All about indoor begonia. Begonia - home care, planting, growing. Examples of plants in the photo

Begonia is one of the most popular and valuable indoor plants, as it is loved not only for its bright and lush flowers, but also for its unusual asymmetrical leaves. Under natural conditions, begonia is found in the tropical forests of America, Africa and Asia, but it is quite easy to grow at home.

In this article we will consider not only the most popular begonia varieties for home grown, but also the main features of plant care.

Home begonia: plant description

From the point of view of botanical classification, there are about a thousand varieties of the crop. In addition, breeders have bred more than two thousand hybrids of this crop.

This diversity of species significantly complicates the description of the plant. Eg, indoor views may have flexible shoots or resemble a small bush in shape (Figure 1). In addition, depending on the variety, flowers can be annual or perennial. There are also evergreen and deciduous varieties. The only one general characteristics- these are asymmetrically shaped leaves and lush bright inflorescences.

Caring for begonia at home

Regardless of the variety, the flower should be provided optimal conditions growing at home. Since this crop is tropical, indoors it needs to be provided with conditions that will resemble natural environment growth.

How to care

The basis successful care behind culture at home is consistency. The flower reacts negatively to frequent rearrangements, so when buying a plant in a store, immediately think about where it will stand (Figure 2).

Note: Since in natural conditions The flower is found in the tropics; it is better to place it in a well-lit place, but without exposure to direct sunlight. This lighting mode can be achieved by placing the pot on an eastern or western windowsill.

The room temperature should be moderate, about +18 degrees, regardless of the season. However, in summer, when the room is hot, the crop will not experience serious discomfort.

It should also be taken into account that this crop is very sensitive to air humidity. As a rule, spraying is carried out to increase humidity, but for begonia this procedure is contraindicated, since water getting on the leaves of the crop can cause the formation of dark spots. To increase air humidity, it is recommended to use special air humidifiers, or place the pot in a tray with wet expanded clay.

In addition, it should be borne in mind that the culture has a negative attitude towards drafts and cold air. Under such conditions, the plant may become sick or begin to shed its leaves.

Pots and soil

When planning to grow this flower, you should choose a pot in which the flower will grow. When selecting a container, it should be taken into account that it should be only a few centimeters larger than the diameter of the earthen ball, since in large pots the root system of the crop may suffer from excess moisture, and the plant itself will form buds more slowly.

The soil must be special, so it is better to buy it in a store. But, if desired, you can prepare it yourself by mixing two parts of leaf soil with one part of peat, sand and humus.

Landing

When planting a flower in a pot, you must take care to remove excess moisture from the roots. To do this, a drainage layer is placed at the bottom of the container, and on top it is covered with a layer of charcoal, which acts as a disinfectant material that prevents root rot.

Next, a seedling is placed in the center of the container along with a lump of earth, and the free space is filled with substrate. After this, the flower must be watered and placed in a permanent, well-lit place.

Watering

Watering must be balanced. In other words, the earthen clod should not be allowed to dry out or become waterlogged.

Despite the fact that begonia is a moisture-loving plant, it should not be watered too often or abundantly. It is much more important to support optimal level humidity in the room. Dry air can cause leaves to dry out.

IN summer time When it’s hot outside, watering should be quite abundant, but it is important to ensure that the water does not stagnate at the roots. Determining that your pet needs watering is very simple. To do this, just check the soil moisture: if it has dried to a depth of one and a half centimeters, the flower can be watered. IN winter time Watering is kept to a minimum, avoiding waterlogging and freezing of the roots.

Fertilizer

It is impossible to imagine growing indoor crops without timely application of fertilizers. The type of fertilizer depends on the plant variety. For decorative flowering species use complex fertilizers, which are applied during the formation of buds, as well as phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, which are used during the formation of ovaries.

Decorative deciduous species require nitrogen supplements, which help the plant grow green mass faster.

Transfer

Care necessarily includes regular replanting of the plant. It is better to carry out the procedure in early spring, when the plant is just beginning to emerge from the vegetative dormancy stage, and will not experience serious stress from replanting.

Note: You can determine that your flower needs a transplant by appearance plants. If its roots begin to protrude above the surface of the soil or hang out of the pot, it is time to move the flower to a larger container.

Transplantation is carried out using the transshipment method (Figure 3). The plant is carefully removed from the pot, the roots are cleaned of old soil and placed for 30 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Next, you need to rinse the roots under running water and trim off all damaged parts. After this, the root system should dry out. Only after this can the crop be moved to new pot.

It is important that after transplanting the crops must be put back in their original place and the first time after the procedure the crop must be watered abundantly. It should also be taken into account that young specimens tolerate transplantation much better, while adult plants experience serious stress from this procedure. In addition, large bushes can be difficult to replant, so during the process it is better to divide the bush into several parts and plant them in separate containers.

Begonia in winter

Winter care depends on the type of plant. For example, bush and ornamental species need a long rest period, during which the crop will begin to form new flower buds. To do this, you need to maintain a stable temperature in the room at +15+22 degrees, and also install air humidifiers or hang wet towels over the radiators, which will increase the level of humidity in the room.

In tuberous varieties, the period of vegetative dormancy begins in autumn. During this period, the leaves begin to gradually dry out and fall off, so watering should be kept to a minimum. When the above-ground part of the plant has completely dried out, stop watering, and the pots with tubers are transferred to a dark room and stored at a temperature no higher than +10+15 degrees. In some cases, tuberous species show no signs of entering vegetative dormancy, so you need to let the plant rest on its own. For this aboveground part crops are cut and watering is stopped.

Indoor begonia - propagation

When growing this crop at home, you should familiarize yourself with information about its propagation to obtain young specimens of the plant. Features of reproduction will be discussed in more detail below.

How to propagate begonia

There are two main methods of propagation - seeds and vegetatively. At home, it is better to use the vegetative method, since it is much simpler and more effective, and for this purpose you can use not only dividing the bush and tubers, but also leaf and stem cuttings.

Growing from seeds

Despite the fact that growing begonia from seeds is considered an unpopular method, it is relatively simple and not labor-intensive.

When the flowering period is over, you should collect the seeds and save them until February or March. During this period, sowing is carried out, evenly distributing the seeds over the surface of the soil. After this, the bed should be sprayed with water, covered with film or glass and placed in a warm, well-lit place.

Seedlings need to be sprayed with water daily or watered through a tray. When the first shoots appear, the cover is removed, and after the formation of 3-4 true leaves, the sprouts should be picked into separate containers. In two months the sprouts will become stronger and can be transplanted into a permanent pot. At proper care And good lighting Flowering of a crop grown from seeds occurs in the first year.

Reproduction by dividing the rhizome (tuber)

To propagate deciduous varieties, the rhizome division method is used. The procedure is carried out in early spring, until the plant has entered the active growth phase.

To propagate a plant using this method, you need to extract mature plant from the pot and divide into several parts (Figure 4). It is important to ensure that each part contains not only a fragment of the rhizome, but also several shoots or buds. After this, all sections must be treated with crushed coal and placed in separate containers.

Propagation by cuttings

Cuttings are one of the most effective ways propagation of indoor plants, and begonia is no exception. To prepare cuttings, you need to cut shoots with several leaves, and treat all sections with crushed coal for disinfection.

After this, the cuttings are immersed in a substrate of sand, deciduous and peat soil in equal proportions and placed in a warm, well-lit place. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the cuttings are not exposed to direct Sun rays.

Caring for cuttings includes regular but moderate watering, which is carried out after the soil has dried 1-2 cm deep. If you do not have a special rooting substrate, you can simply place the cuttings in water. Regardless of the chosen rooting method, the process of root formation takes no more than a month, after which the sprouts can be planted in separate containers (Figure 5).

Leaf propagation

Most varieties of the crop have fairly large leaves, which can also be used for propagation, and a young crop can be grown not only from a whole leaf, but also from part of it (Figure 6).

If you are using a whole leaf, you need to make cuts on its inside (along the main veins) and place the leaf on wet sand with the cuts down. The substrate's moisture should be maintained through a pan of water.

The process of root formation takes about two months. During this time, young roots are formed at the site of the cuts, which gradually turn into young plants. When they begin to actively grow, they can be planted in separate pots filled with a mixture of peat, sand and deciduous soil in equal proportions.

Pests and diseases of begonia

Begonia, like other indoor plants, can be damaged by diseases and pests. Of the pests, the flower is most often affected by thrips and spider mites. These insects feed on the sap of the plant and gradually weaken it. If measures are not taken in time and treatment with insecticides is not carried out, the crop may completely die.

Among diseases, the crop is most often affected by fungal diseases (for example, powdery mildew) and gray rot. Such diseases occur if the plant was not properly cared for, in particular, if it was watered too often and abundantly. To eliminate the disease, you need to reduce watering and treat with fungicides.

Sometimes the bush becomes a victim of bacterial diseases - cucumber mosaic, wilt or spotting. There are no cures for these diseases, so the plant will have to be destroyed along with the earthen clod.

Begonia dries

There are situations when there are no signs of disease or pest damage, but begonia still loses its decorative effect. For example, its leaves may begin to dry out. This process causes elevated temperature and low humidity air and soil.

To restore the health of the plant, it needs to be watered and moved to a cooler place. To increase air humidity, the flower pot should be placed in a tray with wet expanded clay.

Begonia turns yellow

The yellowing of the flower may vary. If yellow spots or rings begin to appear on the leaves, this indicates a bacterial infection. There is no point in treating such a plant, so it is simply destroyed.

If all the leaves begin to turn yellow and wither, this means that the soil in the pot is too wet and the plant itself is cold. Watering should be temporarily stopped, and the flower should be moved to a warmer room.

Types and varieties of begonia

There are many types and varieties of this crop, and it is difficult to give a clear classification of the crop (Figure 7).

Popular types of begonia include:

1. Tuberous: may have simple or double inflorescences, the shade of which varies from white and yellow to bright red and orange;
2. Everblooming: this type considered the most popular in indoor floriculture. Externally, the plant resembles a small shrub, and it can be grown not only at home, but also in open ground. The flowers are small and may be white, pink or red;
3. Royal: refers to decorative deciduous species. The leaves are large and can reach 30 cm in length, and their shape depends on the variety or hybrid;
4. Ampelnaya: considered a subspecies of tuberous varieties. Most often used as an ornamental crop for vertical gardening. The length of the shoots can reach 50 cm, and during the flowering period they are covered with numerous small flowers of white, yellow, orange or crimson hue.

It should be borne in mind that in addition to the main types of begonia, there are about 2 thousand hybrids of this crop, so choose suitable variety flowers for home cultivation will not be difficult.

The video shows how to plant the popular tuberous begonia.

One of the most popular and wonderful indoor plants is begonia, caring for it at home requires a lot of time and attention. Currently, there are many different species of this beautiful plant. IN decorative purposes Begonia began to be used about 200 years ago and continues to this day.

It decorates gardens, parks, squares and window sills. There are two varieties of begonia: decorative-flowering and decorative-deciduous.

Considered common tuberous begonia, which boasts its beautiful and large flowers.

Flower care

Caring for this species is quite simple. Today there are many varieties of this plant. They vary in shape, size, color.

One of the reasons why this houseplant is so popular is its ability to bloom not only in summer, but also in winter period. During the flowering period, the flowerpot is distinguished by its gorgeous large flowers and abundant landscaping.

Lighting

Indoor begonia loves bright light. This condition is especially important for flowering plants. In summer, it is necessary to darken the flower and avoid direct sunlight. If this is not done, then sooner or later they will appear on the leaves. brown spots. Non-flowering plants require diffused light. It is better to place the flower on the east or west side of the apartment.

Temperature and humidity

An indoor flower requires 21-23°C in summer and 15-18°C in winter. Care at home also implies fairly high humidity, which is so necessary for the plant. This is explained by the fact that begonia originally grew in a tropical climate. Begonias should not be sprayed, since as a result of sunlight hitting drops of water that remain on the leaves, they will form sunburn.

Watering

Indoor plants need to be watered abundantly, especially in hot weather. In this case, water should not accumulate in the pan. Watering is carried out with settled water when the soil dries out by about 1-1.5 cm. In winter, watering is significantly reduced, especially if the apartment is cold enough. If the begonia is tuberous, then do not forget that in winter it sleeps. The plant must be placed in peat and watering should be stopped completely.

Top dressing

Care at home requires special vitamin supplementation for plants, as over time the soil becomes depleted. The flower should be fed once every 14 days, as soon as it blooms. Suitable for deciduous varieties nitrogen fertilizer. Such additives slow down the flowering process, but improve leaf growth.

In order to keep a plant in the house, you need to follow these simple rules. Begonia will delight you with an abundance of flowers and leaves only with proper care. As you can see, growing such a flower is quite troublesome, but its beauty is worth it.

Transplantation and propagation

So, growing a flower involves not only proper care, but also replanting, which is periodically necessary for the plant. This procedure is performed when the flower has already grown enough and a larger pot is required, or when the soil is completely depleted and the flower needs new soil.

There are no special requirements for the soil. You can buy soil at a gardening store or make it yourself. In order to create good soil for a plant, you need to follow several rules:

• the pot is half filled with leaf soil;
• peat and black soil are added in equal proportions;
• Sand is placed at the bottom of the pot.

If you properly prepare the soil, the plant will grow quickly and correctly and delight you with its flowering.

It is necessary to ensure that the roots fit freely in the pot. As soon as they become crowded, the flower requires immediate transplantation. Early spring is best for this. In order to make a transplant, you need:

• remove the plant from the old pot;
• clean the roots from old peat;
• place the flower in water with potassium permanganate;
• trim off rotten parts of the roots.

It is important not to fill the pot full of soil. You need to wait for the roots to dry completely and add more required quantity soil. A newly transplanted plant requires regular watering. There is no need to place the flower on the sunny side, as after transplantation it is in a state of stress. He needs to be given time to get used to his new habitat. Transplanted begonia care at home requires more painstaking care. As a rule, adaptation takes up to 1 month.

When the flower has grown sufficiently, we can talk about its reproduction. This process can be carried out in 3 ways:

1. Leaf cuttings;
2. Stems;
3. Dividing the bush.

Each type has its own characteristics. If you neglect these rules, then the begonia will not only not bloom, it simply will not live. Tuberous plants reproduce by seeds or tubers.

Propagation by tubers:

• get the tubers out of the ground, this should be done in autumn period;
• trim leaves;
• clean the roots;
• place the peeled tubers in peat;
• keep the plant at a temperature not exceeding 11°C.

To germinate the first shoots, the plant must be transplanted into a pot with sandy soil. Next you need moderate watering.

This begonia germinates very slowly. Therefore, it is necessary to wait for the roots and first shoots.

If everything is done correctly, then sooner or later the flower will begin to grow, bloom and multiply. Do not forget that this is a living organism and you also need to monitor it.

Features of flowering

The most common plant found among gardeners is red begonia. She earned this name thanks to her beautiful bright red flowers. These luxurious flowers will not go unnoticed and will definitely cause delight.

Begonia can bring a festive atmosphere, even if placed in the darkest corner. It's constant flowering plant. So, it will decorate the garden from June to September, and the apartment from April-May to October.

If the begonia does not bloom, then most likely the problem lies in the wrong content: poorly selected temperature regime, too frequent watering, oversaturation with fertilizers, has not been replanted for a long time. Once the conditions are right, the begonia will bloom again.

Often the plant is not pleasing to the eye due to diseases. Thus, the most common disease is considered to be fungus. This disease occurs when the plant suffers from excess moisture. It is necessary to carefully monitor its central part and lower leaves. It is in these places that the first signs of the disease appear first. If such a problem takes you by surprise, it is necessary to reduce the number of waterings and remove injured areas.

Begonia may appear red spider mite. It will help to get rid of it special solution. After processing, the flower is placed in a bag.

Conclusion

Begonia is a beautiful plant that delights with its lush flowers of various shades. Often predominates pastel color, but there is also bright flowers, such as red or pink. With proper care, begonia will please the eye and become an indispensable decoration of your apartment or garden. Growing such a flower is quite troublesome, but the result is worth it.

Photo gallery

Below you can see in detail photos of varieties of magnificent begonia.

Begonia (Begonia) is a unique herbaceous plant in terms of the number of species and varieties, which differ in shape, flowering color, size and habitat. In the Begoniev family there are perennials and annuals, which are represented by herbaceous plants, low-growing shrubs and full-fledged subshrubs.

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

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

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

In the second half of the nineteenth century in different countries new species of begonias were found. For example, in India - royal begonia, in Peru - Veitch begonia, in Bolivia - Pierce and Bolivian begonia, in the highlands of South America -. But flower growers and gardeners give the greatest preference to Belgian begonia varieties.

Types of begonia

For growing in room conditions Hybrid forms of begonia are most suitable. Both flowering and deciduous plant species have decorative qualities. Among the flowering species there are two categories of plants. Some are evergreen representatives, while others are shedding leaves. Evergreens do not bloom as spectacularly as other species, but all year round delight with lush green foliage. Those specimens whose foliage dies off have a beautiful and lush flowering, but to grow the next generation of flowers, tuberous propagation will be required.

Location and lighting

Lighting for deciduous begonia species should not be very bright, partial shade, especially in hot and sunny summers, since the sun's rays leave burns when they hit begonia leaves. Flowering species begonias are preferred more bright lighting at any time of the year, but it should be protected from direct sun with white cloth or thin paper, and also use blinds.

Temperature

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

Air humidity

Air humidity is important for the development of begonias great importance. Its level should be constantly close to 60%. You can maintain such humidity using additional containers with water, which will stand next to the indoor plant or a special electrical appliance which will humidify the air. The liquid will constantly evaporate and maintain the required level of humidity.

Another way to moisturize can be a container with damp moss or peat, in which you need to place a pot of begonia. But you will have to abandon the usual spraying for other flowers, since begonia may die from such water procedures. Drops of water falling on the leaves of a plant will leave behind stains. Brown and will lead to leaf fall.

Watering

Begonia needs abundant or moderate watering, depending on the season. On hot summer days, the plant requires a lot of moisture, and in the cold autumn and winter, the number of waterings and their volumes decrease. Excess and lack of moisture in the soil can lead to negative consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out the next watering only when the soil has dried two centimeters. Water should not stagnate in the soil, so you need to regulate its volume when watering. Water for irrigation should only be purified or melted and approximately equal to the air temperature in the room.

The soil

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

Feeding and fertilizers

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

Transfer

Tuberous varieties of begonias are planted in the soil in early spring. Transplantation of rhizomatous flower species is carried out as they grow indoor plant. Begonias should not be replanted with dry soil in a pot or immediately after it has been moistened. A favorable time for replanting is the next day after watering.

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

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

The begonia is placed in a new pot with a soil mixture and sprinkled with soil almost to the very top, and immediately watered abundantly. Over the next week the ground will gradually settle, upper layer It will dry out a little, after which you can add the missing amount of soil. During these 6-7 days, no watering is carried out; they are replaced by daily spraying.

Immediately after transplantation, it is recommended to prune the plant. This will promote the formation of a bushy form and less evaporation of moisture. Begonia should spend the first week in a new container indoors without drafts and in shady conditions.

Caring for begonia during the dormant period

Begonia of tuberous species after the end of flowering should gradually go into a dormant period. To do this, it is necessary to gradually reduce the number and volume of watering until the above-ground part dries completely. indoor flower. All dried parts of the plant are completely removed, and the flower is placed in cool conditions with a temperature of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius for 2.5-3 months. In this case, watering must be continued, but in minimal quantities and very rarely.

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

Propagation by seeds

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

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

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

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

Reproduction by tuber division

The tubers of a mature plant should be cut into several parts, sprinkle the cut areas with crushed charcoal, leave to dry, and then germinate in seedling boxes or flower pots.

Propagation by cuttings

There should be at least three leaves left on the cut begonia cuttings. The cut areas must be sprinkled with activated carbon (powdered). Rooting of the plant occurs within a month at a temperature of at least 20 degrees and good soil and air moisture. The location of the flower needs to be shaded.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

Suitable for this method bush varieties begonias. The bush is divided along with the root part and planted in separate pots. During rooting, begonia should be in a bright and warm room.

Propagation by dividing rhizomes

This propagation method can be used during spring plant transplantation. After division, each part of the plant should have a shoot with or without a bud and a root. Charcoal needed for sprinkling cuts on the roots to prevent rotting of the root part. All parts of the begonia are planted in separate containers and all rules for caring for indoor flowers are followed.

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

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

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

Control measures include regular ventilation of the room, moderate lighting, timely application of fertilizers.

Growing flowering indoor begonia (video)

True fans of begonia appreciate not only its bright and lush flowering, but also its unusual, beautifully colored asymmetrical decorative leaves. The perennial is native to tropical forests and subtropical regions of America, Asia and Africa.

Popular types of indoor begonia flower and photos

Today, about 900 species of begonia are known in the world and at least 2 thousand hybrids have been obtained. Crops for growing indoors are conventionally divided into two large groups - deciduous and flowering. Decorative foliage differs original form and leaf color. Flowering begonia varieties are divided into groups of tuberous, evergreen and bushy, which require a dormant period. Let's take a closer look at the most popular types:

• tuberous– has simple and double flowers of white, pink, yellow, bright red, orange colors. Petals can be two-colored or framed. Flower sizes range from 5 to 15 cm, shapes are similar to rose, carnation, peony;
• everblooming- the most popular begonia from the bushy group. It is grown as a garden culture, and in room conditions. In the latter case, the plant can bloom all year round. It has glossy leaves in red and green shades, blooms small flowers red, pink, white colors;
• royal– decorative deciduous species is distinguished by large, up to 30 cm in length, leaves of heterogeneous color in dark green, brown, and red tones. The shapes of the leaf blades are heart-shaped or reminiscent of a snail's spiral;
• ampelous– this subspecies of tuberous begonias is used in vertical gardening. Hanging garlands of shoots 25-50 cm long are strewn with many white, crimson, orange, yellow flowers, which bloom throughout the growing season;
• elatior– this tuberous begonia hybrid is intended for cultivation exclusively at home. It has thin shoots of red shades that need support. Blooms in autumn-winter. Petals of white, yellow, red, orange tones. Glossy leaves round shape, flowers are about 5 cm in diameter.

Caring for indoor flowers at home

Begonia is demanding on lighting; it should be placed in a well-lit place

Home begonia is unpretentious in planting conditions and easy to care for. It does not need frequent transplants and grows at moderate temperatures. Its tropical nature places special demands on air humidity. Some species have a dormant period after flowering.

Lighting and watering

A well-lit room suits begonias. Abundantly flowering varieties prefer diffused light. Decorative deciduous specimens develop better in partial shade. Good location flower pot there will be a window sill on the east or west window. During the winter months, it is recommended to provide additional artificial lighting.

Begonia is moisture-loving. For irrigation, soft, settled water is used, the excess is drained from the pan. Adhere to the following rules:

• in summer, water generously twice a week;
• in extreme heat, the soil is moistened daily;
• from October the plant is watered as the top layer of soil dries;
• in winter, watering is reduced to a minimum;
• in March, the intensity of moisture gradually increases.

Tuberous species hibernate during the winter. During this period, they are placed in peat, and watering is completely excluded.

Air humidity

Never spray begonia as it can lead to illness

The tropical origin of the plant places increased demands on indoor air humidity. It is not recommended to spray begonia, as this causes it to hurt and spots appear on the leaves.

To satisfy the requirements of the flower, a special microclimate is created for it. For this:

• the pot is placed on a saucer with wet peat;
• Pebbles are poured into a tray of water and a flower is placed on it.

By evaporating, the water will provide the level of humidity the plant needs.

Optimal temperature for begonia

The plant does not like changes and prefers moderate temperatures. In summer it is advisable to keep the flower at +18...+20°C. In winter, the air temperature should not fall below +15°C.

Soil for begonias and fertilizers

After transplanting begonias, frequent and abundant watering is necessary.

Begonias require nutritious soil. It is made up of:

• 2 parts leaf soil;
• 1 part peat;
• 1 part black soil.

A layer of coarse river sand is placed at the bottom of the pot. Half the container is filled with leaf soil. The top is filled with a mixture of peat and black soil.

It is difficult to grow beautiful begonia without such an important component of care as fertilizer. Fertilizing is carried out no more than twice a month during the period of bud formation and intensive flowering. As a rule, this happens in spring and summer. For this purpose, complete mineral fertilizers are used.

How to replant correctly

Begonias are transplanted in early March once every two to three years. The need for this procedure is indicated by the roots that do not fit in the old pot. The new one is chosen 2-3 cm larger in diameter.

The begonia is carefully removed from the substrate, the roots are cleaned of any remaining soil. Place in a container with weak solution potassium permanganate. After root system Check for rot or pests. Remove diseased areas down to healthy tissue.

A layer of expanded clay is placed on the bottom of the new pot, and coarse sand is placed on top. The plant is placed in a container and the roots are carefully sprinkled with soil mixture. After transplantation, the flower needs abundant watering.

Begonia flowering

Begonia blooms profusely and very brightly. To extend this period, female flowers are removed at the very beginning of development. When the grower's goal is high-quality tuber formation, new buds are removed in September. Then the plant will not waste energy on flowering.

When propagating by leaf cuttings, take a strong specimen

Begonias are planted with seeds and tubers, and propagated vegetatively - by cutting leaves and stems, dividing the bush.

Reproduction by cuttings

This method is used in spring and summer. The stem cutting for rooting must be at least 7 cm long. Immediately after cutting, the planting material is planted in a moist substrate of sand and peat in a ratio of 3:1. The container with plantings is placed in a dark place. After 1-2 months the plant takes root.

For propagation by leaf cuttings, the strongest specimen is selected. The cuttings are buried in the ground so that the leaf does not touch the soil surface. Before rooting, containers with leaves are kept in a dark room.

Growing begonia from seeds

Propagation by seeds is carried out from December to March. The nutrient substrate for sowing is prepared from leaf soil, peat and sand. The seeds are distributed over the surface of the soil, lightly pressing into the ground. Shoots appear in 10-15 days.

Grown seedlings dive. Young plants are transplanted into separate pots with a lump of earth. In mid-summer, strong begonias may already bloom. By winter, a plant tuber forms. In autumn, the tubers are stored in sand or peat. Planting material is kept at a temperature of +8…+10°C. In spring, the tubers are planted again in pots.

Caring for tubers after planting

How and when to plant tuberous begonia depends on when you expect to get a flowering plant. They begin planting in February and continue until June. For this:

• the tuber is buried halfway into the ground;
• leave in a cool, dark room;
• water moderately for several weeks;
• when the shoots sprout, the tuber is completely covered with earth, and the pot is transferred to a bright, warm place.

Diseases and pests of begonia and plant care during this period

Spider mites and aphids are the most common pests of begonias.

Careless care and maintenance errors lead to the fact that the plant begins to get sick and drop leaves and buds. To understand the reasons for this condition, take a close look at the begonia:

• if the tips of the leaves turn brown and begin to fall off, the flower does not have enough watering and air humidity;
• a pale leaf blade indicates a lack of lighting;
• Excess moisture at low temperatures leads to the formation of fungus. The affected foliage and shoots are removed, and the flower is treated with fungicides;
• dry air and temperature fluctuations are a favorable environment for powdery mildew. She looks like white coating. To combat it, begonia is treated with a 1% aqueous solution of colloidal sulfur.

Memo to the florist

Begonia may not bloom for a number of reasons, starting from the fact that bad light and until there is excess fertilizer

During the growing process, begonias may experience non-standard situations and flower growers have additional questions about how to deal with them.

If begonia does not bloom, the reasons may lie in the following factors:

• the plant does not have enough light;
• low humidity in the room;
• unsuitable temperature conditions;
• excess fertilizer;
• watering with hard water;
• lack of rest period;
• drafts.

Change the conditions of detention and observe the pet. You may need to replant the flower in a fresh substrate. The lack of flowering may also indicate that it is time to rejuvenate the plant.

Why do begonia buds fall off immediately after they appear?

This phenomenon indicates a weakened state of the flower. It can be caused by improper watering and lack of minerals. This flower needs feeding.

Why do begonia leaves turn yellow?

Begonia can purify the air

Begonia leaves are rich in phytoncides, thanks to which it has amazing properties purify and improve indoor air. With its help they fight pathogenic microorganisms. In particular, it is effective in the fight against staphylococcus.

It has been noted that the presence of begonia improves immunity, increases performance and relieves fatigue. It is recommended not only as a home plant, but also as an office plant, since the flower helps enhance mental activity.

The plant has the ability to clean the air of dust and absorb toxic chemical compounds. Therefore, it is recommended to start begonia at home immediately after renovation.

It is believed that begonia can give its owner strength and determination.

It is believed that begonia helps in achieving personal success. It contributes to the birth of new ideas, therefore it is useful for writers, journalists, and scientists.

Begonia is an Aries plant. The flower generously bestows energy, like all fire signs:

• useful for Leos and Sagittarius, as it helps balance their energetic chaos;
• Capricorns, Gemini, Libra - develop prudence;
• Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio - establish harmonious relationships.

The influence of begonia on other zodiac signs is neutral.

Energy and symbolism

Thanks to its strong energy, begonia can give strength and determination. It is necessary where pessimists live and there are frequent quarrels. It transforms negative energy into positive. It has a calming effect on irritable people and is a great mood lifter.

Begonia is a symbol of material well-being. She personifies purity and virtue. Seeing a begonia in a dream means that on a person negative program, from which it is necessary to cleanse.

Healing properties of begonia

The plant is widely used in folk medicine. It is a good analgesic and antispasmodic and has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.

An infusion of flowers is used to treat wounds and burns, irritation and ulcers. The juice from the leaves is used to relieve headaches. The root is used in the treatment of conjunctivitis.

Gardeners love it for its variety of leaf shapes and rich range of flower colors. Modern cultivated garden begonia is conventionally divided into two large groups: deciduous and flowering.

The world of begonia colors: popular types

Richness of leaves. Decorative deciduous begonia cannot boast spectacular flowers, its main pride is colorful, bright leaves unusual shape and various colors. The undisputed favorite of this group is royal begonia. with large leaves, the color of which smoothly flows from silver to reddish. Griffith's begonia with elegant leaves, purple Diadem, and strict and spectacular Cleopatra have original colors.

The luxury of flowers. Decorative flowering begonias are valued by gardeners for their unique beauty and variety of flowers. Here you can choose excellent varieties for garden design, which will delight you with flowering until the first frost - this is the compact ever-blooming begonia . At the time of flowering, it is a real living carpet from all sorts of shades.

But the most magnificent flowers are those of tuberous begonias - large originals. When winter comes, they are freed from stems, roots, leaves, leaving only tubers and hibernating. Tuberous begonia is rich in the assortment of its flowers: double and smooth, similar to roses, carnations, peonies and camellias, dazzling white and crimson-scarlet, golden and salmon.

The tuberous begonia Odorata Whites is especially beautiful with the splendor of its snow-pink inflorescences. Low plants bloom large throughout the season, ruffled flowers, reminiscent of a lotus.

Do you like rain? What if it's a rain of flowers? The ampelous begonia looks exactly like a waterfall of gorgeous flowers. Its long, flexible stems are completely dotted with magnificent inflorescences of various colors, which do not lose their vigor in the shade, in the rain and in the sun.

Lighting. Flowering specimens will require bright light. In hot summers, to protect the plant from burns, lightly shade it. Decorative deciduous species do not need lighting; they will like partial shade.

Temperature. Provide your beauty with +21-23°C in summer and +15-18°C in winter.

Humidity. Having been born in a humid climate, the begonia flower does not change its habits. She needs high humidity. But it is not advisable to spray the flower - if moisture gets on the leaves, dark spots may appear.

Advice! Place the begonia on an inverted tray. Then place the structure on a larger pallet. Spread gravel around the circumference of a small tray and moisten it regularly. By evaporating, the water will create the necessary humidity for the flower.

Watering. Your favorite indoor begonia requires a lot of moisture, especially in the heat. Keep an eye on the soil - as soon as it dries 1-1.5 cm, water the plant with settled warm (+20° C) water. In winter, watering is reduced, and the tuberous forms generally go into hibernation and do not require water.

Feeding. From the moment of flowering, begonia needs to be fed once every 10-14 days. When choosing fertilizers, focus on the class of the plant:

• Deciduous species need to improve leaf growth and eat nitrogen-containing supplements (Kemira: ½ sachet per 10 liters of water, Uniflor-growth: 5 ml per 2 liters of water, Agricola: 5 g per 2 liters of water).

• Potassium-phosphorus fertilizers that stimulate flowering (Bud, Ovary, Pollen, Zdravii) are suitable for flowering varieties. Consumption 1-2 g per liter of water.

Comfort in the garden

Want to know how to care for begonias in the garden? The first thing to do for your favorite flower is place it on the north side of the site or in the shade of large trees. Caring for a garden begonia is practically no different from caring for a home flower.

Advice! When watering, try to water the begonia in the morning, before the heat sets in. Do not forget to loosen the soil immediately after watering.

When autumn approaches (early October), garden begonia nodules are dug up for wintering:

• We cut off the stems of the begonia, leaving 3 cm of stumps.
• We dry for 2-3 weeks.
• We put the nodules in boxes and cover them with sand.

Plant pruning

Begonia needs to be pruned to rejuvenate it. This procedure is applied to plants that have leaves remaining in the upper region of the stem. The stem itself is cut off with a stump of 5-6 cm. The stem of the flower should be in a shaded place. Spray it with water several times a day. Soon the begonia will begin to sprout young shoots in the lower zone of the trunk from dormant buds. To form beautiful shape side shoots are pinched.