Extraordinarily beautiful terry begonia - description and photo, nuances of care at home and in the open ground. Many faces of begonia: wonderful flowers or beautiful leaves

The begonia family is the most diverse and numerous in the entire vast and densely populated kingdom. indoor plants. Begonia is a kind of all-rounder. It has both wonderful colors and incredible decorative leaves. It can enliven a large hall and decorate bookshelf or festive table. After all, this plant family unites crumbs that fit in a glass and giant bushes that occupy entire walls. Begonia can grow all year round on the windowsill and bloom in the summer in the garden. People have been closely acquainted with this queen of flowers for more than 300 years. And until now, flower growers never tire of admiring the beautiful begonia. Caring for the plant is not difficult at all.

Difficulties in describing begonia

The first scientist to describe begonia was Michel Begon. It was his name that was immortalized by this incredible tropical flower. The new plant was found at the end of the 17th century in the Antilles. Then an ever-flowering relative of the Antillean begonia was discovered in the forests of Brazil, in India - a royal one, and the first tuberous species is of South American origin.

At first, begonia was bred only in winter gardens and greenhouses. But breeders were so captivated by the many-sided and pliable plant that they somehow quietly bred about 2 thousand hybrid varieties. Among them there are those that can live in the garden, and those that are registered on the windowsill. There are begonias that bloom all year round, and without flowers at all, completely falling asleep in winter, and evergreen, miniature and huge, ampelous and upright. As they say, there is a begonia for every taste, even the most demanding. But all, sometimes not very similar, begonias have several common characteristics:

the presence of unisexual flowers arranged in groups (usually 1 female and 2 male);
fleshy stems;
asymmetrical leaves.

Professionals have adopted a classification of begonias by root type:

tuberous, they bloom beautifully and spend the dormant period in the form of a tuber (begonia elatior);
with a thickened rhizome that is easily divided, these are species with variegated leaves (royal begonia);
bushy plants that do not reproduce by division of the root (begonia everblooming).

This method of classification is complex and not always convenient. In amateur floriculture, begonias are usually divided according to the type of plant use: decorative flowering pots, decorative leaves and decorative flowering indoors.

Decorative flowering potted begonias usually have a tuberous root; the stems can be straight and drooping in ampelous forms. The leaves are succulent, often single-colored, jagged or wavy along the edges. These begonias are bred to produce wonderful blooms.

The flowers are striking in color: different shades of white, yellow, pink, red, orange - there are two-color varieties. The shape is also varied: simple, semi-double, terry. The peculiarity of this group is that after flowering the plant is either thrown away or sent to rest: the tuber is dug up and stored.

Decorative leaf begonias will not please you with flowers. But beautiful, abundant foliage will decorate your home all year round. And the choice of leaves is huge. Size - from one and a half to 35 cm.

Shape - asymmetrical heart, elongated oval, similar grape leaf or stars. Texture - smooth and glossy, matte, with hairs or warty. Variegated colors include the entire spectrum of greens, reds, yellows and orange colors with transitions and halftones, spots and specks.

Begonia leaves contain phytoncides. They purify and heal the air and destroy harmful microorganisms. Begonia is especially effective against staphylococcus.

Decorative flowering begonias are evergreen plants that combine the beauty of leaves and bright, although not as magnificent as tuberous, flowering. These are tall bushes (up to one and a half meters) or hanging forms. The beauty of plants is that they do not need rest, but grow and often bloom all year round.

Begonia is not the most capricious flower; caring for it is not difficult if you know its habits. And they are not so exotic for a tropical woman. The only difficulty is fiddling with the tubers.

Begonia helps improve immunity and performance, and also helps relieve fatigue. This flower is planted not only at home, but also in the office. Begonia activates and enhances mental activity.

And it must also be said that begonias are not long-lived plants. They will not live next to you for 10 years, like a ficus or palm tree, they are too delicate. But begonia reproduces easily and willingly. So you can always continue the life of your favorite flower in its offspring.

Some members of the begoniaceae family

Begonia is almost a thousand full-fledged species and two thousand hybrids. And the selection continues, every year new varieties of this tropical plant. With fuller flowers, brighter leaves and improved performance. But there are basic varieties that have already proven themselves well in cultivation. Most of us have been familiar with many of them, for example, royal begonia, since childhood. Let us tell you in more detail about the most famous varieties of this plant:

Royal begonia is a typical representative of the decorative foliage group, originally from India. The plant is distinguished by large (about 30 cm) brightly colored leaves. The color changes from rich green to red-brown. The leaf blade has a characteristic shape: an asymmetrical heart or snail. The edge has uneven serrations. Royal begonia hybrids vary in color: there are red-yellow, mint green, and chocolate brown leaves. The flowers are inconspicuous and are recommended to be removed.
Among the variegated begonias there are ampelous ones, for example, imperial. Its medium-sized (10 cm) leaves have a red underside and a velvety green-white upper side. This begonia does not bloom; the variety is bred for its abundant and beautiful foliage.
Begonia everblooming is a root-forming and bushy variety. It is cultivated as a garden and indoor plant. At home, this begonia is ready to bloom all year round. It has small (5 cm) shiny rounded leaves. Flowers up to 2.5 cm in diameter are single or double, red, pink, white.
Begonia coral belongs to the upright, evergreen and root varieties. Its shoots grow up to 2 meters and often need support. The leaves are elongated, white and silver spots are scattered across the green field. The plant blooms all year round; a panicle of 30–60 small coral-colored flowers blooms on the peduncle.
Tuberous begonia has simple or double flowers, at least 5 cm in size. The shape resembles a rose, carnation or peony. They can be white, pink, yellow, red or orange, or a combination of these colors. The leaves are brittle with a serrate edge of medium size (from 10 to 25 cm).
The ampelous variety of tuberous begonia is drooping, it has thin and long (up to half a meter) hanging stems and peduncles. They bloom in clusters of white, pink and orange rather large (5 cm) flowers. This variety needs rest; after a period of growth, the above-ground part dies off.
Another ampelous variety - begonia sisolifolia - belongs to evergreens. Its red-pink flowers are much smaller (1.5 cm), but bloom in winter, when tuberous begonia does not grow.
High begonia (elatior) is a tuberous hybrid that can only grow indoors. The stems of the plant are thin and fragile reddish in color. The leaves are shiny and rounded. Elatior blooms in autumn and winter. The flowers are large, about 5 cm. The petals can be white, yellow, red or orange; in some varieties they combine two colors.
Begonia Borias is an elatior hybrid. Her bush blooms with double flowers. The color of the petals is two-tone. The soft pink or red cherry color is replaced by a white edging from the center of the inflorescence to the edges.

What types of begonia are there: elatior, coral, ampelous and others (photo)

Begonia high (elatior)

Video: Conditions and care of begonia

Conditions for different begonias (table)

Such diverse begonias require different conditions. But there are still a few general requirements for all forms of this plant. Begonias, without exception, love warmth. Therefore, they take root well in our heated apartments. Begonias will prefer medium-intensity, diffused lighting. Extremes (shade or bright sun) are not for these beauties. But they want higher humidity. Just don’t try to spray the begonia, it won’t like it.

Season	Lighting	Humidity	Temperature
Spring	The best place to grow is on the east and west sides. All begonias prefer bright, indirect light. Shade from midday sun. Protect decorative leaf forms especially from direct sun.	High. But you can only spray the air around the plant. Water should not get on leaves and flowers. Place the pot with begonia in damp peat, on a tray with wet pebbles. Place a humidifier nearby.	Moderate, 18–20 degrees.
Summer			Moderate and slightly higher, +20–25°С. Protect from heat and temperature changes.
Autumn
Winter	It is useful to expose it to the sun for several hours in the morning or evening. On cloudy days, add artificial lighting.	High. Humidify the air in all ways except spraying the flower. Do not place the plant near heating devices.	Moderate, slightly cool. It should not fall below +15°C.

Planting rules: from choosing a pot to subsequent care

Variegated begonia varieties are replanted every year. In a cramped pot, bright foliage becomes pale. Evergreen begonias should be rehoused as needed once roots have grown into drainage holes. And tuberous plants are planted in a new substrate after a dormant period.

Begonias quickly grow lush greenery and bloom profusely. For this you need loose and rich soil, it should be neutral or slightly acidified. Good drainage is also important; allocate about a quarter of the pot’s volume to it. Approximate soil compositions:

ready soil for begonias;
a mixture of two parts of leaf soil and one each of peat and chernozem;
into two shares of dark peat, one each - turf and leaf soil, as well as coarse sand.

The soil substrate must be sterilized to destroy pests and infections. To do this, heat it in the oven or pour it with a weak solution of potassium permanganate (half a gram of powder per 1 liter).

It is better to choose a ceramic pot for variegated and evergreen varieties. It is heavier and will not tip over as the plant grows larger. In addition, ceramics is a breathable and porous material, which means that moisture will not stagnate at the roots. And begonias really like this. For hanging plants choose hanging baskets or flowerpots. Choose a pot for tuberous begonia from any material. Its size determines how large the plant will be. But you should not take a container larger than 20 cm in diameter. So, step by step instructions:

Begonias, except for tuberous ones, are usually transplanted in the spring.
Prepare the soil, drainage and pot; rinse it with boiling water.
Place drainage (expanded clay, pebbles, polystyrene foam, broken brick) at the bottom, and a little soil substrate on top.
Carefully remove the begonia from the old pot and examine the roots. If there are any rotten ones, remove them and sprinkle the cuts with coal.
Place the plant in new pot straightening the roots.
Add soil and tamp it down lightly.
Water the plant with softened water. Place it in a shaded place.

Don’t rush to replant a newly purchased flowering begonia. This will shorten the flowering time. Replanting is needed only when the roots of the flower emerge from the drainage holes. Pick a pot a couple of centimeters larger than before.

How to plant tuberous begonia?

Scald the container and sterilize the soil and drainage.
Place a drainage layer on the bottom.
Fill the container about three-quarters full with soil and moisten it.
Place the tuber with its indentation facing up on wet soil and cover it with dry soil so that the top of the tuber is halfway above the ground.
Press the tuber slightly into the soil and compact it around.
Place the pot in a cool, dark room.
Water moderately, but do not allow it to become overwatered.
After a few weeks shoots should appear.
When sprouts appear, cover the tuber completely with soil.
Transfer the pot to a warm, illuminated place.

Video: Transshipment (transplantation) of begonias - master class

How to care for a plant at home

Caring for all varieties of begonias includes: general principles. For example, beautiful tropical women are afraid to get their feet wet, especially in a cool room. In other words, plants cannot tolerate excess moisture at the roots. This can make tender begonia seriously ill, and lush greenery is susceptible to rot.

Begonias do not respond well to diets. Blooming beauties spend a lot of energy and are not averse to eating. Evergreen begonias, which bloom almost without interruption, simply need adequate nutrition.

Watering and fertilizing: how much, how and why

During growth and flowering, begonias want to drink a lot. In spring and summer, water them twice a week, when it is very dry and hot - daily. In autumn, reduce the volume and frequency of watering, and in winter, limit yourself to the minimum.

But even in summer, make sure that from watering to watering the earthen substrate dries out to about 1 cm deep. Pour water carefully, trying not to get on the stems. But in tuberous begonias, moisture should not get on the tuber. It is cup-shaped and water can accumulate in this recess. As a result, the rhizome easily rots. According to some gardeners, begonias will benefit from a slight moisture deficit. They believe that it is necessary to water the plant when the leaves are slightly withered.

Water for begonias should be lukewarm and soft. After watering, be sure to drain the excess from the pan.

Actively growing and flowering begonias love feeding

From a lack of nutrients, the bright begonia becomes poorer, weaker and wither. Fertilizer manufacturers have taken this feature into account; in stores you can find nutritional complexes designed specifically for begonias. But universal fertilizers for flowering or decorative leaf plants are also suitable. Choose those with more phosphorus. Actively growing begonia should be fed approximately once a week, sometimes twice. With the arrival of autumn, fertilizing should be reduced for most varieties, and completely stopped by winter. But if begonia blooms in winter, do not leave it without food.

How to make an unpretentious beauty bloom

Begonias (especially tuberous ones) have amazing flowers. They can look like roses or carnations, fuchsias or violets. How to ensure that flowering becomes lush and long?

Flower growers know one secret: when the buds have just appeared and have grown slightly, they must remove the female inflorescences and leave the male ones. They are easy to distinguish. The male ones are larger and double, while the female ones are non-double with a three-lobed seed capsule located on the peduncle behind the bud, close to it. As flower growers say, this operation significantly improves flowering.

But sometimes begonia completely refuses to bloom or collects buds and drops them. What is the reason? There may be several problems:

begonias have little light;
low air humidity;
too high or, conversely, low temperature;
temperature changes, drafts;
hard irrigation water;
nutritional deficiency;
the plant did not rest during the dormant period;
It's time to rejuvenate the begonia.

Analyze the living conditions of your pet, if you find errors, correct them.

Be sure to remove faded inflorescences. This way you will prolong flowering and make it more lush. Also remove old damaged leaves; thanks to this cleaning, the begonia will grow more greenery.

But it happens that flowering must be artificially stopped. If the grower wants to get quality tubers by next year, the new buds that appear in September should be removed. Then the plant tuber will gain strength.

By the way, until quite recently it was believed that faded tuberous begonia should be thrown into the trash. Allegedly, she is no longer any good. Now flower growers have learned to successfully preserve tubers by giving them a period of rest, and then plant them again and enjoy flowering.

Root evergreen and decorative leaf begonias retain variegated leaves, and sometimes continue to bloom. Only by observing the plant can you notice that it has slowed down its growth. At this time, it is necessary to limit watering and stop feeding. Although, if begonia blooms wildly, it is worth feeding it with fertilizer; it is applied no more than once a month. During the dormant period, the plant literally wants peace. It does not need to be disturbed, rearranged or turned. Surround your begonia with warmth and wait for spring.

But tuberous begonias go into deep hibernation after flowering. This does not necessarily happen in winter. Modern varieties can bloom in the cold season and rest in spring or autumn. At this time, the tubers are stored in peat without watering. You can, of course, simply throw away the faded plant, but try to revive the begonia. How to save it:

When the green part of the plant begins to die off, limit watering, a little moisture is enough.
Wait for the above-ground part to dry, cut it off. The nutrients have already passed into the tuber.
Keep the tuber in the soil for about half a month.
Remove the tuber from the soil and wrap it in sphagnum moss or peat. You can bury it in disinfected sand.
Store the tuber at a temperature of +3 to +5ºC, the humidity should be slightly higher than in the room. Suitable places- cellar or refrigerator (compartment for fresh vegetables).
If the wintering went well, after 2-3 months the begonia will make it clear that it is ready to be reborn to a new life. Eye shoots will appear on the tuber.
Plant the tuber in a nutrient substrate.

If the tuber is large and has several healthy eye buds, before planting you can start propagating and get new begonias.

Video: Peace and awakening of tuberous begonia

Care errors, diseases and pests: causes and solutions

Begonia is a rather delicate plant. It cannot be classified as a very patient and strong flower. The reaction to neglecting the rules of care will be sad: the begonia may get sick, lose leaves, lose buds, or be attacked by pests.

Let's consider typical problems and ways to eliminate them.

Table: Begonia health problems, treatment methods and prevention

Video: Treatment of sick begonia

How to propagate indoor begonia?

There are several ways to get new begonias. Tuberous plants reproduce by dividing the tuber. Decorative foliage and evergreen by cuttings of leaves and stems. Constantly flowering varieties can also be grown from seeds.

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

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, in second place is Asia (India, the Himalayas, Sri Lanka), in third place is West Side Africa. There is an assumption that Africa is the birthplace of begonias, from here they spread to Asia and America. IN wildlife 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 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

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.

Care at home has its own nuances, for example, tuberous plants require a period of rest. Everyone loves begonias wet 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.

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 low 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, are double (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 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.

Deciduous begonias

The species is famous for the decorativeness of its leaves, and the flowers of deciduous begonias are small and inconspicuous. Often these are non-flowering perennials. They differ from other species in their capriciousness. So, leafy ones cannot be kept under open air, that is, these begonias love greenhouse conditions, high humidity, scattered 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

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

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 very beautiful plant, similar to tuberous, 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.” At 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

Ampelous begonias

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

Photo gallery: Ampelous begonias

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

Planting begonias

In Europe and the USA, it is customary to buy flowering begonia, and after it has finished blooming, throw it away. 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.

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 sour 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-made 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 can easily fit into it

Stages of begonia transplantation:

Take a new pot and pour a 2-3 cm layer of drainage into it.
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).
Remove the begonia from the old pot and shake off some peat or soil from the roots.
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.

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 the apartment, in the 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 conditions are created for begonia: diffused light, watering without waterlogging and drying out the roots, desired 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.

Begonia propagation

Handle

Cut a cutting with a tip 6–10 cm long.
Powder the cut area with crushed wood, activated carbon or ash.
Plant in moist, loose begonia soil and cover with a jar.
When the soil dries out, water it in a tray, like a regular begonia.
If the outcome is favorable, the cutting will take root and begin to grow in 2–4 weeks.
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.
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

Using a sharp knife, cut off a healthy leaf right next to the cutting.
Place the leaf in water with activated carbon (1 tablet per glass of water).
If the petiole begins to rot, you need to cut it to a healthy place and change the water.
As soon as young roots form, plant them in a permanent pot.
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 in the direction from the central vein to the edges. Each segment should have 1–3 veins.
Place pieces of leaf on top of wet sand or peat; you can stick them into the ground with the cut side down.
Cover plastic bag or plant each segment in a separate container and cover with jars.
Keep the soil moist.
The first sprouts may appear in 1–3 months.
Gradually accustom the begonia to the air in the apartment and remove the shelter.

Second way

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

tuber

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

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

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 from the smallest seed gorgeous flower. Sowing the seeds is done in December-January so that the begonias bloom by spring-summer.

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.
Set up a mini-greenhouse: cover with film, place in a disposable container with a lid, etc.
After 2 weeks, if the soil does not dry out or become waterlogged, shoots will appear.
Transfer the seedlings to the very bright window or illuminate with lamps. Gradually remove the cover.
When 2-3 true leaves appear, each plant can be transplanted into a pot.

Video: Propagation of begonia by seeds

Begonia - care at home �� What to do if begonia leaves curl? If they dry out and curl lower leaves, then this may be the natural death of old leaves, but if the leaves darken and dry throughout the begonia, you should sound the alarm. Watering should be moderate, do not overdo it, but also do not dry out the soil in the pot with begonia. Curling of begonia leaves may be a sign of insufficient soil nutrition. It's time to feed. How often to spray begonia? Begonia loves moist air, but reacts sharply to excessive moisture in the soil in the pot. Begonia varieties with smooth leaves can be sprayed; begonias with “fluffy” leaves should not be sprayed with water; spots will appear. You can spray the air around the flower. What to do if dark spots and holes appear on a begonia leaf? Very often, begonia leaves become stained when not proper watering: cold water, hard water. Why do double begonias have non-double flowers? This is a common occurrence for this variety. On double begonias, female (pistillate) flowers (they are not double) and male (staminate) flowers develop. Male flowers have a double surface. Male and female buds open at different times. If desired, non-double flowers can be removed; this will preserve the strength of the flower, and it will bloom with new vigor as double flowers. What to do if powdery spots appear on the leaves? It could be powdery mildew or gray mold. Remove diseased leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. Ventilate the room more often. Why do begonia leaves and flowers fall off? Possible reasons several: water has entered the plant, the air in the room is too dry, you are not watering your begonia enough. Begonia pests. Most often, at home, begonias are harmed by pests such as aphids and spider mite. When should begonia be replanted? Better in spring. Where is begonia transplanted? The ideal mixture for begonia: turf, leaf, coniferous soil, peat + regular river sand. Why do begonia buds fall off? There are many reasons: waterlogging or, on the contrary, drying out of the soil, drafts, and even changing the position of the flowerpot relative to the light source by several degrees, not to mention moving to another room. Why doesn't begonia bloom? Perhaps your begonia does not have enough light, the humidity in the room is low, it is too hot, too cold, you placed it in a draft or overfed it with fertilizers. If, despite all your efforts, the begonia continues to droop, root a branch just in case, perhaps your begonia will say goodbye to you. http://ok.ru/floschool/topic/63522688333151

Huge double flowers attract the eye and enchant from the first moment of meeting

First meeting

Terry begonia belongs to the extensive genus Begoniaceae, which is native to the hot subtropics of Africa, South America and India. Plants of this genus were domesticated back in the 17th century, since then the species and varietal diversity begonias exceeded tens and thousands.

Terry begonia is a compact, neat bush with beautiful carved leaves of reddish or green color and large flowers bright colors - white, red, pink. yellow, orange. This type of begonia received its special beauty and its name thanks to the terry border on the flower petals.

Depending on the root system, tuberous and bush terry begonias are distinguished, and based on the height and growth pattern of the bush, they can be divided into ampelous and ordinary bushes. Almost all types of begonias produce two types of flowers - male and female. The former are highly decorative, while the latter are simple, non-double and small, but it is in their place that a seed pod will form over time.

The flowering period of these plants usually lasts throughout the summer, although some varieties, such as double everflowering begonia, may continue to bloom into autumn and even winter.

You can grow terry varieties of begonias either in room conditions, and on the balcony, veranda or in the garden. The main thing is to choose the most comfortable place for them that meets all the requirements of agricultural technology.

Rules for caring for begonias

Begonias are not too capricious, although they have such a reputation. If you give them from the very beginning suitable conditions, the plant will respond with abundant flowering and a minimum of requirements.

It is best to grow terry begonias in clay pots With drainage holes at the bottom. Clay is a porous material that will provide sufficient access of fresh air to the roots of the plant.

Begonias will require loose, nutritious soil with a slightly acidic reaction (pH 5.5-6.5). You can create a suitable mixture yourself. To do this, just mix:

2 parts leaf soil;
1 part river sand;
1 part humus;
1 part peat.

Sand, humus and peat can be replaced with turf and coniferous soil (1 part each). If you can’t make a soil mixture yourself, you can use soil from the store. There you can find special mixtures for growing begonias.

Important! A dense drainage layer of expanded clay or broken brick should be placed on the bottom of the pot.

Light and temperature

For full growth and abundant, bright flowering, begonia requires intense lighting, but the light should be soft and diffused. Direct sunlight can cause burns on the leaves and fading of the flowers. In addition, under direct sun the plant may overheat and die. IN winter time most begonias require additional lighting if they do not go dormant.

Optimal temperature for terry begonias it will be 18-23 degrees. The flower will withstand a slight cold snap (not lower than 15 degrees), but an increase in temperature is very unpleasant for it

It is important to monitor the air movement in the room - it is very useful for begonias Fresh air, so you need to ventilate the room more often, and in summer the pots can be taken out to an open balcony or veranda. It should be remembered that terry begonias are very sensitive to wind and rain, so drafts should not be allowed or placed in places exposed to the wind.

Watering and air humidity

Begonias need high humidity air, so it is recommended to spray from time to time. But at the same time, water should not be allowed to get on the leaves and flowers, otherwise burns and brown spots. The air next to the begonia should be sprayed. Alternatively, you can use air humidifiers or place a container filled with water next to the flower.

The plant's watering schedule depends primarily on the time of year. In summer, terry begonia needs abundant watering - about 2 times a week, and in extreme heat - as the soil dries out, up to daily watering. But you should be very careful not to provoke stagnation of water, which is detrimental to the plant.

By autumn, watering is reduced to moderate, and in winter it is reduced to a minimum. Tuberous begonies stop watering altogether so that the plant can go into “hibernation.” In this case, its above-ground part dies off, and the tuber is placed for storage in a cool room. Those types of terry begonias that do not shed their leaves for the winter continue to be watered moderately until spring.

Fertilizer application

Terry begonias need to be fed during the period of active growth and flowering - in early spring and in the spring and summer. After wintering they add nitrogen fertilizers, which will help increase green mass, and during flowering potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are more suitable for flowering plants– they will support and prolong flowering. Begonia needs to be fertilized 1-2 times a month.

Replanting and pruning

From time to time, begonias should be transplanted into new pots of larger diameter. This will provide new free space for the roots. In addition, the new soil will become a source of new nutrients.

For ampelous terry begonias, it is better to choose wide and low pots, but for bush ones, tall ones are suitable, as in the photo

As a rule, terry begonias are replanted once every two years, in early spring. But tuberous species are planted in new soil every year after wintering.

Bush varieties of terry begonia should be pruned to maintain a neat appearance of the bush and rejuvenate the plant. When the main stem reaches 10 cm in length, it is pinched to stimulate the growth of side shoots. When they grow to 10-12 cm, they are also cut off. Subsequently, the stems are pruned as necessary, removing old and dried branches and maintaining the required form bush.

Begonia propagation

Depending on the type of terry begonia, it can be propagated in several ways:

cuttings;
seeds;
sections of tubers.

The last method, as it is not difficult to understand, is available only for those terry begonias that belong to the tuberous family.

Reproduction by cuttings

This method is considered the simplest and most common; it is suitable for all types of begonias. Best time for cutting cuttings - early spring. With a sharp knife Cuttings up to 10 cm long are cut from the plant, the lower leaves are removed and placed either in a container with water or directly in the soil.

When rooting in water, it is better to keep the glass in a dark place to avoid water blooming or immediately use a darkened container. To speed up the appearance of roots, you can add Kornevin or a similar drug to the water. As a rule, roots appear within a week. After this, the cuttings can be transplanted into the ground and care must be taken to maintain the necessary soil and air moisture.

If the cuttings take root immediately in the soil, the roots will appear in about 4-5 weeks. All this time, it is necessary to maintain the optimal soil temperature for root formation in the pot - at 20-22 degrees.

Propagation by seeds

Using seeds to propagate begonias is by far the most the hard way. This is due to the very small size of the seeds and their sensitivity to the slightest changes in temperature and soil moisture.

The seeds are sown in January, providing the seedlings with additional lighting (+4-5 hours of daylight). This will help to get flowering already in the year of sowing.

Granular or regular seeds are sown on the surface of moistened soil, lightly pressed onto it, but not sprinkled. Then the container with the crops is covered with film, glass or a bag to create a greenhouse effect. At this time, it is necessary to maintain the temperature at 22-25 degrees and ventilate the crops daily.

The first shoots will appear in 2-3 weeks. Immediately after this, you should connect the phytolamps and gradually remove the film. You can see what the seedlings of ever-flowering terry begonia look like in this photo:

Begonia seedlings are very thin and weak. Great care should be taken when working with them

After the seedlings grow to 3-4 leaves, they are picked and planted in separate pots. Further care no different from caring for an adult plant - watering, ventilation and timely replanting.

Propagation by tubers

This method of reproduction is not suitable for everyone terry begonias, but only to those that belong to the tuberous species. Healthy adult tubers that have from 4 to 7 buds are suitable for division.

Important! After division, each segment of the tuber must have at least 2 buds.

Using a sharp knife, cut the tuber from top to bottom, making sure that the buds are distributed evenly between all segments. The sections are then allowed to dry for several hours. You can then follow this algorithm:

Parts of the tuber are laid out with the bottom side on damp gauze or soil. They are kept warm and in the light until the first roots appear on the convex part.
For prevention, they are treated with a fungicide.
Place the part with the roots on moist soil and sprinkle a little earth around it. The top of the tuber remains on the surface of the soil, but 2-3 cm below the edge of the pot.
When the first shoots appear, the tuber is completely covered with soil.

Further care for the new plant is the same as usual.

Diseases and pests

Terry begonia is susceptible to diseases and attacks by pests, but this primarily indicates that the growing conditions of the plant are violated:

Powdery mildew. The first symptoms are white coating on the foliage. The cause of the disease can be frequent temperature changes, drafts and excessive humidity. Plants that are outdoors are more likely to experience this disease. Treatment with fungicides will help cope with powdery mildew.
Gray rot. Symptoms: mold on leaves and stems. Most often it affects plants that are located in damp and cold rooms where ventilation is poor. All diseased parts are removed, and the plant is treated with special preparations.
Spider mite. A sign of a mite appearance will be a web entangled in the leaves and stems of the plant. To get rid of the mite, the begonia can be washed with soapy water or treated with an insecticide.
Aphid. Ants bring aphids to begonias. You can get rid of it using insecticides containing pyrethrum. However, treatment should be carried out daily until the insects disappear completely.

Unhealthy appearance plants can be caused not only by diseases, but also by violations in agricultural technology:

with a lack of light, the leaves turn pale;
With insufficient watering and air humidity, the edges of the leaves dry out, after which they fall off.

By providing your plant with comfortable conditions, you can for a long time enjoy abundant and bright flowering. Terry begonia is one of the most beautiful indoor plants that even a beginner can grow.

Begonia is a plant species that belongs to the Begoniaceae family. There are a large number of species and subspecies, but they can be conditionally divided into two large groups: decorative and indoor, which in turn are divided into beautiful-flowering (characterized by abundant flowering) and decorative-deciduous (the flowers are mediocre, but the foliage has an unusual shape and bright, saturated color).

Most often, beautiful flowering begonia is grown at home, which appears in three forms:

evergreen;
tuberous, having falling leaves;
bushy, requiring time to hibernate.

Home conditions are especially suitable for begonia elatior.

In order for begonia to grow and develop correctly, it is necessary to provide it with proper care:

regular, at least twice a week, watering with pre-settled water;
natural lighting from the sun's rays. This will ensure rich colors of leaves and flowers;
natural organic fertilizer, which can help the plant during the flowering period, providing it with the necessary nutrients;
temperature regime about 20 degrees.

Note! Even with proper care, problems may arise, such as lack of flowering.

When and how long does begonia bloom?

How much begonia blooms depends on its type:

flowerbed begins to bloom in June and this period can last until September, after which it can be transplanted into home potty and bring it into the room.
domestic variety of begonias, in particular the elatior variety, begin to bloom in the fall and the process continues throughout winter period.

Flowering depends solely on proper care and plant variety.

Begonia has different flowering patterns, depending on the individual characteristics of the plant.

Why doesn't begonia bloom?

When answering the question why begonia does not bloom, it is worth considering the main reasons:

improper lighting, which is not enough for the flower to carry out the process of photosynthesis;
unsuitable soil ( the right soil- slightly acidic, loose and nutritious);
incorrect transplantation;
insufficient amount of fertilizer;
too dry indoor air or climatic influences, such as periods of drought;
exposure to microorganisms that harm the root system or foliage;
insufficient watering ( this reason the most important, because plant roots are most susceptible to moisture and its level should always be sufficient).

What to do to make begonia bloom again

First of all, gardeners have a question about what to do to make begonia bloom. The answer is simple: change the conditions of care and cultivation.

Begonia doesn't bloom

Very rarely, the reason for the lack of flowers may be the age of the plant itself or improper planting of the bush. In addition, when purchasing, you should carefully study the variety to which begonia belongs, because the decorative deciduous species, in principle, cannot bloom.

So, how to make a flower bloom - you need to provide the plant with enough moisture, but not excess. Introduce mineral nutrients into the soil - fertilizing. Begonia will begin to grow more actively and will soon produce flowers. After this, move the plant to the windowsill, providing it with sufficient sunlight. It is worth protecting begonia from hypothermia, as well as from aridity. Room temperature will be just right.

Now it’s clear why begonia doesn’t bloom and what to do about it. But this mostly applies to domestic, ever-flowering plants. But caring for a flower bed is a little different:

It should be noted that flower bed begonia does not tolerate frost well, so planting should begin no earlier than May;
it is necessary to protect the plant from drought, without neglecting the effects of direct sun rays in moderation;
you need to rid the plant of a large amount of moisture, do not place it near Wastewater or coming off the roof of a building.

The question often arises as to why tuberous begonias in a pot do not bloom. The answer is simple and lies in proper watering, which is carried out only after the top layer of soil has dried.

What to do if begonia does not bloom with double flowers

The double flower is truly beautiful and unique, which is a distinctive feature of begonia. But it happens that instead of the expected flower, the simplest ones grow. This problem is especially common in tuberous plants. There are several main reasons why this may be due:

the tuber is insufficiently strong, especially for young plants blooming for the first time. This is due to insufficient rest period for the plant and improper propagation.
lack of strength in the plant itself due to illiterate care.
One should not exclude such a sign as a production error, especially for those seeds that were purchased in a store. Therefore, it is better to purchase the plant itself.

Note! It is worth reconsidering the care and waiting for the next flowering period, perhaps the begonia will gain strength and produce flowers with the desired properties.

Preventive measures

It is advisable not to bring the problem to treatment, because abnormal development can be prevented by observing simple rules on prevention. The main points of the measures are aimed at pest control, because the main parameters of care have already been presented.

Rotten and yellow leaves should be removed regularly;
carry out the spraying procedure using a spray bottle. The water should be clean, preferably settled and at room temperature;
if there is a tendency towards an increase in yellow, dry or rotten leaves, begin introducing fertilizers rich in vitamins and minerals. Before doing this, carefully study the rules of administration and dosage;
if you smell rot or have a whitish coating, you need to treat the plant with a weak solution of potassium permanganate;
harmful bacteria can cause a loss of stem strength; to avoid this, it is necessary to periodically treat the begonia with a solution of Bordeaux mixture;
prevention viral diseases also carried out with a weak solution of manganese.

By following preventive measures, the gardener will save himself from questions about why begonia does not bloom and what to do. Caring for begonia is quite simple and will not take you much time, while the flowers various colors(red, orange, yellow) in combination with emerald greenery will delight throughout the winter period or will be a wonderful addition landscape design garden