Begonia spotted. silver spotted begonia silver spotted begonia

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Homeland - the tropics America, Asia, Africa.
Family Begoniaceae.
- This is a species that includes subspecies with leaves of different shapes. Some are round, others are oblong, twisted like a shell or obliquely heart-shaped. Always on the leaves there is either a pattern in the form of variegated multi-colored spots, or bright contrasting patterns.
Inflorescence Spotted Begonia produces a loose brush with flowers on a drooping pedicel. If you do not want the leaves to become smaller due to flowering, which takes a lot of energy from the plant, then you can pick off the buds, so you can save all the beauty of Begonia.
Features of care.
Location - likes a bright, but not sunny place.
run around sudden changes in lighting. In summer, put a little away from the window, and in winter, on the contrary, closer to the glass. We can say about Begonia - almost a greenhouse plant, it is not taken out into the street even in summer.
Temperature - for Begonia should also be stable 19-24 ° C, and winter 16 ° C. In winter, in order to avoid hypothermia of the roots, the pot is placed on a foam plastic and insulated with a padding polyester.
Watering - in the warm season, regular and plentiful, without waterlogging the soil. When watering, protect the leaves from water in order to avoid the appearance of brown spots. Winter watering is moderate.
Top dressing - once a month, from March to October, apply complex fertilizers for ornamental plants
Air humidity - needs high humidity, but does not tolerate spraying. In this case, you can use a humidifier. In winter, protect heating batteries from dry air.
Soil and transplant - in order for Begonia to please you with its decorative leaves longer, choose a container that is not cramped and transplanted after two years.
Reproduction - Spotted Begonia reproduces: dividing the bush or leaf. In the first case, they take a strengthened bush with leaves of 3-5 centimeters. In the second case, either with a part of an incised sheet, laying it on wet sand and pressing it. Or a leaf with a handle in water, which covers the handle by 1 centimeter, while the water is constantly changing. When leaves appear on the handle, it is planted in the ground.

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Description, distribution area, natural habitat

The genus Begonia herbaceous plant, although in some bushy varieties the stem will become woody. It is distinguished by a variety of external appearance - in nature there are species ranging in size from 4–5 cm to 4 m.

As a greenhouse and garden flower, begonia is distributed throughout the world, although the homeland of plants is three centers with a tropical and subtropical climate:

  • Brazilian (Amazon basin);
  • Southeast Asian (Indonesia, Malaysia, Indochina);
  • Central African.

The natural habitat determines the requirements for environmental conditions. These are shade-loving, moisture-loving plants that prefer diffused light, slightly acidic, light, loose soils. They tolerate high air temperatures without problems, but do not like excess moisture.

This is interesting! Begonia came to Russia during the Petrine era. Several copies are listed in the list of tropical plants that arrived from Holland in 1717. Today, the largest collections grow in the Botanical Gardens of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk.

Classification

It is not easy for a novice florist to understand the complex "family" relationships of the Begonia family, especially since there is no single, generally accepted classification of plants. Based on the appearance of begonias, the features of application in floriculture, the following types are distinguished.

  • decorative leafy indoor;
  • decorative flowering indoor;
  • decorative flowering garden.

The European classification is based on the method of reproduction and common biological characteristics. There are 9 groups of plants, the most famous of which are:

  • Cane begonias and scrubs are reed or bushy, with an upright stem, beautiful leaves, fragrant flowers. They can grow to a height of up to 2 m. Bright representatives of the species are spotted and coral begonias.
  • Royal and rhizome (rhizome) are herbaceous species with a thick fleshy stem, openwork multi-colored leaves, creeping rhizome - the main organ of vegetative propagation.
  • Everblooming - small bushes with "wax" leaves and bright flowers in all warm shades of the rainbow. Cultivated as an annual garden plant.
  • Tuberose or tuberous - unpretentious flowering form with large double flowers. There are ampelous varieties.

Popular decorative leafy begonias

Indoor deciduous begonia is represented by a group of plants, the main decoration of which is the leaves of the most diverse shapes and incredible colors. There are outlines rounded, carved, in the shape of a heart, snails. By texture - smooth, velvety, pimply, covered with "cilia". The color scheme is from silvery to almost black tones with all kinds of inclusions, streaks, spots.

We bring to your attention a description of the popular decorative leafy varieties of begonias and their names with a photo.


Note! Decorating the interior, the flower also brings benefits. It has phytoncidal properties: it suppresses pathogenic microorganisms, mold spores purify the air from dust, toxins, and chemical contaminants.

Mason's begonia

One of the most recognizable species is the compact Begonia masoniana with large pimply green leaves adorned with a burgundy spot resembling a stylized Maltese cross. The shape of the leaf plate is asymmetric, heart-shaped, pointed at the top. Rhizome thickened, creeping, drooping with many hairs. Leaves on elongated cuttings form a lush bush, hanging beautifully along the walls of the pots. The usual size of Mason's begonia is 20–30 cm, in good conditions grows up to half a meter in height. Small cream flowers on a long panicle rather inconspicuous. Often the peduncle is removed, since it is not of decorative value, but only enhances the outflow of nutrients from the soil.

The plant loves cool temperatures, moist air, diffused light. In the sun, the leaves brighten, losing their rich palette and contrast effect. Propagated vegetatively by stem and leaf cuttings.



Begonia Bauer

Miniature houseplant up to 10 cm high is attractive unusual leaves"Tiger" coloring. The leaf plate has a velvety texture, heart-shaped with rounded edges, overlapping each other at the handle. The color is unusual and spectacular - green spots with a bronze tint and clearly traced veins stand out against a dark background, the edge is framed by short whitish "cilia". The fleshy rhizome and leaf cuttings have a reddish tint, covered with spots. In the spring, cream or light pink flower clusters appear directly from the rhizome on elongated peduncles.

Begonia Bauer is the collective name for a whole group of decorative leafy varieties and hybrids derived from a Mexican progenitor. On hearing the names of cultivators from Begonia bowerae - Tiger, Nigramarga, Cleopatra. Plants differ in the degree of openwork of the leaf, the saturation of its background, color, and the shape of strokes. Propagated by division of the rhizome (rhizome) and leaf cuttings.

Collar begonia

Another representative of the Mexican subtropics is collar begonia (cuff). An unpretentious plant of medium size with large light green burdock leaves up to 30 cm in diameter on long cuttings. Forms a chic spreading bush. The edge of the leaf plate is slightly indented, pubescent with villi, smooth, monophonic above, hairy below. The name of the species was given by a thick fringe of reddish hairs encircling the stalk at the junction with the leaf in the form of a cuff (collar). In the spring, 2-3 long peduncles (up to 60 cm) with small openwork inflorescences of pink shades grow from a thick decumbent rhizome.


From this species came the decorative hybrid Crispa with a glossy leaf and a spectacular curly edge.

Begonia Cleopatra

A well-known hybrid of the rhizomatous species Begonia bowerae. Feature- decorative leaves resembling maple, from above - from dark green to olive, from below - burgundy. Leaf cuttings are long, fleshy, abundantly pubescent, grow from a basal rosette and form a bush up to 30 cm high. In winter (January - February), Cleopatra begonia throws out fragile flower stalks with delicate clusters of flowers - white with a pink tint.

The plant is thermophilic, prefers diffused light, moderate watering, unpretentious care. As the bush grows older and loses its attractiveness. Therefore, an obligatory element of cultivation is rejuvenation by dividing the rhizome or rooting leaf cuttings.

red-leaved begonia

The second name of the decorative leafy hybrid is Fista. It has a shortened creeping stem with thin long cuttings and neat leaves of a rounded, slightly sloping shape. The surface of the plate is dense, glossy, dark green, the reverse side is red with distinctly traced light veins. Red-leaved begonia blooms from December to summer. The flowers are rare, pale pink in color, with a velvety texture, collected in loose openwork inflorescences.


At proper care gives a lush dense bush with juicy bright leaves, looks good in flowerpots and flowerpots, is used for vertical gardening.

Begonia hogweed

A traditional, widespread species in home floriculture. Large leaves of a palmately dissected form with a serrated edge and an arrow-shaped base are located on long pubescent cuttings. The leaf plate is colored evenly with silver-green veins, but the color saturation depends on the degree of illumination. Leaves are reddish in bloom and turn green as they grow. The thick creeping rhizome resembles a ball of intricately wriggling snakes. Due to the hanging of the stem, the hogweed begonia acquires a semi-ampel shape. The inflorescences are quite large, but do not cause decorative interest.

The plant is unpretentious in care, shade-loving, tolerates both high temperatures and coolness, prefers moderate watering. Reproduction methods are vegetative.



The plant belongs to the bush or reed begonias. The main difference from rhizomatous varieties is an upright stem that can grow up to several meters. The leaves are very spectacular, elongated, on short cuttings. The asymmetrical oval shape with a pointed tip resembles an "angel's wing" - this is an outdated name for the species. The dense glossy surface of a leaf of saturated green color is dotted with round silvery spots, on the reverse side it is reddish.

Spotted begonia is interesting during flowering, which lasts all year round. Large pink and white buds are collected in panicle inflorescences, smell pleasant. As an ornamental flowering plant, begonia is photophilous, needs warmth, moderate humidity.

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homeland of begonia

The genus Begonia is part of the family of the same name. Her homeland is the tropical zone, so almost all species are very fond of wet, warm growing conditions. Greatest species diversity observed in Africa south of the equator.

The distribution area is very wide - Latin America, Haiti, India, Sri Lanka and many other equatorial regions.

THIS IS INTERESTING:

The very word "begonia" appeared in honor of the name of the well-known governor of the island of Haiti, Begon, who lived at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries.

Botanical features of the flower

Begonia grows in almost any form:

  • herbaceous plant;
  • shrub and shrub;
  • ampelous (creeping) plant.

Stems and foliage are dark green and fleshy. Leaves grow 2-3 from one sinus. Begonia has a variety of flowers. The fruit forms a box in which a huge number of seeds ripen.

Depending on the characteristics of the underground part of the plant, begonias are divided:

  • leafy;
  • bush;
  • tuberous.

The flower has taken root well in our latitudes, it is grown as a houseplant almost everywhere.

How to grow begonia (video)

Description of species, varieties and hybrid varieties of begonias

Begonia is distinguished by an extraordinary diversity of natural species (more than 1600), as well as artificially bred varieties and their hybrids. Each of them has a decorative value and can bring its own touch to general interior apartments.

Striped begonia (Begonia listada)

The variety got its name due to the beautiful color of the foliage.- against a dark green background, a yellow stripe running in the middle stands out in contrast. The shoots droop, and it is the leaves that make up the main beauty - the flowers are pale pink in small sizes and do not rise too high above the plant.

silver begonia

A plant with conspicuous, prominent, silver-hued foliage. The leaves are quite large, ovoid in shape with a peculiar embossed texture. The edges are often trimmed with burgundy edging. In color, they are both pale green and pure silver, which gives this species a special decorative value.

Begonia yellow (Begonia Yellow)

The species is named for its bright yellow flowers. well contrasted against the background of dark green foliage. The plant has very short stems and a peduncle, which makes it look neat and attractive. Under good care conditions, it can reach up to half a meter in height.

Begonia Limming (ampel) (Begonia limmingheiana E.Morr.)

This variety with characteristic rich pink and light red flowers, which look great against the pale green background of the leaves. The plant is ampelous, the stems grow up to 60 cm and hang beautifully from the pot.

Red-leaved begonia (Begonia Erythrophylla)

Despite the name the leaves of this variety have a burgundy color only from below. From above, they are dark green tones, covered with a dense leathery shell, due to which they resemble gloss. The contrasting combination along with the brilliant effect provide great decorative value to this plant.

Coral Begonia (Begonia Сorallina)

The variety got its name due to the graceful flowers of a delicate coral tone. They have not only beautiful shades, but also an original bladed shape, thanks to which they enliven the space well. The variety is very unpretentious, therefore it is one of the most popular among gardeners.

Begonia cuff (Begonia Manicata)

This is a true house palm that produces large lobed leaves on large, fleshy stems. In size - a real giant, can grow up to one and a half meters. It is very important to trim on time, to make the bush spreading and beautiful.

Bauer's begonia resembles a brindle in color. Varieties of this variety have both small and large ovate leaves. They look very original and fit well into any kind of design.

Begonia tiger (Begonia tiger)

A variety with a very unusual striped leaf color - dark and light green stripes create a good contrast, often combined with splashes of yellow. Flowers milky white.

Tuberous multi-flowered begonia (Begonia Tuberosa)

A plant with a stunning variety of flower shades. Red, yellow, pink, coral - they all have in common that they are very bright, so it is appropriate to use such plants in northern rooms where there is a lack of light.

Hogweed Begonia (Begonia Heracleifolia)

The leaves of this variety resemble palm trees.- dark green or black with bright veins and distinct lobes. The color is very diverse - there are also bright and pale green tones. Brings a real tropical touch to the room.

Royal Begonia (Begonia Rex)

The species has a stunning variety of foliage in both color and texture. The leaves are painted in pink, burgundy, light and dark green tones. They have different shapes of drawings and perfectly decorate the room.

Fist Begonia (Begonia Feastii)

Variety with glossy greens. Tones from marsh to bright green. The leaf shape is rounded. The back side is often painted red, which creates a unique decorative effect. Fista creates rich, beautiful view room.

Begonia Black Velvet (Begonia Black Velvet)

Recognizable variety due to the unique dark green and even black color of the foliage. The leaves are charcoal in shape, velvety in texture, making them look very rich. Peduncles rise high above the plant, so that the flowers can be clearly seen.

Speckled Begonia (Begonia Maculata)

The variety has extremely beautiful leaves with a peculiar speckled color: dark green veins on a silvery or light green background. The flowers are pink, rich tones. Petioles are often red, which creates an additional beautiful contrast.

Begonia mix (Begonia Mix)

The variety has a wide variety of flowers- bright red, pale pink, yellow, snow-white. He loves light very much, so it is preferable to choose southern windows. At the same time, the mix prefers warm places where drafts will be excluded. Otherwise, it may begin to fade.

Begonia Evening glow

This variety has a unique leaf color - silvery, white tones with a bright red core. The edges are covered with an elegant, thin edging, serrated. The plant blooms with pink or crimson flowers, which also successfully contrast against the general background. Makes an unusual impression, enlivening the room.

Alfalfa Begonia (Begonia Medicago)

Begonia alfalfa has beautiful, large leaves. By color from light green to dark tones. On the reverse side they have a pinkish tint, due to which they have a great decorative effect. Characteristic feature - long flowering (throughout the summer until September).

Reproduction of begonia

Begonia can be propagated by almost all known methods, and the technologies of each of them have been worked out quite well.

How to propagate a flower by cuttings

Cuttings can propagate any species and varieties of plants. This method is the most convenient and fastest. The methodology is as follows:

  1. Using a sharp enough knife, you need to cut off a green stalk no more than 10-15 cm. The main requirement is that it has at least 4 fresh leaves.
  2. Leave it for a few hours to dry the cut a little.
  3. Plant it in the soil chosen specifically for begonias (it is better to mix it with sand in equal mass quantities).
  4. From above it is necessary to pour a little earth - so that the soil is not dense.
  5. Next, the surface is covered with polyethylene or any other impervious material.
  6. The first leaves will appear in 3-4 weeks. Further cultivation is carried out without additional layers.

How to plant tuberous begonia (video)

Reproduction of begonias by seeds

Unlike cuttings, breeding a flower with seeds is not suitable for all begonias, but only for flowering ones.

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Begonia seeds are so small that there can be several tens of thousands of them in 1 gram.

To grow seeds, you need to take a mixture of the same composition, while providing constant watering - the soil literally should not dry out. It must be done very carefully - literally in small drops. Along with this condition, it is important to ensure:

  • sufficient air circulation - the house should not be stuffy;
  • it is better to keep the temperature slightly below room temperature;
  • the lighting should be constantly bright - if necessary, illuminate with a diode lamp that does not give strong heat.

Shoots appear within 1-2 weeks. A pick should be done after the 3rd leaf begins to open, and young flowers should be planted after 2-3 months. Flowering can be expected in 4-5 months.

Features of reproduction of a plant by a leaf

All types of flowers can be propagated by leaf, but this is especially true for those plants that do not have a pronounced stem (winter begonia and Mason's begonia). The technology is as follows:

  1. The leaf must be chosen large and healthy - it is cut with a knife.
  2. Triangular cuts are made from the center to the edges of the sheet.
  3. All parts are laid on clean, wet sand.
  4. Further care should be taken regularly, providing constant humidity (using a sprayer).

Plants can be transplanted as soon as their root system is strong enough - usually this happens after the appearance of 6-8 leaves.

Reproduction of bush begonia by dividing the rhizome and bush

The method is good for bushy begonias, while it is better to apply it in early spring. The technology is as follows:

  1. The plant is carefully removed from the dishes.
  2. The roots are substituted under a weak stream of water at room temperature.
  3. The bush is cut along with the roots so that all the children have a sprout.
  4. The cut must be allowed to dry - you can speed up the process and pour charcoal on it.
  5. Next, the root is treated with a growth accelerator, and the bush sits in a new pot. It is important to ensure sufficient watering during the first weeks.

How to plant indoor begonia in a flower pot

A special soil has been developed and sold for begonias, however, you can make up the soil mixture yourself - it is only important to know a few tricks.

Ground Requirements

There are several options for soil preparation:

  • leaf land and peat in equal mass ratios;
  • sand taken half as much as these components.

In another case, the composition is more diverse:

  • peat, humus and sand in equal quantities;
  • deciduous land, taken in three times the amount.

And another option:

  • equal parts of leaf, coniferous earth and sand;
  • charcoal - 2-3 pinches.

Important! When making the mixture yourself, you always need to disinfect the soil - you can simply process it in the oven for an hour or boil it for half an hour.

Landing technology

A flower is grown from tubers (bulbs). They should be purchased in winter, since planting takes place at the very beginning of spring - then you can have time to grow begonias that will bloom in summer.

Landing technology is as follows:

  1. Tubers must be carefully cleaned of foreign formations, withered rhizomes.
  2. Hold in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a specially disinfectant for half an hour.
  3. Plant in the soil prepared as described above. The soil must be well loosened.

As for the pot, it is chosen in small sizes so that the borders from the tuber to the edges of the pot are no more than 5 cm.

Important! Soil drainage is a prerequisite for any variety of begonia. You can use small pebbles or expanded clay, which is filled up to a third of the depth of the dishes.

Secrets of caring for decorative begonia at home

Begonia is famous not only for its extraordinary variety and decorative value, but also for its undemanding care conditions. In order for the plant to grow well, it is important to follow a few simple rules.

Choosing a place in the house

Begonias love fairly bright light, but additional shading should be done on the southern windows. The best option- west or east, where the sun stays for half a day. It is also important to consider the following points:

  • begonia does not like drafts and temperature changes;
  • the flower responds very poorly to dry air.

Accordingly, putting a pot under the window or above the radiator is the most wrong option. Normal room temperature in the range of 18 to 26 ° C is quite suitable for the plant.

How to water begonia

The best time to water is early in the morning when you leave for work. If this is not possible, you can do it in the evening. In any case, it is better to water at the same hours.

Irrigation mode is as follows:

  • in summer - 3-4 times a week;
  • in winter - 1-2 times a week.

The main criterion is the condition of the soil. It should always remain slightly damp.

ADVICE:

Water for begonias should always be defended during the day. It will be very good if you put a kilogram of peat in an ordinary bucket (10 liters) - the water will become more acidic, and the flower will respond with great gratitude to such watering.

Plant nutrition

There are special fertilizers designed for begonias. In their absence, the flower can be fed with superphosphates or complex mineral fertilizers. Application rate - 2 times a month in spring and summer. In winter, once a month is enough.

Pruning begonias in a pot

Since a flower tends to grow very rapidly, even at the stage of its youth, you need to think about what form it should be given. If you want to create a lush bush, then it is better to cut the top as soon as it reaches literally 8-10 cm.

Lateral shoots are pruned according to approximately the same criterion. Further care consists in the timely removal of dead or semi-dry shoots, as well as in pinching out strongly growing branches. In ornamental foliage flowers, flower stalks are also removed after flowering is over.

How to propagate begonia (video)

Begonia is a southern guest that has long been registered in our latitudes. It well complements the design of the room, enlivening it with its beautiful flowers. And given that care does not take much time, we can safely recommend the cultivation of this plant to any gardeners.

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Feature and description

- This is a fairly tall sprawling bush. The leaves are smooth and shiny, dark green in color with white or gray speckles on top, have an uneven shape: oblong, rounded, in the form of a heart with an oblique center.
The underside of the leaves is reddish.
The flowers are white and light pink, beautiful unusual shape. They are located on a drooping pedicel hanging down and are collected in small inflorescences.

Home Care

Landing

Planted in the spring, at the beginning of March, as during this period there is the best growth.

Priming


The soil is mixed from different parts of peat, sand, turf, leafy soil. The substrate should be loose and light.

Styrofoam or pumice is placed at the bottom of the pot to absorb excess moisture.

Pot selection

The pot should be spacious, medium in size.

Watering

She likes soft moist indoor air. But you should not spray the leaves and flowers, in order to avoid darkening or rotting of the leaves.

Light mode

spotted prefers bright light. Direct sunlight should be avoided, the light should be diffused. If there is not enough natural light in the room, then fluorescent lamps can be turned on.

pruning


To make the bush lush and beautiful, the top of the plant must be pinched. In order for the leaves to be large, the buds can be cut off. Old plants are rejuvenated with pruning, which is done every 3 or 4 years.

Dead leaves and flowers are removed in a timely manner so that there is no rotting of the roots.

Thermal regime

The optimum room temperature corresponds to the interval 20 to 25 degrees Celsius in summer and not lower than 16 degrees Celsius in winter.

The plant is grown in a house or greenhouse, not suitable for planting on the street. Also, hypothermia of the roots should not be allowed, so they need to be insulated. Styrofoam and synthetic winterizer are well suited for insulation.

reproduction

They reproduce with leaf and stem cuttings, as well as by dividing the hive. Cuttings of leaves are added dropwise to moist soil, then transplanted into a pot. Stem cuttings are placed in water, which is periodically replaced with fresh water until the roots appear.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with a special dressing for ornamental flowering plants, which is applied 1-2 times a month from the beginning of March to the end of October.

Transfer


Transplanted every year, at least once every two years.

Features of winter care

in winter there is no rest period. It is watered sparingly. In the spring, they are transplanted into a new substrate.

Pests and diseases

Begonia may be affected gray rot. Often occurs in high humidity and low light indoors.

May often appear on leaves fungus and powdery mildew.

Common pests: spider mites and aphids.

Methods of struggle and treatment

Affected pests or diseased leaves removed, and the cut areas are treated with a fungicide.

From powdery mildew solution helps colloidal sulfur, which is sprayed on the plant.
With the help of insecticides, they fight aphids and spider mites.

Begonia in care is an unpretentious plant. It can bloom all year round under optimal conditions. At home, the plant restores a calm atmosphere, and is also used for medicinal purposes. for the treatment of headaches, conjunctivitis, stomach ulcers.

Photo



selo.guru

Prim colors of noble colors

Begonias are one of the most diverse genera of indoor plants. Tuberous and bushy, ampelous and rhizomatous, flowering and decorative foliage - there is plenty to choose from. But if flowering begonias are considered modern and fashionable plants, then deciduous begonias have long been given the status of "golden classics". And this is true: these plants have been used in interiors for a long time, won the hearts of fans, managed to survive several periods of unpopularity.

But today "grandmother's" begonias are back in fashion. Indeed, in the beauty of textures and colors with metallic effects, no one can compare with them. And even the fact that most begonias are poisonous plants (substances contained in the leaves cause irritation of the mucous membranes and skin), does not prevent them from remaining very popular crops.

Decorative leafy representatives of the genus Begonia (Begonia) are herbaceous perennials, the bushes of which are limited to a height of 20-40 cm. But there are exceptions to this rule. Miniature and medium varieties of begonias are considered more popular than gigantic ones, the height of which is not even limited to 1 m. In begonias developing from rhizomes (see materials on rhizome begonias), on thick, fleshy, shortened and most often pubescent shoots, inimitable leaves with a diameter of from 5 to 25 cm.

They can be both relatively simple lanceolate, and rounded, arrow-shaped and heart-shaped, and even lobed, like maple leaves. The pointed tip of some begonias is elongated, while others are almost invisible. It is not easy to discern the shape of the leaves: the contours of the leaf blades are “hidden” by luxurious large and sharp teeth along the edge, ruffles and edging.

The carved edge was once the reason that begonias were credited as "aggressive" plants, but such a reputation has now vanished like a haze. But the jagged edges really give the leaves stiffness and nobility. Thanks to them, begonias look both elegant and like a real proud indoor "aristocrat". Whatever the shape of the leaves, they are asymmetrical in begonias: a thick vein in the middle divides the leaf blades into two unequal halves. And this imperfection only emphasizes the features of color and texture.

And they are inimitable in begonias: magnificent velvet or satin of pubescent, matte or glossy leaves surprises with the play of not only colors, but also textures. It is in begonias that allusions with luxurious metals are most pronounced: gray patterns seem to be silver, and red patterns look like copper or gold.

The color palette of begonias is completely unique: dark brown, green and red colors seem to be real black, and the most diverse noble variations of green, red, purple, white, silver, chocolate, pink conquer with their unusualness.

The fact that begonias belong to the number of deciduous does not mean at all that the plants are unable to bloom. Inconspicuous and modest, incomparable with flowering species and varieties, cream flowers on plants are most often removed without admiring them. Tall deciduous begonias have more beautiful and brighter flowers than low bushy begonias.


Types of decorative leafy begonias

Today it is believed that the number of open species of begonias exceeds 1500 plants, and the number of hybrid forms and varieties has long exceeded the two thousandth mark. And a little less than half of the begonias are decorative and deciduous. Deciduous begonias are native to South America and Mexico, but some species were first discovered in Asia. In nature, begonias are considered typical inhabitants of tropical forests.

Today, the number of varieties and hybrids of begonias is so large that among the magnificent deciduous queens you can find cultures with any color, leaf shape, effects and textures. Fans of the classics will like begonias with color transitions along the contour of the plate, for a modern interior there are begonias with colorful ripples or strict patterns, and those looking for originality will be surprised by begonias with spirals and stars on the leaves ...

And if you remember the most diverse color combinations, then you can really talk about the variety of begonias endlessly. In a word, there are plenty to choose from.

If we owe such an enviable diversity to some species of begonia, then this is - Begonia royal (Begonia rex), which we also often call the botanical name Rex. This is the most diverse begonia in terms of leaf colors, which inspired breeders for endless experiments. Their appearance has become the standard for all leafy beauties.

Sometimes in the classifications of begonias, all decorative leafy varieties are divided into two groups - varieties and hybrids of royal begonia and begonia of the diadem group. The latter are descended from the begonia species of the same name, which caused a lot of controversy - begonia diadem (Begonia diadema). This plant remains controversial today.

Some scientists consider this begonia a separate species, while others consider it just a form of royal begonia. Tiaras are easy to distinguish by the similarity of the leaf shape to maple green: leaf plates are cut into 7 (or more) pointed lobes.


Begonia diadem "Silver Star" (Begonia diadema ‘Silver Star’). © Kor!An

But do not forget about other types of begonias.

Begonia Bauer (Begonia bowerae) is the most spotted of all begonias. The drawing on the leaves is always variegated, disordered, cheerful, contrasting spots appear on the leaf plates, evoking associations with the skins of wild cats.

Mason's begonia (begonia masoniana) - a species with unique black and green colors, the beauty of the veins on the leaves of which you can admire endlessly.

Begonia ringed (Begonia annulata), also known as Begonia Griffith (Begonia griffithy) is remembered by both velvety dense leaves and clearly defined zones-stripes of color. Her dark center is combined with the silvery color of the middle part of the leaf and a darker border, with all the “spots” following the contour of the most heart-shaped leaf plate with a base slightly twisted in a spiral.

Begonia Mason (Begonia masoniana). © shadeplants Bauer's begonia (Begonia bowerae). © Jan Richter Ringed begonia (Begonia annulata). © Martin Ogden

flesh colored begonia (Begonia incarnata), today the once considered separately Begonia metal (Begonia metallica) - a species with prominent veins, metallic reflections of the surface and powerful bushes from half a meter to 80 cm high.

begonia goegis (Begonia goegoensis) - a rarer species, the velvet leaves of which are most often flat, rounded with a pointed tip, resemble gems thanks to luminous light veins and cobwebs on a dark background.

One of the tallest begonias - ( Begonia maculata), which forms impressive bushes with strong shoots. The leaves are most often heart-shaped, sometimes with a base twisted into snails. Begonia got its name because of the colorful spots on the dark base background of the leaf plates, the contrasting ripple patterns. Unlike lower begonias, it can also boast of pretty pink flowers.

Begonia spotted (Begonia maculata). © outlawgarden Flesh-colored begonia (Begonia incarnata). © Gloria Utzig Begonia Goego (Begonia goegoensis). © MT

But in the sale of species begonias today are replaced by hybrids and varieties, each of which has its own memorable features.

Fashionable varieties of incomparable leafy aristocrats:

  • Variety "Snail" (Escargot) - a variety with dark gray-green leaves of an almost solid heart-shaped shape, in which the base of the leaf plates seems to twist inward, creating a coil, and a gray-silver light wide strip along the contour of the plate only emphasizes the spiral-snail;
  • Variety ‘Rohceart’ is a round-leaved begonia with spirally twisted leaves, a unique color and a transition from silver to silver-green to the thinnest black edge;
  • Variety ‘Namur’ - a silver-green “snail” variety with the thinnest border and veins in the center;
  • Variety ‘Lospe-Tu’ - with a base of bright green leaves also twisted like a snail, along the edge of which dark veins resemble stitched stitches;
  • Variety ‘Benitochiba’ - a densely bushy begonia with maple-shaped leaves of a silvery color, against which purple and green veins glow brightly, emphasized by the mother-of-pearl and pink tint of the carved edge of the leaves;
  • ‘Maid Marion’ is a mid-height silver-leaved 'snail' variety with a very rich raspberry-green border;
  • Variety ‘November Frost’ - a silvery variety with the finest network of dark green veins;
  • ‘Charlotte Chiffon’ is a delicate multi-color variety, in which the leaf blade is mother-of-pearl pink in the center, silver-pearl along the edge, and the border, veins and wavy edge are dark green;
  • Variety "Tiger" (Tiger) - a variety of Bauer begonias with bright green, dazzling round spots along the edges of reniform almost black leaves;
  • Variety ‘Pearl de Paris’ - mother-of-pearl-silver variety with heart-shaped leaves and a thin dark network on a corrugated surface;
  • ‘Nordic Glacier’ is a heavily scalloped pearly variety with a dark center and black, radially diverging veins that fade into a thin dark border;
  • Variety ‘Meisterstuck’ - pearl pink striped variety with black streaks;
  • Variety ‘Dewdrops’ - a satin begonia with a mother-of-pearl gray color, the foliage twisted into a snail at the base flaunts with a dark border and cobweb-like dark veins;
  • Variety ‘Chocolate Cream’ - a classic hybrid with rounded leaves twisted into a spiral at the base with an elongated tip, a carved edge, decorated with a dark brown border and veins, a memorable and dark center, and silver-pink stripes in the middle;
  • Variety ‘Baby Dress’ is a large-leaved, but low begonia with a bright rich green tone of large leaves with a red-brown “quilted” ruffle edge, leaf bases twisted into a double snail;
  • Variety ‘Green Gold’ - a round-leaved variety with a wavy surface, bases twisted into a very steep spiral, silvery in color, unique dark green veins diverging in the center of the leaf and overlapping with the thinnest border along the edge;
  • ‘Fireworks’ is a touching variety with heart-shaped leaves, in which the black core of the leaf along the veins diverges into a dark green with silver spots and a purple border;
  • Variety ‘Black Fang’ - a miniature velvet-black begonia with a carved pubescent edge, luminous malachite veins in the center and a double snail at the base of the leaf;
  • ‘Charm’ is an incomparable strict variety with a spirally twisted base and a pointed tip of a heart-shaped leaf, on which black ruffle is combined with small silver spots on a dark green background;
  • ‘Helen Lewis’ is a velvety-leaved begonia with a heart-shaped leaf that has an almost black border and center of leaves combined with silver and green stripes between them;
  • Variety ‘Lillian’ - similar to the previous variety, but with a corrugated edge and a double snail at the base;
  • Variety ‘Silver Jewel’ - striped begonia with velvety dark leaves and silvery “zebra” veins;
  • Variety ‘Little Brother Montgomery’ - playing on the contrast of silver-light green with a dark green center and border, a maple-leaved variety;
  • Variety ‘Hallelujah’ - a very compact variety twisting into a snail with a dark purple color, which literally makes a silver stripe sparkle in the center of the leaf plates (visually separates the leaf into a border and center);
  • ‘Dollar Down’ is a unique variety with an almost black border and scarlet leaf color;
  • Variety ‘Five and Dime’ - mother-of-pearl-pink variety with green-black ruffles;
  • Grade ‘Gryphon’ - a variety with maple leaves, large, with a glossy metallic sheen of dark leaves with silver stains between the veins;
  • Variety ‘Merry Christmas’ is a very beautiful variety, in which the stripes are almost strict and brightly separated from one another - from a black center and a pink base to a silvery spot in the middle, turning into a rich green edge and a dark thin border;
Begonia "Benitoshiba" (Begonia ‘Benitochiba’) Begonia "Tiger" (Begonia 'Tiger'). © Mokkie Begonia "Fireworks" (Begonia ‘Fireworks’). © Cliff

Care for decorative leafy begonias at home

Deciduous begonias are unpretentious and hardy plants. They can react to care mistakes and various problems with the loss of leaves and a depressed state, but as soon as you correct your mistakes, they quickly recover. But still, it is better not to go to extremes in growing deciduous begonias.

If you provide them with regular and attentive care, then begonias will reveal all their unprecedented beauty and become a true decoration of the collection. Moreover, it is not at all difficult to adhere to the “norm”: deciduous begonia does not require either a cool wintering or measures to humidify the air.

Lighting for leafy begonias

Due to the undemanding nature of lighting, begonias allow the use of luxurious variegated leaves to decorate not only window sills, but also the interior (not only in living rooms, but also in bathrooms). Strong shading will affect the beauty of the patterns, and the density of the bushes, and the size of the leaves. But in any bright or semi-shaded place, begonia will only please.

The only thing that needs to be given increased attention is protection from direct sunlight. Begonia needs diffused lighting, even the morning sun can leave spots on the leaves and ruin their attractiveness.

Comfortable temperature conditions

Begonias with beautiful leaves thrive at room temperatures. They do not like cold or heat. The most comfortable environment is limited to 15-20 degrees. Below 15 degrees, the temperature should not fall even for a short time in winter. The heat negatively affects the beauty of the foliage, the plants may suffer from drying out of the tips, but if it is not possible to provide more restrained indicators, then it is possible to normalize the environment for begonias with simple measures to humidify the air.

Some difficulties in growing decorative leafy begonias are caused by the dislike of plants for drafts. But it is enough to put the bushes in a protected place and additionally protect the begonias during ventilation - and there will be no problems. You need to ventilate the room with begonias more often: access to fresh air is necessary for the formation of very beautiful leaves.

Begonias should not be taken out into the open air, placed on balconies in the summer, and even more so in the garden.

Begonia "Muddy Waters" (Begonia ‘Muddy Waters’). © gwenniesworld

Watering and humidity

These magnificent beauties need a simple approach to watering: for deciduous begonias, they do not allow stagnant water, but maintain a uniform, light humidity, without letting the soil dry out completely. The winter irrigation regime is adjusted in accordance with changes in the rate of drying of the substrate, slightly reducing the frequency of procedures and be sure to check how dry the soil is before the next watering.

Some varieties of begonias require a dormant period, and watering for them needs to be adjusted more significantly (when buying, it is worth clarifying the winter care regimen). But most leafy beauties do not need such measures. Plants are watered with water of the same temperature with air.

When watering deciduous begonias, you need to act very carefully: the plants cannot stand water on the leaves and stems, even small drops leave spots behind (it is because of this that begonias cannot be sprayed).

Begonias with decorative leaves, despite their origin, cannot be called typical moisture-loving tropicans, which are vital for high levels of air humidity. But their endurance has its limits: too dry air affects the beauty of the leaves, and extreme dryness during work heating appliances should be avoided by taking measures to compensate for it. Also, additional measures to increase the humidity of the air will have to be taken if the begonias are at a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius.

For begonias, spraying is not an option. You can increase the humidity of the air by simple measures - installing bowls, pallets with wet moss, pebbles, expanded clay, decorative soils (playing with textures can be used to emphasize the beauty of begonia leaves).

The function of a humidifier for begonias can be played by moisture-loving neighbors (rush, cyperus, and other species that require damp conditions), and indoor fountains, and paludariums, or aquariums. If you need only temporary measures and want to increase the humidity by simple spraying, then apply it from a considerable distance above the plant, using the finest spray possible.

Top dressing for deciduous begonias

Fertilizers for these plants are applied exclusively from March to October. It is advisable to use special mixtures of fertilizers for decorative leafy plants. But if you managed to find special fertilizers for begonias, then choose them (usually such products are found in the product lines of manufacturers who have fertilizers not only for basic types, but also for certain varieties of indoor plants - palm trees, orchids, etc.) .


Begonia "Revelation Maroon" (Begonia 'Revelation Maroon')

Transplant and substrate

Deciduous-type begonias are transplanted only as needed, when the plants become too crowded in old containers. Transplantation is carried out by increasing the pots by 2-3 cm compared to the previous one. Wide, flat pots (height less than diameter) are preferred. The best time is February or March.

For begonias, it is necessary to select nutritious, loose substrates. The optimal pH is 5.8-6.5. You can use ready-made universal soil mixtures. When self-compiling the mixture, use:

  • a mixture of equal parts of sand, leafy and humus soil with a double part of soddy soil;
  • a mixture in equal parts of leaf, sod, humus soil, peat and sand.

When transplanting, the level of penetration of begonias is kept the same. For a plant for several days after the procedure, it is necessary to provide a shady location.

Diseases and pests

Deciduous begonias, unfortunately, cannot be attributed to the most resistant houseplants. They are affected not only by aphids, spider mites or thrips, but also by powdery mildew, gray rot. This is one of the most sensitive indoor crops to soil nematodes. On these plants, the fight should begin with the use of insecticides or fungicides, since the treatment in the form of mechanical washing off of insects for deciduous begonias is unacceptable.

Common Growing Problems:

  • dropping leaves in dry air or when the substrate dries out;
  • blanching of leaves with brown tips in dry air and with poor watering;
  • stretching and crushing leaves with strong shading.

Reproduction of deciduous begonias

Non-flowering type begonias allow you to choose different propagation methods to get new specimens, and, as a rule, rooting is quick and without problems. But you need to start breeding deciduous begonias during the spring. The best ways to propagate deciduous begonias include:

  1. Separation of rhizomes during transplantation into large parts (you can separate large begonias both with your hands and by cutting the trunk, but you must definitely monitor the presence of a powerful bunch of roots and one or more buds and shoots in each division).
  2. rooting cuttings “with a heel” or parts of a leaf (in begonias, leaf plates can be cut along the main veins, laying the cut with the bottom side on wet sand and pinning or pressing with pebbles; rooting is carried out with lower watering, light humidity and in a bright place).
  3. Branch of apical cuttings with 3-5 leaves (after processing the cuts, they are placed in water or planted in a substrate common for begonias and rooted in a bright place at room temperature with light soil moisture).
  4. Rooting parts of the leaf.

Any cutting method provides for monthly rooting. When propagating by parts of the leaf, it is necessary to wait not only for the formation of roots along the cut of the vein, but also for the appearance of strong plants, which, after growing up, can be separated from the leaf.

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Description of the appearance of begonias

The flower grows in the form of a bush, has large (larger than a palm) leaves of a rich green color interspersed - hence the name begonia. Young leaves are light green, but when they grow, the color darkens. The shape of the leaf is uneven, rounded-elongated, a bit like a heart. The reverse side is red. If you touch the sheet, it seems that it is wet or painted with oil paint.

This type of begonia blooms almost all year round. Large inflorescences hang in clusters (like grapes), and the flowers themselves are small - white or pale pink.


Growing spotted begonias

Begonias planted in early spring do best. Flowerpot for a flower you need to pick up the average, spacious enough. The plant loves light soil, so mixed soil is used:


  • leaf land;
  • peat;
  • turf;
  • sand.

When planting begonias on the bottom of the flowerpot, be sure to lay pieces of foam or pour expanded clay to create a drainage layer.

The plant belongs to the photophilous, however, under the influence of direct sunlight, burn spots appear on the leaves. Therefore, it is better to choose a place for it with diffused lighting. If it is not possible to provide natural lighting (for example, the apartment is located on the north side of the house), the begonia needs to be additionally highlighted. With a lack of sun, the plant may stop blooming, and the leaves will lose their rich color.
The spotted begonia is very fond of water, so it needs to be watered often and well. At the same time, make sure that water does not stagnate in the pan. With the onset of winter, watering is reduced - it is enough just to maintain moderate humidity, preventing the soil from completely drying out.

It is impossible to spray spotted begonia, otherwise the leaves will darken and the process of decay may begin.

Since spotted begonia is afraid of low temperatures and drafts, it is grown only indoors. Comfortable temperature for its content in summer time becomes 25 degrees of heat, and in winter - not less than 17 degrees.
To stimulate development, the shrub is fed with special fertilizers for ornamental plants that bloom. Top dressing is best done starting from spring and ending in autumn no more than once (maximum two) times a month.

Pruning and propagating begonias

To stimulate the growth of side shoots and form a beautiful bush, the plant needs to cut off the top. Since begonia blooms on young shoots, every 3-4 years it is rejuvenated - they carry out maximum pruning.

If the fact of flowering is not so important, but there is a desire to get large leaves, you can cut off the buds to redirect the power of the begonia to leaf growth.

The cuttings and leaves remaining after the rejuvenation of begonias can be planted to obtain new plants. Begonia also reproduces by dividing the bush.

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spotted begonia- This is a fairly tall sprawling bush. The leaves are smooth and shiny, dark green in color with white or gray speckles on top, have an uneven shape: oblong, rounded, in the form of a heart with an oblique center.
The underside of the leaves is reddish.
The flowers are white and light pink, beautiful unusual shape. They are located on a drooping pedicel hanging down and are collected in small inflorescences.

Home Care

Landing

Planted in the spring, at the beginning of March, as during this period there is the best growth.

Priming

The soil is mixed from different parts of peat, sand, turf, leafy soil. The substrate should be loose and light.

Styrofoam or pumice is placed at the bottom of the pot to absorb excess moisture.

Pot selection

The pot should be spacious, medium in size.

Watering

In summer, water the plant often and plentifully, but avoid transfusion. In winter, watering should be moderate, to prevent overdrying of the earth.

She likes soft moist indoor air. But you should not spray the leaves and flowers, in order to avoid darkening or rotting of the leaves.

Light mode

spotted prefers bright light. Direct sunlight should be avoided, the light should be diffused. If there is not enough natural light in the room, then fluorescent lamps can be turned on.

It is impossible to abruptly rearrange the pot with the plant from the sunny side to the shade or back.

pruning


To make the bush lush and beautiful, the top of the plant must be pinched. In order for the leaves to be large, the buds can be cut off. Old plants are rejuvenated with pruning, which is done every 3 or 4 years.

Dead leaves and flowers are removed in a timely manner so that there is no rotting of the roots.

Thermal regime

The optimum room temperature corresponds to the interval 20 to 25 degrees Celsius in summer and not lower than 16 degrees Celsius in winter.

Wind and draft should be avoided, do not take the plant pot outside.

The plant is grown in a house or greenhouse, not suitable for planting on the street. Also, hypothermia of the roots should not be allowed, so they need to be insulated. Styrofoam and synthetic winterizer are well suited for insulation.

reproduction

They reproduce with leaf and stem cuttings, as well as by dividing the hive. Cuttings of leaves are added dropwise to moist soil, then transplanted into a pot. Stem cuttings are placed in water, which is periodically replaced with fresh water until the roots appear.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with a special dressing for ornamental flowering plants, which is applied 1-2 times a month from the beginning of March to the end of October.

Transfer


Transplanted every year, at least once every two years.

Features of winter care

in winter there is no rest period. It is watered sparingly. In the spring, they are transplanted into a new substrate.

Pests and diseases

Begonia may be affected gray rot. Often occurs in high humidity and low light indoors.

May often appear on leaves fungus and powdery mildew.

Common pests: spider mites and aphids.

Methods of struggle and treatment

Affected pests or diseased leaves removed, and the cut areas are treated with a fungicide.

Powdery mildew solution helps colloidal sulfur, which is sprayed on the plant.
With the help of insecticides, they fight aphids and spider mites.

It is a hardy plant. It can bloom all year round under optimal conditions. At home, the plant restores a calm atmosphere, and is also used for medicinal purposes. for the treatment of headaches, conjunctivitis, stomach ulcers.

Photo

You can see the photo below:



The name of the plant was in honor of Michel Begon, who was well versed in flowers and was a great lover of them.

Total exists about 2000 species begonias. All of them are distinguished by fleshy leaves and long beautiful flowering.

It grows in tropical climates: Africa, Brazil, America.

View Begonia Spotted or Begonia maculata Raddi belongs to the Begoniev family. This is a flowering shrub, belongs to the type of decorative deciduous begonias.

Feature and description

spotted begonia- This is a fairly tall sprawling bush. The leaves are smooth and shiny, dark green in color with white or gray speckles on top, have an uneven shape: oblong, rounded, in the form of a heart with an oblique center.
The underside of the leaves is reddish.
The flowers are white and light pink, beautiful unusual shape. They are located on a drooping pedicel hanging down and are collected in small inflorescences.

Home Care

Landing

Planted in the spring, at the beginning of March, as during this period there is the best growth.

Priming

The soil is mixed from different parts of peat, sand, turf, leafy soil. The substrate should be loose and light.

Styrofoam or pumice is placed at the bottom of the pot to absorb excess moisture.

Pot selection

The pot should be spacious, medium in size.

Watering

She likes soft moist indoor air. But you should not spray the leaves and flowers, in order to avoid darkening or rotting of the leaves.

Light mode

spotted prefers bright light. Direct sunlight should be avoided, the light should be diffused. If there is not enough natural light in the room, then fluorescent lamps can be turned on.

pruning


To make the bush lush and beautiful, the top of the plant must be pinched. In order for the leaves to be large, the buds can be cut off. Old plants are rejuvenated with pruning, which is done every 3 or 4 years.


Dead leaves and flowers are removed in a timely manner so that there is no rotting of the roots.

Thermal regime

The optimum room temperature corresponds to the interval 20 to 25 degrees Celsius in summer and not lower than 16 degrees Celsius in winter.

The plant is grown in a house or greenhouse, not suitable for planting on the street. Also, hypothermia of the roots should not be allowed, so they need to be insulated. Styrofoam and synthetic winterizer are well suited for insulation.

reproduction

They reproduce with leaf and stem cuttings, as well as by dividing the hive. Cuttings of leaves are added dropwise to moist soil, then transplanted into a pot. Stem cuttings are placed in water, which is periodically replaced with fresh water until the roots appear.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with a special dressing for ornamental flowering plants, which is applied 1-2 times a month from the beginning of March to the end of October.

Transfer


Transplanted every year, at least once every two years.

Features of winter care

in winter there is no rest period. It is watered sparingly. In the spring, they are transplanted into a new substrate.

Pests and diseases

Begonia may be affected gray rot. Often occurs in high humidity and low light indoors.

May often appear on leaves fungus and powdery mildew.

Common pests: spider mites and aphids.

Methods of struggle and treatment

Affected pests or diseased leaves removed, and the cut areas are treated with a fungicide.

Powdery mildew solution helps colloidal sulfur, which is sprayed on the plant.
With the help of insecticides, they fight aphids and spider mites.

Begonia in care is an unpretentious plant. It can bloom all year round under optimal conditions. At home, the plant restores a calm atmosphere, and is also used for medicinal purposes. for the treatment of headaches, conjunctivitis, stomach ulcers.

Photo




selo.guru

Hello dear readers!

Today we will talk about begonias. This is an amazing plant, unique, very decorative and versatile.

Begonia looks spectacular everywhere both in the apartment and in the garden in the flower beds.

Admiring her magnificent and diverse rose flowers, I never cease to be amazed at how perfect and unique the creations of our nature are.

The capricious luxurious sissy begonia is loved on all continents. The plant has its own family - Begonia.

This family is native to the tropics and subtropics. Wild primordial species grow there.

They are not cultivated, but on the basis of these materials, the breeders did a good job.

The beautiful begonia is now represented in more than one and a half thousand species.

The most common:

  • Used in gardens tuberous begonia. This species was successfully tamed and adapted to our natural conditions.
  • Everblooming is another type of garden destination. Low, branching, blooming for a long time and abundantly, it perfectly decorates the garden.
  • Flower growers and ampelous begonia grow, but it is more applicable as a balcony or terrace view. You can grow ampelous and in the room.

The selection has succeeded in working with this plant. The flowers are terry, similar to peonies, their color is varied.

Blooming arrays fascinate the eye, and do not leave anyone indifferent.

Yes, and unpretentious, non-terry, varieties are attractive - begonia is tender and blooms profusely.

The difficulties of flower growers are not frightening (and the flower is not easy), they master the science of growing a plant. Compositions even from one begonia of different varieties are magnificent.

Good begonia, the care of which at different stages is either simple or difficult, and in combination with other types of flowers.

Morphology and biology


Initially, begonia is a succulent that tolerates prolonged drought without much damage to the plant.

Simple indoor views prove this even now. A flower exposed to the yard in the heat will not only endure this, but will also grow safely.

Content with rare waterings or falling rains, it will become lush - to the envy of those left on the windowsill.

But varietal tuberous begonia will require care. It may not fully manifest itself in the sun, it is better in partial shade.

There, the buds are larger, and the color is juicier. It will not tolerate waterlogging, but it also does not tolerate drought well.

Or maybe not tolerate fluctuations in humidity, if they are frequent, and even long-term.

Begonia leaves have a different shape and color, they are asymmetrical. Sometimes green, sometimes red, even purple or brownish.

It depends on the type, on the selected variety. They can also differ in color within the leaf: the veins are darker, especially below.

It is difficult to determine the plant along the edge of the leaf - it can be dissected or smooth in begonias.

There are species that are characterized by serrated leaves, and even palmately lobed. Often they are with colored hairs, often spotted.

The spots are also different in color, sometimes similar to a silvery coating.

The veins of the lower plate of some varieties are covered with fluffy hairs. different shades. From rich red to almost inconspicuous green.

Flowers on individual plants are of both sexes. But the timing of flowering of heterosexual flowers is shifted in time. The males bloom first, the females later.


So nature is protected from inbreeding - related pollination and degeneration.

A flowering female specimen can only get pollen from another plant.

Their male flowers have already faded, giving pollen to the flowers of other begonias. Nature is wise, reasonable.

Breeders use this feature of begonias to create varieties.

In wild-growing simple flowers - in 4 - 5 petals. Varietals are often terry, you don’t always recognize a distant tropical relative next to them.

The stem varies in height and thickness - by varieties and species. One thing is constant: the begonia stem is fragile.

The fruit is a cracking box. The seeds are very small, the wind “sows” them sometimes far from the mother plant.

In nature, the seeds of this plant are distributed by frequent showers in the tropics. Water flows in streams, carrying the seeds to another place.

Tuberous begonia does not tolerate stagnant air, because it is a garden plant.

Outdoor begonia

Withstand "free life" three species beloved by gardeners:

  • Tuberous - grown using a special technology from tubers.
  • Deciduous - Deciduous begonias do not have a central stem. From the rhizome, many equivalent leafy stems branch upwards. They are usually pubescent and crowned with beautiful, spectacular carved large leaves of different colors and shapes. These begonias also bloom, but the leaves provide a decorative effect to the plant to a greater extent. The flowers are delicate, small.
  • Bush. Ever-flowering - forming rhizomes.

Tuberous. Gardeners often prefer tuberous, very showy begonias.

The beginning of her growing season takes place in the house, there are subtleties of care. Our flower growers have found an approach to the plant, developed a technique for storing tubers, awakening them by the time of planting.

But then it smells fragrant and pleases with beauty - in a flower bed.

Even with seed cultivation, which is also practiced, this species eventually forms tubers.

The color of the petals is a palette of colors. Ranging from pale pink, almost white, to rich red, purple.

Terry flowers are in favor, but simple four-petal begonias are also good.

ever blooming. This species is also good in landscaping. The underground part looks like a tuber, but morphologically it is a rhizome.

It can bloom continuously, without rest, all year round, but in the tropics.

In the gardens of our country, the ever-flowering grows like an annual, this begonia is grown from seeds. You can collect the seeds yourself, it will be an interesting experiment.

Some specimens will repeat outwardly parental traits, some will give splitting - a completely unexpected result.

The color may change, disappear or even appear for the first time - terry.



Deciduous. Deciduous begonias do not have a central stem. From the rhizome, many equivalent leafy stems branch upwards.

They are usually pubescent and crowned with beautiful, spectacular carved large leaves of different colors and shapes.

These begonias also bloom, but the leaves provide a decorative effect to the plant to a greater extent. The flowers are delicate, small.

Choose the variety you like

Begonia varieties are very diverse. There are many varieties of a luxurious flower - there is where to look and fantasy to roam.

Of course, each grower chooses what will harmoniously fit into the landscape of his garden. Or it will perfectly suit the design of the yard, it will reign in the flower beds.

Popular varieties of deciduous species:

hybrid royal(she is Begonia Rex) fascinates with a kaleidoscope of leaf color. Her leaves have the most unexpected shades, patterns, carved along the edge or even.


Unusual ornaments of leaves are so decorative that you can make any desired composition.

In addition to bizarre patterns, the leaves of this variety have a border. By arranging only species related to the royal, the florist can recreate the original flower bed.

Mason's begonia. Also sheet form. The plant is low, rarely 35, more often - 20 cm.

The leaf pattern is unusual: on a non-smooth, terry-like, light green background, there are brown triangles converging at the center with sharp tops.

A leaf of this color resembles the symbolism: the Maltese cross. The flowers are small, modest, beige.

The main value is the decorativeness of the sheet.

metallica. The coloring is in the name. The leaf itself (this is also a deciduous species) is green, plain, carved.

It is valued for its silvery-metallic hue, similar to plaque or dust from metal.

Red-leaved. In fact, the leaf blade is green and gives off a shine - glossy.

The name is given on the underside: it is a juicy red hue. Flowers, like all deciduous begonias, are in the background.

They are discreet, crayons, pale pink.

Bush begonia is "bolder" than deciduous.

It grows with powerful dense stems intensively branched into lateral shoots.

It has a well-defined powerful rhizome. It is not divided into parts.

This species can bloom all year round. For which it is also called ever-flowering. In the open ground it blooms seasonally, in the winter garden or at home it justifies its name.

Varieties of bush begonia:

Coral. It is this color - delicate medium-sized, but numerous flowers in the inflorescence.

It grows as a bush, not without reason bush. Grows up to a meter in height. The leaf is a dark green background, favorably presenting the main thing: inflorescences.

The leaves themselves are not variegated, monotonous. The lower plate is reddish.

Fuchsian. A very spectacular, meter-high, wall-growing begonia, abundantly strewn with inflorescences of different shades of red, starting with pale pink, ending with dark red.

Small flowers hang in a garland on long, also colored to match the flower, legs.

It looks great against the background of smooth green leaves of large size. Stems may be red.

Tuberous begonia is a worthy fruit of the work of breeders.

So many species participated in its creation that now varieties are not always determined by an inexperienced eye, like begonia.

It is both herbaceous and can grow as a bush, and give long shoots (ampelous).

Its flowers vary from small and medium to large. A sheet of one standard does not have: its shape is different, so more interesting plant for the florist.

You can compose according to your preferences, relying on taste and imagination.

The flower is simple or (more often) terry, its edges are wavy, carved or smooth - depending on the variety.

Begonia is in no way inferior in decorativeness to a rose or peony. It looks like them and can even compete in beauty.

Odorossa. Long-blooming, replete with shades of pink of different saturation - in one petal. Very beautiful.

Plants of this variety are not necessarily pink, they can have different colors.

If desired, flower growers acquire mixtures of Odorossa. A flower bed of a flowering mixture is like a luxurious carpet.

The flowers are large, double, diameter - 15 cm.

kelblutroth. Large-flowered variety. Scarlet flowers. There are pink and other shades.

Picoty Harlequin. The exotic names of begonias also emphasize its beauty. This variety is terry.

The bush itself is low - twenty centimeters, but the flowers are luxurious. The flower is large (12 cm), yellow-orange.

The shades change: in the center there is an almost red middle, the petal itself is almost yellow, and along the edges there is a clearly defined red border.

The subspecies "Pikoti" includes many varieties, most are characterized by a border around the edge, but there are also white ones.

Champagne. It is not for nothing that this species was named so: when Champagne blooms, abundant double flowers of a delicate creamy yellow color hang like fireworks like champagne splashes.

The size of the flower is average, 9 cm, but he himself is charming. At the edges, the color gradually turns into a darker one.

There are so many varieties that only the gardener himself can choose the right ones among more than two thousand of their family.

No amateur variety will disappoint.

Drop off time and place

Begonia settles in open ground when the time for return frosts has already passed.

But in order for her to have time to decorate the entire garden summer with flowering, it is necessary to “wake up” the tuber earlier.

Therefore, the plant begins to grow - at home. You need to start doing it at the border of the seasons: winter and spring.

Tubers are brought from storage to the house in February. Check out the condition.

Having found dormant buds, you can send the tubers until March - in the refrigerator, to vegetables. Right in the package.

If the kidneys have already sensed the approaching spring and woke up, hatched, a refrigerator is not an option.

Must be planted. Of course, not in the garden - in pots. Sprouts begin to feed, take this food from the tuber.

It is necessary to help the plant form both sprouts and roots before moving it to the garden. Therefore, the first landing site is room conditions, the usual flower pot.

Acquired for the first time, begonia is also examined. An option is chosen - a refrigerator until March or planting a tuber at home, a kind of "kindergarten".

This is determined by the condition of the purchased tuber in the same way as when inspecting a stored house, in a basement or in a refrigerator.

Planting begonias

A favorite of gardens is grown either from a tuber or by sowing seeds. Both methods will give a tuberous plant by autumn.

But how to plant begonia is a whole science.

Planting in a pot

The dwelling is temporary, does not require a large size. Begonia roots grow superficially, do not go deep.

  • If there are several tubers, you can adapt a shallow plastic container for the first phase of their cultivation and plant these tubers nearby.
  • There should be a space with a radius of 5 cm around each tuber, i.e. from the edge of the container 5 cm, between the tubers - 10.
  • For proper development, begonias are planted in good soil. It is not necessary to spend on ready-made soil mixture - it is more interesting to prepare it yourself. And at the same time - savings.
  • Do not take garden, especially greenhouse land. This is a waste material, it is considered the worst option. Good leafy podzolic soil (you can collect it in the nearest forest or forest belt). But what needs to be done is a mixture. Half the volume of sand, peat and humus is added to the total volume of the sheet. You can vary what is, but this composition is ideal for a good start of begonia.

Tuber preparation before planting has its own subtleties:

  • After examining the material for planting and removing dried, lifeless roots, begonia tubers are disinfected. This is the prevention of fungal diseases, a fungicide solution is taken.
  • Disinfect by placing the tubers in a container where the solution will cover only the bottom two-thirds.
  • Be sure to make sure that the upper, sprout, part of the tubers does not get wet. Otherwise, the tuber may get sick, rot, do not germinate. Surprising, almost paradoxical, this feature of a plant originating from the humid tropics. But you must follow this rule.
  • Soak the tubers in a solution of a fungicidal preparation for 30 minutes.

Begonia is sensitive to stagnant water, so drainage is required. Improvised means are suitable - crushed stone, shards of pottery, pebbles.

Fragments of bricks, small chips of concrete from construction work, expanded clay - everything is suitable for laying on the bottom of the landing tank.

Excess water will drain through the non-moisture-retaining layer to the bottom of the pot. Then it will go into the pan through the holes in the bottom.

Tuber in shape - a hemisphere. Landing is carried out with a bulge down. In the recess on top, sprouts are formed (or have already formed).

This recess should not get wet during watering. Therefore, watering - only at the edges, for this they left a five-centimeter distance.

It is impossible to fill too much, only when upper layer the soil dries up. And watering - in moderation.

Do not pamper the planted tuber, do not cover. Place in a cool, moderately light room.

Harden, periodically exposing to the yard or balcony.

The place of hardening must be protected from drafts. This is how seedlings are grown.

Sowing seeds

A method for the most patient gardeners who protect the purity of the variety. The seeds, of course, are not "home-produced" if that purity is needed. They must be purchased annually.

Begonia is sown early, even in winter, at its end. January or February sowing will provide the plant with the opportunity to "catch up" with specimens grown from tubers.

Then flowering will delight from the beginning of summer - until frost. An important fact is that the tuber will have time to ripen.

With late sowing, the tubers are weak, they winter poorly. And the flowering period is short. In the south, begonia is sown in December.

An earthen mixture is prepared, as for tubers, and drainage is also provided.

Seeds are not buried, sowing is superficial - on a moistened substrate.

Humidity is kept constant - swollen seeds are vulnerable, they cannot stand dryness.

To get moisture to them, you just need to cover the seeds with a film. Possibly glass.

Convenient plastic containers. By covering the container with the sown seeds with a lid, the grower can make his task easier. Humidity inside the closed container will remain.

Growing begonia seedlings

  • If watering is needed, spray water or pour it into a drip pan. Otherwise, non-buried small seeds will not stay in place and will be washed away. Do not leave water in the pan for a long time - the begonia will perceive this as drowning or waterlogging, it may get sick.
  • For germination, temperatures common to all crops are needed: 20 or more (up to 25) degrees.
  • Shoots of thin stalks are immediately drawn out in the heat. Especially with a lack of light. Therefore, the temperature is reduced, light is added. This slows down the elongation and thinning of the seedlings.
  • For three whole weeks, the begonia will accumulate strength in order to expel the first leaves, called real ones. It's time for picking - planting plants separately.
  • It is better to seat in cups, but you can also in another box. It is enough to leave the distance between the picked seedlings at 2 cm.
  • This is an intermediate pick, after there will be two more. The second and third are held at intervals of about a month. More precisely, they are determined visually: by thickening of plants. The distance with each such pick is increased by 2 or 3 centimeters. You can get by with two picks, if the plant in the region during such cultivation is ready for planting, and the climate allows you to plant it earlier.
  • After waiting a month from the last pick, they compare the phase of plants and the weather. If the frost has already passed, seedlings are planted.

Landing in the ground

Seedlings grown from tubers and seedlings obtained from seeds love the same soil. The plant is one.

And begonias love the earth loose, "breathing", fertile, but not overfed.

It is good if the composition is close to that in which the young plant grew. But it will also endure changes, so long as there is no stagnant water, dense soil.

A place for a beautiful begonia is chosen with several conditions:

  • wind protection;
  • Penumbra;
  • Soil suitability;
  • Flooding of the site;
  • Favorable placement for a decorative presentation - to hide such beauty far away - is almost a crime.

As for the distance in the ranks, there are no standards - the gardener is guided by the requests of the variety.

Small plants tolerate close proximity, tall ones require space. Growing begonias is a creative process.

Seedlings of the first year rarely take the growth characteristic of the variety (they will show it the next year).

But the tubers work out well, then you won’t have to buy them in the spring.

The seedling planting depth is a maximum of 3 cm. It is good if the soil is filled with organic matter (humus).

When this is not the case, when planting, add flower complete (NPK) fertilizer in small concentrations.

Carefully watering the planted seedlings, the holes are mulched (if there is no bear) or sprinkled with soil for less evaporation.

Planting seedlings is not much different from planting seedlings. If the sprouts have already outgrown the size of a matchbox, the tuber can be safely sprinkled with earth and from above - in a permanent place.

Now this plant cannot be damaged, it has already developed both shoots and roots.

The distance is also verified by variety: “kids” live quietly at a distance of 15 cm, tall ones need more lighting and food area - about twice (distance - 30 cm).

Begonia care

Begonia is not so capricious, in vain they consider it so. Care includes operations:

  • Periodic watering - usually every two or three days, judging by the soil and weather. The leaves do not moisturize, water gently. If drops fall on the leaf, spots form.
  • Loosening is the destruction of crust and weeds, plus it retains moisture while improving aeration.
  • Top dressing. There is a little more attention and work here. Approximately two weeks, if you want to admire the luxury of a living carpet all season long. And the water is not hard. In regions where the water is not soft, slightly acidify the dressing solution with vinegar. A tablespoon of vinegar is enough for 15 liters of water. Then there will be “feed in the horse”, fertilizers will be assimilated.
  • Picking off faded and small male flowers - this will enhance the decorative effect.
  • If necessary - the destruction of pathogenic microflora that provokes diseases, protection from pests.

Otherwise, begonia does not require special care.

Reproduction of begonia

In addition to the already named seed (seedlings) and tuber (seedlings from tubers), begonia is propagated by other methods.

You can choose from the following:

  • Seeds - through seedlings;
  • Tubers - according to the described method;
  • cuttings;
  • leaf rooting;
  • Tuber division.

cuttings

We will analyze in more detail how to propagate begonia by cuttings.

The method is simple, accessible to any grower. Allows you to quickly get high-quality material.

Rooted cuttings retain all the characteristics of the variety.

Shanks are of three types:

  • apical;
    Stem median;
    Tuberous.

Stem (apical and middle)

Rooted, after cutting the stem into fragments with two or three leaves / buds.

The easiest way is to put the cuttings in the water. Can be directly into the soil substrate. Do it in the spring.

If rooting is carried out in water, it is convenient to put the cuttings in a transparent bowl. This will help to observe the formation of roots.

The resulting roots are a signal to transplant the cutting into a pot.

  • Watering around the edges;
  • top dressing;
  • Non-hot room;
  • Dim lighting.

So begonias are grown before planting already in the ground.

The cuttings planted in the substrate are watered, covered with a jar, a film - any moisture-preserving under it transparent material.

The fact that the stalk is rooted will be reported by the first new leaf that appears. The cover can be removed.

Cuttings are also taken in autumn. Then for the winter it is possible to drop the sheet. This is the norm, the stalk is alive.

Cuttings can be unscrewed from the tuber, carefully, without damaging them. And root by the same methods.

leaf rooting

If you managed to get only a leaf of a scarce variety, you need to root it in water so that the cut only touches the surface of the water.

Keep an eye on the level, do not leave it without moisture. Gradually, roots will stretch from the cut to the water.

A new begonia can be planted.

Another way to propagate begonias with leaves is shown in the video.

Tuber division

Selected exclusively healthy, not younger than two years, tubers. Suitable tubers are large, with several buds.

The division is done like this:

  • In spring, it is important to catch the moment of awakening of the kidneys. This is the time of division. Tubers with shoots do not divide, they are more vulnerable, manipulation harms growth. It may even destroy the tuber.
  • The knife is treated (peroxide, potassium permanganate solution) and the tuber is cut. It is clear that each fragment should be - with a kidney.
  • Tuber slices are dipped in ash (also disinfection).
  • Parts of the tubers are planted in a pre-prepared soil mixture. It is the usual composition for begonias. Do not deepen the kidneys.
  • Cover the pot with a transparent material (you can cut off the bottom of a plastic bottle) to maintain moisture.
  • You can remove the shelter when the begonia has grown, which means it has taken root.
  • Plant in the ground and sprinkle the top of the tuber when the sprouts are matchbox-sized. And the weather will allow the landing. But you can leave it in the pot longer.

Diseases and pests

Begonia is resistant to diseases with proper agricultural technology. May be affected by fungal (tuber rot) diseases in rainy years.

Then fungicides can come in handy, their solutions are detrimental to the fungus.

But if the soil is suitable for this flower, and even the begonia grows in a flower bed with subsoil drainage, it will be healthy.

Not too lazy to create ideal conditions for a favorite plant will not regret the labors. All summer and a significant part of autumn, admiring the luxury of a paradise flower is a reward for these efforts.

In open ground, begonia does not suffer from pests either. An amazingly hardy plant.

In wet rainy years, nematodes or thrips sometimes try to get close to it, but these are more greenhouse pests.

In the garden, begonia is an impregnable queen.

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Description of the appearance of begonias

The flower grows in the form of a bush, has large (larger than a palm) leaves of a rich green color interspersed - hence the name begonia. Young leaves are light green, but when they grow, the color darkens. The shape of the leaf is uneven, rounded-elongated, a bit like a heart. The reverse side is red. If you touch the sheet, it seems that it is wet or painted with oil paint.

This type of begonia blooms almost all year round. Large inflorescences hang in clusters (like grapes), and the flowers themselves are small - white or pale pink.

Growing spotted begonias

Begonias planted in early spring do best. Flowerpot for a flower you need to pick up the average, spacious enough. The plant loves light soil, so mixed soil is used:

  • leaf land;
  • peat;
  • turf;
  • sand.

When planting begonias on the bottom of the flowerpot, be sure to lay pieces of foam or pour expanded clay to create a drainage layer.

The plant belongs to the photophilous, however, under the influence of direct sunlight, burn spots appear on the leaves. Therefore, it is better to choose a place for it with diffused lighting. If it is not possible to provide natural lighting (for example, the apartment is located on the north side of the house), the begonia needs to be additionally highlighted. With a lack of sun, the plant may stop blooming, and the leaves will lose their rich color.
The spotted begonia is very fond of water, so it needs to be watered often and well. At the same time, make sure that water does not stagnate in the pan. With the onset of winter, watering is reduced - it is enough just to maintain moderate humidity, preventing the soil from completely drying out.

It is impossible to spray spotted begonia, otherwise the leaves will darken and the process of decay may begin.

Since spotted begonia is afraid of low temperatures and drafts, it is grown only indoors. The comfortable temperature for keeping it in summer becomes 25 degrees Celsius, and in winter - at least 17 degrees.
To stimulate development, the shrub is fed with special fertilizers for ornamental plants that bloom. Top dressing is best done starting from spring and ending in autumn no more than once (maximum two) times a month.

Pruning and propagating begonias

To stimulate the growth of side shoots and form a beautiful bush, the plant needs to cut off the top. Since begonia blooms on young shoots, every 3-4 years it is rejuvenated - they carry out maximum pruning.

If the fact of flowering is not so important, but there is a desire to get large leaves, you can cut off the buds to redirect the power of the begonia to leaf growth.

The cuttings and leaves remaining after the rejuvenation of begonias can be planted to obtain new plants. Begonia also reproduces by dividing the bush.

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Homeland of the houseplant begonia

The flower is unique in that it has a variety of forms.: from herbaceous to semi-shrub and shrubby. The color of the inflorescences of an unpretentious plant varies depending on the species. After flowering, a fruit is formed - a box containing small seeds.

The common feature of the plant is the presence of same-sex flowers and asymmetric wide-oval leaves located on succulent fleshy stems. Depending on the variety, the color of the leaf plates can be green, with a brown or purple admixture.

Thanks to its luxurious flowering and decorative foliage, begonia has gained popularity among flower growers. Depending on the structure of the underground part, The plant is conditionally divided into 3 groups:

  • sheet;
  • tuberous;
  • bush.

Perennial native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asian countries, Africa and America.

Types, varieties and hybrid varieties of begonia

There are many varieties of this colorful plant growing all over the world. Scientists know more than 900 of its species and more than 2000 hybrids have been bred. In home cultivation, 2 groups are used:

  • leafy;
  • blooming.

The difference between decorative and deciduous is in the original color and shape of the foliage.

Begonia tiger paws. low plant(less than 30 cm). White or pale pink flowers bloom most often in winter. Leaf plates of a bright green color with light specks are small in size and have a brown border with jagged edges. Since small inflorescences are of no aesthetic value, they can be removed.

Begonia Bauer

Begonia bowerae. A low neat bush, reaching 15 - 20 cm, has a decorative pubescence around the perimeter. The rhizome of the plant is creeping. On cold winter days, single flowers form. The most popular variety is the Tiger. with bronze-green spotted foliage.

begonia mottled

Begonia gutta. The bush can grow up to 2 m. Thanks to the correct formation, you can get a lush crown. The bush plant is given attractiveness by burgundy big leaves with silver dot. Inflorescences of pink tones are large.

Begonia corallina. Luxurious semi-shrub almost 2 m high. Saturated leaves are decorated on the front side with light spots, have an oblong-ovoid shape. The underside of the leaf plate becomes reddish by the beginning of summer. If the plant is carefully looked after, it can delight with pink flowers all year round.

When crossing coral begonia and Richards, alfalfa begonia was obtained, which has 20 cm leaves.

Begonia royal

Begonia rex. A perennial with a powerful creeping rhizome and a low thick stem covered with red bristles. Thanks to the large leaves on long petioles, a lush bush is formed. At the same time, the top of the leaf plates is velvety, and the bottom with prominent veins. The pattern and coloring of the leaves depends on the variety. The flowers, collected in inflorescences, are inconspicuous in appearance, located on tall peduncles.

(Begonia manicata). The name comes from the structure of the leaves, which at the top of the petiole form a rosette resembling a collar, and on the underside they have a slight pubescence along the perimeter and bright red outgrowths along the veins. The stem is creeping and thick.

Bright pink flowers represent a voluminous, but loose inflorescence. An adult bush individual forms up to 5 such decorative brushes. Blooms in winter.

Begonia hogweed

Begonia herac-leifolia. The stem of this large individual is recumbent. Saturated green foliage has a palmately dissected structure and is up to 20 cm in diameter. The underparts are reddish and pubescent. On a long peduncle, pinkish flowers form, forming multi-flowered brushes.

Begonia cuff

Begonia manicata. On a thickened stem are petioles, generously pubescent with hairs of red tones. From the fact that at the base of the leaf plate the petiole forms the so-called cuff, this type of begonia got its name. The top of the hairless leaf plates has a bright green color, and along the edge there are small denticles and hairs. No less beautiful flowers rise above the large foliage, forming pinkish sprawling clusters.

Begonia argenteo. Silvery leaves with clearly visible veins are quite indented at the edges. Bushy plant with drooping branches. The flowers are white or cream with a pinkish tint.

yellow begonia

Begonia xanthina Hook. A large-flowered shrub with densely double camellia-shaped flowers and a recumbent, densely pubescent stem. The leaves are oval in shape with a pointed tip. The top is smooth and shiny, and the bottom is slightly pubescent along the veins. Flowers yellowish to orange.

red-leaved begonia

Begonia erythrophylla. Beautiful hairless foliage has an intense green color and an unevenly rounded shape. Due to the rich red back of the leaf, this species received its name. A thick stem creeps along the ground. In summer, a pink palette of colors appears on the bush.

Begonia limmingheana. Semi-shrub with a woody stem at the base and ovate leaves. The edges of the leaf plates are wavy, and the color is dark green. Flowers are light red to coral red.

striped begonia

Begonia listada. The shoots of this bushy species are strongly leafy. The elongated leaves have a sharp core at the base. Velvety top with a bluish sheen and a light silver central vein, and the bottom is dark red. Pale pink tiny flowers bloom on short pedicels.

Begonia metallica. A vigorous flowering shrub with slightly reddish pubescent branches grows over a meter. Large foliage has a metallic sheen and red veins. The reverse side is purple. Inflorescences are pink.

Begonia tuberous multiflora

Begonia x tuberhybrida multiflora. It is characterized by rich carved leaves and semi-double and double flowers. that appear in summer period.

Begonia mix

Begonia mix. A rich mixture of herbaceous begonias with fragrant flowers in various colors. Compact bushes grow 35 cm. The foliage is green, heart-shaped, the edges are unevenly serrated.

Black Velvet. low plant(20 - 25 cm). It is characterized by a creeping stem and heart-shaped leaves with protruding white hairs along the edge, which darken when the flower is located in a lighted place.

Begonia Evening glow

Fast growing bushy species. Medium-sized leaves have a metallic color, a red center and green veins. Raspberry border around the perimeter.

begonia fista

Begonia feastii. Glossy, fleshy leaves are bronze on the outside and red on the back and are valued more than the pink little flowers in inflorescences.

Begonia propagation methods

There are several methods for dividing a flower, but beginner flower growers should know a few rules. In indoor cultivation, division is most often used using cuttings or leaves.

Propagation of begonias by cuttings

Propagation of begonias using stem and leaf cuttings is one of the simplest and most convenient methods for indoor floriculture. It is easiest to propagate bush begonias with stem cuttings. Step by step recipe such reproduction is as follows:

  • cuttings selected for rooting must have two or more buds;
  • the lower cut must be made directly under the lowest kidney;
  • on cuttings with a missing top, the upper cut must be performed, stepping back about 0.5 cm from the kidney;
  • all large leaves present on the cuttings should be cut in half;
  • in the soil nutrient substrate prepared in advance, you need to make holes and carefully place the cuttings;
  • for the fastest possible rooting, a nutrient substrate based on equal parts of peat and sand is best suited;
  • temperature regime in the germination room should not be lower than 20-22°C.

To create optimal conditions for rooting, all planted cuttings must be covered with polyethylene or plastic. Every day it is necessary to air the cuttings, preventing the soil from drying out.

Almost all begonia cuttings planted in this way form a root system in about a month, after which the plants can be transplanted into individual flower pots. You can use a ready-made substrate for begonias or independently prepare a planting mixture from equal ratios of peat, leaf or sod soil, humus and vegetable compost with the addition of a small amount of coarse-grained river sand. We should not forget about high-quality drainage and the presence of drainage holes in the landing tank.

Cuttings (video)

seed propagation

This type of reproduction is mainly used for breeding work and consists in carrying out the following simple activities:

  • in early February, fill small planting boxes with nutritious and disinfected soil;
  • moisten the surface of the nutrient soil well with settled water from a spray bottle and sow the seeds;
  • to facilitate the sowing of too small seeds of this decorative culture, should be mixed with sand;
  • the box with crops must be covered with glass or film and placed in a bright place.

It should be borne in mind that direct sunlight should not fall on crops. After the appearance of the first shoots, it is necessary to remove the shelter and monitor the temperature regime and indicators of soil moisture. Stronger and grown plants can be dived with caution.

Tuberous reproduction of begonias

Begonia tubers are divided into several parts. Each such fragment suitable for reproduction should be no more than 50-80 mm long and have a well-developed kidney. All sections of the cuts must be sprinkled with crushed activated carbon, and then the planting material should be placed in a pre-prepared moistened and nutritious soil.

Landings need to be covered with plastic wrap or transparent glass, and then placed in a bright place until the moment of full rooting. After the appearance of several new leaves on the planting material, the shelter must be removed, and the young plant must be transplanted into an individual flower pot with drainage, filled with special soil for cultivating begonias in indoor floriculture.

Reproduction by children

  • carefully cut off the apical part of the rhizome with a clean and sharp knife;
  • to get high-quality rooting, you need to lower the cut off part into a root formation stimulator;
  • place the begonia baby prepared for planting in a flower pot filled with a nutritious soil mixture of equal parts of peat and clean coarse sand, which can be replaced with perlite;
  • cover the flower pot with polyethylene and place in warm room with diffused lighting.

It takes about a month before the young shoots appear on the plant, after which you can remove the shelter and carry out standard begonia care.

leaf reproduction

If there is a need to obtain a significant amount of planting material, then it is advisable to resort to the leaf method of propagating begonias. Cut leaves must be cut into three parts. Each part must necessarily have a piece of the central vein, which is necessary for the development of a vegetative clone.

Leaf blades prepared in this way must be planted in a vertical position in a previously prepared nutrient substrate. The depth should not exceed 10 mm. Planting soil suitable for rooting is prepared on the basis of peat. The substrate should be very carefully disinfected, which will reduce the risk of injury. developing plants mold fungi.

Successful rooting of the leaf blade is possible only under conditions of high humidity, which implies the mandatory use of shelter in the form of translucent plastic or polyethylene film. It is also possible to root the leaf plate in water, without the use of a nutritious soil substrate.

Further care

cultivation room begonia is not difficult even for beginner amateur flower growers. The decorative culture is quite unpretentious, and in order to obtain abundant and long flowering, you need to pay attention to the following care recommendations:

  • the basis for the competent cultivation of begonias is abundant and frequent watering of the plant with soft and settled water throughout the summer period;
  • it is advisable to install a flower pot on a layer of expanded clay with water, which will maintain optimal humidity;
  • in winter, the volume and number of irrigation measures should be reduced to a minimum;
  • complex mineral fertilizers are required to be applied at the stage active growth and development of decorative culture in the spring-summer period, as well as in the phase of laying flower buds;
  • it is recommended to place flower pots with begonias on the windowsills of the northern and eastern directions;
  • do not allow the plant to overcool in the winter and the soil in the flower pot to dry out in the summer.

Begonia care at home

Flowers are not only different appearance, but also the requirements for growing conditions. Some varieties are more capricious than others. But in order to grow a healthy and beautiful plant, it must be looked after.

How to plant a begonia (video)

Lighting, humidity and temperature

At midday, it is desirable to cover the bush from the hot rays. In summer, it is better to move a flower with a pot away from the window, and in winter, on the contrary, move it closer to the light in order to ensure uniform annual coverage.

In the room where begonias grow, it is necessary to ensure high humidity, while taking into account that drops on pubescent leaves affect them negatively. In view of this feature, a flower pot can be placed on a tray with wet pebbles or moss.

The air temperature should be moderate: 20-26°C during the day and not fall below 15-16°C at night. In winter, the plant does not need rest, so you should not change the temperature regime.

soil and flower pot

The plant prefers loose, moisture-permeable and nutritious soil with a slightly acidic reaction. For adult bushes, the following composition is suitable: peat, sand, hardwood (1: 1: 3). The bottom of the pot must contain drainage.

Since the root system is superficial, the capacity for planting should be wide, but not too deep, and shallow. If the plant is tuberous, then when planting, the distance from the edge of the pot to the tuber should be 3-4 cm.

Watering the plant

Water intended for irrigation should be prepared in advance. To get rid of chlorine, the water must be defended for at least a day, and to soften, boil or use a filter.

Experts recommend watering the plant in the morning, preferably at the same time. The frequency of watering is determined depending on the conditions and drying of the soil. In summer, the amount of water should be more. To maintain a sufficient level of moisture, the topsoil should be loosened to a depth of 1 cm.

You can water by immersing the flower pot in a container larger than the size of the pot. Water, coming through the drainage holes, will saturate the ground.

Feeding begonias in a pot

Once every 10 days, the flower needs to be fed, while it is desirable to fertilize in the evening. Before feeding, the soil must be watered. In order to avoid toxicosis and death of the plant, it is important to ensure that there is no excess fertilizer.

Suitable as a feed "Bona Forte", "Begonia", "Good Force" purchased from a specialized store.

Terms and rules of pruning

Trimming the plant is necessary both to get rid of old elements, and to form a bush. Pruning rules:

  1. In a young individual (6 - 7 cm in height), the top should be cut off.
  2. Reduce the frequency of watering until the plant begins to grow vigorously.
  3. When the shoots reach 10 cm in length, you need to cut off their tops.
  4. To save the crown, the elongated branches should be removed.

Tuberous varieties must be pruned for the winter. But not all species need pruning. After the onset of autumn, the begonia leaves begin to dry out. The aerial part must be cut off, leaving only 1 - 2 cm and put the pot in a dark, cool place (not higher than +15 ° C).

How to care for begonias in winter

Each type of flower in winter needs certain conditions. The most demanding is the tuberous look. Even after pruning, the soil should be periodically moistened so that it does not dry out. Bushy and decorative leafy special conditions do not require.

Diseases and pests of begonias

Usually the plant becomes ill when the growing conditions are not observed..

  • Powdery mildew.
  • Black root rot.
  • Gray rot.
  • Bacterial spotting.
  • Ring spot.

In order to combat the disease, a soapy liquid is used, and the plant is also sprayed with a solution of foundationazole, colloidal sulfur. In case of severe damage, it is recommended to destroy the flower.

  • The false shield is soft.
  • Greenhouse aphid.
  • Greenhouse whitefly.
  • Red spider mite;
  • Thrips greenhouse.
  • Nematode.

How to propagate begonia (video)

The most dangerous include ticks and aphids. Insects should be removed manually, sprayed with chlorophos, a solution of laundry soap, onion infusion, celandine and tobacco.

Begonia is considered one of the most beautiful indoor flowers. In addition, indoor plants should be safe for children, so it is perfect for landscaping a child's room.

Begonias are those plants that delight us both in the garden and at home. They are both beautifully flowering and decorative-deciduous. They appear before us in the form of shrubs, semi-shrubs or herbaceous plants. The variety of species allows you to make a choice for every taste, satisfying the needs of the most discerning flower growers. In addition, the reproduction of begonias takes place without much difficulty in several ways. It is about them that we will talk with you further.

Growing from seed

All flowering types of begonias are perfectly propagated by seeds. Of course, agrotechnical work on growing garden and indoor plants is somewhat different. But if you follow all the rules, difficulties usually do not arise in either case.

Plants for open ground

It is known that many types of begonias can be grown in the garden. Usually these are unpretentious, hardy plants that love the sun or partial shade. The seeds of such begonias germinate for quite a long time, so they are sown at the end of February, using special soil mixtures for flower seedlings.

Seeds are not sprinkled with earth, but only slightly pressed, and then watered. warm water with a fine sprayer. Boxes with planting material are placed on window sills in rooms with a temperature of about 20 °. After 6 weeks, the sprouts dive into separate pots and keep them in a bright place.

From the beginning of June, seedlings are planted in open ground. Before transplanting, begonia grown from seeds should be hardened within a week. On fine days, seedlings are taken out into the street and left in the shade of sparse trees until evening.

The flower bed is prepared in advance, choosing a place for it without moisture stagnation. The soil is dug up, peat and fertilizers are added to it. Begonia seedlings are carefully removed from the pots, carefully straightening the matted roots. Sprouts are planted at a distance of 20 cm from each other, deepening in the same way as they were located in the pot. The pits are covered with earth, the surface is crushed, watered and mulched with peat.

Houseplants

In order for begonia from seeds to successfully grow and develop at home, special attention is paid to the soil. It is made up of the following components:

  • 2 measures of leaf humus;
  • 2 measures of peat;
  • 1 measure of vermiculite.

The substrate is sifted through a fine sieve before the seeds are added to it. Drainage from clay shards is laid at the bottom of the sowing box, prepared soil is poured, slightly tamped, and watered. The edge of the box should protrude about 10 cm above the soil surface.

Seeds are distributed evenly on the ground, slightly pressing down. The box is covered with cellophane and placed in a warm, bright place. Crops are aired once a day. After germination, the polyethylene is removed. A month later, the sprouts are carefully seated in peat pots. As soon as young begonias gain strength, they can be planted in a permanent place using the same substrate as when sowing seed.

On a note. The optimal volume of a begonia pot is 2.5 liters. The height of the dishes should be 13–15 cm, the diameter of the upper part should be 18 cm.

cuttings

Everything is clear with planting seeds, but how does decorative leafy begonia reproduce? The answer is: stem or leaf cuttings. Although these two ways it is quite possible to grow flowering species.

Use of stems as planting material

With an adult, well-developed begonia, the apical cuttings about 7 cm long are carefully cut off. They are rooted in a mixture of agroperlite and high-moor peat (1: 1), removing the lower leaves. Begonia also tolerates propagation by cuttings rooted in boiled water. In addition, you can plant the stems directly into the ground, after dipping the ends in Kornevin, a drug that stimulates root formation.

When planting, the cuttings are immersed in the soil by 1.5 cm and must be covered with a bag in order to create greenhouse conditions. A month later, the plant is gradually accustomed to normal room air.

On a note. It is advisable to propagate begonias with stem cuttings in the spring, so that young plants have time to gain strength and vegetative mass before the end of summer.

leaf cuttings

Reproduction of begonias is possible not only by the stem, but also by the leaf, although in this case the process turns out to be longer, and sometimes less successful. In the spring, a large strong leaf is cut from an adult healthy plant and placed in a glass with a small amount of water. As the liquid evaporates, it is added, never changing it completely.

When roots appear on the leaf cutting, it is planted in a flower pot with a light and permeable soil substrate, however, this is done carefully so as not to damage the still weak root system of the young plant.

Sheet division

With a limited number of leaf cuttings, but the need to obtain a large amount of planting material, reproduction by dividing the leaf can be used. When choosing this method operate as follows:

  1. Lay a sheet of begonia on a hard surface, suitable, for example, wooden cutting board. With a sharp knife, the leaf is cut into triangles starting from the median vein and heading towards the edge. In addition, each fragment must contain at least one vein.
  2. A small layer of natural cotton wool is distributed on a saucer, it is moistened and the sheet sections are horizontally laid out. A plastic bag is put on top of the saucer.
  3. Vatu is constantly kept moist. The package is removed only after the appearance of roots and young leaves, and then subject to a suitable warm air temperature in the apartment.
  4. Landing in a permanent place is carried out with particular care due to the fragility of each resulting sprout.

Reproduction of tuberous begonias

You can start work in the first half of March, when the buds begin to swell on the nodules, and this is a signal that it is time to separate them and plant them for germination. So, for the propagation of begonias by tubers, proceed as follows:

  1. The tubers are cut into pieces with a clean knife, and there should be a bore on each share. Sections are treated with Fundazol.
  2. The boxes are filled with a wet substrate from a mixture of river sand, high-moor peat, leafy soil and humus in a ratio of 1:1:2:1.
  3. At a distance of 5 cm from each other, the tubers are half pressed into the ground with the hollow side up.
  4. The boxes are placed in a bright, cool place with a temperature of about 17°C. Water moderately, not allowing the soil to dry out completely.
  5. Shoots will appear at different times, three weeks after planting. As soon as the first leaves appear on the sprouts, begonias are transplanted into indoor pots or temporary containers for flowers intended for growing in an outdoor flower bed.

On a note. Plants are planted in open ground only after organizing preliminary hardening in the fresh air, and after the threat of spring frosts has completely passed.

The division of the bush

Truly, this is the easiest way to propagate begonias, and even the most inexperienced amateur grower can handle it. To begin with, the plant is carefully removed from the pot, and the roots are shaken off the ground. With a knife or a small sharp spatula, the bush, along with the roots, is divided into parts, but so that at least a single shoot remains on each. Parts of the plant are planted in separate pots, watered and constantly observed until they are completely established in a new place.

But the most important thing, if you want to propagate begonias, is to start working in good mood. And, of course, it is important not to be lazy when caring for flower pets. Then there will be absolutely no reason for frustration, and our homes will acquire many young and beautiful plants.

Video tutorial on propagating begonias with leaf fragments.

homeland of begonia

The genus Begonia is part of the family of the same name. Her homeland is the tropical zone, so almost all species are very fond of wet, warm growing conditions. The greatest species diversity is observed in Africa south of the equator.

The distribution area is very wide - Latin America, Haiti, India, Sri Lanka and many other equatorial regions.

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The very word "begonia" appeared in honor of the name of the well-known governor of the island of Haiti, Begon, who lived at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries.

Botanical features of the flower

Begonia grows in almost any form:

  • herbaceous plant;
  • shrub and shrub;
  • ampelous (creeping) plant.

Stems and foliage are dark green and fleshy. Leaves grow 2-3 from one sinus. Begonia has a variety of flowers. The fruit forms a box in which a huge number of seeds ripen.

Depending on the characteristics of the underground part of the plant, begonias are divided:

  • leafy;
  • bush;
  • tuberous.

The flower has taken root well in our latitudes, it is grown as a houseplant almost everywhere.

How to grow begonia (video)

Description of species, varieties and hybrid varieties of begonias

Begonia is distinguished by an extraordinary diversity of natural species (more than 1600), as well as artificially bred varieties and their hybrids. Each of them has a decorative value and can bring its own touch to the overall interior of the apartment.

Striped begonia (Begonia listada)

The variety got its name due to the beautiful color of the foliage.- against a dark green background, a yellow stripe running in the middle stands out in contrast. The shoots droop, and it is the leaves that make up the main beauty - the flowers are pale pink in small sizes and do not rise too high above the plant.

silver begonia

A plant with conspicuous, prominent, silver-hued foliage. The leaves are quite large, ovoid in shape with a peculiar embossed texture. The edges are often trimmed with burgundy edging. In color, they are both pale green and pure silver, which gives this species a special decorative value.

Begonia yellow (Begonia Yellow)

The species is named for its bright yellow flowers. well contrasted against the background of dark green foliage. The plant has very short stems and a peduncle, which makes it look neat and attractive. Under good care conditions, it can reach up to half a meter in height.

Begonia Limming (ampel) (Begonia limmingheiana E.Morr.)

This variety with characteristic rich pink and light red flowers, which look great against the pale green background of the leaves. The plant is ampelous, the stems grow up to 60 cm and hang beautifully from the pot.

Red-leaved begonia (Begonia Erythrophylla)

Despite the name the leaves of this variety have a burgundy color only from below. From above, they are dark green tones, covered with a dense leathery shell, due to which they resemble gloss. The contrasting combination along with the brilliant effect provide great decorative value to this plant.

Coral Begonia (Begonia Сorallina)

The variety got its name due to the graceful flowers of a delicate coral tone. They have not only beautiful shades, but also an original bladed shape, thanks to which they enliven the space well. The variety is very unpretentious, therefore it is one of the most popular among gardeners.

Begonia cuff (Begonia Manicata)

This is a true house palm that produces large lobed leaves on large, fleshy stems. In size - a real giant, can grow up to one and a half meters. It is very important to trim on time, to make the bush spreading and beautiful.

Bauer's Begonia (Begonia Bowerae)

Bauer's begonia resembles a brindle in color. Varieties of this variety have both small and large ovate leaves. They look very original and fit well into any kind of design.

Begonia tiger (Begonia tiger)

A variety with a very unusual striped leaf color - dark and light green stripes create a good contrast, often combined with splashes of yellow. Flowers milky white.

Tuberous multi-flowered begonia (Begonia Tuberosa)

A plant with a stunning variety of flower shades. Red, yellow, pink, coral - they all have in common that they are very bright, so it is appropriate to use such plants in northern rooms where there is a lack of light.

Hogweed Begonia (Begonia Heracleifolia)

The leaves of this variety resemble palm trees.- dark green or black with bright veins and distinct lobes. The color is very diverse - there are also bright and pale green tones. Brings a real tropical touch to the room.

The species has a stunning variety of foliage in both color and texture. The leaves are painted in pink, burgundy, light and dark green tones. They have different shapes of drawings and perfectly decorate the room.

Fist Begonia (Begonia Feastii)

Variety with glossy greens. Tones from marsh to bright green. The leaf shape is rounded. The back side is often painted red, which creates a unique decorative effect. Fista creates a rich, beautiful look to the room.

Begonia Black Velvet (Begonia Black Velvet)

Recognizable variety due to the unique dark green and even black color of the foliage. The leaves are charcoal in shape, velvety in texture, making them look very rich. Peduncles rise high above the plant, so that the flowers can be clearly seen.

Speckled Begonia (Begonia Maculata)

The variety has extremely beautiful leaves with a peculiar speckled color: dark green veins on a silvery or light green background. The flowers are pink, rich tones. Petioles are often red, which creates an additional beautiful contrast.

Begonia mix (Begonia Mix)

The variety has a wide variety of flowers- bright red, pale pink, yellow, snow-white. He loves light very much, so it is preferable to choose southern windows. At the same time, the mix prefers warm places where drafts will be excluded. Otherwise, it may begin to fade.

Begonia Evening glow

This variety has a unique leaf color - silvery, white tones with a bright red core. The edges are covered with an elegant, thin edging, serrated. The plant blooms with pink or crimson flowers, which also successfully contrast against the general background. Makes an unusual impression, enlivening the room.

Alfalfa Begonia (Begonia Medicago)

Begonia alfalfa has beautiful, large leaves. By color from light green to dark tones. On the reverse side they have a pinkish tint, due to which they have a great decorative effect. Characteristic feature - long flowering(throughout the summer until September).

Reproduction of begonia

Begonia can be propagated by almost all known methods, and the technologies of each of them have been worked out quite well.

How to propagate a flower by cuttings

Cuttings can propagate any species and varieties of plants. This method is the most convenient and fastest. The methodology is as follows:

  1. Using a sharp enough knife, you need to cut off a green stalk no more than 10-15 cm. The main requirement is that it has at least 4 fresh leaves.
  2. Leave it for a few hours to dry the cut a little.
  3. Plant it in the soil chosen specifically for begonias (it is better to mix it with sand in equal mass quantities).
  4. From above it is necessary to pour a little earth - so that the soil is not dense.
  5. Next, the surface is covered with polyethylene or any other impervious material.
  6. The first leaves will appear in 3-4 weeks. Further cultivation is carried out without additional layers.

How to plant tuberous begonia (video)

Reproduction of begonias by seeds

Unlike cuttings, breeding a flower with seeds is not suitable for all begonias, but only for flowering ones.

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Begonia seeds are so small that there can be several tens of thousands of them in 1 gram.

To grow seeds, you need to take a mixture of the same composition, while providing constant watering - the soil literally should not dry out. It must be done very carefully - literally in small drops. Along with this condition, it is important to ensure:

  • sufficient air circulation - the house should not be stuffy;
  • it is better to keep the temperature slightly below room temperature;
  • the lighting should be constantly bright - if necessary, illuminate with a diode lamp that does not give strong heat.

Shoots appear within 1-2 weeks. A pick should be done after the 3rd leaf begins to open, and young flowers should be planted after 2-3 months. Flowering can be expected in 4-5 months.

Features of reproduction of a plant by a leaf

All types of flowers can be propagated by leaf, but this is especially true for those plants that do not have a pronounced stem (winter begonia and Mason's begonia). The technology is as follows:

  1. The leaf must be chosen large and healthy - it is cut with a knife.
  2. Triangular cuts are made from the center to the edges of the sheet.
  3. All parts are laid on clean, wet sand.
  4. Further care should be taken regularly, providing constant humidity (using a sprayer).

Plants can be transplanted as soon as their root system is strong enough - usually this happens after the appearance of 6-8 leaves.

Reproduction of bush begonia by dividing the rhizome and bush

The method is good for bushy begonias, while it is better to apply it in early spring. The technology is as follows:

  1. The plant is carefully removed from the dishes.
  2. The roots are substituted under a weak stream of water at room temperature.
  3. The bush is cut along with the roots so that all the children have a sprout.
  4. The cut must be allowed to dry - you can speed up the process and pour charcoal on it.
  5. Next, the root is treated with a growth accelerator, and the bush sits in a new pot. It is important to ensure sufficient watering during the first weeks.

How to plant indoor begonia in a flower pot

A special soil has been developed and sold for begonias, however, you can make up the soil mixture yourself - it is only important to know a few tricks.

Ground Requirements

There are several options for soil preparation:

  • leaf land and peat in equal mass ratios;
  • sand taken half as much as these components.

In another case, the composition is more diverse:

  • peat, humus and sand in equal quantities;
  • deciduous land, taken in three times the amount.

And another option:

  • equal parts of leaf, coniferous earth and sand;
  • charcoal - 2-3 pinches.

Important! When making the mixture yourself, you always need to disinfect the soil - you can simply process it in the oven for an hour or boil it for half an hour.

Landing technology

A flower is grown from tubers (bulbs). They should be purchased in winter, since planting takes place at the very beginning of spring - then you can have time to grow begonias that will bloom in summer.

Landing technology is as follows:

  1. Tubers must be carefully cleaned of foreign formations, withered rhizomes.
  2. Hold in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a specially disinfectant for half an hour.
  3. Plant in the soil prepared as described above. The soil must be well loosened.

As for the pot, it is chosen in small sizes so that the borders from the tuber to the edges of the pot are no more than 5 cm.

Important! Soil drainage is a prerequisite for any variety of begonia. You can use small pebbles or expanded clay, which is filled up to a third of the depth of the dishes.

Secrets of caring for decorative begonia at home

Begonia is famous not only for its extraordinary variety and decorative value, but also for its undemanding care conditions. In order for the plant to grow well, it is important to follow a few simple rules.

Choosing a place in the house

Begonias love fairly bright light, but additional shading should be done on the southern windows. The best option is west or east, where the sun stays for half a day. It is also important to consider the following points:

  • begonia does not like drafts and temperature changes;
  • the flower responds very poorly to dry air.

Accordingly, putting a pot under the window or above the radiator is the most wrong option. Normal room temperature in the range of 18 to 26 ° C is quite suitable for the plant.

How to water begonia

The best time to water is early in the morning when you leave for work. If this is not possible, you can do it in the evening. In any case, it is better to water at the same hours.

Irrigation mode is as follows:

  • in summer - 3-4 times a week;
  • in winter - 1-2 times a week.

The main criterion is the condition of the soil. It should always remain slightly damp.

ADVICE:

Water for begonias should always be defended during the day. It will be very good if you put a kilogram of peat in an ordinary bucket (10 liters) - the water will become more acidic, and the flower will respond with great gratitude to such watering.

Plant nutrition

There are special fertilizers designed for begonias. In their absence, the flower can be fed with superphosphates or complex mineral fertilizers. Application rate - 2 times a month in spring and summer. In winter, once a month is enough.

Pruning begonias in a pot

Since a flower tends to grow very rapidly, even at the stage of its youth, you need to think about what form it should be given. If you want to create a lush bush, then it is better to cut the top as soon as it reaches literally 8-10 cm.

Lateral shoots are pruned according to approximately the same criterion. Further care consists in the timely removal of dead or semi-dry shoots, as well as in pinching out strongly growing branches. In ornamental foliage flowers, flower stalks are also removed after flowering is over.

How to propagate begonia (video)

Begonia is a southern guest that has long been registered in our latitudes. It well complements the design of the room, enlivening it with its beautiful flowers. And given that care does not take much time, we can safely recommend the cultivation of this plant to any gardeners.

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In addition to about 1 thousand species existing in nature, there are still about 2 thousand hybrids of this plant. In this regard, the average description of this plant simply does not exist. In addition, such plants in various classifications are divided into decorative-flowering and decorative-deciduous, deciduous and evergreen, perennials and annuals, creeping and tall, rhizomatous and tuberous. Florists grow at home a huge variety of types of begonias, and all of them need to be looked after when cultivating at home in about the same way.

Begonia care at home

Begonia grown at home needs constancy. In this regard, she needs to choose 1 specific place in the room where the flower will stand all the time. This place should be well lit, but the plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Decorative flowering species are especially photophilous, in this regard, it is recommended to choose a window sill of western or eastern orientation for their placement. The plant feels best at an air temperature of 18 degrees at any time of the year. However, in the summer, it is able to withstand some increase in temperature.

Since this plant is tropical, it needs high humidity. However, at the same time, it is not recommended to moisten the foliage of a flower from a spray bottle, because after this procedure brown spots form on its surface. In order to increase the humidity of the air (especially in the winter, when the air is dried by heating devices), you need to turn the tray over and insert it into a larger tray, then a container with a flower is placed on top of it. Expanded clay should be poured around the inserted pallet and wetted, while making sure that it is constantly moistened.

Begonia needs space, and therefore, when choosing a place for it on the windowsill, where other plants are already standing, this fact must be taken into account. Also, this flower needs systematic ventilation, while it must be protected from drafts and excessively high or low air temperatures. If these conditions are not met, the flower will begin to wither, and also shed leaf plates and flowers.

Before proceeding with the direct planting of begonias, it is necessary to choose the most suitable pot for it. For such a plant, it is recommended to choose a small pot, which should be made of ceramics. So, the diameter of the container should exceed the size of the flower root system by only 3-4 centimeters. If it is planted in a larger pot, then the plant may suffer from waterlogging of the soil, and also in this case it will bloom a little later. Ready-made soil mixture for planting can be bought at a special store, but if you wish, you can cook it yourself. To do this, combine leafy soil, sand, high-moor peat, soddy soil (can be replaced with humus), taken in a ratio of 2: 1: 1: 1. The acidity of the soil should be approximately pH 5.5 to 6.5.

The container intended for planting begonias is 1/3 filled with drainage material. Then it is necessary to lay a two-three-centimeter layer on it. charcoal, which is necessary to prevent the development of rot. After that, the flower itself must be placed in the container along with a clod of earth, and all that remains is to fill all the voids with earth mixture. When the plant is planted, it needs to be watered. It is recommended to plant begonias in the spring from the second half of March, after the level of illumination and the length of daylight hours become suitable for its growth. If the plant is tuberous, then it needs preliminary germination. To do this, the tubers are placed on top of the substrate in a box (not buried), and cleaned in a normally lit, cool (from 16 to 18 degrees) place with an air humidity level of 60 to 70 percent.

If begonia is grown indoors, then it just needs to be watered correctly. Such a plant loves moisture, but it does not need frequent watering. It is much more important that the air humidity is high enough, otherwise the tips of the leaf plates will begin to dry out. However, in the summer, in the heat, begonias should be watered more abundantly, but at the same time, fluid stagnation in the root system should be avoided. It is necessary to water with water at room temperature, which should be defended for at least 24 hours. Watering is recommended to be done only after the topsoil dries to a depth of one and a half centimeters. In winter, plants should be watered less often and moderately, but if you have tuberous species, then at this time of the year they are not watered at all.

top dressing

In order for begonia to grow and develop normally, it must be fed in a timely manner. It is necessary to start feeding decorative flowering species after the budding period begins. Top dressing is carried out 1 time in 2 weeks and liquid complex fertilizer for flowering plants is used for this. When the formation of the ovaries begins, the plant will need to be fed with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers (Ovary, Bud, Pollen). Fertilizers containing nitrogen should be fed only with decorative leafy species, otherwise the flowering of decorative flowering species may not begin at all.

In order for the plant to develop normally, it must be systematically transplanted. Transplantation is carried out at the beginning of the spring period, before the growing season begins. The fact that the plant needs to be transplanted is indicated by its roots, which begin to appear from the drainage holes. The plant should be pulled out of the container and carefully remove the remains of the substrate from it. Then the roots should be lowered into a solution of potassium manganese, the color of which should be light pink. After this, the roots must be carefully washed, removing the remnants of the soil, using well-settled water for this. Then the root system is inspected and those areas where there is rot are removed. After the root system dries up, the plant must be planted in a larger container. How to do it correctly is described above. After transplanting, the begonia should be put in its usual place. At first, it will need frequent watering.

Young specimens are quite easy to transplant, and they normally respond to this procedure. However, adult specimens are somewhat more difficult to transplant, because they have many overgrown fragile leaf plates. In this regard, after the flower turns 3 years old, it is recommended to divide it into several parts.

Evergreen species have a mild dormant period. Tuberous species need a fairly long dormant period. Features of caring for begonia in winter, when there is a dormant period, directly depends on the species. Bush as well decorative types at this time they put it in a place where the air temperature should be from 15 to 22 degrees and there is high humidity (for this you can hang moistened rags on hot heating pipes or purchase a humidifier).

From the middle of the autumn period, the tuberous appearance of this plant begins to prepare for the dormant period. Their leaf plates dry out and die off, in connection with this, such flowers need to be watered less. After the complete death of the aerial part of the container with plants, it is necessary to rearrange the darkened cool (from 10 to 15 degrees) place for the whole winter. It happens that tuberous plants “do not want” to prepare for a dormant period, in this case they must be forced to do this, otherwise you will not see lush flowering next year. So, watering should be significantly reduced, and the part of the plant above the soil surface should be cut off.

Methods for propagating room begonia

How to propagate

Such a plant can be propagated by seed or vegetative (stems, leaf cuttings, dividing a bush or tuber or rhizome) method. The easiest and fastest way is vegetative.

You can grow begonias from seeds quite easily and quickly. Sowing is carried out in the last days of February or the first of March. To do this, small seeds must be distributed over the surface of the substrate (do not close up). Then the container should be moved to a well-lit, warm place, after covering it with a film or glass. Watering crops should be through the pan or with a sprayer. After the first seedlings appear, the shelter should be removed permanently. Picking is done after the plants form 3 or 4 true leaf plates. After 8 weeks, young plants can be transplanted into individual pots. Such begonias can begin to bloom in the first year, however, in order for this to happen, they often need additional lighting.

For propagation of deciduous species, division of the rhizome is used. This procedure is carried out in the spring. To do this, you need to pull the flower out of the soil and divide the rhizome into several parts with a very sharp knife, while each division must have roots and at least 1 shoot or bud. Places of cuts should be sprinkled with crushed charcoal. After that, the delenki are planted in individual containers.

The tuber of an adult plant can also be divided into several parts. After that, you need to wait until the places of the cuts dry slightly and dust them with crushed charcoal. Then the delenki are planted in individual containers.

The simplest of all vegetative propagation methods is cuttings. Cuttings with 3 or 4 leaf blades must be cut from the bush. To prevent rot from appearing on the sections, they should be processed with charcoal. Then the cutting should be planted in a mixture of leaf and peat soil and sand (1: 1: 1). The container is placed in a well-lit, warm place where there is no access to direct sunlight. The cutting needs moderate watering, so it is necessary to moisten the soil only after the soil dries to a depth of 1 to 2 centimeters. You can root the cuttings by immersing them in a glass of water. Roots will grow back after about 4 weeks.

Since most species have fairly large and dense leaf plates, they can be propagated by leaf cuttings. At the same time, both the entire leaf plate and its part are suitable for reproduction. If begonias are propagated as a whole leaf, then on its wrong side it is necessary to cut the main veins. Then the sheet plate is laid with the notched side on the surface of moistened sand, which must be calcined in advance. After that, it is fixed in this position. Watering is carried out through the pallet. After about 8 weeks, roots will appear from those places that are incised, and after some time, young plants will begin to grow. Strengthened grown young begonias should be separated and planted in a soil mixture consisting of hardwood, sand and peat (1: 1: 1).

Aphids, red spider mites and nematodes can settle on indoor begonias. Ticks and aphids suck the juice out of the plant, as a result of which it loses its decorative effect and slows down its growth and development. To combat aphids, Karbofos or Actellik is used, while 2 or 3 treatments are needed with a break of 1–1.5 weeks. And to combat ticks, they use a remedy such as Derris, Decis or other insectoacaricides. When infected with nematodes, the plant will have to be thrown out, since it is impossible to get rid of them. You can find out that a begonia is infected with nematodes by discolored leaf platinum and by sagging on the root system.

Begonia is prone to diseases such as: gray rot, black root rot, botrytis, true or downy mildew. Fundazol, Quadris, Bordeaux liquid, Skor, or another remedy of similar action will help to cure the plant. Also, this plant is susceptible to infection and incurable viral or bacterial diseases, for example: bacterial wilt, cucumber mosaic, tomato spot. The infected instance must be destroyed.

Sometimes it happens that the leaf plates begin to dry out. The reason for this is that the air in the room is too warm and dry, as well as excessively poor watering. In this case, the begonia should be watered and placed in a cool place, while the pot should be placed on an inverted pallet (more on this above).

Begonia turns yellow

It happens that rings or specks of yellow color form on the surface of the leaf plates - this is a sign of infection of the plant with tomato spotting or cucumber mosaic. Infected copies should be destroyed. If the leaves turn yellow and droop, then the reason for this is that the plant is too cold, and the soil contains too much water. Wait until the substrate in the pot dries well, and then move the flower to a warm place.

The main types and varieties of begonias with a photo

There is currently no single classification of begonias. However, in the specialized literature, one can come across conditional options for dividing the species of a given plant, for example: into decorative-flowering and decorative-deciduous; they also divide by type the parts of the plant located underground into tuberous, rhizome and with a surface root system; there are those who divide these species into the following groups - bushy, decorative-deciduous and tuberous. However, today experts are increasingly resorting to the following classification:

  • bushy with upright bamboo-like stems;
  • with flexible and thin drooping or creeping stems;
  • with rhizomatous rather thick lying or decumbent stems;
  • species that are the ancestors of flowering hybrid begonias.

However, for home floriculture, the following classification is more convenient:

  • decorative flowering indoor plants;
  • decorative leafy indoor plants;
  • ornamental flowering pot plants.

Below are the names of the species of such a plant that are most popular in home floriculture, with their description, as well as with common varieties.

Leaf (deciduous) begonia

The birthplace of this flower is East India. It is considered one of the most beautiful. Breeders have used this species to create many decorative leafy varieties, as well as hybrid forms. The plant has a rhizome, which is thickened, and its spectacular large leaf plates are bare or slightly pubescent, reaching 20 centimeters in width and 30 centimeters in length. Their heart-shaped shape is asymmetrical, their edge is unevenly serrated or wavy. The color of the leaves can be brown-bronze, raspberry-velvety or purple-red, sometimes spots of silver or purple-red color can be seen on their surface. There are hybrid forms, the leaf plates of which are almost black, and raspberry spots are located on their surface. During flowering, pink flowers appear, which are not of particular decorative value.

Popular varieties:

  1. Cartagena- oval sheet plates, which are wrapped in a shell, are painted dark green. The central part of the leaflet is dark brown, but with age it changes its color to plum. On the green part of the leaf plate there are silver spots with a light pink glow.
  2. Silver Greenheart- silver-colored leaf plates are obliquely heart-shaped, they also have a green-emerald border with small silver dots.
  3. Chocolate Cream― the sheet plate is spiral-twisted and its central part is painted in saturated plum color. The rest of the leaf has a silvery color with a pinkish tint.
  4. Evening Glow- leaf plates are of medium size, and their central part is painted in a rich crimson color. Brownish-green veins diverge from the center along a part of the raspberry-colored leaf. The leaves have a crimson edge.
  5. Hallelujah- has large leaves that spirally twist at the petioles. They are painted in light purple color with a silvery sheen. The central part and edge of the leaves are of cherry color, while between them there is a fairly wide strip of rich green color, on the surface of which there is a huge number of silvery small spots.

In addition to the varieties mentioned above, flower growers grow others. For example, the following varieties and hybrid forms are very popular: Pearl de Paris, Rigal Minuet, Silver Korkskrew, Black Fang, November Frost, Lillian, Red Tengo, Titika, Benitochiba, Dudrop, Charm, etc.

This plant is native to Mexico. The bush is low (no more than 25 centimeters), has creeping shoots and leaf plates of a pale green color, on the edge of which there are spots of brown or black. On the wrong side of the leaves is pubescence. Nothing unremarkable pale pink flowers are part of loose drooping inflorescences. This type rarely seen in the wild. Thanks to specialists, the world was born a large number of very beautiful varieties.

The most popular are:

  1. Tiger- creeping shoots can have a height of no more than 10 centimeters. On the surface of the velvety leaves there is a bronze pattern, a strip of brown color runs along the veins. Spots are located on the surface of light red petioles.
  2. Cleopatra- on the surface of these leaf plates there are hairs of a light color, and they are able to change their color when the lighting changes. The reverse side of the leaves is burgundy or red.

Such a begonia is semi-shrub, and its homeland is the tropical forests of Brazil. At home, the plant can grow up to 100 centimeters in height. It has bamboo-like, upright and bare shoots. Oblong ovoid-shaped leaf plates have a serrated edge. In length, they can reach 20 centimeters, and in width - 7 centimeters. On the surface of the dark green front side of the leaves there are small spots of a silvery color, while the wrong side is a pale green color. Peduncles have a coral color. They carry flowers that are part of the inflorescences in the form of a brush. Popular varieties:

  1. Alfalfa- large green leaf plates have a jagged edge, silver spots are on their front side, and the wrong side has a red color.
  2. President Carnot- shield-like leaf plates at the base are dissected, and their edge is slightly serrated. Leaves are up to 30 cm long and 15 cm wide. They are green in color and have whitish spots on the surface.

This begonia is one of the oldest house flowers. Her homeland is Mexico. The thickness of the creeping shoot is about 4 centimeters. Large palmately dissected leaf plates are placed on petioles of a greenish-yellow color. In length, the leaves do not exceed 35 centimeters, there is a clearly visible venation. Pinkish-green flowers are part of the loose inflorescences, shaped like a brush. Flowering begins in February.

In addition to these species, the following are popular with flower growers: striped, metallic, Bovera, yellow, shiny, Mason, hogweed, white-dotted, red-leaved, Limming, imperial, etc.

Decorative blooming begonia

The height of a compact bushy bush does not exceed 60 centimeters. In a young plant, the stems are erect, but over time they take on an ampelous or semi-ampelous form. Rounded leaf plates along the edge have a slight pubescence, and they reach 6 centimeters in length. They can be painted in dark or pale green, and are found with a reddish tint. Small (diameter about 25 mm) flowers are double or simple, can be painted in pink, white or red. They are part of the inflorescences, which are short-lived. The opened flowers delight with their beauty for a short time and soon fade, but they are very quickly replaced by new ones. With proper care, good lighting and regular feeding, such a begonia can bloom in winter. Popular varieties:

  1. Gustav in Knaack- The height of a sprawling bush can reach about 30 centimeters. Green leaf plates have a red border. The diameter of carmine flowers is about 3 centimeters, and they are part of the inflorescences.
  2. Carmen- on a medium-sized bush there are brown leaf plates with anthocyanin. There are also many pink flowers.
  3. Ambergris- the height of the bush does not exceed 15 centimeters, the leaf plates are brown, and the diameter of the pink flowers is not more than 3 centimeters.
  4. Bicola- The height of the bush reaches 14 centimeters. The leaves are green, and the white flowers have a light pink border.
  5. Orania- a small bush, whose height is about 16 centimeters. Green leaf plates have a red border. Flowers are reddish-orange.

And flower growers prefer to grow such varieties of this species as: Bella, Rozanova, Linda, Othello, Teicher, Leila, Lucifer, Scarletta, Albert Martin, Ball Red, Kate Teicher, etc.

This hybrid form is considered the most spectacular and has the most abundant flowering. Among domestic begonias, such a plant is a favorite. The height of the bush does not exceed 40 centimeters. The shoots are thick, fleshy, the shape of the alternate leaf plates is heart-shaped. The length of the leaves is about 8 centimeters, while their edge is indented. The front side of the leaves is a shiny rich green color, and the wrong side is matte and painted in a light green color. The flowers are part of the inflorescences and have long peduncles. Popular varieties:

  1. Schwabenland- on a tall, profusely flowering bush there are many small rich red flowers.
  2. Renaissance- on a tall bush there are double flowers, the red petals of which are corrugated.
  3. Louise- the flowers are painted in a pale cream color, have a light pink tint.
  4. Piccora- on a low bush are rich pink flowers, which are terry.
  5. Rose- Terry flowers have a dark pink color.

Also popular among flower growers are such varieties as: Kyoto, Goldfinger, Azotus, Berlin, Charlach, Cleo, Annebel, Bellona, ​​etc.

Often this species is grown as a garden flower or they decorate balconies and terraces. Such a flower has drooping stems that descend in cascades, and on them there are a large number of flowers. For growing such plants, baskets, planters or pots are used. Flowers can be densely double, double, semi-double, and also simple, and they are painted in red, yellow, white, pink, Orange color, and also in various combinations of these color shades. Flowers can be large, medium and small. Popular varieties:

  1. Gale- on a sprawling bush there are hanging long (about 30 centimeters) stems, in the upper part of which there are pointed green leaf plates with a serrated edge. Light pink semi-double flowers in diameter can reach 3 centimeters.
  2. Christie- a sprawling bush consists of rather fragile hanging stems, which do not exceed 40 centimeters in length. The diameter of double flowers is 4 centimeters, and they are painted in White color.
  3. Roxanne- a small bush consists of hanging stems, the length of which does not exceed 40 centimeters. Four-centimeter diameter double flowers are painted orange.
  4. Katy- a sprawling bush consists of relatively fragile stems, the length of which is about 30 centimeters. The diameter of yellow semi-double flowers is 3.5 centimeters.

The most popular hybrid varieties of decorative flowering begonias

  1. Harlequin- the height of a sprawling bush is up to 25 centimeters, the leaf plates are green, and the large (diameter 12 centimeters) double flowers are painted yellow and have red edges.
  2. Gold Dress- the height of a semi-spreading bush is about 25 centimeters. Leaf blades are pale green. Gustomahrovye pink flowers are quite large (diameter 20 centimeters) and painted yellow.
  3. Duck Red- in height, a sprawling bush reaches no more than 16 centimeters. The leaves are deep green, and the peony double flowers are painted dark red. The diameter of the flowers is about 10 centimeters, while the petals are quite wide.
  4. camellia flora- a small bush has a height of about 25 centimeters. Leaf blades are green. Large (diameter about 12 centimeters) camellia flowers are painted pink, and their petals, which have whitish edges, are tiled.
  5. Crispa Marginata- The height of the bush is about 15 centimeters. The folded leaf plates are painted green and have thin purple ropes. Large (diameter about 12 centimeters) wide-oval flowers are painted white and have a rich red border. The side lobes are wavy and heavily corrugated.
  6. Amy Jean Bard― height of a bush no more than 12 centimeters. Green leaf plates are small in size. The composition of the inflorescence includes 5 small (diameter about 3 centimeters) double flowers with an orange color.
  7. Diana Vinyard- the height of a small bush is about 20 centimeters. The leaves are pale green. Large (diameter about 20 centimeters) densely double flowers have a white color, as well as wavy folded petals.
  8. Marmorata- the height of a semi-spreading bush is about 20 centimeters. Terry large (diameter about 12 centimeters) flowers are painted in a scarlet color shade, and on their surface there are whitish strokes.
  9. Feuerflamme- the height of the bush does not exceed 20 centimeters. The leaf plates are green, and the veins are crimson. Small (about 3 centimeters in diameter) semi-double flowers have a pinkish-orange color.

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Feature and description

- This is a fairly tall sprawling bush. The leaves are smooth and shiny, dark green in color with white or gray speckles on top, have an uneven shape: oblong, rounded, in the form of a heart with an oblique center.
The underside of the leaves is reddish.
The flowers are white and light pink, beautiful unusual shape. They are located on a drooping pedicel hanging down and are collected in small inflorescences.

Home Care

Landing

Planted in the spring, at the beginning of March, as during this period there is the best growth.

Priming


The soil is mixed from different parts of peat, sand, turf, leafy soil. The substrate should be loose and light.

Styrofoam or pumice is placed at the bottom of the pot to absorb excess moisture.

Pot selection

The pot should be spacious, medium in size.

Watering

She likes soft moist indoor air. But you should not spray the leaves and flowers, in order to avoid darkening or rotting of the leaves.

Light mode

spotted prefers bright light. Direct sunlight should be avoided, the light should be diffused. If there is not enough natural light in the room, then fluorescent lamps can be turned on.

pruning


To make the bush lush and beautiful, the top of the plant must be pinched. In order for the leaves to be large, the buds can be cut off. Old plants are rejuvenated with pruning, which is done every 3 or 4 years.

Dead leaves and flowers are removed in a timely manner so that there is no rotting of the roots.

Thermal regime

The optimum room temperature corresponds to the interval 20 to 25 degrees Celsius in summer and not lower than 16 degrees Celsius in winter.

The plant is grown in a house or greenhouse, not suitable for planting on the street. Also, hypothermia of the roots should not be allowed, so they need to be insulated. Styrofoam and synthetic winterizer are well suited for insulation.

reproduction

They reproduce with leaf and stem cuttings, as well as by dividing the hive. Cuttings of leaves are added dropwise to moist soil, then transplanted into a pot. Stem cuttings are placed in water, which is periodically replaced with fresh water until the roots appear.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with a special dressing for ornamental flowering plants, which is applied 1-2 times a month from the beginning of March to the end of October.

Transfer


Transplanted every year, at least once every two years.

Features of winter care

in winter there is no rest period. It is watered sparingly. In the spring, they are transplanted into a new substrate.

Pests and diseases

Begonia may be affected gray rot. Often occurs in high humidity and low light indoors.

May often appear on leaves fungus and powdery mildew.

Common pests: spider mites and aphids.

Methods of struggle and treatment

Affected pests or diseased leaves removed, and the cut areas are treated with a fungicide.

Powdery mildew solution helps colloidal sulfur, which is sprayed on the plant.
With the help of insecticides, they fight aphids and spider mites.

Begonia in care is an unpretentious plant. It can bloom all year round under optimal conditions. At home, the plant restores a calm atmosphere, and is also used for medicinal purposes. for the treatment of headaches, conjunctivitis, stomach ulcers.

Photo



selo.guru

Description, distribution area, natural habitat

The genus Begonia is a herbaceous plant, although in some bushy varieties the stem will become woody. It is distinguished by a variety of external appearance - in nature there are species ranging in size from 4–5 cm to 4 m.

As a greenhouse and garden flower, begonia is distributed throughout the world, although the homeland of plants is three centers with a tropical and subtropical climate:

  • Brazilian (Amazon basin);
  • Southeast Asian (Indonesia, Malaysia, Indochina);
  • Central African.

The natural habitat determines the requirements for environmental conditions. These are shade-loving, moisture-loving plants that prefer diffused light, slightly acidic, light, loose soils. They tolerate high air temperatures without problems, but do not like excess moisture.

This is interesting! Begonia came to Russia during the Petrine era. Several copies are listed in the list of tropical plants that arrived from Holland in 1717. Today, the largest collections grow in the Botanical Gardens of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk.

Classification

It is not easy for a novice florist to understand the complex "family" relationships of the Begonia family, especially since there is no single, generally accepted classification of plants. Based on the appearance of begonias, the features of application in floriculture, the following types are distinguished.

  • decorative leafy indoor;
  • decorative flowering indoor;
  • decorative flowering garden.

The European classification is based on the method of reproduction and common biological characteristics. There are 9 groups of plants, the most famous of which are:

  • Cane begonias and scrubs are reed or bushy, with an upright stem, beautiful leaves, fragrant flowers. They can grow to a height of up to 2 m. Bright representatives of the species are spotted and coral begonias.
  • Royal and rhizome (rhizome) are herbaceous species with a thick fleshy stem, openwork multi-colored leaves, creeping rhizome - the main organ of vegetative propagation.
  • Everblooming - small bushes with "wax" leaves and bright flowers in all warm shades of the rainbow. Cultivated as an annual garden plant.
  • Tuberose or tuberous - unpretentious flowering form with large double flowers. There are ampelous varieties.

Popular decorative leafy begonias

Indoor deciduous begonia is represented by a group of plants, the main decoration of which is the leaves of the most diverse shapes and incredible colors. There are outlines rounded, carved, in the shape of a heart, snails. By texture - smooth, velvety, pimply, covered with "cilia". The color scheme is from silvery to almost black tones with all kinds of inclusions, streaks, spots.

We bring to your attention a description of the popular decorative leafy varieties of begonias and their names with a photo.

Note! Decorating the interior, the flower also brings benefits. It has phytoncidal properties: it suppresses pathogenic microorganisms, mold spores purify the air from dust, toxins, and chemical contaminants.

One of the most recognizable species is the compact Begonia masoniana with large pimply green leaves adorned with a burgundy spot resembling a stylized Maltese cross. The shape of the leaf plate is asymmetric, heart-shaped, pointed at the top. Rhizome thickened, creeping, drooping with many hairs. Leaves on elongated cuttings form a lush bush, hanging beautifully along the walls of the pots. The usual size of Mason's begonia is 20-30 cm, in good conditions it grows up to half a meter in height. Small cream flowers on a long panicle rather inconspicuous. Often the peduncle is removed, since it is not of decorative value, but only enhances the outflow of nutrients from the soil.

The plant loves cool temperatures, moist air, diffused light. In the sun, the leaves brighten, losing their rich palette and contrast effect. Propagated vegetatively by stem and leaf cuttings.

A miniature houseplant up to 10 cm high with attractively unusual “tiger” coloring leaves. The leaf plate has a velvety texture, heart-shaped with rounded edges, overlapping each other at the handle. The color is unusual and spectacular - green spots with a bronze tint and clearly traced veins stand out against a dark background, the edge is framed by short whitish "cilia". The fleshy rhizome and leaf cuttings have a reddish tint, covered with spots. In the spring, cream or light pink flower clusters appear directly from the rhizome on elongated peduncles.

Begonia Bauer is the collective name for a whole group of decorative leafy varieties and hybrids derived from a Mexican progenitor. On hearing the names of cultivators from Begonia bowerae - Tiger, Nigramarga, Cleopatra. Plants differ in the degree of openwork of the leaf, the saturation of its background, color, and the shape of strokes. Propagated by division of the rhizome (rhizome) and leaf cuttings.

Collar begonia

Another representative of the Mexican subtropics is collar begonia (cuff). An unpretentious plant of medium size with large light green burdock leaves up to 30 cm in diameter on long cuttings. Forms a chic spreading bush. The edge of the leaf plate is slightly indented, pubescent with villi, smooth, monophonic above, hairy below. The name of the species was given by a thick fringe of reddish hairs encircling the stalk at the junction with the leaf in the form of a cuff (collar). In the spring, 2-3 long peduncles (up to 60 cm) with small openwork inflorescences of pink shades grow from a thick decumbent rhizome.

From this species came the decorative hybrid Crispa with a glossy leaf and a spectacular curly edge.

A well-known hybrid of the rhizomatous species Begonia bowerae. A characteristic feature is decorative leaves resembling maple, from above - from dark green to olive, from below - burgundy. Leaf cuttings are long, fleshy, abundantly pubescent, grow from a basal rosette and form a bush up to 30 cm high. In winter (January - February), Cleopatra begonia throws out fragile flower stalks with delicate clusters of flowers - white with a pink tint.

The plant is thermophilic, prefers diffused light, moderate watering, unpretentious care. As the bush grows older and loses its attractiveness. Therefore, an obligatory element of cultivation is rejuvenation by dividing the rhizome or rooting leaf cuttings.

The second name of the decorative leafy hybrid is Fista. It has a shortened creeping stem with thin long cuttings and neat leaves of a rounded, slightly sloping shape. The surface of the plate is dense, glossy, dark green, the reverse side is red with distinctly traced light veins. Red-leaved begonia blooms from December to summer. The flowers are rare, pale pink in color, with a velvety texture, collected in loose openwork inflorescences.

With proper care, it gives a lush dense bush with juicy bright leaves, looks good in flowerpots and flowerpots, and is used for vertical gardening.

A traditional, widespread species in home floriculture. Large leaves of a palmately dissected form with a serrated edge and an arrow-shaped base are located on long pubescent cuttings. The leaf plate is colored evenly with silver-green veins, but the color saturation depends on the degree of illumination. Leaves are reddish in bloom and turn green as they grow. The thick creeping rhizome resembles a ball of intricately wriggling snakes. Due to the hanging of the stem, the hogweed begonia acquires a semi-ampel shape. The inflorescences are quite large, but do not cause decorative interest.

The plant is unpretentious in care, shade-loving, tolerates both high temperatures and coolness, prefers moderate watering. Reproduction methods are vegetative.

The plant belongs to the bush or reed begonias. The main difference from rhizomatous varieties is an upright stem that can grow up to several meters. The leaves are very spectacular, elongated, on short cuttings. The asymmetrical oval shape with a pointed tip resembles an "angel's wing" - this is an outdated name for the species. The dense glossy surface of a leaf of saturated green color is dotted with round silvery spots, on the reverse side it is reddish.

Spotted begonia is interesting during flowering, which lasts all year round. Large pink and white buds are collected in panicle inflorescences, smell pleasant. As an ornamental flowering plant, begonia is photophilous, needs warmth, moderate humidity.

Another representative of decorative flowering begonias with erect (reed) stems, forming a bush up to 2 m high. The leaves are large, oval, slightly asymmetrical in shape with a wavy edge, pointed apex, rounded wedge-shaped base. The outer side of the leaf plate is green with light spots and textured veins, the reverse side is red.

In January - February, Lucerne begonia throws out many peduncles, on which large pink buds open. The hybrid was obtained in breeding with coral begonia and is similar to it, especially during the flowering period, which lasts until June. The plant lends itself well to molding with pruning. Propagated by seeds, leaf cuttings.

Flower growers are happy to collect begonias. Most species are unpretentious in care, grow and multiply quickly. And the choice is such that you can collect a collection for a lifetime!

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