaves become faded, this means that the plant does not have enough light.

Excessive moisture and low temperature lead to the appearance of fungus on the plant, which affects the leaves and shoots of begonias. With such a misfortune, you need to immediately treat the begonia with fungicides.

Dry air and temperature changes are an excellent environment for the appearance of powdery mildew on a plant. It destroys the plant in the form of a white coating. Therefore, a diseased begonia should be immediately treated with colloidal sulfur.

The main pests of begonia are organisms such as mites (spider mites) and aphids. They are located on the back side of the begonia leaf and take all the juices from it. You can destroy the tick by spraying it with a solution of soap and tobacco. Aphids are destroyed with special preparations, for example, pyrethrum.

Take care of your begonia and provide it with decent and proper care, then the plant will definitely repay it with kindness. With its excellent property of purifying the air from various types of pollution, toxins, chemicals and dust, begonia will make the home of its amateur gardener clean and safe.

At the end of the 17th century, French botanist Charles Plumier conducted a scientific expedition to the Caribbean islands and discovered several new plant species. He named one of them begonia, in honor of his best comrade Michel Begon. Gradually, the flower began to appear in homes and gain popularity. Housewives learned how to care for begonia at home so that it would delight with its bright colors.

Description

Begonia is one of the most beautiful plants of its family. It comes from hot tropical and subtropical climates - Africa and South America. There are many types of begonia. Each has its own characteristics. Some have bright flowers and stems, while others have muted colors with shades of brown.

There are shrubs, subshrubs, and herbaceous plants. Among them there are miniature species up to 5 cm and large varieties, striking in height up to 3-4 m. Begonia grows along river banks and in small rock crevices. Some are located on tree trunks.

Begonias are children of the tropics. During its existence, many interesting facts became known:

1. During his lifetime, Michel Begon never saw the begonia that made him famous throughout the world.
2. Because of the shape of the leaves, the flower is often called an eagle's wing.
3. At the end of the 20th century, a huge greenhouse was created in the Belgian town of Rochefort. There are about 1,500 species and hybrid varieties of begonias. Visitors can purchase the variety they like.
4. The tubers of the plant are edible. They have a light citrus taste. The peoples of the Himalayas use begonia as a seasoning for soups and main courses.
5. In ancient times, warriors used begonia leaves to polish sharp blades.
6. An image of a begonia can be seen on the national emblem of North Korea.
7. In 1988, a botanist from Japan created a new variety of begonia that begins to bloom on February 16 each year.

Flower care after purchase

The question often arises: how to care for begonia after purchasing it at home? Many plants die after purchase due to improper maintenance. In stores, begonias are kept in pots with shipping soil, which does not provide an adequate level of nutrition. Therefore, a transplant is required a few weeks after purchase. If the plant blooms, you must wait until the end of the period.

Begonia photo

How to care for begonia in a pot

Home care contains a number of requirements, the compliance of which determines the condition of the plant. Begonia loves peace, so it is not advisable to constantly change the location of the pot. Before purchasing, you should carefully examine the external condition of the flower, paying attention to the color of the leaves and their elasticity, as well as the absence of any plaque or stains.

Watering

In a pot, begonias are more sensitive to overwatering and drying out of the soil. The water must first be settled so that it is softer. Watering is carried out 1-2 times a week.

In winter, for quality care, it is better to reduce it. If necessary, the pot is insulated to protect the root system from freezing.

Overwatering should be avoided. It leads to rotting of the roots and stems from below, after which the plant quickly dies. It is enough to ensure that the top layer of soil (approximately 1 cm) is moist. If the substrate is completely dry, you will need to soak the pot for several hours. During the flowering period, if necessary, you can water more abundantly.

Lighting and Humidity

Begonia prefers bright, diffused light, but does not like sunlight. In summer it is better to place the pot on the window sills on the east or west side, and in winter move it to the south side if possible. If the stem of a plant is very elongated, it does not have enough light.

Begonia is strict about air dampness, but does not need spraying. When water gets on the leaves, brown spots form. The best option would be to place a beautiful vase with water or a pot with wet moss next to the begonia.

Temperature

No special temperature conditions are required. In the cold season, it is advisable to maintain a minimum of 15 degrees, and in the summer 20-24. This is typical room temperature in most homes.

Transfer

The frequency of transplantation depends on the type of begonia. Tuberous varieties require annual changes of soil and pots, rhizomatous varieties as they grow. It is advisable to purchase ready-made soil, since it has special requirements. You can also prepare the substrate yourself.

The main thing is that it is loose and relatively light. It is necessary to mix 2 parts of deciduous soil, 1 part each of peat and chernozem. You can add a little sand.

Transplantation is carried out in early spring. The plant is carefully removed from the pot. The roots are cleared of old soil and placed in a weak manganese solution. If necessary, they are trimmed. Then take a pot larger than the previous one.

Some stones and sand are poured onto the bottom. The plant is placed in a pot and sprinkled with new soil, retreating approximately 2-3 cm from the top. After a couple of weeks, the soil is replenished.

Begonia requires special care within a month after transplantation. It consists of abundant watering. In winter, the plant slows down in growth. It is important to provide him with peace, so transplanting and fertilizing is postponed until the onset of warm spring days.

Top dressing

For colorful and abundant flowering, any plant requires feeding. Without it, the flower will become weak and exhausted over time. Experts recommend feeding the bud in the warm season (late spring - early summer) during the formation of buds once a week.

In autumn, recharge completely stops. With prolonged flowering in the winter, you can feed the bud until the inflorescences fall off or dry out.

Florist shops offer a wide range of mineral fertilizers for begonias. Additives should be used strictly according to the instructions so as not to harm the flower with excessive amounts. Fertilizers containing nitrogen slow down the flowering process while accelerating leaf growth.

Begonia propagation

There are several ways to propagate begonias.

Children

The top of the rhizome is cut off no more than 5-7 cm and placed in a small pot with a mixture of equal proportions of sand and peat. Afterwards the container is covered and placed in a bright place. After the shoots appear, they are transplanted into a new pot.

tuber

The begonia is dug out of the pot and divided into parts of 5-8 cm so that each has a bud. The cut areas are treated with coal or crushed ash. Then the tubers are placed in containers with moist soil and covered with a transparent film or bag. After the leaves appear, the covering is removed. For the development of a strong and healthy plant, it is advisable to fertilize it.

Leaf

Begonias with creeping stems are propagated in this way. A healthy leaf is divided into small squares without thick veins. The pieces are placed on wet sand and covered. The pot with cuttings is kept in a dark and humid place for several months. Ventilation is carried out only after the cuttings have rooted.

Seeds

Propagation by seeds is one of the most popular methods. With proper care, a small handful can produce a large number of sprouts. In the middle of winter, seeds are planted in a pot, covered with a transparent film and placed in a warm place. Watering is carried out by spraying.

The soil must be constantly moist. When shoots appear, the pot is placed in a bright place, and the first leaves are carefully transplanted into small cups or another container. After 1-1.5 begonias are taken out into fresh air;

Cuttings

This method is suitable for bush begonias. The stem must have at least 2 buds; a cut is made at a distance of 0.5 cm from the lowest one. Large leaves are cut in half. The cutting, as with other methods, is planted and covered. Ventilation is carried out every 2-3 days.

Caring for begonia after flowering

Begonia blooms magnificently and abundantly. The period lasts the whole summer, sometimes autumn and winter. During this process, you should find support for the plant so that the stems do not break from the weight of the inflorescences. The flowers resemble a cluster of small roses and daffodils. In order to prolong flowering, it is necessary to trim off faded flowers.

After flowering, the begonia is placed in a dark place to dry it. Watering is reduced gradually. Pruning is not necessary. This is necessary so that the nutrients from the leaves and stems gradually go into the tubers. A few weeks after the ground part has dried, they are dug up and placed in a container with sand. Water periodically for comfortable overwintering.

Features of pruning begonias

Begonias do not require constant formative pruning, but stems that are too long are shortened to rejuvenate the plant and improve its flowering.

The first pruning is carried out when the stem length is 6-8 cm. In this case, the flower is given any shape, depending on the aesthetic tastes of the owner. Afterwards, watering is reduced for a short period of time.

When the length of the lateral processes reaches approximately 10-12 cm, their tops are pinched off. In the future, you need to constantly remove dry shoots and leaves, otherwise they will lead to disease. To speed up healing, the cut sites are treated with crushed charcoal.

Know! In the absence of timely pruning, the leaves decrease in size and the duration of flowering is reduced.

Pests and diseases

Errors in care and carelessness of the owner lead to plant diseases.

Powdery mildew affects all above-ground parts of begonias. Whitish spots appear on the leaves. They lead to drying of the affected areas. To combat powdery mildew, use a 0.1% solution of foundationazole.

Bacterial spotting leads to the death of begonias. If watery spots are found on the back of the leaves, the flower can be safely thrown away. It is impossible to get rid of this disease.

Aphids and spider mites are the most common pests. When affected, begonia leaves turn yellow and fall off. To get rid of it, you will need to spray it with a solution of any insecticide.

Diseases and pests are not alien to begonias. The main thing is to take preventive measures. After winter, plants are treated with Agata solution to increase immunity.

Main growing problems

It is important to take into account the pet’s natural roots in order to create comfortable conditions for it. Improper care leads to problems:

Begonia does not bloom. Most likely, one of the components of care does not suit her. It is necessary to change the lighting, humidity and frequency of watering to observe the plant's reaction.

The leaves are turning yellow. It is necessary to carefully inspect them for the presence of pests and diseases. It is advisable to replace the bud in the pot and fertilize it after replanting.

New buds wither and fall off. This indicates a lack of nutrients. The soil needs to be fertilized.

Despite the large number of nuances when growing begonia, caring for it is actually simple and does not cause much trouble. It is enough to comply with the necessary conditions in the complex.

Types of begonia

To date, more than 900 species of begonias and about 2 thousand bred varieties and hybrids are known. The natural form of the plant is practically no longer found. The culture is conventionally divided into 2 main groups: deciduous and flowering. The deciduous group is characterized by various shapes and colors of foliage.

Royal begonia. She is often called Rex. This is a bushy plant with fleshy stems. The leaves are distinguished by their large size and unusual patterns on their surface of various shades. Royal begonia is prized for its unusual leaves.

Griffith's begonia. The plant is distinguished by dark green leaves with silver edging along the edges. Their surface is covered with hairs with purple and red undertones. The flowers come in only one color - white and pink.

Begonia metallic. The bushy plant was nicknamed due to the color of the veins on the leaves. They are bright red with a metallic sheen. The flowers are pink.

Flowering species are divided into groups:

• tuberous;
• evergreen;
• bushy.

Tuberous begonia- one of the most popular and easy to care for. It is characterized by large flowers with bright and rich colors (red, orange, pink, etc.). Their size and shape are similar to roses and peonies.

Winter begonia. This is a begonia hybrid that blooms at any time of the year. The flowers are large and come in any color. The stems of the species are very fragile and need support. The leaves are round in shape with a shiny surface.

Begonia everblooming. This type is popular. It grows quickly and luxuriantly. The leaves are green to burgundy in color with finely toothed edges. The flowers are small in size and collected in inflorescences. The attention of gardeners is attracted by the feature of continuous flowering even in unfavorable conditions.

The unique appearance of begonia and the bright, rich colors of its flowers create a special atmosphere of comfort and coziness. In addition, the plant will serve as a natural filter against dust and many types of bacteria. Among the varieties of shapes and types of begonias, there is exactly one that will meet the requirements and taste of the housewife.

Begonia has been grown at home for hundreds of years. This rather attractive flower crop has become widespread recently. The flower is considered a suitable plant for those who are just taking their first steps in floriculture. Although the culture is unpretentious, there are still some nuances to keeping it in an apartment.

Here we will talk about how to care for begonias in a pot at home for beginners.

First you need to find out what varieties of begonia exist that are suitable for indoor growing. Then you need to figure out what conditions need to be created. This applies to soil, temperature, lighting, humidity, as well as other conditions for successful development.

Types of begonias for home breeding

All varieties of these flowers are divided into three main groups.

Decorative flowering begonias. Plants with beautiful flowers of red, pink, and white colors are included in this category. They can bloom all year round. The most popular is the ever-flowering crop. Varieties:

• Elatior;
• Ambassador;
• Baby Win and others.

Decorative deciduous begonias. The plants do not have a common stem, nor do they have beautiful flowers. But they are distinguished by spectacular leaves of various shapes and shades. There are even patterned and edged leaf plates. The most common varieties:

• Royal;
• Tiger;
• Metallica and others.

Tuberous begonia. Of course, it is more suitable for garden landscaping. After all, during the winter she “falls asleep” and retires. Despite this, many flower lovers grow it as an indoor plant. It is distinguished by lush, double flowers similar to peonies or roses (diameter 5-15 cm). Their colors range from snowy white to dark red tones. There are also two-color specimens.

Agrotechnics of cultivation

Choose light-colored window sills for placing begonias. However, it is necessary to protect plants from direct sunlight, especially during the flowering period. Otherwise, the leaves may get burned. Bushes should be shaded using blinds or newspapers.

Note! Deciduous varieties require indirect light.

Required daylight hours for plants (12-14 hours). In the autumn-winter period, it is necessary to provide begonias with additional lighting using phytolamps or daylight devices.

In spring and summer, the comfortable temperature is +20-22 degrees. In autumn and winter, the temperature should be +15-19 degrees. Sharp fluctuations in temperature, as well as its drop below +14 degrees, can lead to leaf fall or even death of the plant.

Comfortable conditions are very important for begonias

It is necessary to provide begonias with high humidity. It should be at least 60-80%. Pour expanded clay or gravel into a wide tray and moisten it. Place a pot with a plant on it. They also install containers filled with water, fountains, and aquariums next to the bush.

Important! Do not spray begonias. Drops of water cause brown spots to form on the leaves.

The plant loves light, fertile, loose, breathable, slightly acidic soils (acidity pH 5.5). You can buy ready-made soil in the store or prepare it yourself. Its composition:

• leaf soil (2 parts);
• peat (2 parts);
• compost (1 part);
• sand (1 part).

To make the soil more loose, add vermiculite, perlite, and coke fiber. Dolomite powder, lime, and wood ash are used to reduce acidity. Sift the prepared mixture and remove large fragments. Scald the soil with boiling water or bake it in the oven.

What kind of pot is needed for begonias

Choose a small container for the small petiole of the plant. Begonia pot size is 5 - 6 cm. It must have drainage holes. After about 6 months, when the young seedling has grown its root mass, it is transplanted into a larger container (8 - 10 cm).

Begonia in a suitable pot

Subsequent replanting depends on the formation of roots. For example, they carry it out after a year. Take a container one third larger than the previous pot. If you immediately plant the plant in a large pot, the roots may rot.

It is preferable to use round pots for begonias. Ceramic flowerpots are considered the best. They do not retain moisture and air circulates well. Although regular plastic containers will also work.

How to choose begonia for planting in a pot

When purchasing a plant, you must carefully inspect it. The leaves must be elastic and free from stains, damage, and insect pests. It is best for the buds on the bush to be half-open. This way, when the environment changes, the plant will quickly get used to the house.

If you want to buy begonia tubers, they must be strong, dense, not overdried (diameter at least 4 cm), and without mold. Typically, a high-quality onion has a convex bottom, a concave or flat top, as well as tubercles and irregularities (growth points) located in the upper part.

Begonia tubers

It is best to purchase tubers in late February - March. At this time, reddish or white buds will be visible on healthy bulbs. And in January - February it is difficult to determine them. They are still hibernating.

How to plant begonia

All types of begonias are best planted in the spring. You can pre-treat the roots of the plant with a fungicide.

Expanded clay or coarse sand is poured into the bottom of the pot. Place charcoal on top of it (layer 2-3 cm). This is necessary to avoid root rotting. Then the prepared soil is filled in.

Note! The container should be 4 centimeters larger than the root system.

Planting begonias

Plant the plant in the center of the pot, sprinkle it with soil (leave 1 cm to the edge), do not compact it. Water generously and drain excess water from the saucer. If the soil settles, add more soil.

Important! The growing point should remain above the ground.

Planting with a tuber

The best time is March. The tubers are pre-germinated. They are planted in a mixture of leaf soil with peat or purchased soil. There should be drainage at the bottom of the container.

Place the containers in a bright place. Maintain high humidity and the desired temperature (+18 degrees). Water into a tray.

Planting begonia with a tuber

When sprouts appear, transplant the onions into pots. Do not fill them with earth to the brim. After the nodules grow, sprinkle with soil (3 cm thick).

How to care for begonia in a pot at home after purchase

• First of all, you need to choose the right place for the plant. If you buy begonia in the fall, in winter you place it on the windowsills of eastern or western windows.
• The plant, purchased in the spring-summer period, is placed on the windowsill of the northern window. You cannot move a flower from one place to another; it must be protected from drafts. It should also be taken into account that begonia loves space, which means it is better not to place it next to other plants.
• There is no need to water the begonia for the first 5 days after you bought it. She must get used to the new home.
• You should not replant the plant immediately after purchase, especially in the flowering phase. It is necessary to replant if the plant is flooded or the condition of the soil in the pot does not inspire confidence.
• The plant needs quarantine for 2 weeks. Then they assign it to a permanent place.

Further care

From spring to autumn, begonia is watered abundantly (1 time / 3 days). Moisten when the soil dries to a depth of 1.5 cm. In the heat of summer, watering can be more frequent, almost daily. Complex fertilizers are added to the water every 10 days. For irrigation, use settled water at room temperature.

Watering begonias

In autumn and winter, reduce irrigation (1-2 times/7 days). How to water begonia in a tray or pot. This question is asked by many beginning flower growers. Irrigate root begonia at the root. It is unacceptable for water to get on leaves and flowers. If the plants are tuberous, pour water into a saucer.

Note! Begonias do not tolerate excessively wet or dry soil.

Top dressing

During budding and flowering, flowering begonias are fed with potassium-phosphorus substances (2 times/month). Nitrogen compounds should not be used. Plants may lose all their buds or not bloom at all.

But decorative deciduous varieties require nitrogen substances.

Trimming

Young plants are pruned for the first time when the stems are 6-7 centimeters long. After such an operation, watering is reduced until new shoots form.

Begonia pruning

After the side stems grow 10 cm, cut off their tops above the outer buds. Subsequently, the elongated branches are removed and a beautiful crown is formed.

Transfer

The plants are replanted when the roots become cramped in the pot (frequency: once/1-2 years). The procedure is carried out in the spring. Carefully remove the bush and water it first. Remove soil and damaged fragments.

Immerse the horse system in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes. Then they are washed in running water and dried. Place drainage in the new pot. Place the plant in a pot larger than the previous pot (by 3-4 cm).

How to care in winter

With the onset of autumn, caring for tuber crops ends. Dig up the bulbs after all the tops die. Dry them and place them in peat or sand. The tubers are checked occasionally (1-2 times/month). Store in a cool place (basement, glassed-in balcony) until spring.

Digging up tubers

Plants with decorative leaves need the same care as in summer. True, they reduce watering, lower the temperature (+16 - 18 degrees), and arrange additional lighting. It is not advisable to leave flowers near the heating system.

As you know, Elatior begonia can bloom all year round. However, experienced flower growers recommend giving them a rest. You just need to pinch the tops of the shoots. They need the same winter care as decorative deciduous species.

Diseases, pests

• Powdery mildew, gray rot. Treat with fungicides, reduce the humidity in the room, ventilate it, and reduce watering of the plant.
• Aphid. Spray with soap solution, use tobacco infusion, chemicals.
• Spider mite. Wash the bushes with soapy water and apply insecticides.
• Root-knot nematode. Destroy affected plants.

With proper care, the plant will delight you with abundant flowering and a pleasant aroma almost all year round.

Begonia- a very beautiful ornamental plant, distinguished not only by large bright flowers, similar to roses, but also by unusual leaves with a velvety surface, with an intricate pattern, and variegated colors. These luxurious flowers have gained wide popularity both among our gardeners and among lovers of indoor plant species. You can often find in the description such terms as beautifully flowering and decorative foliage species of begonia, although these definitions are very conditional, since among the varieties there are luxurious plants with large beautiful flowers and gorgeous large leaves of bright color with an unusual pattern. To date, breeders have developed thousands of species, subspecies and varieties of begonias both for decorating gardens and for growing at home.

One of the most popular species among inexperienced novice gardeners are hybrids of royal begonia and tuberous begonia, which are not too demanding in home care and are unpretentious plants. Below you will find detailed information on how to properly care for these indoor plants at home.

In addition to the popular types of royal (rex) and tuberous geraniums, experts distinguish the following groups in the classification of these domestic plants: decorative deciduous, ampelous, bush, ever-flowering, thick-stemmed.
If you consider yourself a beginner gardener and are planning to start growing begonia at home, then we advise you to pay attention to tuberous begonia, caring for which does not take much time and is quite simple. Planting a shoot of tuberous begonia or a small tuber with small sprouts in a substrate for growing an adult plant does not present any difficulties, so it is not at all necessary to buy an already rooted mature flower. We will tell you how to properly plant a begonia cutting or tuber, how to then care for the rooted plant, and how to fight diseases and pests.

During the flowering period of tuberous begonia, you will enjoy amazingly beautiful flowers with double petals. The color palette of flowers of this type of domestic begonia is very diverse and among the varieties of this indoor plant you will definitely find one suitable for decorating the interior of your room. By the way, flowering begonias look very advantageous against the background of such indoor plants with an unusual shape, such as Ficus Benjamin in the form of a tree (very similar to topiary) or Dracaena Marginata with elongated palm-shaped leaves, and also form an interesting composition with plants from the Crassulaceae family, such as Kalanchoe flowering or tree-like Crassula (Money Tree). Some indoor plant lovers grow unpretentious home begonias in hanging pots or in wicker flower pots, which is an interesting find for modern phytodesign. In addition to tuberous or royal begonia, for the formation of a floral composition in phytodesign, we can recommend such domestic species as Begonia foliosa, Begonia luxurians Scheidw, Begonia conchaifolia, Begonia masoniana Irmsch). You can create a gorgeous composition using only begonias, distinguishing plants by the color and shape of the leaves, as well as the color scheme of the flowers.

♦ WHAT IS IMPORTANT!

Location and lighting.

It is advisable to place home begonia on a floor flower stand on the east side or on the southwest side - closer to the window. If possible, then in winter it is advisable to move the plant to windows on the south side. In order to prevent begonia leaves from getting burned from direct sunlight in hot summers, it is necessary to slightly darken the window glass with film or parchment paper so that diffused sunlight falls on the plant. It is worth noting that, unlike bush and hanging species, royal and tuberous varieties of begonia are less demanding of constant sunlight.

Temperature regime.

Begonia will feel comfortable at a temperature of 19-25°C in the summer (the best option is 20-23°C). In the autumn-winter season, a room temperature of 17-23°C will allow the plant to remain healthy and hardy. However, do not allow the temperature to drop below 14°C for an extended period of time.

Air humidity.

Begonia loves high humidity (over 60%), but the plant tolerates moderate humidity levels (50-60%). The main problem is regulating humidity levels during the heating season. If there is dry air in the room where the begonia is placed, we recommend taking the following actions: pour expanded clay into a wide tray, place the pot there on a stand and regularly moisten the expanded clay; you can also place the pot in a flowerpot with gravel at the bottom (which also needs to be moistened); If possible, install a humidifier next to the plant. It is not advisable to spray begonia, as then unsightly brown spots appear on the leaves (but you can spray it with water from a spray bottle next to the plant without getting it on it).

Watering.

To water the plant, use soft water that has been standing for several days. In summer, water the begonia abundantly, and pour out all the water flowing through the drainage from the pan. The frequency of watering is simply regulated: periodically check the dryness of the soil - if the soil mixture has dried a couple of centimeters deep, then it’s time for the next watering. It should be noted that tuberous geranium does not need watering in winter, since at this time the period of active growth ends and the plant goes into hibernation. In winter, it is recommended to place tuberous species in peat.

Earth mixture and fertilizing.

You can prepare the substrate for growing home begonia yourself. To do this, pour a little coarse sand into the bottom of the flower pot, then fill it halfway with leaf soil, and then a mixture of chernozem and peat (1:1). A commercial soil mixture is also quite suitable for begonias.

If your begonia blooms in winter, then you can feed the plant during the entire flowering period with phosphorus fertilizers no more than once every two weeks. In the spring and summer, you should feed your indoor plant with a weak solution of mineral fertilizers once every 8-10 days. Decorative deciduous species of domestic begonia are not fed at all from October to March.

Transfer.

Begonia is replanted only if the root system has grown greatly, filling almost the entire pot. The best time for transplantation is mid-spring. Very carefully you need to remove the flower from the pot, clean the roots and place the plant in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes. After this, use a sharp knife to cut off the rotten roots and treat the cut areas with crushed charcoal. We plant the begonia in a larger pot with prepared soil mixture. Begonia takes root in a new pot in about 4-5 weeks (tuberous or royal begonia takes 2-3 weeks faster). During this period, the plant should be watered frequently and placed away from direct sunlight.

Trimming.

Pruning should be done with a sharp knife immediately above the shoot, directed towards the outer side or immediately above the bud. Until the beginning of the growth period, the frequency of watering after pruning begonias should be reduced. Bush types of begonias are pruned quite strongly, as they stretch well and grow actively. Pruning of thick-trunked species is performed in rare cases in order to give the plant the desired shape. You can shorten the top of ampelous species to stimulate branching of lateral shoots. Tuberous domestic begonias and royal (Rex) hybrids do not need pruning.

Bloom.

Many types of begonia are famous for their abundant flowering and delight the eye with beautiful flowers of various shades. For example, the gorgeous tuberous begonia variety "Everest" is famous for its large flowers, reaching a diameter of 30 cm. Typically, the flowering period of begonia begins in summer and ends in late autumn. Some species bloom in winter and even throughout the year!

Reproduction.

Cuttings. Many types of domestic begonia reproduce well using cuttings. Typically, a shoot 8-10 cm long with several leaves is cut off in early spring, the cut site is treated with crushed charcoal and planted in a container with an earth mixture (peat and river sand in a 1:1 ratio). You need to water the cuttings occasionally and very carefully, as the roots can rot from excess moisture.
Tubers. The best option for propagating tuberous begonias. Before planting, the begonia tuber is divided into parts with a sharp knife and the cut areas are sprinkled with charcoal. The tuber must be cut so that each individual part has several buds for shoot growth. After this, parts of the tuber are planted in the prepared soil mixture and very occasionally watered with soft water.
Seeds. Growing begonias from seeds is quite painstaking work, requiring professional skills and experience. This is usually done by breeders who need to preserve and consolidate the varietal characteristics of a particular type of begonia.

♦ COMMON DISEASES:

Ring spot.
Signs: first, concentric lines of light green color appear on the leaves, which over time turn into necrosis - bronze formations. What to do: as a rule, indoor plants (tuberous, decorative deciduous, hybrid royal begonia species) are infected by juice-sucking pests (thrips, aphids and other carriers of tomato virus). Therefore, first of all, you need to get rid of pests on your plants. Begonias affected by ring spot should be destroyed.

Bacterial spotting.
Signs: Watery spots appear on the underside of the begonia leaf blade, which turn into glassy translucent formations.
What to do: destroy the affected plant, and the remaining specimens should be sprayed with a 5% suspension of copper oxychloride once every two weeks to prevent the disease.

Gray rot.
Signs: Watery spots with a grayish coating appear on the leaves, apical shoots and flowers of an ornamental plant, and then they turn into weeping formations caused by the botrytis fungus. Mucus may appear on the inflorescences, the leaves curl and noticeably darken, and the stems become brittle.
What to do: spray the entire plant with a solution of laundry soap (20 g) with copper sulfate (2-3 g) in 1 liter of soft water. If the procedure does not help, then you need to spray the begonia with a 1% solution of foundationazole.

♦ COMMON PESTS:

Aphid.
Signs: the tips of the shoots are deformed, the leaves curl, and honeydew (sticky discharge) appears.
What to do: treat the entire plant with a solution of laundry soap, covering the soil with a waterproof film.

Shield.
Signs: pale or light brown raised, oblong spots that can be easily scraped off the leaf blade with a fingernail. Can be found on the underside of the leaf along the veins.
What to do: treat the plant with an insecticide (Aktara or Aktellik).

Spider mite.
Signs: on the underside of the leaf you can find a thin web that entangles different parts of the leaf plate.
What to do: if the cobwebs are small enough, then you can simply treat the plant with soapy water and wash it in a warm shower the next day. In case of severe damage, it is advisable to treat the begonia with an insecticide.

♦ 5 USEFUL TIPS:

in hot summer time, watering home begonia during the day is dangerous, since the procedure can lead to burns on the leaves and weakening of the root system (when water gets into the soil heated by the sun). The best option for the summer period is to water the plant with warm water (room temperature) in the early morning;

If the begonia is still very young, then for strengthening and normal development, you can spray the shoots with epin or zircon;

During the heating season, ventilate the room more often and regularly humidify the air;

Try to water the blooming begonia very carefully so as not to get water on the buds and flowers. This can cause the plant's flowers to darken and fall off.

♦ ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR BEGINNING FLOWER GROWERS:

Question: Why did the leaves of the tuberous begonia begin to turn yellow and fall off?
Answer: The most common reasons are unbalanced watering (taking into account the current season), as well as constant dry air. Sometimes begonia leaves fall off due to the activity of insect pests sucking the juice from the leaves.

Question: Why does an adult indoor begonia (there are already more than 6 knees on the shoot) still not bloom?
Answer: Most likely, you add fertilizer too often or the composition of the fertilizer is not entirely correct. During the flowering period, the N:P:K ratio should be 1:1:1. Other possible reasons for the delay in the flowering period are constant drafts, too low (or very high) room temperature, and constantly dry air.

Question: Why did non-double flowers of the usual shape begin to appear on my double begonia?
Answer: This is normal. The fact is that at different times on double begonias, female pistillate flowers of a regular shape and male staminate flowers appear - double. After some time, your begonia will bloom with double flowers. By the way, you can remove the female pistillate flowers so that the “double flowering” is abundant.

♦ DOMESTIC BEGONIA. PHOTOS OF SPECIES, NAMES:

♦ VIDEO. HOW TO CARE FOR BEGONIA AT HOME:

Tuberous begonia - planting a tuber in prepared soil.

Nowadays, indoor plants, including begonia, are in great demand and popularity. It can often be found among flower growers as a decorative decoration for the home, especially during its flowering period. A little knowledge and sufficient attention will certainly bear fruit and the plant will delight its owner with multi-colored inflorescences for a long period.

Begonia belongs to the Begoniaceae genus, which has more than 800 plant species. Begonia is native to the tropics and subtropics of Asia and Africa.

Begonia has many varieties and varieties.

All types of this indoor flower can be divided into 2 large groups: flowering and deciduous varieties. A distinctive feature of the latter are multi-colored leaves of various shapes. Among the flowering plants, the following varieties are popular in home floriculture:

• Begonia tuberous. The plant variety is distinguished by a variety of inflorescences. Petals can be of different colors, ranging from white to dark red. The inflorescences come in two colors at the same time and reach a diameter of 5 to 15 cm. In appearance, double flowers are very similar to roses and peonies.
• Begonia ever-blooming. The ever-blooming flower variety is the most common and can be grown both in flower beds and indoors. In apartments, this variety can produce inflorescences throughout the year. They are collected from small flowers of red, pink or white.
• Royal begonia. Distinguished and prized for the beauty of its leaves. They can be of different colors and reach a length of up to 40 cm. At the same time, the foliage can take on several shades, and even with a border of a different color along the edge.

Begonia - nuances of growing

In the first days after purchasing a plant, you need to pay more attention to it so that it decorates the house and looks healthy for several years.

After purchase, you need to pay special attention to the plant.

To grow begonia at home, you should adhere to some rules and nuances:

1. Create favorable conditions for active flower growth.
2. Try to protect it from drafts and wind.
3. Ensure optimal environmental parameters in winter.
4. Try to find a suitable place for the flower so as not to disturb it.

Caring for begonia at home

Caring for begonia at home is not too complicated and involves maintaining a comfortable temperature, sufficient lighting and humidity. In order for a plant to feel comfortable at home, it is necessary to create conditions that are close to natural.

Optimal conditions of detention

Proper lighting and positioning of the plant is the most important component of good growth.

• Light. The plant needs to be placed on a windowsill with plenty of light. But you should protect it from direct sunlight, especially during flowering, otherwise a burn will form on the leaves. To avoid this, it is necessary to create some shading using a curtain or blinds.
• Length of the day. A decorative growing flower requires daylight lasting up to 12-14 hours. In autumn and winter, he needs to organize additional lighting using special lamps.
• Temperature. The optimal indicator is 15-22 degrees. In winter, the favorable temperature will be 19 degrees. Severe temperature changes and drops below 14 degrees should not be allowed, otherwise the plant may lose its leaves or die.
• Humidity. It is necessary to organize this indicator at the level of 80 percent. To increase it, you can place a container filled with water next to the pot. Or you can even place a pot with a plant on the aquarium.

Important! Do not irrigate or spray the crown of the plant, otherwise spots will appear on the leaves.

Watering and fertilizing the flower

It is necessary to water the plant as the earthen clod dries.

Feeding and watering the plant is required in moderation.

• During the hot summer months, watering should be done daily.
• Do not over-moisten the soil to prevent the roots from rotting. Tuberous begonia is especially susceptible to rot.
• In autumn and winter, watering should be reduced to 1-2 times a week.
• It should be remembered that begonia has its own requirements for water - it must be clean, pre-settled and at room temperature.
• When watering, do not allow water to get on the leaves.

Feeding should begin during the formation of inflorescences. Liquid complex fertilizers are suitable for this. They are added along with water during irrigation. It is necessary to feed begonia in spring and summer 2 times a month. In winter, the plant does not need fertilizer.

How to care for begonia in winter?

In winter, many plants go into a dormant period, including the begonia flower.

With proper care, the plant will delight the owner with beautiful flowers.

To preserve it in winter and create suitable conditions, you must follow the following rules:

1. Equip additional lighting to provide daylight up to 14-15 hours. With a lack of light, the plant stems become elongated.
2. Ensure optimal temperature conditions (18-19 degrees) and prevent the temperature from falling below 16 degrees.
3. Reduce watering to once a week.
4. Do not place a pot with a plant near heating radiators.
5. For tuberous begonias, the humidity should be reduced in winter so that the tubers do not rot.
6. If yellowed leaves appear, you need to inspect the plant and remove the affected dry parts.

If you follow all the rules for caring for a houseplant in winter, with the onset of spring, begonia will delight the owner with its flowering, which will last until the very end of summer.

Repotting a houseplant

It is necessary to replant the plant as the root system fills the pot. Begonia has no special requirements for soil. You can buy ready-made soil or prepare it yourself. To do this, you need to mix leaf soil, sand, peat and humus in equal parts.

The plant needs additional space.

1. The pot must be selected larger than the previous one by 3-4 cm in diameter. It is necessary to organize good drainage at the bottom so that moisture does not accumulate there and the roots do not rot.
2. It is better to replant with the arrival of spring. The frequency of transplants is once every 2-3 years.
3. Before the procedure, the flower should be watered well to make it easier to remove it from the ground.
4. You need to remove excess soil from the roots and remove damaged parts.
5. To prevent diseases of the root system, you can place the plant in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes.
6. Carefully place the plant in a new container without damaging the roots. Lightly sprinkle with soil and compact it.

The first month after begonia transplantation requires more attention. Provide more light, abundant daily watering and a temperature of 22-23 degrees. It is advisable to observe special conditions until the plant takes root and begins to actively grow.

Begonia propagation

Like many plants, begonia can reproduce in a variety of ways. It is best to propagate in spring or summer, during active flower growth.

Propagation by cuttings is the most effective and easiest way.

The main methods of propagation of begonia:

• stem cuttings;
• seeds;
• dividing the sheet;
• dividing the rhizome;
• dividing tubers.

Cuttings are suitable for all types of begonia and are the simplest and most convenient method of propagation.

To do this you need to follow these steps:

1. Using a sharp knife, cut cuttings 10 cm long so that each has 2-3 leaves.
2. You can place the workpieces in clean, settled water until roots form. Afterwards, they are planted in a pot prepared with soil.
3. It is allowed to plant the cuttings immediately in a container with soil. Then you need to cover it with polyethylene on top.
4. After new leaves appear, the bag is removed and the cutting is transplanted to a permanent place.

The propagation method by dividing the leaf is suitable if you need to obtain more planting material.

• To do this, use a sharp knife to cut a large sheet into several parts so that each has a central vein.
• After dividing, the parts should be placed in a box on top of the soil, pressing down lightly. You can push them a little deeper into the ground.
• The top of the box is covered with film or glass. Daily ventilation is carried out.
• When the seedlings take root, they are transplanted to a permanent place.

The seed method is more troublesome. Sowing must begin in early February so that the seedlings have time to grow and become stronger by the winter.

• First, prepare boxes with soil, onto the surface of which the seeds are evenly distributed.
• They are sprinkled on top with a thin layer (about 0.2 cm) of earth.
• The boxes are covered with film or glass.
• Every day you should moisten the soil with a spray bottle so as not to “wash” the seeds, and also ventilate them.
• When shoots appear, the film must be removed.

To propagate a flower by dividing the rhizome, you need to remove it from the ground, use a sharp knife to divide the roots into several parts and plant them in containers prepared with soil. And for tuberous begonia species, propagation by dividing the tubers is suitable. It begins with the onset of spring. The tuber must be cut into several parts so that each has 1 bud. Tuber pieces are planted in separate pots.

Pest and disease control

In indoor conditions, like many plants, begonia can be susceptible to diseases and pests.

If poorly cared for, the plant may die.

The most common diseases are:

• gray mold;
• powdery mildew;
• root rot.

To combat diseases, it is necessary to treat the plant with fungicides, reduce humidity and reduce the amount of watering.

The main pests include:

• whitefly;
• false shield;
• spider mite;
• nematodes;
• thrips.

When insect pests appear on the bush, it is necessary to treat it with insecticides and remove all affected parts. Otherwise, you will have to get rid of the flower so that pests do not colonize healthy plants.

Main problems when growing

When growing begonia indoors, some problems may arise if the agrotechnical requirements for caring for it are not followed.

It is very important to follow the plant care requirements.

1. Rooting of roots and stems occurs due to frequent watering.
2. If leaves fall in winter, it means the room temperature is low.
3. Has the ever-blooming begonia stopped blooming or slowed down? This indicates insufficient feeding with nutrients.
4. Dry and limp leaves indicate dry air and insufficient humidity.
5. The leaves turn yellow if there is not enough watering and the temperature in the room is low.

To avoid problems with growing the discussed indoor flower, you need to give it a little time and care. Then it will delight you all year with its flowering and colorful inflorescences and leaves. At the slightest appearance of pests, it is necessary to act urgently so that the plant does not die.