How to care for begonias: root, tuberous, hybrid flowers

Photo: kakuhazhivat.com Begonia is one of the most spectacular and elegant houseplants. Her flowers are like porcelain; once you see them, it is difficult to confuse them with something else. It is planted in flower beds, parks, gardens and squares. There are about 1000 varieties of begonia in the world and several times more hybrid varieties. There are no two identical flowerpots, each of them is very individual.

Origin of begonia and distinctive features

There are more than 1 thousand species of begonias in nature. The largest number of varieties is found in South America, followed by Asia (India, the Himalayas, Sri Lanka), and western Africa in third place. There is an assumption that Africa is the birthplace of begonias, from here they spread to Asia and America. In the wild, plants are found in humid subtropics and mountains.

Begonia in the wild

The family was first described by the French botanist Charles Plumier. In 1683, under the leadership of the intendant of the French colonies, Michel Begon, he visited the islands of the Caribbean with an expedition. There the scientist discovered plants that were unknown at that time, gave them a description and named them after the organizer of the trip.

The begonias known today differ greatly from each other in size, shape, coloring of leaves and flowers. Some are perennial, others are annual. There are herbaceous and shrubby begonias, with creeping or thickened rhizomes. But there is also something in common that unites these plants into one family.

Characteristics of begonias:

• All types of begonias have an asymmetrical, oblique leaf;
• flowers are monoecious;
• perianths - brightly colored, unequal;
• the fruit with seeds looks like a capsule;
• all begonias grow in approximately the same natural conditions: diffused sunlight, high humidity, temperature +13... +22 ⁰C.

Video: the wealth of types and colors of a flower

general characteristics

Begonia received its name in honor of Michel Begon, a famous botanist and quartermaster of the French fleet. This is a large and diverse family, so the varieties differ significantly from each other: herbaceous and bushy, semi-bushy, creeping, tuberous, annual and perennial.

Separately, there are decorative species, notable for their large bright flowers. And separately - deciduous, with rich bright foliage in rich colors. The stems of bushy varieties resemble bamboo. They are resilient and erect. In creeping begonias they are thin and flexible. Rhizomatous ones are thick and mundane. Beautifully flowering begonias are mainly grown in gardens.

Photo: zulminakr.ru

Begonias - flowers for apartments, gardens and offices

As an ornamental crop, begonia has been developing since 1856, when breeders began to create its hybrids. Tuberous, large-flowering varieties appeared, the most famous ones being bred in Belgium. Keeping these plants at home is not too difficult, otherwise they would not be so popular. Begonias are grown in open ground and on window sills; they are used for landscaping residential premises and offices, in compositions and separately. Flowers are planted in baskets and pots to decorate walls, furniture, and are also used as ground cover plants. Ever-flowering varieties are suitable for any flower beds, even carpet ones. Tuberous varieties are grown on balconies, verandas, and enclosed courtyards.

Begonia as a decoration for buildings

Care at home has its own nuances, for example, tuberous plants require a period of rest. All begonias love moist air, but do not tolerate damp soil. However, any novice gardener can grow this plant. After all, if something went wrong and the begonia began to dry out, you can take a cutting or a leaf and start growing the begonia again, taking into account past mistakes. The culture is able to reproduce even with a piece of leaf, which very quickly turns back into a lush and beautiful indoor plant.

Useful qualities of a flower

The leaves of the plant contain a large amount of phytoncides. Phytoncides are biologically active substances that are effective against pathogenic bacteria and fungi, in particular staphylococci.

Begonias effectively clean the air of dust, toxic substances and electromagnetic radiation.

Many plant owners have noticed that indoor Begonia flowers help improve immunity and mental activity, reduce fatigue and increase performance. Scientists and writers welcome the presence of this flower in their homes.

The healing effect of the flower has long been proven by herbalists. The green parts of the flower are an excellent antiseptic and have an analgesic and antiallergic effect.

Varieties of root begonias

Everblooming

The main difference between the species is its constant flowering. You can plant such a plant in the garden in the summer, take it indoors for the winter, and it will bloom everywhere all year round. These are perennial herbaceous begonias. External signs, in addition to constant flowering, are rounded leaves and small height: tall - up to 36 cm, short - from 8 cm. Many varieties have been bred with green or burgundy leaves, white, yellow, pink or coral flowers, which, in turn, They can be terry (in the form of roses) or simple.

Examples of plants in the photo

Bada Bing WHITE

Bada Bing Rose

Bada Bing Scarlet

Accord Purple

Terry Storyteller

Lucenec

Coral

Indoor herbaceous begonias bloom in early spring and fully justify their name. The flowers are painted in different shades of red, and the branched flower stalks hanging down under the weight of the buds are very similar to corals. The leaves also look romantic: elongated, matte, speckled, with jagged edges reminiscent of angel wings. Begonias look most impressive in pots on stands. They are very unpretentious in care. Bush height - up to 90 cm.

Peduncles resemble corals in both shape and color

Deciduous begonias

The species is famous for the decorativeness of its leaves, and the flowers of deciduous begonias are small and inconspicuous. These are often non-flowering perennial plants. They differ from other species in their capriciousness. So, leaf begonias cannot be kept in the open air, that is, these begonias love greenhouse conditions, high humidity, and diffused light. In the country house or on an open balcony they will die. The main feature of the species is large (15–20 cm) and beautiful leaves. They can be decorated with colored pearl spots, exquisite patterns, contrasting colors, silver glitter or mother-of-pearl shimmer. The stems are pubescent, the reverse side of the leaves usually has a red tint.

Photo gallery: Deciduous begonias

Begonia Royal

Begonia Rex

Masoniana

Manikata

Begonia Metallica

Begonia Credneri

Coralline

Alba Pict

Varieties of tuberous begonias

These begonias are grown in shady corners of the garden or on balconies. Their flowers are very beautiful, depending on the variety they look like roses, carnations, daffodils, peonies, and camellias. Stems are fleshy, translucent; leaves are asymmetrical, heart-shaped. Hidden underground is a rhizome that has grown into a tuber. In open ground, begonias bloom from June to September, and indoors from spring to December, then a dormant period begins. The above-ground part dries out, and the tuber is stored until the next season.

Photo gallery: Tuberous begonias

Begonia Summer in Peterhof

Non-stop

Go-Go pink

Tigantea Flora Plena

Diantiflora of Plena

Crispa Marghinata

Description of the plant

Tuberous begonia forms an underground rhizome or tuber, which gives it its name.

The stem is fragile, succulent, sometimes colored, sometimes covered with hairs, plant height is 20-50 cm. Asymmetrical heart-shaped leaves are richly colored with clear textured veins.

Elatior or hybrid begonias

Hybrid begonias were bred in England by crossing two species: root Socotrans (from the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean) and tuberous. The result was a very beautiful plant, similar to a tuberous one, but with a regular root. Blooms in winter. Due to the compactness of the bush and the abundance of flowers, closely arranged in several tiers, this begonia is called a “bouquet in a pot.” With good care, Elatior blooms not only in winter, but almost continuously, for several months in a row. The most famous varieties: Elatior Borias, pleasing with pink double flowers with a white edge, and Elatior Baladin with flowers of different shades of pink: from white to red.

Photo gallery: Begonia Elatior

Elatior Borias

Elatior Baladin

Elatior mix

Photo

Bush begonia: photos of the most beautiful representatives of this species.

Here you can get acquainted with the bush variety of begonia Coral.

Ampelous begonias

Another type of luxurious indoor plants, the popularity of which has been growing in recent years. This group includes root, tuberous, and hybrids. They are united by one feature - hanging shoots strewn with flowers of different shapes and colors: white, yellow, red, orange, pink. The bright asymmetrical foliage also looks impressive. Ampelous varieties are planted in balcony boxes, flowerpots, and tall flowerpots.

Photo gallery: Ampelous begonias

Fire cascade

Begonia Venus

Begonia Margarita

Begonia Aphrodite

Begonia Bella

Conditions for keeping begonias depending on the season - table

Rooted begonias in such conditions will bloom all year round or for many months (depending on the variety). For tuberous begonias, this table is only partially suitable. In autumn they are cut and stored for the winter in a dark and cool place (+12 ⁰C). Water once a month, only slightly moistening a strip of soil along the edge of the pot. At the end of February they put it out in the window, begin to water and feed it, like all other flowering varieties.

Video: Tuberous begonias: dormant period and cultivation

Let them get used to new conditions

Begonia lovers need to remember that when purchasing a plant, it needs to get used to new conditions. Before transplanting a flower from a portable container into a pot, you need to let it adapt to the new conditions.

You cannot replant the plant right away. You need to wait about 2 weeks after purchase, then carefully replant the flower.

Planting begonias

In Europe and the USA, it is customary to buy flowering begonia and throw it away after it has finished blooming. But this option is not suitable for Russians; we like to replant, feed, change pots. Begonias are replanted in the spring, and this is the season when you need to buy them. Without transplanting into nutrient soil, purchased begonia will soon die. Indeed, in the store-bought version, peat serves as the soil, and the plant lives off of nutrient solutions. Therefore, immediately after purchase, the begonia needs to be replanted.

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In the same store, along with the flower, you need to purchase:

• drainage (expanded clay stones);
• soil (for begonias, violets or universal for flowering peat-based crops);
• perlite, or vermiculite, or sphagnum moss (for additional looseness of the soil, but not necessary);
• a pot 3–4 cm wider and deeper than the one in which the begonia is sold; Required: tray and drainage holes.

Excess water in the pot causes the roots of begonias to rot and the flower to die. Therefore, the soil needs to be loose, breathable, and water should not stagnate in it. In addition, begonias love acidic and fertile soil. It is not recommended to take soil from the house, country house or forest. Such soil is almost always infested with diseases and insects, and its acidity is unknown.

Photo gallery: What is needed to transplant begonias

Drainage is necessary for roots to breathe

Perlite serves as an additional leavening agent

Vermiculite is used instead of perlite or sphagnum to loosen the soil.

Sphagnum moss, along with perlite and vermiculite, additionally loosens the soil

Ready soil for begonias. If you don’t have it, a soil mixture for violets will do.

Universal soil for flower crops

The new pot should be of such a size that the old one fits freely in it.

Stages of begonia transplantation:

1. Take a new pot and pour a 2-3 cm layer of drainage into it.
2. If there is additional leavening agent (sphagnum, perlite, vermiculite), then add a few spoons to the pot (depending on the size of the pot and begonia).
3. Remove the begonia from the old pot and shake off some peat or soil from the roots.
4. Place the flower so that it is at the same depth and fill it with fresh soil.

Video: How to transplant begonia

After replanting a homemade begonia, not a store-bought one, that has overwintered in an apartment, radical pruning of the bush is necessary. Remove all shoots, leaving three or four. In some varieties, only one stem grows, so you don’t have to remove the excess, you just need to shorten it. Strongly elongated bare stems with leaves at the top are cut by a third. After this, the lower sleeping buds will wake up, and young shoots will also begin to grow. As a result, a lush bush will grow again.

Transfer

The indoor plant grows quickly and needs periodic replanting. When the roots of the plant begin to peek out from the drainage holes, you need to think about transplanting it into a larger pot.

Water the plant generously to make it easier to free the begonia from the old soil. After freeing, carefully rinse the root part with warm water, remove rotten and damaged roots. To disinfect, leave the roots in a weak antiseptic solution for five minutes. Next, dry the roots and treat fresh cuts with charcoal powder.

Plant the treated plant in a prepared, larger pot, filling the plant up to the upper root collar and watering it generously.

Return the transplanted flower to its place and water it abundantly at first.

Young plants up to 3 years old tolerate transplantation well, but older plants are much worse and can be sick for a long time after transplantation. Experts recommend dividing an adult plant into several parts and planting it in different containers.

Caring for begonias

Watering

The top dried layer is loosened. And only when the soil dries to a depth of 1–2 cm can it be poured into the pan. The ideal way is to place the pot in a container of water until the soil is completely saturated. Then the pot is returned to the tray, and the excess water that has leaked into it is drained. The frequency of watering depends on the conditions in which the begonia is kept: on a sunny window, an open balcony, in the garden. In the open air they water every day, in an apartment, on a shady closed balcony - once every 2-3 days. The condition of the soil should serve as a guide. The water must be softened. To do this, it is filtered and settled.

Water for watering begonias can be softened and made acidic using peat: 1 kg of peat in a fabric or gauze bag is infused for 24 hours in 10 liters of water.

In addition, begonia is demanding on air humidity, but its leaves cannot be sprayed. There are several ways to moisturize more gently: place cups of water next to the flower or pour sand, peat, expanded clay, moss into a tray and always keep this filler moist. In winter, place a damp cloth on the nearest radiator.

Feeding

Even ever-blooming begonias respond to the changing seasons. In autumn and winter, it becomes darker and cooler on the windowsills. The plant slows down. If you feed it during this period, the stems will become very elongated, the leaves will become tender and sensitive to diseases and pests. Therefore, begonias are fed often in summer, and once a month in winter.

Frequency of feeding depending on the season - table

Video: How to care for begonias

Why doesn't begonia bloom?

This question will never arise for a gardener who follows all the rules described above. If all the conditions are created for begonia: diffused light, watering without waterlogging and drying out the roots, the right temperature, regular feeding, then it will bloom exactly as much and even longer than the variety should. That is, evergreens are decorated with flowers all year round, Elatior - in winter, all other varieties begin to bloom in spring throughout the summer.

If only one nuance. Begonias are not long-lived, they delight with beautiful foliage and abundant flowering for only 2-3 years, and then you need to take a cutting or a leaf and plant a new begonia . The old one will no longer grow or bloom.

Flower container

The optimal container for the plant is wide and low. The diameter of the pot should be no more than 4 cm larger than the root system of the begonia. If you choose a larger pot, you risk that the plant will bloom later.

The material from which the flowerpot is made also matters. The best solution for begonias is a ceramic pot.

Begonia propagation

Handle

For rooting, cut off the apical cutting 6–10 cm long

1. Cut a cutting with a tip 6–10 cm long.
2. Dust the cut area with crushed wood, activated carbon or ash.
3. Plant in moist, loose begonia soil and cover with a jar.
4. When the soil dries out, water it in a tray, like a regular begonia.
5. If the outcome is favorable, the cutting will take root and begin to grow in 2–4 weeks.
6. Gradually accustom the plant to the air in the room. You can place a peg under the neck of the jar to initially only ventilate the mini-greenhouse, and after 2-3 days remove the jar completely.
7. If the cutting has dried out or rotted, repeat the experiment with another cutting.

This method can be used to propagate all begonias that have stems.

Leaf

If the begonia leaves are not large, you can grow a new plant from the leaf

1. Using a sharp knife, cut off a healthy leaf right next to the cutting.
2. Place the leaf in water with activated carbon (1 tablet per glass of water).
3. If the petiole begins to rot, you need to cut it to a healthy place and change the water.
4. As soon as young roots form, plant them in a permanent pot.
5. When a new begonia begins to grow, the leaf will dry out.

This method is good for begonias with small leaves. Large ones take root very poorly, because they require a lot of nutrition, and young roots cannot cope with this task. Therefore, begonias with large leaves are propagated by leaf segments.

Part of a sheet

First way

The leaf is cut into segments, each with at least one vein.

1. The leaf is cut into segments in the direction from the central vein to the edges. Each segment should have 1–3 veins.
2. Place pieces of leaf on top of wet sand or peat; you can stick them into the ground with the cut side down.
3. Cover with a plastic bag or plant each segment in a separate container and cover with jars.
4. Keep the soil moist.
5. The first sprouts may appear in 1–3 months.
6. Gradually accustom the begonia to the air in the apartment and remove the shelter.

The sheet is cut across the veins

Second way

1. Make cuts across the central vein and the thickest veins.
2. Spread the leaf over the damp begonia soil.
3. Press with stones.
4. Cover the pot with film and place it in the same place where adult begonias grow.
5. Keep the soil moist.
6. When sprouts appear, gradually remove the cover.

Young plants appeared in the places of cuts

tuber

Tuberous begonia is also best propagated by cuttings or leaves. Manipulating tubers is very risky; you can lose the entire plant.

1. At the end of February, after a period of dormancy, remove the tuber from the pot.
2. If there are children, separate them and plant each in a separate pot.
3. If there are sprouts on a tuber, divide it with a sharp knife so that each segment has a sprout.
4. The sections are dusted with coal or ash.
5. Deepen the tuber pieces halfway (sprouts up, cuts down).
6. Cover with a jar and keep the soil moist.
7. When the stems grow 7 cm long, bury the tuber completely.

Begonia tubers with sprouts

Seeds

Given the fact that begonias reproduce well vegetatively, growing from seeds is an illogical decision. However, flower growers also use this method if neither home nor friends have the required variety. Then you can buy seeds in a store or from breeders and try to grow a gorgeous flower from the smallest seed. Sowing the seeds is done in December-January so that the begonias bloom by spring-summer.

1. Spread the seeds on the surface of moist begonia soil or in peat tablets. Press the seeds to the ground, but do not bury them.
2. Set up a mini-greenhouse: cover with film, place in a disposable container with a lid, etc.
3. After 2 weeks, if the soil does not dry out or become waterlogged, shoots will appear.
4. Transfer the seedlings to the brightest window or illuminate them with lamps. Gradually remove the cover.
5. When 2-3 true leaves appear, each plant can be transplanted into a pot.

Video: Propagation of begonia by seeds

Begonia diseases - table

Photo gallery: Begonia diseases

Powdery mildew: leaves covered with a coating similar to flour

Gray mold develops with excess humidity and low temperatures

With vascular bacteriosis, the edges of the leaves dry out, then the veins turn black

The soil

To plant begonias, choose loose soil with a slightly acidic or neutral environment. In flower shops there are special soils for Begoniaceae.

If you prefer to prepare the soil for plants yourself, then stick to this composition:

• 3 parts leaf soil.
• 1 part peat.
• 1 part humus.
• 1 part coarse sand.

Before planting, it is recommended to disinfect the soil, both purchased and independently prepared - freeze, steam, spill with a solution of hot potassium permanganate or a solution of phytosporin.

Begonia pests - table

Photo gallery: Pests of begonias

Spider mites settle on the underside of the leaf. This microscopic pest can destroy the entire plant

Scale insects live on stems and leaves, covered on top with waxy shells that look like shields

Consequences of improper care of begonia - table