Begonia care and reproduction. Ways to care for red begonia. Types and varieties of indoor begonias

Plant begonia (lat. Begonia) forms the best known and most large genus the Begoniaceae family. The genus includes about 1000 species of plants growing in the mountains at an altitude of 3000 to 4000 meters above sea level, in tropical rainforests and subtropical regions. Most of the begonia species can be found in South America. Begonias also grow in the Himalayas, the mountains of India, Sri Lanka, the Malay Archipelago and western Africa. Moreover, there is an opinion that it is Africa that is the birthplace of begonias, which then spread to Asia and America. Even today, more than a third of all species of the genus grow in Africa.

Begonias were discovered and described in the 17th century by the monk Charles Plumier, who took part in an expedition to the Antilles to collect plants. He discovered six species of begonia and named them after his friend Michel Begon, the governor of the island of Haiti. Today, the begonia flower is one of the most popular plants in both garden and indoor floriculture. In this article, we will tell you about how to care for begonias at home: how begonias are planted, what are the conditions for caring for begonias, how begonias reproduce at home, and we will give many more important and interesting information about these beautiful plants.

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Planting and caring for begonias (in brief)

• Bloom: some species are grown as ornamental foliage plants, and flowering begonias may bloom at any time.
• Lighting: bright diffused light (east and west window sills).
• Temperature: the optimum is 18 ˚C, but in summer the begonia can withstand higher temperatures.
• Watering: balanced: usually moderate and not very frequent, in heat and drought - plentiful. Between waterings, the substrate in the pot should dry out 1.5 cm deep. In winter, watering is noticeably reduced, and tuberous plant species are not watered at all.
• Air humidity: increased, but it is undesirable to spray the flower, it is better to keep it on a pallet with wet pebbles or expanded clay.
• Top dressing: flowering begonias - 2 times a month with a solution of a mineral complex for flowering houseplants, and during the budding period - with potassium-phosphorus top dressings such as Bloom, Bud or Ovary. Deciduous types of begonias are fed in the same mode with a complex for decorative and deciduous houseplants.
• rest period: in evergreen species, it is weakly expressed, and tuberous species rest for a long time: from mid-autumn, the leaves die off, so they stop feeding tuberous begonias, reduce watering, and when the ground part dies off completely, pots with tubers are stored until the start of the new growing season in a dark room at a temperature of 10 -15˚C. But even if the tuberous begonia does not intend to rest, you need to force it to do this: reduce watering and stop feeding.
• Transfer: as needed in early spring. Large plants can be divided during transplantation.
• Reproduction: seeds, leaf cuttings, division of the rhizome or tuber.
• Pests: aphids, nematodes and red spider mites.
• Diseases: gray rot, peronosporosis, powdery mildew, black root rot.

Read more about growing begonias below.

Home begonia - care conditions

In addition to more than 1000 species of begonias, there are about 2000 thousand hybrid forms of this plant, so it is very difficult to give an average botanical description of the genus, especially since begonias in different classifications are divided into decorative and deciduous and decorative flowering, evergreen and deciduous, annual and perennial , tall and creeping, tuberous and rhizomatous. Many types and varieties of begonias are grown in room culture, so first we will talk about how to care for house begonia and in what conditions it needs to be kept, and we will give a description of the plants in the section on species and varieties.

Begonia care at home

How to care for begonia

Indoor begonia loves constancy, so determine a place for her in the apartment once and for all - well lit, but without direct sunlight. Blooming begonia especially needs bright lighting, therefore the best place for representatives of the genus begonias - window sills facing east or west. The optimum temperature for the plant in both winter and summer is 18 ºC, but in summer the begonia can tolerate higher temperatures.

Accustomed to the conditions of the tropics, domestic begonia loves high humidity, but it is still better not to spray it, because brown spots appear on its leaves after that. So that the plant does not suffer from dry air, especially in winter time When the heaters are running at full power, place the begonia pot on an inverted tray inserted into a larger tray. Sprinkle expanded clay around the smaller tray and keep it wet all the time so that the evaporating water creates the right level of humidity around the plant.

Decorative begonia does not tolerate crowding, therefore, when placing a plant on a windowsill next to other flowers, try to take into account its maximum size. Begonia needs regular ventilation, but the plant reacts to drafts, as well as to too high or too low air temperatures, withering and dropping flowers and leaves.

Pots and soil for begonias

Planting and caring for home begonias begins with the choice of a container for growing a plant. Begonias need small and preferably ceramic pots that are only 3-4 cm in diameter larger than the root system of the plant, because in too spacious containers, begonias can suffer from waterlogging and bloom late. Soil for begonias can be purchased at a flower shop, or you can mix it yourself from two parts of leafy soil with the addition of one part of high-moor peat, sand and humus, or sod land. The optimal acidity of the substrate for begonias should be in the range of pH 5.5-6.5.

Planting begonias

When planting begonias, a third of the volume of the pot is filled with drainage material, and a layer of charcoal 2-3 cm thick is placed on top of it to prevent rot. Then, a begonia with an earthen clod is placed in the pot and all voids are filled with soil mixture. Water the begonia after planting. Planting is carried out in the spring, from mid-March, when sufficient illumination and daylight hours are established for the development of plants. Tuberous begonias should be germinated before planting in boxes without deepening into the substrate, in a bright place at a temperature of 16-18 ºC and at high humidity - 60-70%.

Watering begonias

Begonia care at home requires a balanced plant moisture. Indoor begonia flower is moisture-loving, but this does not mean that it needs to be watered often. It is much more important to create a sufficient level of air humidity for the begonia, otherwise the tips of the leaves of the plant will dry out. Abundant watering will be required only on hot summer days, however, you need to make sure that the water does not stagnate in the begonia roots. For irrigation, use water at room temperature that has been settled for a day. Moisturizing is required for a plant when its earthen ball has dried to a depth of 1.5 cm. In winter, watering is reduced, and tuberous plant species do not need watering at all in winter.

Fertilizer begonias

Caring for home begonia involves the introduction of fertilizers into the soil. Decorative flowering types of begonias are fertilized from the moment the buds are formed twice a month with a liquid complex fertilizer for flowering plants. In the phase of formation of the ovary, top dressing is carried out with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers - Bud, Ovary, Pollen. Nitrogen fertilizers need only decorative leafy begonias- if you feed flowering species with them, begonias may not bloom.

Begonia transplant

Care and cultivation of begonias require timely plant transplantation, and it is carried out in early spring, before intensive growth begins. The roots hanging from the drain holes will tell you that it's time to transplant the begonia into a larger pot. The begonia is taken out of the pot, carefully cleaned of old peat, the root system is placed for half an hour in a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate, then the roots are carefully washed from the remnants of the substrate with settled water, rotted areas are removed, the roots are allowed to dry and planted in a larger pot in that order, which we have already described. The transplanted plant is returned to a permanent place and watered frequently at first.

Young begonias tolerate the procedure easily, but replanting more mature plants is much more difficult due to the overgrown fragile leaves, therefore, as soon as the plant is 3 years old, it is divided into several parts.

Begonia in winter

The dormant period in evergreen begonia species is weakly expressed, and tuberous species require a long rest. How to care for begonias in winter? Care for home begonia during the dormant period depends on the type of plant. Bush and decorative types contain at a temperature of 15-22 ºC, maintaining high humidity - for this, the batteries are covered with wet towels or air humidifiers are installed.

Tuberous begonias are preparing for a dormant period from mid-autumn - their leaves dry out and die, so watering should be reduced, and when the ground part of the plants completely dies off, pots with tubers are transferred to a dark room until the end of winter and stored at a temperature of 10-15 ºC. Sometimes a tuberous begonia behaves as if it is not going to rest, and in order for it to bloom profusely next year, you will have to force it to rest: greatly reduce watering and cut off the ground part.

Indoor begonia - reproduction

How to propagate begonia

Begonia propagates by seeds and vegetatively - leaf cuttings, stems, division of a bush or rhizome (tuber). It is easier and more reliable to propagate begonia vegetatively.

Growing begonias from seeds

Growing begonias from seeds is not labor intensive and does not take much time. In late February or early March, small begonia seeds are sown on the surface of a light, loose substrate without embedding them in the soil, after which they are placed in a warm, bright place and covered with film or glass. Watering is carried out in a pan or by spraying from a spray bottle. As soon as shoots appear, the cover is removed, and when the seedlings develop 3-4 leaves, they dive. After two months, the seedlings are seated in separate pots. Begonia blooms from seeds in the first year, but for this it may need additional lighting.

Propagation of begonias by dividing the rhizome (tuber)

Deciduous begonia reproduces by dividing the rhizome. To do this, in the spring, the plant is removed from the ground, the rhizome is cut into pieces with a sharp knife, each of which should have roots and at least one shoot or bud. The sections are treated with crushed coal, after which the parts of the rhizome are planted in separate pots.

The tuber of an adult begonia can also be divided into parts and, after drying the sections a little and treating them with crushed coal, plant the delenki in separate pots.

Propagation of begonias by cuttings

Propagation of begonias by cuttings is the easiest of the vegetative methods. Cuttings with 3-4 leaves are cut from the plant, their cuts are treated with charcoal to prevent decay, after which the cuttings are planted in a substrate of sand, peat and leafy soil in equal parts and placed in a bright, warm place, protected from direct sunlight. Begonia cuttings are watered moderately - the substrate should have time to dry between waterings to a depth of 1-2 cm. Rooting can be done simply in water. The roots of the cuttings grow within a month.

Reproduction of begonia leaf

Since many types of begonias have large and dense leaves, they can be propagated by leaf cuttings, using both the whole leaf and part of it. When propagating with a whole leaf, the main veins are cut on the underside of the plate, the leaf is laid with the bottom side on pre-calcined wet sand and fixed in this position. Moisturizing the soil is carried out through the pallet. After about two months, roots grow from the veins in the places of cuts, and then new plants. When small begonias get stronger and grow, they are separated and planted in a soil mixture of equal parts of peat, sand and hardwood.

Pests and diseases of begonias

At home, begonias can be damaged by aphids, nematodes and red spider mites. Aphids and mites feed on the cell sap of the plant, from which the begonia loses its attractiveness and lags behind in development. 2-3 treatments with Actellik or Karbofos with an interval of 7-10 days can save the plant from aphids, and ticks can be destroyed with Decis, Derris or other insectoacaricides. From nematodes, during the life of which the leaves of begonias become discolored, and nodules form on the roots, there is no treatment - the flower will have to be thrown away.

Of the diseases, begonia is affected by botrytis, gray rot, downy or true powdery mildew, black root rot - fungicides - Bordeaux liquid, Fundazol, Skor, Quadris or any other drug of similar action will help you against these diseases. But sometimes begonias get sick with bacterial or viral ailments - cucumber mosaic, bacterial wilt or tomato spotting. There is no cure for these diseases, so the plant will have to be destroyed.

Begonia dries

Begonia diseases are not the only problem you may face. Sometimes the plant behaves strangely - its leaves suddenly begin to dry. This is explained too high temperature and insufficient soil and air moisture. Water the plant and move it to a cooler place by building a tray with wet expanded clay for it, as described at the beginning of the article.

Begonia turns yellow

Sometimes yellow spots or rings appear on begonia leaves - this is how cucumber mosaic or tomato spotting appear. Sick plants are destroyed. If the leaves turn yellow and droop, then this means that the begonias are cold, and there is too much moisture in the soil. Let the potting soil dry out and move the plant to a warmer location.

Types and varieties of begonias

There is no single, well-established classification of begonias today, but in the specialized literature one can find conditional options for dividing begonia species, for example, into decorative leafy and decorative flowering or, for example, division according to the characteristics of the underground part - into rhizome, tuberous begonias and begonias with superficial root system. Some prefer to divide the species of this plant into the following groups: decorative leafy, bushy and tuberous. But in Lately types of begonias are often divided into:

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

In indoor floriculture, it is more convenient to use the following classification of begonias:

• decorative flowering indoor begonias;
• decorative leafy indoor begonias;
• decorative flowering potted begonias.

We offer you the names of the types of begonias, the most common in room culture, with their brief description, as well as the name of the varieties of begonias related to these species. leafy begonia, or leafy begonia, in indoor floriculture is represented by the following types:

- a plant native to East India. This is one of the most beautiful begonias, on the basis of which numerous decorative leafy varieties and hybrids have been bred. It has a thickened rhizome and beautiful, large, bare or slightly pubescent leaves up to 30 cm long and up to 20 cm wide, asymmetrical heart-shaped with wavy or unevenly serrated edges of bronze-brown, velvety-raspberry or red-violet color, which are sometimes adorned with red-violet or silver spots. There are hybrids with almost black leaves in crimson spots. This species blooms inconspicuous pink flowers. The best varieties of royal begonia:

• Cartagena- a variety with dark green rounded leaves wrapped in a shell. The dark brown middle of the leaf becomes plum-colored as the plant matures. The green background of the leaf is covered with silver spots with a pinkish glow;
• Silver Greenheart- a plant with silvery leaves of an oblique heart shape with an emerald green border in silver splashes;
• Chocolate Cream- the middle of the spirally twisted leaf of this variety has a juicy plum shade, and the main part of the plate is silvery with a pink tint;
• Evening Glow- a variety with medium-sized leaves with a bright crimson center, from which greenish-brown veins diverge across a crimson field. The edge of the sheet plate is crimson;
• Hallelujah- a variety with large, delicate purple leaves with a silvery tint, spirally twisted at the petioles. The center and edge of the leaf plate are cherry-colored, and between them there is a wide bright green strip, completely covered with silvery spots.

In addition to those described, such varieties and hybrids of royal begonias are popular: Lillian, Pearl de Paris, Red Tango, Regal Minuet, Titika, Silver Korkskrew, Benitochiba, Black Fang, Dudrop, November Frost, Charm and many others;

or begonia Bauer, or maple begonia, originally from Mexico. This is a low plant - it reaches no more than 25 cm - with a creeping stem and leaves of light green color with black or brown spots along the edges. The underside of the leaf plate is pubescent. Light pink inconspicuous flowers are collected in drooping loose inflorescences. In nature, this species is rare, but thanks to the hybridization carried out by breeders, many very spectacular varieties have been bred. The best varieties tiger begonias:

• Tiger- a plant with a creeping stem, reaching a height of 10 cm. The leaves are velvety, bronze with a pattern, along the veins there is a brown stripe, the petioles are reddish, spotted;
• Cleopatra- in this variety, leaves covered with light hairs change color depending on the lighting, the underside of the leaf plate is red or burgundy.

- semi-shrub plant from the tropical forests of Brazil, in room conditions reaching a height of about 1 m. The stems of this species are erect, bare, resembling bamboo. Leaves with serrated edges, oblong, ovate, up to 20 cm long and up to 7 cm wide. The upper side of the leaf plate is dark green with silvery spots, the underside is light green. Flowers on coral peduncles are collected in racemes. The most famous varieties:

• Alfalfa- a plant with large green leaves with jagged edges, covered with silvery spots on the upper side of the plate. The underside is red;
• President Carnot- a variety with shield-shaped leaves dissected at the base of the plate with a slightly serrated edge. The length of the leaves is up to 30 cm, the width is up to 15, whitish spots on the green background of the leaves.

- one of the oldest indoor plants, imported from Mexico. It has a creeping stem about 4 cm thick and large, palmately dissected leaves up to 35 cm long, located on yellow-green petioles, with obvious venation. The flowers are greenish-pink, collected in loose racemose inflorescences, open in February.

In addition to those described, the following types of decorative leafy begonias are in demand in the culture: Mason, striped, hogweed, metal, white-dotted, Bover, red-leaved, yellow, Limming, shiny, imperial and many others.

Decorative flowering types of begonias in room culture are:

- a small bushy plant, reaching a height of 60 cm with erect shoots at a young age, and in an adult plant they take an ampelous or semi-ampelous form. The leaves of begonias of this species are rounded, slightly pubescent along the edge, up to 6 cm long, light green, dark green, sometimes with a reddish tint. Simple or double flowers of white, pink or red color up to 2.5 cm in diameter are collected in short-lived inflorescences, quickly fading, but immediately replaced by other flowers. If you provide good care for the ever-flowering begonia, organize the necessary lighting and nutrition for it, it can bloom in winter. The best varieties of this species are:

• Gustav Knaacke- a sprawling bush up to 30 cm high with green leaves with a red stroke and bright carmine flowers up to 3 cm in diameter, collected in inflorescences;
• Carmen- medium-sized begonia with brown leaves with anthocyanin and numerous pink flowers;
• Ambergris- a plant up to 15 cm high with brown leaves and pink flowers up to 3 cm in diameter;
• Bicola- bush up to 14 cm high with green leaves and white flowers with pinkish edges;
• Orania- a compact bush up to 16 cm high with green leaves with a red border and orange-red flowers.

In culture, varieties of ever-flowering begonias Leila, Bella, Lucifer, Rozanova, Scarletta, Linda, Albert Martin, Ball Red, Othello, Kate Teicher and others are also grown.

- this is the brightest and most abundantly flowering hybrid plant, an absolute favorite among indoor begonias. It reaches a height of no more than 40 cm, it has a fleshy thick stem and regular heart-shaped leaves up to 8 cm long with a jagged edge. The upper side of the leaves is glossy, bright green, the lower side is matte and lighter. Flowers are collected in inflorescences on long peduncles. The most famous varieties:

• Schwabenland- tall variety, blooming profusely with small bright red flowers;
• Renaissance- terry begonia, tall, red flowers have corrugated petals;
• Louise- a variety with light cream flowers with a pinkish tinge:
• Piccora- undersized begonia with double flowers of a bright pink hue;
• Rose- a variety with dark pink double flowers.

Begonia varieties Elatior Sharlach, Kyoto, Cleo, Goldfinger, Annebel, Azotus, Bellona, ​​Berlin and others are also popular;

often grown in gardens and for decorating terraces and balconies. It is characterized by drooping shoots descending in cascades with numerous flowers. Grow ampelous begonias in hanging planters, baskets and pots. Among this group of begonias there are varieties with simple, semi-double, double and densely double flowers of white, red, pink, yellow and orange, as well as all kinds of combinations. Flowers can be small, medium and large. We offer you some of the best varieties of ampelous begonia:

• Gale- a sprawling bush with long hanging shoots up to 30 cm long with jagged green leaves pointed at the top and semi-double pale pink flowers up to 3 cm in diameter;
• Christie- sprawling bush with rather weak hanging shoots up to 40 cm long and white double flowers up to 4 cm in diameter;
• Roxana- compact shrub with hanging shoots up to 40 cm long with orange double flowers up to 4 cm in diameter;
• Katy- sprawling bush with rather weak shoots up to 30 cm long with semi-double yellow flowers up to 3.5 cm in diameter.

Of the decorative flowering begonias, the following hybrid varieties are popular today:

• Harlequin – large-flowered variety with a spreading bush up to 25 cm high with green leaves and double flowers up to 12 cm in diameter, yellow with a red border;
• Gold Dress- semi-spreading variety up to 25 cm high with light green leaves and pink densely double yellow flowers up to 20 cm in diameter;
• Duck Red- a semi-spreading shrub no more than 16 cm high with bright green foliage and dark red double peony flowers up to 10 cm in diameter with wide petals;
• camellia flora- a compact bush up to 25 cm high with green leaves and pink camellia-shaped flowers up to 12 cm in diameter with tiled petals with a white border;
• Crispa Marginata- bush up to 15 cm high with green folded leaves with thin purple ropes and white flowers up to 12 cm in diameter, broadly oval in shape with a bright pink border and strongly corrugated wavy side petals;
• Amy Jean Bard- a bush up to 12 cm high with green small leaves and inflorescences of 5 double flowers orange color up to 3 cm in diameter;
Beautiful flowering Deciduous Ornamental Plants on B Begonia
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Homeland of one of the most popular indoor plants - begonias are the tropics and subtropics of South America. However, as decorative flower it began to grow only in the 18th century. All modern varieties and hybrids of this culture were derived from the first five varieties brought to Europe by English botanists. The plant was named begonia by the scientist Charles Plumier in honor of the French governor of the colony of Haiti, Michel Begon.

Varieties

At the moment, gardeners and indoor plant lovers breed only three main types of begonias: herbaceous, shrubby and semi-shrub. Tuberous flowers are commonly grown in lawns and flower beds. Begonia rhizome, shrub and semi-shrub is more often used as a decoration in city apartments. Some forms of this ornamental plant are valued for their beautiful flowers, others for their showy leaves.

Care for begonias of all varieties is almost the same, with the exception of some nuances. In this article, we will talk in detail about how indoor, that is, rhizomatous leafy and shrubby forms of begonias are grown.

pot and soil

Begonia is grown at home, usually in rather small containers. The fact is that her roots do not tolerate neighborhoods too well. a large number wet earth. They must occupy the space of the pot completely. In order for the plant to feel comfortable, it must be transplanted every year into a new larger container (about 2 cm).

The soil for begonias should be nutritious leafy. You can mix it with sand and peat in a ratio of 1:1:3. Sometimes in pots under it ornamental plant pour and purchased soil. In this case, it is better to buy peat.

Where to place begonias

Most begonias are shade-loving plants. That is, they cannot be placed in direct sunlight, otherwise their leaves will be burned. Most often, begonia at home is grown on the windowsills of windows located on the north or east side. It is especially important to comply with this condition for rhizomatous varieties with beautiful leaves. Shrub and semi-shrub begonias also love partial shade. However, too great harm direct lighting usually does not cause them. These varieties adapt very quickly to the sun.

An exception to this rule is the garden tuber begonia. It is usually planted on lawns broken into sunny areas. And she feels very good about it.

Reproduction methods

Seeds and petioles are what can propagate these flowers. Begonia, unfortunately, after a few years of cultivation loses its decorative effect. Therefore, old plants have to be replaced with new ones. And therefore, for those who wish to see this culture as a decoration of their apartment, it is necessary to familiarize themselves with the technologies of its breeding.

Begonia: propagation by seeds

This method, being rather complicated, is used very rarely for breeding begonias. However, if you wish, you can try to propagate this ornamental plant and so. In this case, the cultivation procedure is usually started in February. This begonia is propagated by seeds as follows:

1. Drainage is poured at the bottom of a large box with a layer of 2-3 cm. It is best to take not too large pebbles.
2. The leafy earth is sifted through a fine sieve and poured over the drainage also with a layer of 2-3 cm.
3. A layer of snow is laid on top of the ground.
4. Begonia seeds are sown on it. They are very small, and therefore the procedure should be carried out slowly, trying to distribute over the surface of the snow planting material as evenly as possible.

Begonia does not tolerate dry air very well. And therefore, the box should be tightened with plastic wrap before the seeds germinate. After the plants hatch, this cover must be removed, and the box placed in a lighted, slightly shaded place.

For the first time, the picking of plants is carried out immediately after the first true leaf appears on them. At the same time they are planted in another box. Previously, leafy earth is poured into it with a small addition of peat and sand. Planting is carried out in such a way that a distance of about two centimeters remains between rows and between individual plants.

As soon as the bushes become crowded in the box, a second pick is carried out. This time, a mixture is poured into the box, consisting of leafy soil, humus, peat and sand in a ratio of 4x1x1x1. The landing is carried out according to the 3x5 scheme.

Begonia from seeds will develop well only at a temperature of at least 20 degrees. Also, the soil in the boxes should be disinfected from time to time by watering with a weak solution of potassium permanganate (0.6%).

Reproduction by cuttings

Planting begonias can also be carried out using this technique. For propagation in this case, either young or slightly lignified cuttings are taken, on which there should be at least 2-4 buds. Under the very bottom node beveled with a very sharp knife. Large leaves are removed from the cutting. Small ones are best left. Planting cuttings should be in pots one at a time. You can also take a large box. However, in this case, planting material should be placed only along its perimeter (near the edges). The fact is that the cuttings are well accepted only under the condition of free air circulation.

Leafy soil mixed with peat and sand is poured into pots or a box. A few days before planting, the soil should be thoroughly wetted. Do not water the soil before and after planting. The cuttings are carefully stuck into the ground and covered with a film on top, fixed on sticks of a suitable length.

For two weeks, the plants must be sprayed and ventilated daily, removing the coating for a while. After this period, the seedlings begin to accustom to room temperature. To do this, the film is removed every day for 2-3 hours. They do this for a week. Then the film is removed completely.

How to propagate by leaves

This method is also often used by indoor plant lovers. Produce propagation by leaves as follows:

• a large healthy leaf is removed from the mother plant and cut into 2 cm squares;
• the resulting planting material is planted vertically in a moistened mixture of leafy soil, sand and peat, or simply laid out on it;
• the box is covered with foil.

Begonia, whose leaves are easy to propagate, germinates in this case in about 2-3 weeks. From this moment on, the box needs to be ventilated. To do this, the film is first removed for 30 minutes a day. Further, the ventilation time is gradually increased. The plant should be fully adapted to room temperature within a week.

How to water properly

Of course, a lover of indoor plants should also know how to properly water these wonderful flowers. Begonia, like any other tropical plant, does not tolerate dry air at all. Therefore, it should be sprayed daily with a spray bottle. But this must be done in such a way that water does not fall on the leaves. Spraying is done around the plant, moistening the air. You can also place the begonia pot in a larger container. In this case, water is poured onto the bottom of the latter and stones are placed. Install the pot with the plant in such a way that its bottom does not touch the water.

Actually, watering begonias is done very rarely. This plant does not like too damp earth. At high humidity its soil begins to rot the roots and turn yellow leaves. Water before watering should be defended for a day at room temperature. Blooming begonia, as well as those forms that are valued for the beauty of the leaves, are watered in spring and summer in a day or a few. In winter, the number of waterings is reduced to once a week.

Immersion method

Sometimes this technique is also used to moisten the soil in a pot. Implementing it is completely easy. To do this, you need to take a container in volume larger than a flower pot. Water softened with peat is poured into it (1 kg per 10 liters). Next, the pot is lowered into the container for 20 minutes. As a result, water will penetrate into it through the drainage holes and moisten the soil. Then the begonia in the pot is placed on a pallet. As soon as the water drains from the drainage holes, it is drained.

Growing begonias: how to fertilize

For plant nutrition, a special mixture for begonias is usually used, which can be bought at a specialized store. If you can't find it, you can use any complex fertilizer for indoor flowers. In spring and summer, top dressing is usually done once a month. In late autumn and winter, plants do not fertilize. At this time, the flowers are at rest and top dressing can even harm them. The only exception is the ever-flowering begonia. This variety should be fertilized all year round.

Diseases

Resistance to different kind diseases - this is also what characterizes these spectacular unpretentious flowers. Begonia, however, sometimes still causes problems in this regard for lovers of indoor plants. Most often it is affected by powdery mildew. In this case, a white or gray coating that is easily erased by a finger appears on the stem and leaves of the plant. The fungus begins to suck out all the juices from the plant. As a result, the leaves curl up and gradually die off.

Plants are usually rid of powdery mildew with special purchased products - fungicides. They also treat other begonia diseases caused by fungi. Very popular and effective, for example, are drugs such as Topaz, Gold, Fundazim, etc. Before processing, the diseased plant must be isolated from others, as powdery mildew spreads very quickly. You also need to remove the entire plaque. Severely affected shoots and leaves are removed and burned. Actually, spraying is carried out according to the instructions for the selected preparation.

Pests

Also, begonias are sometimes affected by spider mites or aphids. In the first case, the plant can be treated with infusion of chamomile or tobacco with soap. Aphids are destroyed with drugs that have pyrethrum in their composition. You can also treat the plants with a weak infusion of garlic. To prepare it, 2-3 mashed garlic cloves are mixed with 2 tsp. oil and one teaspoon of liquid soap. Then pour everything with warm water in an amount of 0.5 liters.

Most popular varieties

And finally, let's figure out what popular varieties of begonias exist on this moment and which one is best to choose.

Most often, lovers of indoor plants grow the following varieties:

1. Begonia ever flowering. This is one of the most beautiful forms, the main feature of which is a thick bare stem, reaching a height of up to 40 centimeters. The leaves, depending on the variety, of this begonia can be emerald or bright green, and the flowers are white, pink, red or salmon. The peculiarities of this variety, among other things, include the fact that it blooms almost all year round.
2. Begonia coral. The branches of this form hang down very nicely. Its leaves are covered with spectacular white spots. Coral begonia blooms in spring. The flowers of this variety can have different shades of red - from hot pink to maroon.
3. Royal begonia. This variety has a creeping stem and very beautiful variegated leaves.

Coral, ever-flowering and royal begonias are the most popular varieties. However, sometimes indoor plant lovers breed more exotic forms of begonias. For example, tuberous varieties are grown mainly in gardens and yards. However, in a pot, they can look very good. Tuberous begonia is valued, unlike rhizomatous varieties, not for beautiful leaves. She earned popularity primarily for spectacular terry flowers.

As you can see, there are many varieties of begonia. And all of them, without exception, are distinguished by high decorative qualities. Considering that to look after any forms of this wonderful indoor flower and even propagating them is a simple matter, it is certainly worth using begonia to decorate an apartment.

Begonia (lat. Begonia) is an annual or perennial plant belonging to the flowering department, the dicotyledonous class, the gourd order, the begonia family, the begonia genus.

Begonia got its name in honor of Michel Begon, the governor of Haiti, the organizer and sponsor of scientific research on the flora of the Antilles in 1687.

Begonia: flower description, characteristics and photo. What does a begonia look like?

Begonia grows different ways: in the form of grasses creeping along the ground, tall upright bushes or semi-shrubs. A well-developed begonia root system is branched, fibrous or tuberous. Begonia, which has a root in the form of tubers, can be grown not only indoors, but also in the garden. Other types of begonias are grown only at home.

The begonia leaf has an asymmetric shape. It can be whole or dissected into several lobules with wavy or jagged edges.

In most plants, the lower part of the leaf is colored in reddish, brown or dark purple colors, and the upper part is either a solid green or a variety of colors with geometric patterns, strokes and splashes. In some species of begonias, the surface of the stems and leaves is covered with small villi.

Begonia inflorescences consist of several small, medium or large flowers. The color of begonias is solid red, pink, yellow, orange, white, or with a border of various shades along the edges of the petals. The plant has a complex inflorescence - it consists of male and female flowers, over which, after pollination, a fruit is formed that has the shape of a trihedral box with small seeds inside.

Begonias bloom in summer and autumn, and indoor begonias can bloom until December.

Begonia: varieties, types, photos and names

The begonia genus includes about 1600 species, but only 125 of them and all kinds of hybrids are used for decorative purposes. Still does not exist common system plant classifications, and in foreign and Russian-language sources are completely different variants classifications.

Professor V.V. Vorontsov, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, highlighted the following conditional types begonias:

• decorative leafy begonias;
• shrub begonias;
• tuberous begonias;
• beautiful flowering begonias.

Deciduous begonias (deciduous-deciduous)

Deciduous begonia does not have a common aerial stem, and long, pubescent leaves grow immediately from a branched root. This type of begonia impresses with the beauty of its leaves, which have a variety of shapes and colors. Leaf color can be green, red, silver, yellow, white or brown. Leaves can be both monophonic and multi-colored, with various spots and borders.

The most famous types and varieties of decorative leafy begonias:

• Begonia royal (begonia Rex) (lat. Begonia rex)

A hybrid species with rounded or oval leaves 30 cm long with serrated edges. Their color varies from brownish pink to purple and violet. Begonia leaves are decorated with a white, silver or green border.

• Begonia Metallica (metal) (lat. Begonia metallica)

A plant with small (10-15 cm long) olive-green pubescent leaves of an ovoid shape, the edges of which are indented with teeth. The upper part of the leaves of this species seems to be covered with metallic pollen.

• tiger begonia (Bauer's begonia) (lat.Begonia bowerae )

A plant with medium-sized green serrated heart-shaped leaves and an animal pattern of brown or dark gray.

• Mason's begonia(lat. begonia masoniana)

A deciduous begonia that grows in New Guinea and is of particular value due to its unusual leaf pattern, reminiscent of brown Maltese crosses. The length of the leaves can reach 20 cm, the leaves of old begonias acquire a characteristic silver tint. The height of the plant usually does not exceed 20-35 cm. The flowers are medium-sized, light beige.

• Begonia Cleopatra(lat. Begonia cleopatra)

A species characterized by very decorative leaves similar to maple leaves. The outer side of the leaves is painted in intense green or olive color, from below the leaves can be burgundy or bright red. Distinctive feature This type of begonias are elongated fleshy leaf cuttings, densely covered with white or gray hairs. The height of the bush usually does not exceed 30 cm, in rare cases it reaches 50 cm. Cleopatra begonia blooms in January and February, then the plant throws out thin flower stalks strewn with groups of white-pink flowers.

• Collar begonia, she is cuff begonia (lat.Begonia manicata )

A plant native to Mexico with a creeping stem and large hairy light green leaves up to 30 cm in diameter, growing on long cuttings. Begonia got its name due to the thick cuff of red villi that borders the stalk right under the leaf. In winter, adult plants form about 5 peduncles up to 60 cm long, decorated with an elegant brush of bright pink flowers.

• red-leaved begonia(lat. Begonia erythrophylla)

A South American species characterized by short, fleshy stems and glossy, rounded leaves that are green above and deep red below. The maximum height of a begonia bush is 35-40 cm. In the middle of summer, it blooms with medium-sized pinkish flowers.

bush begonia

The bush begonia has densely growing articulated, branched stems that look like bamboo shoots. The plant is a shrub with numerous side shoots. The leaves have a variety of shapes and colors. Flowers are beautiful and graceful. The root is thick and fleshy, not divided into parts. Bush begonia blooms all year round. Varieties of begonias are both annual and perennial. The height of the bushes is from 10 cm to 2 meters.

Among the representatives of this variety of begonias, the following types are very popular:

• Begonia coral (lat. Begonia corallina)

A plant with erect bare stems reaching a length of 0.5-1 m. The front side of the oblong ovate leaves has a dark green color with silvery speckles, and the reverse side is a brownish-red color. Dense inflorescences of coral begonias consist of simple small flowers.

• Begonia fuchsia (lat. Begonia fuchsioides)

A plant with strongly branching tall stems (up to 1 m) and large oval green leaves with a glossy surface. Rare hanging flowers of fuchsia begonia are painted in all shades of red.

Tuberous begonia has a tuberous rhizome, fleshy translucent stems up to 80 cm high, simple or double flowers, similar to camellias or peonies. Flowers can be both small and large, solitary and in inflorescences, with a diameter of 3 to 20 cm. Plants are herbaceous, shrubby or ampelous. The leaves are heart-shaped, they can be either fluffy matte or glossy, flat or corrugated. The color of the leaves contains all shades of green: from light to dark. The flowering of tuberous begonia is long and very beautiful, lasts from May to October.

Popular varieties of erect tuberous begonias:

• Begonia Picoti Harlequin (Picotee Arlequin )

A semi-spreading plant with a height of no more than 0.25 m with large (up to 12 cm in diameter) double flowers of yellow color, which have a bright red border. Leaves are green and toothed.

• Begonia Bouton de Rose (Bouton de rose )

A low compact bush with double flowers similar to a rose, reaching 18 cm in size. Petals are white or pale pink. The leaves of begonias of the Buton de Rose variety are green, large, with a wavy edge.

• Begonia Duck Red (Dark red )

A low-growing shrub with semi-spreading stems and large, finely toothed green leaves. Terry dark red flowers of this variety of begonias do not exceed 10 cm in diameter and resemble a peony.

• Begonia Crispa Marginata (lat.Crispa marginata ) - a sprawling plant with green leaves that have a purple edging. The height of the begonia is 15 cm. The flower is delicate yellow or white color with red border and curly edges.

Ampel varieties of tuberous begonia:

• - a tuberous variety of begonia with long, falling stems, strewn with bright flowers on long flower shoots. The flowering period lasts from early spring to late autumn. One of the most popular varietal groups of ampelous begonia is the Chanson series, which strikes with a variety of colors and shades. The following varieties of ampelous begonias deserve attention:
  • Rocsana- flowers are large, double, orange;
  • Christy- flowers are white, terry;
  • girl- flowers are semi-double, pale pink.

• Bolivian begonia(lat. Begonia boliviensis) - a type of ampelous begonia, the shoots of which first grow upwards, and upon reaching a height of 30 cm elegantly fall down in the form of a multi-tiered flower cascade. The following varieties of Bolivian begonia are especially popular:
  • Santa Cruz Sunset F1- a strong, sprawling plant, forming drooping shoots, up to 40 cm long. From the beginning of summer to October, it is covered with many red-orange, fuchsia-shaped flowers;
  • Copacabana F1- a hardy and unpretentious creeping plant, strewn with many bright red bell-shaped flowers during the flowering period;
  • Bossa NovaF1- a sprawling plant with a shoot length of up to 50 cm, from spring to frost strewn with fuchsia flowers of red, orange, pink or white.

Blooming begonia (beautifully flowering, ornamental flowering)

This group includes begonias with very beautiful simple and double flowers of various colors. The most popular are the following types and varieties of begonias:

• Begonia evergreen (lat. Begonia semperflorens)

It unites an extensive group of varieties that have a remarkable property to bloom all summer, regardless of weather conditions.
The most famous varieties of ever flowering begonias:

• Baby Wing

A series of varieties of powerful plants with green and bronze leaves and plain or variegated flowers of various colors.

• Ambassador

A series of varieties of begonias with original green leaves, bordered by a thin strip of red and with the most diverse colors.

• cocktail

Abundantly flowering low bush with brick-colored leaves and simple flowers characteristic of begonia coloring.

• Begonia Elatior (lat. Begonia elatior)

A hybrid variety from England, obtained by crossing the tuberous begonia and the Socotran begonia. Due to the ability of year-round flowering, this plant was named winter begonia (lat. Begonia hiemalis). It is a compact shrub, about 40 cm high, with a thick stem and bright, glossy leaves about 8 cm long, in the shape of an asymmetrical heart with serrated edges. Numerous simple or double flowers form multi-tiered inflorescences growing on long pedicels. Elatior begonia varieties, depending on the height of the bush, are divided into 3 types:

- high (about 40 cm) (for example, varieties Louise, Renaissance, Schwabenland);

- medium (about 30 cm) (for example, varieties Kyoto, Annebell, Bellona);

- undersized (not higher than 25 cm) (for example, varieties Scharlach, Lachsorange, Piccora)

• Begonia Gloire de Lorrain(Begonia Gloire de L orraine)

Like begonia Elatior, it belongs to winter-flowering varieties. It was bred in France in 1891 by crossing the Socotrans begonia (Begonia socotrana) and the Drega begonia (Begonia dregei). This rather sprawling, low plant is distinguished by rounded glossy leaves of light green color with a red speck at the base. Begonia blooms begin in the fall and continue throughout the winter. Simple flowers form drooping brushes of pink color. The most popular varieties of the group:

Competitor- sprawling, spectacular bush, strewn with intense pink flowers;

Marina- a low-growing plant with deep pink flowers growing on short flower shoots;

Rosemary- a variety of Swiss selection with many small, pink flowers.

Where does the begonia flower grow?

In the wild, begonia grows in humid forests of tropical latitudes and in high mountain regions. Most types of begonias are found in Argentina and Brazil, Venezuela and Bolivia, Peru and Chile, India, Pakistan, the Malay Islands, Sri Lanka and the western part of the African continent. Despite suitable climatic conditions, the begonia flower does not grow in the expanses of Australia and the islands of Polynesia.

In room conditions, these flowers can grow all over the world, the main thing is to create the necessary microclimate for begonias.

Begonia garden: planting and care in the open field

In mid-latitudes, almost all types of begonias are grown indoors, with the exception of tuberous begonia, which can also be grown outdoors.

Planting begonias in the garden is done in early June, when the threat of frost disappears. For the plant, you need to choose places slightly shaded or with diffused sunlight. Before planting a begonia in open ground, the seedling is hardened off by placing it for a week in a well-lit room with an average daytime temperature of 23-27 0 C and a night temperature of 12-15 0 C.

The best soil for begonias is soil mixtures that include leafy soil, humus, peat and sand, combined in a ratio of 1: 0.5: 0.5: 0.5. Drainage is poured at the bottom of the hole (expanded clay, fine gravel or coarse sand). After that, a mixture of peat and compost is added to it, which can be replaced with complex potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. The begonia planted in the garden needs to be watered, and the ground around it should be sprinkled with wood ash. In order to avoid hypothermia of the seedling at night, it is covered with a film or agrofiber.

Proper care of tuberous begonias in the open field is not particularly difficult. It is necessary to regularly loosen the ground near the flower, providing oxygen access to the tubers. Garden begonias should be watered depending on the amount of precipitation, usually this is done every 3 days. With the onset of a dry period, the frequency of watering increases with subsequent loosening of the soil. Be careful when watering begonias: the plant feels comfortable at high humidity, but absolutely does not tolerate drops of water on the leaves, as this can lead to a disease such as gray rot.

Begonia in landscape design looks simply amazing and allows you to create magnificent flower beds that will delight you all summer long!

Autumn begonia care

In autumn, after the leaves fall, the plant is prepared for winter:

• begonia stop watering;
• in the first decade of October, begonia tubers are removed from the ground;
• the stem of the begonia is cut off, leaving a process of 3 cm from it;
• tubers are dried at room temperature for 14 days;
• Begonia tubers are placed in wooden box by filling them with sand;
• tubers are stored in a room with a temperature not lower than 5-6 0 С.

When to dig up begonias?

No need to rush to dig up begonia for the winter immediately after the onset of cold weather. After all, in the fall, the plant grows especially intensively tubers and accumulates nutrients in them, at the same time future flower buds are laid. Begonia must be kept in the soil for as long as possible so that the aerial part turns yellow and dries. Then the entire supply of photosynthesis products from the leaves will inevitably “drain” to the tubers.

Garden begonia growing in a flower bed is dug up with a pitchfork, it is carefully removed with a clod of earth, and, without removing the aerial part, they are laid out in a dry, cool room. A month later, dead stems and soil residues are completely removed. For storage, begonia tubers are placed in containers with dry sand or peat and sprayed once a month with a spray bottle.

Begonias growing in pots can not be dug up, but wait for the stems to completely die off and put away for storage right in the pot. In February-March, begonias begin to be watered, and with the advent of young shoots, they are transplanted into a new container.

Begonia care at home

The question of how to care for begonia at home is of interest to many lovers of indoor plants. In fact, caring for indoor begonias is quite simple. This plant is light-loving, but does not like the direct rays of the sun, so window sills that face east, southeast, northwest or west are used to place it. The main condition: that there are no drafts.

The most favorable temperature regime ranges from 22 to 25 0 C in summer and from 15 to 18 0 C in winter. The soil for home begonia is used the same as for growing begonia in the garden: leafy soil, humus, peat and sand in a ratio of 1: 0.5: 0.5: 0.5.

It is necessary to water the begonia in a pot in spring and summer with settled water, preventing the earthen coma from drying out and waterlogging. In winter, watering of deciduous and spray flowers is reduced to a minimum. Tuberous types of begonias cease to moisten, they shed their leaves, after which all dried parts are removed from the plant, and the tubers wait out the cold in dry peat soil.

Top dressing of room begonia is important for the successful development of the plant, and nitrogen fertilizers that stimulate foliage growth are suitable for leafy species, and phosphorus-containing fertilizers for flowering ones.

Begonia transplant

Tuberous types of begonias are transplanted into a new pot and soil every spring, and varieties with a branched or fibrous root need such a procedure when the pot has become small. The plant is removed from the old container and its roots are immersed in a solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) for disinfection. After removing the damaged parts, the plant is planted in a larger pot with fresh soil.

Reproduction of begonias, methods and photos

Spring is the best time for breeding begonias. Breeding methods:

• rooting cuttings with several (3-5) leaves;
• dividing the bush into parts with separate roots;
• cutting a large tuber into several parts with sprouts;
• leaves, cutting large veins on the reverse side of the leaf and immersing it with a cut down in wet sand;
• seedlings from seeds germinated at the end of winter.

Propagation of begonias by cuttings

Cuttings are one of the most common ways to propagate begonias. Many amateur flower growers use it due to the fact that it:

• easy to perform;
• gives fast results;
• suitable for all stem begonias;
• retains all varietal characteristics.

To propagate begonia in this way, it is enough to cut cuttings at least 10 cm long with a sharp knife. To do this, you can use both the upper and middle parts of the stem. The main condition for a good cutting is the presence of at least two or three buds on it. After that, all excess leaves are removed from it, leaving only one or two top ones. If the leaves are large, cut them in half.

After completing the preparatory operations, you can begin to root the cuttings. Florists use two methods for this:

• rooting in water;
• rooting in the ground.

Cuttings that will be used for rooting in water do not need further processing. For the material that will be germinated in the substrate, the sections must be sprinkled with wood ash and dried.

• Rooting begonias in water

Begonia cuttings are lowered into a container of water, the temperature of which should not differ from the temperature of the room where germination will be carried out. Only soft water can be used, as hard or cold water may be detrimental to the future plant. A container with cuttings is placed in a room with a temperature of 18-20 ° C, well lit by indirect sunlight. It is advisable to use a transparent container to constantly monitor the condition of the cut. If signs of rotting of the begonia stalk are noticed, the cut is updated, and a fresh portion of water is poured into the container. After the appearance of roots about 1-2 cm long on the handle, it can be transplanted into a pre-prepared pot with suitable soil.

• Rooting begonias in the ground (substrate)

As a substrate used for rooting cuttings, it is desirable to use begonia soil purchased in specialized stores. However, you can use sand with peat, mixed in a ratio of 3:1. For successful rooting, the room temperature should be in the range of 22-24 ° C. The pot for germination should be selected small size so that the rooted plant not only grows, but also blooms abundantly.

The lower cut of the cutting before planting in the ground must be treated with drugs that stimulate root formation. The seedling is buried in a well-moistened substrate to the level of leaves. After that, the pot with the handle is covered with a glass jar or plastic bottle. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that not a single part of the cutting touches the walls or the lid.

The condensate that appeared on the walls indicates the correct microclimate in a kind of greenhouse. To harden the plant, you need to remove the jar or bottle for several minutes every day and ventilate the future begonia. When the first leaves appear, shelter is no longer produced.

Propagation of begonias by dividing a bush or rhizomes

Bush begonias with a well-developed branched root system can be propagated by dividing the bush or rhizomes. To do this, in the spring, the plant is removed from the pot along with a clod of earth, so as not to damage the roots. After that, the old stems and peduncles, as well as large leaves, are removed from the begonia. The rhizomes are carefully freed from lumps of earth and, with the help of a sharp knife, are divided into several parts. The main condition is the presence of a shoot or bud on each of them. Sections are immediately treated with wood ash. The separated parts are planted in pots with a substrate, which should be used as a special soil for begonias, purchased in flower shops. After abundant watering, the separated plants are placed in a room with good lighting(but not under the direct rays of the sun) and a temperature of 20-25 o C.

Hybrid begonia Elatior Ceveca

The most unpretentious begonias are root begonias. They do not need to arrange a dormant period, like a tuber. However, the root ones require care all year round. In winter they are fed, but less often than in summer; pruned in spring. Regardless of the species, all begonias grow well and delight with their decorative effect at high humidity in combination with unfilled soil. In this connection, there are nuances of watering: as the soil dries up, only in the pan, you can not spray the leaves. How to properly care for a flower in order to grow it as beautiful as in the photo in floriculture magazines?

The origin of begonia and distinctive features

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

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 went on an expedition to the islands of the Caribbean. There, the scientist discovered plants that were not known at that time, gave them a description and named them after the organizer of the trip.

Begonias known today are very different from each other in size, shape, coloring of leaves and flowers. Some are perennial, others are annual. There are herbaceous and shrubby begonias, with a creeping or thickened rhizome. But there is a common thing that unites these plants into one family.

Characteristic features of begonias:

• all types of begonias have an asymmetric, oblique leaf;
• flowers - monoecious;
• perianths - brightly colored, unequal;
• the fruit with seeds has the appearance of a box;
• all begonias grow in approximately the same natural conditions: scattered sunlight, high humidity, temperature +13… +22 ⁰C.

Video: a wealth of types and colors of a flower

Begonias - flowers for apartments, gardens and offices

As an ornamental culture, begonia has been developing since 1856, when breeders began to create its hybrids. Tuberous large-flowering varieties appeared, the most famous ones were 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 planters to decorate walls, furniture, and are also used as ground cover plants. Ever-flowering varieties are suitable for any flower beds, even carpets. Tuberous varieties are grown on balconies, verandas, in closed courtyards.

Care at home has its own nuances, for example, tuberous plants need a dormant period. All begonias love moist air, but do not tolerate damp soil. However, any beginner grower 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 houseplant.

Varieties of root begonias

everblooming

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

Examples of plants in the photo

coral

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

leafy begonias

The species is famous for its decorative leaves, and the flowers of deciduous begonias are small and inconspicuous. Often it is non-flowering perennials. They differ from other species in capriciousness. So, leafy begonias cannot be kept outdoors, that is, these begonias love greenhouse conditions, high humidity, diffused light. In the country 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, silvery sheen or mother-of-pearl tint. stems are pubescent, back side The leaf usually has a red tint.

Photo gallery: Deciduous begonias

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 a rose, carnation, daffodil, peony, camellia. Stems fleshy, translucent; leaves are asymmetrical, heart-shaped. Under the ground, a rhizome that has grown in the form of a tuber is hidden. In the open field, begonias bloom from June to September, and indoors from spring to December, then a dormant period begins. The ground part dries up, and the tuber is stored until the next season.

Photo gallery: Tuberous begonias

Elatior or hybrid begonias

Hybrid begonias were bred in England by crossing two species: the root Socotrans (from the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean) and the tuber. The result was a very beautiful plant, similar to a tuber, but with an ordinary root. Blooms in winter. For the compactness of the bush and the abundance of flowers, closely spaced in several tiers, this begonia is called a "bouquet in a pot." At good care Elatior blooms not only in winter, but almost continuously, for several months in a row. The most famous varieties: Elatior Borias, delighting with pink terry flowers with white edging, and Elatior Baladin with flowers different shades pink: from white to red.

Photo gallery: Begonias Elatior

Ampel begonias

Another type of luxury houseplant that has been growing in popularity in recent years. This group includes root, tuber, and hybrids. They are united by one sign - hanging shoots strewn with flowers of different shapes and colors: white, yellow, red, orange, pink. Bright asymmetric foliage also looks spectacular. Ampel varieties are planted in balcony boxes, planters, tall flowerpots.

Photo gallery: Ampel begonias

Conditions for keeping begonias depending on the season - table

Root 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 off and put away for the winter in a dark and cool place (+12 ⁰C). Water once a month, only slightly wetting a strip of soil along the edge of the pot. At the end of February, they put it out on the window, begin to water and feed, like all other flowering varieties.

Video: Tuberous begonias: rest period and cultivation

Planting begonias

In Europe and the United States, it is customary to buy a blooming begonia, and after it has faded, throw it away. But for Russians, this option is not suitable, we love to transplant, feed, change pots. Begonias are transplanted in the spring, it is in this season that you need to buy them. Without transplanting into nutrient soil, purchased begonia will soon die. Indeed, in the store version, peat serves as soil, and the plant lives due to nutrient solutions. Therefore, immediately after the purchase, the begonia needs to be transplanted.

In the same store, along with a flower, you must purchase:

• drainage (expanded pebbles);
• soil (for begonias, violets or universal for flowering crops based on peat);
• perlite, or vermiculite, or sphagnum moss (for additional looseness of the soil, but optional);
• a pot, 3-4 cm wider and deeper than the one in which the begonia is sold; Mandatory: pallet and drainage holes.

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

Photo gallery: What you need for a begonia transplant

Drainage is essential for root respiration
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 it is not available, soil mixture for violets is suitable.
All-purpose soil for flower crops The new pot should be large enough to fit the old one freely.

Begonia transplant steps:

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

Video: How to transplant begonia

After transplanting a home begonia, and not a shop begonia that has wintered in an apartment, cardinal 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 on top, cut off by a third. After that, the lower dormant buds will wake up, and young shoots will also begin to grow. As a result, a lush bush will grow again.

Begonia care

Watering

The top dried layer is loosened. And only when the earth dries out to a depth of 1-2 cm, you can pour it into the pan. The ideal way is to put the pot in a container of water until the earth is completely saturated. Then the pot is returned to the pallet, 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. Under the open sky, they are watered every day, in an apartment, on a shady closed balcony - once every 2-3 days. The condition of the soil should serve as a reference point. Water must be softened. To do this, it is filtered, defended.

Water for watering begonias can be softened and made acidic with 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 more gentle moisturizing: put cups of water next to the flower or pour sand, peat, expanded clay, moss into the pan and always keep this filler moist. In winter, a damp rag is placed on the nearest radiator.

top dressing

Even ever-flowering begonias respond to the changing seasons. In autumn and winter, the windowsills become darker and cooler. The plant is slow growing. If you feed it during this period, the stems will stretch out a lot, the leaves will become tender and sensitive to diseases and pests. Therefore, begonias are often fed in summer, and once a month in winter.

The frequency of top dressing depending on the season - table

Video: How to care for begonias

Why is the begonia not blooming?

This question will never arise from a grower who follows all the rules described above. If all conditions are created for begonias: diffused light, watering without waterlogging and drying out of the roots, the right temperature, regular feeding, then it will bloom exactly as much and even longer than it should be for the variety. That is, ever-flowering ones 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 only 2-3 years, and then you need to take a cutting or leaf and plant a new begonia. The old one will no longer grow and bloom.

Reproduction of begonias

cutting

1. Cut off the stalk with the top 6–10 cm long.
2. Powder the cut point with crushed wood, activated charcoal or ash.
3. Plant in moist loose soil for begonias and cover with a jar.
4. Water when the soil dries up in the pan, like a regular begonia.
5. With a favorable outcome, the cutting will take root and grow in 2-4 weeks.
6. Gradually accustom the plant to the air in the room. You can put a peg under the neck of the jar so that at first you only ventilate the mini-greenhouse, and after 2-3 days completely remove the jar.
7. If the cutting is dry or rotten, repeat the experiment with another cutting.

This method can propagate all begonias that have stems.

leaf

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

The method is good for begonias with small leaves. Large ones take root very poorly, because they need a lot of food, and young roots do not cope with this task. Therefore, begonias with large leaves are propagated by leaf segments.

Part of a leaf

First way

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. Spread pieces of the sheet on top of wet sand or peat, you can stick them into the ground with the cut down.
3. Cover with a plastic bag or plant each segment in a separate container and cover with jars.
4. Keep 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.

Second way

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

tuber

Tuberous begonia is also best propagated by cuttings or leaves. Manipulations with tubers are very risky, you can lose the whole plant.

1. At the end of February, after a dormant period, 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 the tuber, it is divided with a sharp knife so that each segment is with a sprout.
4. Sections are dusted with coal or ash.
5. Deepen the tuber pieces in half (sprouts up, cuts down).
6. Cover with a jar, keep the soil moist.
7. When the stems grow 7 cm long, bury the tuber completely.

seeds

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

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

Video: Reproduction of begonias by seeds

Begonia diseases - table

Photo gallery: Begonia diseases

Begonia pests - table

Photo gallery: Begonia pests

The consequences of improper care of begonia - table

Although the begonia is demanding to care for, it is a plant that beginners can learn from. If you make a mistake and the flower dies, you can always cut off a stalk or leaf and grow a new begonia. But even when proper care these plants do not live long. After 2–3 years active growth decorative properties are lost: the stems are exposed, the leaves become small, dry out, the begonia does not bloom. Rejuvenation or planting of a new young plant is required.

Due to the variety of species and bright appearance, begonia has gained great popularity among amateur flower growers. Despite the fact that this plant is native to the tropics, it feels great in our climate, both at home and on garden plot. Today, there are about a thousand varieties of this plant. In this article we will talk about the types of begonias with photos and names.

These houseplants can be either annuals or perennials. Shrubs can grow to a height of more than two meters and have very small flowers. Root begonia, on the contrary, is capable of producing inflorescences larger than twenty centimeters.

Feng Shui believes that begonia at home eliminates negative energy and helps smooth out conflict situations. Normalizes the biofield of residents and increases their confidence in own forces at the subconscious level.

Varieties of begonia

Classification

Begonias are divided into three groups:

• Decorative flowering;
• Decorative leafy;
• Shrub.

Decoratively flowering or otherwise tuberous begonia is characterized by abundant flowering, and the flowers themselves have many shapes and colors. Gorgeous decorative inflorescences, resembling a carnation, rose, peony or camellia, grow very large. And flowering occurs from early spring to late autumn. They are not whimsical and feel good in shady places, although they are photophilous. The root of these varieties is in the form of tubers and requires abundant watering.

Decoratively deciduous begonias differ from tuberous ones in less beautiful flowering, but rich lush foliage of various shapes and colors adorns these species no less. Deciduous begonia prefers brightly lit places and abundant watering.

Shrub forms grow up to three meters. They have very large leaves, but small, unremarkable flowers. They are demanding temperature regime. For good growth, the air temperature should be within twenty, twenty-five degrees. In addition, the plant must be cut every two years.

Begonia, its types, varieties and their names, photo

decorative leafy begonias

Begonia metallic

Has medium-sized velvet leaves muted green color, oval shape.

Their edges are dotted with teeth, and at the top, as if covered with a "metal" coating.

Begonia tiger (Bauer)

Bauer's tiger begonia is otherwise called "Velvet". This is a low bush, up to 30 - 35 cm.

It has small, green, heart-shaped leaves with an animal pattern in dark shades.

Begonia "Mason"

decorative deciduous plant with large greenery, on which there are patterns in the form of a Maltese cross. The leaf size can reach more than 20 cm in length.

It blooms in small inflorescences of light colors.

Begonia "Fista"

This variety has short fleshy stems and round shiny leaves.

In summer it pleases with small pink flowers.

Not demanding in care.

Begonia "Kredner"

Quite large bushes of this variety have pubescent leaves of green-pink color and large flowers.

Blooms from March to October.

Begonia "Horse-leaved"

The plant is small, bushy.

It has powerful decumbent stems and decoratively carved palmate leaves. Ideal as a tapeworm plant.

Begonia 'Palomar Prince'

The double spiral leaves of this plant have copper- green tint, and light pink flowers bloom mainly in winter.

Easy to grow.

Begonia 'Charlotte Chiffon'

Spectacular plant with silver-pearl leaves, in the center of which is a purple-pink spot.

The edges of the leaves are wavy, with a bright pink border.

Begonia "Green Golg"

A flower with large rounded leaves, twisted in the form of a spiral. The color of the plant is predominantly silvery blue, with brown leaf edging.

The compactness of the plant is given by the shortened petioles of the leaves.

Begonia "Black Prince"

The variety has wonderful velvet leaves. unusual shape and very discreet colors.

As the name implies, the leaves are dark green, close to black.

Decorative flowering begonias

Begonia "Senator"

Begonia is ever-flowering, unpretentious in care, will be a wonderful decoration of a flower bed

An annual flower with lush greenery and bright medium-sized inflorescences.

Begonia "Fortune"

The plant has rich terry inflorescences of various colors.

Peduncles are short and strong.

This variety begins to bloom earlier than other species.

Begonia "Fimbriata pink"

Tuberous fringed begonia.

Huge double flowers of yellow-red, pink, orange and other shades will not leave anyone indifferent.

Flowering starts in June

Begonia ampelnaya "Venus"

The plant is unpretentious, pleases with its large semi-double flowers and picturesque greenery.

From a number of ampelous ones, white ampelous begonia and red ampelous begonia stand out with high decorativeness.

Begonia "Grandiflora"
Tuberous begonia with large flowers up to 15-20 cm in diameter.

A compact plant with unusually beautiful flowers, outwardly resembling roses of various color shades.

Flowers can be either simple or double.

Begonia "Apricot" or Begonia "Apricot"

Belongs to the NONSTOP series, i.e. continuous flowering.

A very delicate but showy plant with lush flowers in white, orange, yellow and pink hues.

The petals of which are decorated with a pink edging.

Begonia "Non Stop"

The low annual variety Nonstop is rich in large inflorescences. Its leaves have a bright green tint, and flowering continues throughout the summer.

Continuous flowering at temperatures above +18º

Begonia "Marmorata" (Marmorata)

This perennial shrub grown not only indoors, but also actively used in landscape design.

Bush height about 30 cm, flowering from July

Begonia "Terry" orange

Bright and lush flowers of this plant will decorate any interior.

It is also used in decorating garden plots. TO terry varieties Begonia Makhromchataya also belongs, and Begonia Mix will delight you with a variety of colors.

Begonia "Double White"

It is a plant with large white flowers and dark green foliage.

It does not exceed 30 cm in height.

Begonia "Elatior Borias"

This is an ever flowering begonia. The bush grows up to half a meter, has bright glossy leaves with mottled edges. Flowers of this variety can be both simple and double, with a variety of colors.

Begonia "Bada Boom"

This is a small dense shrub with bronze greenery. The flowers on it are simple white, pink or bright red.

It blooms noticeably earlier than other varieties. Therefore, seeds are sown for seedlings in January-February, planted in open ground when the threat of return frosts has passed.

Begonia "Pikoti"

This is a spreading low bush with green jagged leaves.

It blooms chic double flowers with a spectacular border on the petals.

Begonia "Crispa Marginata" yellow-red

The leaves on this plant are green with purple edging, and the flowers are yellow with red edging.

Does not exceed 20 cm.

Like all types of begonias, it prefers diffused sunlight.

Begonia "Marble"

This is a compact plant with large double pinkish-red inflorescences and carved greenery. Begonia tubers, I advise you to plant in early February in light ground, when the threat of return frosts has passed, transplant into open ground. Begonia will delight with its flowering from May to September

garden begonia

Garden begonia looks great both in city flower beds and in the garden.

Its flowers resemble small roses and bloom from early spring until frost.

Ampel begonia

"Bella" begonia

• "Bella" ampelous begonia. A beautiful plant with a fleshy stem and large leaves, no doubt, enliven the interior of any room.
• Another representative of the ampelous begonia, Chanson begonia with lush flowers of red, yellow or white.
• Begonia "Pendula Cascade yellow" is characterized by thick and juicy shades, bright and asymmetrical leaves and falling lush inflorescences.
• Illumination Pink Begonia is a perennial, herbaceous plant. It grows up to 30 centimeters and has heart-shaped green leaves and huge pink double flowers.
• Begonia 'Cascade Florence'. This is a perennial compact shrub, it has a strong stem and light green leaves. big curvy pink flowers Florence are located on hanging branches.
• Begonia "Bolivian". The shoots of this species grow upwards, but, growing to a certain level, they begin to slope effectively, forming a flower cascade downwards. The Bolivian begonia is divided into several varieties. The most popular are Copacabana, Bossa Nova and Santa Cruz Sunset.

Care and reproduction

Home begonia does not require increased attention. Her main concern is to maintain optimum temperature air, timely watering and top dressing. Outdoor begonias need to be moved indoors during the winter.

seeds

Varieties of ever-flowering begonias are grown from seeds. It is they who best convey their varietal characteristics through the seed material. Seeds germinate very well and amicably.

They are sown in early February so that the young shoots become strong by the onset of autumn. Plant them in shallow containers. The sown seeds are not covered with earth, but only slightly pressed down to the soil. The boxes are covered with glass or polyethylene and the temperature is left in the room, which does not fall below twenty degrees.

In order to avoid washing out the seeds, watering is done by drip or using a spray bottle. After a week, they will begin to sprout. After that, the shoots are gradually accustomed to room temperature, removing the glass and airing the containers.

A month later, the begonia seedlings are transplanted into individual pots of compact size. This should be done carefully, as young shoots are very tender and break easily.

After another month, they are transplanted into permanent pots. These varieties begin to delight with their flowering in the first year of growth.

sprouts

Begonia reproduces well by tubers, but small sprouts must be present on them.

Purchased planting material should be placed on a damp cloth as soon as possible. It is necessary to monitor the moisture content of the fabric until the first roots appear on the tubers. Then they can be planted in pots. The top of the tuber should be on the surface.

When the weather becomes warm enough, the begonia is planted in the garden, buried in the ground along with the pots. And with the onset of autumn frosts, they bring it home and cut the stems. Pots with tubers are left in a cool place for the whole winter. At this time, they are not watered. If sprouts appear, the tuber is freed from the layer of earth to accelerate growth. And when the plant gives several shoots, it is again covered with earth.