Terry mix begonia care
Begonias are beautiful indoor plants with succulent leaves that are shaped like small bushes. There are male and female flowers on the pedicels. A triangular seed capsule is formed above the petals of female flowers.
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There are quite a few species of begonias... There are decorative-flowering and decorative-deciduous species. Begonias bloom all summer, but they can bloom in autumn and winter.
Begonia care
Begonia care terry mix consists in creating optimal conditions for it, which includes such indicators as:
- Temperature
The temperature for begonias should be moderate, high temperatures are undesirable. In winter, the temperature should not drop below +15 degrees.
- Lighting
Begonia loves bright lighting, but it should be protected from direct sunlight. For proper growth, begonias should be periodically turned over on the windowsill in relation to the sun.
- Watering
In summer, watering should be plentiful, but stagnation of water should not be allowed. It is advisable to pre-defend water for irrigation.
- Humidity
Begonias prefer high humidity, but you should not spray them, as brown spots may appear on the leaves. If desired, you can spray around the flower itself to humidify the air.
Transplanting and fertilizing begonia
Begonias are transplanted if the plant requires a larger pot. And such a need arises when the roots of the plant begin to appear from the outside or from the drain hole. In addition, begonia may need replanting as the soil depletes over time. When transplanting, the growth conditions of the plant are much improved, because the volume of the soil increases, and the roots, accordingly, become much freer and they have access to more air.
It is best to replant begonia in the spring (March-May). A young plant needs an annual transplant, an older plant once every 2 or 3 years.
The best soil for begonias is a mixture of turf, leaf, and humus soil with the addition of river sand and coniferous soil. Fertilizer is desirable to apply during the formation of buds. To do this, use a liquid complex fertilizer, which is applied once every two weeks.
Reproduction of begonias
Propagate begonia seeds and cuttings. Begonias give a fairly large seed yield. Plant they are needed in late January or early February. To do this, pour drainage into a suitable container with a drain hole for half a centimeter, then add a layer of 2 cm of light earth with sand, peat and leaf soil (ratio 1: 1: 2). Moisten the soil and then sow the seeds to the surface, rolling them lightly. The last step is to cover with a transparent lid or film. Keep at a temperature of + 22-25 degrees. Seedlings should be expected in 1-2 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings also gives good results. The method is simple: a stalk with at least one bud is cut under the lowest node and planted in the substrate. After - it is covered with a transparent container. After 2 weeks (maximum a month) roots will sprout.
Terry begonia diseases
Begonias can be subject to all sorts of diseases. Particular attention should be paid if:
- A white bloom appeared on the leaves - this symptom indicates the presence powdery mildew... In this case, it is necessary to remove the damaged leaves and treat the begonia with a fungicide. It is also necessary to ventilate the room in which the flower is located more often.
- Begonia leaves begin to curl - perhaps the reason is the usual dying off of old foliage. But if at the same time the leaves also darken, then, most likely, the plant lacks nutrients. In addition, it is likely that the watering of the plant is carried out in the wrong way: either too abundant, or, conversely, insufficient.
- Holes and dark spots appeared on the leaves - most likely, the water used for irrigation is not suitable for the plant: it is too hard and cold.
- Begonia flowers darken and fall off - it is likely that water has got on them. Also, the reason may be too dry indoor air.
- Leaves stick together, become covered with clots - the first sign of aphids. To combat this pest, many ways have been invented. For example, spray the plant with celandine infusion or onion infusion.
- A thin cobweb has appeared - a sign of the presence of a spider mite. If this occurs, first of all, make sure that the air is humid, remove fallen leaves and faded flowers. Wash the plant with a damp sponge, especially on the underside of the leaves.
Begonia is indeed a beautiful flower. And if you take into account its unpretentiousness, then this plant is a real gift for connoisseurs of beauty, provided by the world of flora. And in order for begonia to please its owners for a long time with the presence on the windowsills, it is simply necessary to fulfill some of its not so high "requirements".