Breeding features
Such a beautiful flower as begonia is very often used when creating landscaping for gardens and backyards. It blooms for a long time. Various varieties and have a wide range of colors. Begonias reproduce in the following ways:
- seeds;
- cuttings;
- tubers.
The latter option is more common. The fact is that seed reproduction requires additional manipulations, care and a lot of time.
Cuttings are made from fairly large and powerful shoots. This happens in May. The shoots are watered so that the soil is not waterlogged. Otherwise, the plant will simply rot.
When propagating by tubers, it is enough to divide the mature root into several parts and wait for the sprouts to appear. It is best to use tubers that have grown for at least five years.
Planting in a pot
First of all, it should be said that the container in which you will plant the tuber should not be too deep, since the root system of the plant is of a surface type.
You can plant several begonias in a wide container. The distance between them can be as little as ten centimeters. This is enough for the flower to sprout and begin to develop.
Watering should be carried out along the edge of the container, being careful not to get water on the plant. Sometimes inexperienced growers cover the tuber with a part of a plastic bottle. But experts consider this approach to be erroneous. Begonia, after greenhouse conditions, is very difficult to adapt to normal conditions, and even gliding sunlight can burn them.
The container is placed on the home window, where there is no scorching sun. The air temperature in the room should be more than sixteen degrees Celsius.
Flowers are planted in open ground after the morning frosts have passed. But before that you need to harden. Seedlings are taken out into the open air at first for only a few minutes, and then the interval is increased.
The use of a greenhouse is allowed. But at the same time, you need to constantly monitor the condition of the plant and, if necessary, take measures to preserve them.
In a flower bed, flowers are planted at some distance from each other. Watering is done early in the morning, making sure that the soil is not too wet.
When the begonia fades, the ground part is cut off, and after ten days the tubers are dug up. After cleaning from the ground, they are placed in peat or special moss. You can store them in a dry basement or in the refrigerator.
Begonia: home care, photo
Now it's worth familiarizing yourself with the simple rules for caring for begonia at home.
Lighting
However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that direct sunlight can harm the plant - burns will begin to appear on the leaves, elasticity will be lost, the edges of the leaf plates will begin to dry out
It is also worth noting that begonia does not like being moved from one place to another. In addition, it is not recommended to rotate it around its axis. With the onset of winter, the plant can be rearranged to the southern windowsill.
Temperature
warmly
In summer, the room temperature should be in the range of 20-25 degrees. If the temperature is higher, begonias need to be provided with high humidity. In winter, it is advisable to lower the temperature to 16-18 degrees, but you should not keep the plant at temperatures below 15 degrees.
should not
With the onset of warmth, begonias can be taken out into the open air, having previously taken care of protection from wind, rain and direct sunlight.The plant is very sensitive to drafts and must therefore be avoided.
Air humidity and watering
regular
In the summer, begonias need abundant watering. It is necessary to moisten the soil after the topsoil has dried.
should not
The optimum air humidity for a plant is 60%. But the leaves should not be sprayed, as black spots may form on them. Optimum air humidity can be achieved in the following ways:
- the air can be humidified around the plant using a fine-grained spray bottle;
- the use of a humidifier for the room;
- put the pot with the plant in a tray with wet expanded clay, sphagnum moss or pebbles.
Fertilizer at home
feed
As a mineral fertilizer, it is recommended to use a universal top dressing for ornamental deciduous plants. If feeding is carried out in the spring or summer, the proportions of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium in the fertilizer should be equal. In the period from August to March, the amount of nitrogen and potassium should be halved.
As organic fertilizers, you can use manure at the rate of 50 grams per 5 liters of water or bird droppings at the rate of 10 grams per 3 liters of water.
Diseases and pests
Begonia is a capricious plant that needs constant care. If agricultural technology is violated, the flower can be attacked by insects and hurt.
The main pests:
- leaf nematode;
- greenhouse aphid;
- spider mite.
The nematode affects young shoots and buds, as a result the plant dies. To eliminate the pest, flower bushes must be treated with heterophos. The affected areas of the plant are removed and burned.
Greenhouse aphids feed on plant sap. To get rid of it, it is recommended to use tobacco infusion, soap solution or insecticides.
The spider mite forms a thin web on the leaves. After that, they turn yellow and fall off. With a strong infection, flowering stops and the plant dies. To combat spider mites, it is recommended to spray with an infusion of onions and garlic. Near the plant itself, you need to put a container with chopped garlic.
Possible diseases:
- Powdery mildew. It affects the aerial part of the plant. White patches of plaque appear and the leaves begin to dry out. To treat the flower, fungicides or a copper-soap solution are used.
- Gray rot. This fungal disease appears as gray spots. The plant must be treated with Benomil.
- Bacterial spotting. Formed on the lower leaves in the form of small watery spots. For treatment, spraying with a systemic fungicide is carried out.
- Tomato virus. Yellow-green spots form on the leaves. Affected plants are destroyed.
The main reason for the development of diseases is constant waterlogging, which contributes to the reproduction of pests. Improper care leads to curling diseases.
Pests and diseases, methods of control and treatment
Excessive moistening of the soil of this type of plant and finding it in rooms with low air temperatures can lead to the fact that the plant will begin to suffer from gray rot or powdery mildew. This is evidenced by the appearance of brown or gray spots on the leaves. If such signs are found from the plant, all parts affected by pests should be immediately removed and sprayed with fungicidal preparations. For this purpose, you can use "Topaz" or "Vectra". After processing, do not forget to provide begonias with proper watering and temperature conditions. If the flower is located in a room with dry air, spider mites can attack it. To get rid of it, it is necessary to dilute one ampoule of "Karate" in two liters of water and spray the leaves with this solution. If the flower is affected by aphids, it is necessary to spray it with tobacco infusion at the rate of twenty grams per one liter of water.
Coral begonia cannot be called fastidious, therefore it has gained wide popularity among lovers of indoor floriculture. If you are not too lazy to carefully study the basic rules of caring for a Brazilian beauty, this plant will thank you with the appearance of beautiful pink flowers. Remember that the main enemies of coral begonias are over-watering, dry air and low temperatures.
How to care
To achieve excellent results in growing a crop, it should provide suitable conditions.
Illumination
Begonias require bright lighting. This is very true for flowering plants. In summer, it is recommended to grow the crop in the shade, since there is a risk of burns on the leaves.
Watering
The plant is considered to be moisture-loving, but it does not require frequent watering. It is much more important to maintain high air humidity. Otherwise, the tips of the leaves may begin to dry out. In the heat, the flower requires more abundant watering.
But it is important to avoid stagnant moisture in the roots.
To moisten the soil, it is worth using water at room temperature, which should be defended for at least 24 hours. It is worth moistening the soil when the top layer dries up by 1.5 centimeters. In winter, the culture needs more rare and moderate watering. Tuberous species should not be moistened at all.
Fertilizer and feeding
For the normal development of begonia, it should be fed on time. It is recommended to fertilize flowering species during budding. It is worth feeding the crop every 14 days using complex fertilizer. During the formation of the ovaries, the flower requires potassium-phosphorus preparations - Pollen, Bud are suitable.
Nitrogen-containing products are used exclusively for decorative deciduous varieties of culture. Otherwise, flowering will not start.
Transfer
For the normal development of culture, it needs systematic transplants. This should be done in the spring, before the start of the growing season. The procedure is carried out when roots appear from the drainage holes.
To do this, it is recommended to remove the flower from the pot and get rid of the remaining substrate. After that, the roots are dipped in a light pink solution of potassium permanganate. Then the roots should be rinsed with settled water. Inspect them carefully and remove areas with rot. After the roots dry out, the culture is transferred to a larger container.
Young plants are easy enough to replant. They tolerate this procedure well. Adult flowers have many fragile leaves. Therefore, plants over 3 years old are divided into several fragments.
Soil requirements
The plant requires planting in a nutritious soil. The composition should contain 2 parts of leafy land, 1 part of black soil and the same amount of peat. Coarse sand should be placed at the bottom of the container. The pot is half covered with leafy soil, then peat and black soil are put.
Tuberous winter storage
An ever-flowering begonia is characterized by an unexpressed rest period. Tuberous plants require wintering. After flowering, the tubers should be placed in peat or left in a pot. It is worth drastically reducing the number of waterings.
Place the pot of tubers in the basement or other cool place. The temperature regime should be + 10-15 degrees.
Air humidity
The culture requires high humidity. However, you should not spray the flower. If moisture gets on the leaves, there is a risk of brown spots. To avoid dry air, the pot should be placed on an inverted tray.
This structure should be placed in a wider container, pour moss or expanded clay into it and moisten it periodically. As the liquid evaporates, normal humidity will be maintained.
How to choose the right pot
To ensure the culture's normal development, it is worth choosing the right container for it. An ordinary round pot works well for this purpose.
Plastic
A plastic pot is suitable for begonias
At the same time, it is important to choose the right soil and ensure high-quality drainage. Hypothermia or overheating of the container should be avoided.
Ceramics
Ceramic pots are the best choice for begonia roots to work properly. This material does not retain liquid and provides excellent air circulation.
Dormant period
In evergreens, this period is poorly expressed. At the same time, tuberous varieties need a long rest. Since the middle of autumn, leaves die off, so it is worth stopping feeding and reducing the amount of watering. After the ground part of the pots has completely died out, it is worth moving to a dark, cool room.
To give a culture a beautiful appearance, it is necessary to pay attention to the formation of its crown. To do this, pinch the shoots. The procedure can be performed before or after flowering.
To do this, it is worth pinching off the top growth point of the main stem. This is done by 1-2 centimeters.
The procedure can be performed before flowering or after flowering. To do this, it is worth pinching off the top growth point of the main stem. This is done by 1-2 centimeters.
Care
The main condition for healthy development, beautiful flowering of begonia is proper care. Although it is simple, it has certain features that need to be remembered. It is recommended to take care of Corallina at home as follows:
- avoid the sun, as begonia in direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so do not place it on the south window and on the balcony;
- provide access to natural diffused lighting, slight shading does not harm the development of the flower;
- in winter, the plant feels great on the windowsill in the absence of drafts;
- it is best to place the flower on the window from the west, east or north;
- do not open the vents or remove the begonia from the window when ventilating, do not place it next to batteries and heaters;
- draft, cold and lack of light will either slow down the development of the flower, or lead to its illness and death.
Moisturizing "Coralline" has a number of features:
- summer watering should be very abundant and regular;
- drying out threatens with disease and death of the plant;
- water with potassium supplements once every 2 weeks;
- in the spring, the plant is supported with phosphates;
- watering in winter should be reduced to moderate.
In this case, you cannot spray the leaves. The temperature regime should ideally fluctuate between +15 +16 degrees in winter and +18 +24 degrees in summer. As a care procedure, it is imperative to cleanse the bush from dead leaves and inflorescences, otherwise they draw out useful trace elements and interfere with the formation of a new inflorescence.
Pruning and pinching are necessary conditions for the formation of a beautiful, well-groomed plant. It is recommended to pinch the top of the head so that the plant shrubs, forming very spectacular leaves from the sides. Pruning overly elongated stems should be done regularly, otherwise the plant will lose its neat appearance.
Care
Rex begonia will please its owners only with proper care and compliance with all requirements for soil, pot location, watering, fertilization regularity and some others. We will talk about this further.
Priming
For growing Rex begonias, you can purchase a ready-made soil mixture.
Preparing the soil at home is also not difficult. You just need to take 2 parts of leafy land, and then add turf and peat in equal proportions.
Coniferous bark or leaf humus can be added to the prepared mixture so that the soil can pass air.
Lighting
Begonia Rex in nature is used to a lot of light. Therefore, the room conditions of the royal beauty are no exception. Otherwise, from a lack of light, the leaves of the plant may lose their brightness and turn pale.
When choosing a place for a pot, avoid direct sunlight on the begonia, otherwise the flower will get sunburn and begin to fade.
The south window will be an ideal place for growing a flower in winter. In hot weather, you need to provide the plant with partial shade.
Watering and humidity
Begonia rex prefers abundant watering, especially in the summer heat. Begonia leaves require not only "feeding", but also additional care. Due to their large size, dust accumulates on them, so they should be periodically wiped with a dampened cloth.
You can touch the topsoil in the pot to determine if the plant needs watering. If it is dry, then this indicates a lack of water.
In case the soil becomes too dry, you should not water the flower as you usually do. You need to place the pot of begonia in a container of water and let it nourish a little. 30-40 minutes will be enough.
Begonia Rex loves high air humidity, however, you do not need to spray the houseplant itself, otherwise the leaves can rot, as evidenced by the spots that have appeared. To humidify the air, you can simply spray water around the flower or purchase a special humidifier.
Temperature conditions
Begonia, by its nature, is accustomed to warm climates, therefore, in room conditions, a temperature of 16-22 degrees should be adhered to. Note that the plant does not like heat
In winter, the temperature in the room should be reduced to 16 degrees, but it is important not to overcool the roots of the flower
Top dressing
Like most ornamental plants, Rex begonias require feeding.
Fertilize the southern beauty during the period of active growth - in the spring. Fertilizer can be purchased ready-made. It must include 3 components: potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus.
In addition to mineral fertilizers, organic fertilizers should be used. Horse or cow manure diluted with water in the ratio: 1 liter of water per 200 grams of fertilizer is well suited.
Transfer
It is recommended to transplant every 3-4 years. During this period, the plant, as a rule, grows roots and the old pot becomes small for it. A new cutting should be planted in a pot and over time, wait for the appearance of a young plant. To create a beautiful composition, you can use several cuttings of different types by planting them in a wide flowerpot.
Pruning
Begonia Rex can decorate almost any interior, but to give the plant an aesthetic appearance, periodic pruning is required. In addition, pruning is essential for improved flowering and healthy growth of begonias.
The first pruning should be done when the rex reaches a height of 10-12 cm. For this, you can use a well-sharpened knife or scissors.
By trimming the flower, you can give the desired shape. In this case, curves and dried branches should be removed.
How to provide proper care at home
Coral begonia is one of those decorative foliage plants that require a minimum of self-care. It is enough to create the necessary growing conditions, after which no special measures are required.
Soil selection and feeding
The flower loves a nutritious, porous soil into which moisture will easily be absorbed. Begonia will also respond well to universal soil, soil for indoor or flowering plants, a mixture for violets is ideal.
For your information! You can independently make a substrate based on leafy earth, to which peat, sand and perlite are added. The second option is a mixture of fertile garden soil with dry peat, sand and compost.
The bottom of the pot is equipped with holes, it is also important not to forget about the drainage layer. The soil should not contribute to stagnant water, as this can lead to decay of the root system and negatively affect the flowering process.
The plant is actively fed in the spring-summer period, liquid fertilizers are applied every 2 weeks.In winter, the soil is fertilized every 1-1.5 months. The flower reacts positively to solutions with a high potassium content.
Important! The pot changes as the plant grows, but it is recommended to change the soil every year
How to plant in a pot
The plant is transplanted in spring or summer. If the flower was purchased earlier, then the necessary conditions are provided for it at any time. The pot is chosen in such a size that there is not much unused land left, as this is fraught with the formation of putrefactive processes. The transfer is carried out by the transshipment method.
Begonia during flowering
Rules for watering and maintaining humidity
Begonia loves moderate watering, therefore, waterlogging and drought will be unacceptable for him. If this does not affect the beauty of the leaves, then for flowering, violation of the watering regime is fraught with negative consequences. Watering is carried out as the top layer of the soil dries up. During the flowering period, begonia is watered more often, the soil should be constantly moist.
The flower loves moist air, but direct spraying will ruin the beauty of the leaves. If the air in the room is dry and there is no humidifier, a container of water can be placed on the windowsill.
Temperature and lighting
Coral begonia loves light, but the scorching sun can burn its leaves. For cultivation, a window sill is suitable from any side, except for the south.
The optimum air temperature for growing is from 14 ° C to 24 ° C. In summer, flower pots can be taken out to the balcony or loggia, to the garden plot, but it is worth protecting the shoots and inflorescences from burns. Sheer tulle, canopy, etc. can be used, the plant tolerates shade more easily than bright sun.
Note! When the outside air temperature drops below 13 ° C, the plant is brought into the house. Begonia reacts painfully to drafts and cold air
Pruning
Pruning is not a prerequisite for begonias to exist. The procedure is necessary not so much for plant rejuvenation as for the formation of a bush. To make the plant grow in breadth, and not up, pinch the upper shoots.
The shoot is cut off after about the third internode, it is possible further, if required by the shape and size of the bush. The first pruning is carried out when the bush reaches a height of 12 cm.
After the begonia has faded, the drying brushes are also cut off. This is necessary so that nutrients are not wasted.
Pruning rules:
- use a clean, sharp knife;
- thick shoots are not cut off, but only shortened;
- after pruning it is worth actively caring for the plant: fertilize, provide moisture and a stable temperature regime.
