Begonia is a plant that belongs to the Begonieceae family and decorates public gardens, parks and apartments. There are about 900 full-fledged species of this plant in the world. The homeland of begonias is Southeast Asia. The size of the plant can be from 5 cm to 3 m in length.

In this article you will learn some secrets of caring for beautiful flowering begonias at home.

Favorable conditions for growing home begonia

Begonias are easy to care for and disease resistant, but the question of how to grow begonias is a very common one. You need to remember three rules for caring for a plant: replanting, timely feeding and moderate watering. This will be discussed in the following sections.

Did you know?The plant was named after the governor of Haiti - M. Begon.

Lighting

To make begonia happy abundant flowering, you need to provide the plant with good lighting, preferably diffused. Make sure that the begonia leaves are not exposed to direct sunlight - this will cause burns on them. If you do not have the opportunity to grow begonia on a windowsill, you can use phytolamps. It is more effective to use two phytolamps.

Temperature

At room temperature Begonia feels great. If the temperature drops below 16°C or exceeds 28°C, the leaves and flowers wither and fall off.

Air humidity

Begonia needs high air humidity - about 60%. IN winter time additional air humidification is required. This can be achieved by spraying. Tuberous begonias thrive in dry, cool conditions. IN high humidity they don't need it. Shrub species are tolerant of dry air in winter, but it doesn’t hurt to spray them either.

Features of caring for begonia during the flowering period

Many people wonder what to feed begonias for abundant flowering.

During flowering, begonia needs to be fed at least once a week. To do this use mineral fertilizers, but before that it is best to add a weak solution of potassium nitrate.

Important! If you want to prolong flowering, trim off faded flowers as often as possible.

After the begonia has finished flowering, prepare the plant for the resting phase. To do this, reduce the amount of watering until the above-ground part dries out. Trim off faded leaves, stems, shoots and flowers. The temperature should not be higher than 12°C. The dormant period lasts from November to March.

Proper pruning of begonias

In this section we will explain to you , how to properly prune begonia after flowering so that your plant grows and looks young and healthy. When the stem length is 6-8 cm, the first pruning is carried out. After this, watering is briefly reduced. When the lateral shoots reach 10-12 cm, pinching is carried out. After this, remove dry shoots and leaves. They can lead to various diseases.

Important! For speedy healing, the cut sites are treated with charcoal.

Pruning is done with a sharp knife, as scissors can injure the begonia. All these procedures are performed for several purposes. First of all, this is necessary for the formation of the crown young plant. Pinching improves the flowering of the plant. Trimming supports decorative look bush. Pruning and pinching should be done annually, as this also helps to rejuvenate the begonia.

Important! If you do not prune the plant in a timely manner, the begonia's leaves will decrease in size and the flowering time will be shortened.

Basics of proper transplantation

Repotting is an important process in growing begonias, and in this section we will learn when to repot begonias and how to do it.

The frequency of this operation depends on the type of begonia. Tuberous varieties should be replanted annually, changing the soil and pot as the roots grow.

Transplantation is carried out in early spring. The plant is pulled out of the pot and the roots are cleared of old soil. Then the plant is placed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. If necessary, you can trim the roots. Place some sand and stones at the bottom of the pot. The plant is covered with new soil, leaving a little space on top (2-3 cm). After a few weeks, the soil is filled to the top. Begonia needs abundant watering throughout the month.

Features of caring for begonia in winter

In our climatic conditions, a reasonable question would be how to organize proper care for begonias in winter.

In winter, begonia needs sunlight. To do this, place the pot with the plant on the windowsill in the sun for several hours. Watering should be moderate, but the soil should be constantly moist.

Important! Do not overwater the plant, as this will cause the roots to rot.

In winter, the plant slows down in growth and requires rest. In this case, fertilizing and replanting should be postponed until spring.

Reproduction of begonias at home

Now it's time to talk about how to propagate begonia at home. The plant can be propagated using leaf cuttings, stems and dividing the bush.

Leaf cuttings

This method is used specifically in indoor floriculture. Cuttings are parts of a plant that are used in vegetative propagation. This propagation can be done using root, stem and leaf cuttings.

Reproduction can be done in several ways:a whole leaf with a petiole, a whole leaf without a petiole, and part of a leaf blade.

Propagation by a whole leaf with a petiole is suitable for some types of begonia. The length of the petiole depends on the rooting environment of the cutting. If you root in water, the petiole should be 3-4 cm long, if in the ground - 1-1.5 cm.

Propagation by a whole leaf without a petiole is suitable for the Rex begonia species. To do this, cuts are made on the thick veins of the begonia leaf and placed horizontally on the ground with the underside. After this, the leaves are pinned down, and after some time new shoots form in the cut areas, which can be grown.

Did you know? Begonia began to be used for decorative purposes in 1890.

Propagation by part of the leaf blade is suitable for royal begonia and Mason begonia. A part of the leaf at the base, 4-5 cm wide, is cut off from the plant. Plant vertically 1-1.5 cm deep and install small supports. In this case, the begonia leaf should not come into contact with the ground.

To obtain a full-fledged shoot from a leaf cutting, you need to maintain favorable conditions for rooting. The leaf must be torn from healthy plant. Old leaves are not suitable, as they are not capable of regeneration and quickly wither. Special requirements for caring for cuttings are humidity, lighting and temperature. While the cuttings do not have roots, they will not be able to absorb water, so it is necessary to reduce the evaporation process.

Lighting should be diffused, as direct rays cause overheating and burns. Optimal temperature– 20-25°С.

A soilless substrate is used as soil. To do this, sand and peat are mixed in equal parts. Peat prevents the development of pathogenic fungi. Pure Vermiculite may also be suitable. It not only absorbs excess moisture, but also gives it back to the plant as needed.

Did you know? The smell of begonia flowers helps cleanse the bronchi and is also an excellent natural filter for people with nicotine addiction.

Many florists are wondering how to fertilize begonia after propagation. Our answer is that the plant should not be fertilized at all at first.

This method of reproduction should not be used chemicals, since they do not give the expected effect in the form of rapid root formation, and this can also inhibit the emergence of new shoots.

Stems

Propagation by stem cuttings is the most in a simple way. You can use green cuttings for this.

Begonia is a beautiful and vibrant representative of the begonia family, which is the most popular plant among gardeners and has a large number of annuals and perennial species herbs, shrubs and subshrubs.

The first to describe begonia was a botanist, a Frenchman by birth, Charles Plumier, who was part of an expedition organized to the Antilles in the 16th century by Michel Begon.

It was in honor of this organizer that the plant got its name - begonia.

The plant is often used in folk medicine, it is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

Features of growing begonia at home

Important points proper cultivation begonias at home:

Begonia, grown at home, prefers to do without any proximity to other flowers, since it loves space (for example, on the windowsill) and cannot stand it when someone or something touches, touches, or disturbs it - it touchable!

Begonias require a room with high humidity.

It is better to water the begonia with settled water, but so that the moisture does not linger in the drainage hole.

The soil for begonias needs to be loosened more often, and the plant needs to be fed with a balanced fertilizer and watered with warm water.

Begonia: home care - types and propagation of plants

Begonias grown at home are purely symbolically divided into two groups - flowering and deciduous plant varieties.

Deciduous varieties are distinguished by their unusual shape and original coloring of the leaves.

Flowering specimens are divided into the categories of tuberous, evergreen and bushy plants.

The most popular types of begonias:

Tuberous variety– has simple and double petals of flowers of various colors from bright white to red and orange color. Petals can combine two colors or be framed with a border. The sizes of the inflorescences range from 5 to 18 centimeters, and their shape is very similar to roses, peonies or carnations.

Ever-blooming variety- the most common specimen belonging to bushy plants. This variety is grown as garden culture, so they plant houses in room conditions. At home, this variety of begonia can bloom all year round, delighting their household with glossy leaves of red and Green colour. This homely beauty blooms small flowers bright colors– red, pink and white.

Royal variety - refers to deciduous specimens of begonia and has a striking difference in the form of leaves of various colors, shaped like a heart and reaching a length of 30 centimeters. The green, brown and red tones of the leaves of this variety delight and surprise at the same time.

Ampelous subspecies tuberous begonia - looks like ivy, which is covered with small flowers that have white, yellow, ruby ​​and orange shades. Hanging garlands of this begonia provide gardeners with flowers throughout the growing season.

Elatior- a tuberous begonia hybrid that is grown only at home. This species begins to bloom in autumn. Flower petals come in a variety of shades. It has round, shiny green leaves.

Seed propagation It is more advisable to carry out begonias at the end of the year, or rather, in December. Begonia seeds are delicate and sensitive, as a result of which there is no need to use any substrates when planting them in the ground. After half a month, the seeds planted in the soil will sprout. As they mature and grow, the shoots must be pruned and gradually accustomed to the sun's rays.

Also, begonia grown at home can easily be propagated by cuttings of stems or leaves. To do this, you will need to select a strong and healthy specimen of the plant, at least 10 centimeters in size, and plant it in moist soil made of sand or peat. For better rooting of begonias, you can resort to the use of phytohormones.

Important! To prevent the seedling from rotting, the plant must be planted in such a way as to completely exclude its contact with the ground.

Begonia: home care - soil, lighting, necessary environment for flowering

Soil and lighting necessary for begonia

The choice of soil for begonia must be approached with the utmost seriousness, since this plant has a fibrous rhizome with a decent number of thin and vulnerable roots.

When choosing soil, you need to consider:

Low level of acidity.

Lightness and looseness of the soil.

The perfect combination to obtain the required soil composition there will be mixed proportions of 1:2 - sand and peat with an admixture of leaf soil, as well as cow manure.

To plant begonias in a pot, you need to fill three quarters of the container with leaf soil, as well as 1:1 chernozem and peat. In this case, you must not forget to add sand to the above components.

Important to remember, that if, in accordance with all the rules, you prepare the soil for indoor begonia, it will grow well and please the eye.

If such a need arises and the begonia needs to be replanted, for example, its root system has become too crowded in the pot, then this must be done in accordance with all existing rules:

The plant must be removed from the pot and cleaned root system from old land.

For a while, begonia should be placed in a container with potassium permanganate.

Clean the begonia rhizome from all rotten or moldy parts.

Pour the required soil composition into a new pot by ¾, no more, and plant the begonia. Subsequently, when the rhizome of the plant gets stronger and grows, you can add more soil.

The transplanted plant requires regular and frequent watering, as well as protection from direct sunlight.

The most better lighting for begonia it is daylight with scattered sunlight. It is recommended to place begonias on window sills with windows facing east or west. Lighting should exclude direct exposure to the sun. Some partial shade is better for begonias, but in winter period For good development and growth of the plant, of course, additional lighting.

It is important to know that begonia reacts poorly to changes in lighting brightness - it may even develop burns or the plant may die completely.

Bloom

On home windowsills, begonia blooms with great intensity and brightness. But this is if the plant is provided with the necessary and proper care. Then, in gratitude, the begonia will delight its household with flowering from spring until the autumn frosts.

In order to extend the flowering time in the initial stage of plant development, it is necessary to remove female flowers.

Begonia flowers are similar in shape to other types of flowers - carnations, roses, daffodils and others. The bright colors of the petals when blooming can decorate any room and lift the mood of its owners.

If the begonia does not bloom, then you need to change the conditions of keeping the plant and plant the flower in new soil and a pot. The absence of flowering may indicate that the begonia needs to be rejuvenated.

Begonia: home care - feeding and watering

How to water begonia correctly?

Watering

In order for watering to be correct, two particularly important factors must be taken into account:

Good soil moisture.

No water stagnation in plant pots.

In summer, begonia needs to be irrigated so abundantly that excess water completely flows out of the drainage hole, and after some time it is necessary to permanently remove unnecessary liquid from the pan.

It is best to set a certain watering regime for your pet and irrigate it at the same time. In summer, it is recommended to water begonia at least a couple of times a week, and if the weather is hot, then it must be irrigated as the soil dries out.

IN autumn period The plant needs to be watered less often, and with the onset of winter, when the begonia is in dormant mode, watering should be reduced to a minimum.

With the arrival of warm days and spring, the plant needs to be brought out of dormancy, thereby increasing the dose and frequency of watering.

Important to remember, that excessive watering can lead to the appearance powdery mildew, which can destroy the plant.

Watering is best done with settled and lukewarm water, or boiled water.

In addition, many types of begonia do not perceive direct contact with water on the trunk or leaves of the plant when sprayed; this may cause brown spots to appear in some specimens, which indicate burns from the liquid.

Top dressing

As soon as buds appear on such a luxurious ornamental plant as begonia, it will mean one thing - it’s time to feed.

For domestic flowering beauties, it is advisable to feed in the form of liquid complex fertilizer. This fertilizer must be introduced along with some water when watering once every half month.

As soon as the plant has flowered, the fertilizing process must be stopped. And in winter, when the plant is resting, you cannot feed it at all.

Begonia: at home - why it dies

Incorrect care, ignorance, errors in growing and maintaining such a flower as begonia lead to the fact that favorite plant gets sick, drops leaves and buds, or even dies.

You need to keep an eye on your pupil, so to speak. It is necessary to take a close look at the begonia:

If the leaves of the plant turn brown in places and begin to fall, this can only mean one thing - the begonia does not have enough water and air humidity.

If the leaves become faded, this means that the plant does not have enough light.

Excessive moisture and low temperature lead to the appearance of fungus on the plant, which affects the leaves and shoots of begonias. With such a misfortune, you need to immediately treat the begonia with fungicides.

Dry air and temperature changes are an excellent environment for the appearance of powdery mildew on a plant. She's in the form white plaque destroys the plant. Therefore, a diseased begonia should be immediately treated with colloidal sulfur.

The main pests of begonia are organisms such as mites (spider mites) and aphids. They are located on back side begonia leaf and take all the juices from it. You can destroy the tick by spraying it with a solution of soap and tobacco. Aphids are destroyed with special preparations, for example, pyrethrum.

Take care of your begonia and provide it with decent and proper care, then the plant will definitely repay it with kindness. With its excellent property of purifying the air from various types pollution, toxins, chemicals and dust - begonia will make the home of its amateur gardener clean and safe.

Plants have different shapes: from grasses crawling along the ground to tall, erect bushes or subshrubs. The begonia leaf is asymmetrical, can be whole or dissected with wavy or jagged edges.

Inflorescences consist of several small, medium or large flowers. Their color can be plain red, pink, yellow, orange, white or with a border of various shades along the edges of the petals. The time for the plant to bloom is summer and autumn; indoor begonia can bloom until December. The fruit is a capsule with small seeds inside.

Here you can see a photo of a begonia flower in a pot.

Features of the root system

There are three types of begonia root systems:

1. Tuberous. It is characterized by growth in the form of a spherical, and subsequently flat-round tuber. It forms on the lower part of the stem. A branched root system is formed in the lower part of the tuber. Decorative leaf varieties of begonias have this type.
2. Rhizomatous. Plants form fleshy, horizontally located rhizomes with numerous small roots. The rhizomes are pubescent and bear leaves with stipules. More common in flowering varieties.
3. Branched root system without pronounced modifications.

The roots of all types of begonias are usually located in the upper layers of the soil and grow wider than deeper. They are thin and easily damaged if handled carelessly.

The soil

Requirements

• Optimal soil acidity pH: from 6.1 to 7.5.
• Begonia loves soil rich in nutrients.
• The soil must have good draining properties.
• 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.

Blend recipes

Mix for sprouting tubers:

• moss – 1 part;
• leaf soil - 1 part;
• perlite – 1 part.

For tuberous begonia:

For royal:

• leaf soil - 2 parts;
• peat – 2 parts;
• humus - 2 parts;
• turf soil - 1 part.

For ever-blooming:

• sand – 1 part;
• humus – 1 part;
• leaf soil - 2 parts;
• peat – 1 part.

Important! The soil mixture must be sterilized before use.

Watering

To provide optimal conditions for growth, It is necessary to water the plant, following certain rules:

• Depending on the room temperature, begonia needs to be watered once every 2-3 days.
• You need to water evenly, preferably at the same time of day.
• Watering is carried out in the morning or evening.
• In summer, water generously so that excess water flows out of the drainage holes. This is especially important in hot, dry weather. If the soil in the pot is completely dry, you need to soak the pot in water for several hours.
• Starting from mid-autumn, the intensity of watering decreases. In winter, the plant remains dormant. Minimal watering is required. Begonia should be watered as the soil in the pot dries out - once every 5-7 days. We wrote more about caring for begonias in winter.
• After the soil has absorbed all the water, you need to carefully loosen it to a depth of 1-2 cm. This will preserve optimal humidity inside the pot and will ensure good air exchange.
• You can water begonias using the pot dipping method. Pour water into a shallow container, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the pot, and place the flowerpot in it. Leave until water is absorbed into the soil through the drainage holes.
• To water begonias, it is advisable to use warm, settled water. tap water. The water should be left to stand in an open container for at least 24 hours. To soften it, you can filter it using a regular household filter or bring it to a boil and cool it.
• After watering, be sure to drain excess water from the pan. Begonia does not tolerate stagnation of water in a pot.
• Begonia leaves are thin, so you need to avoid getting water and dirt on them when watering. Leaves cannot be sprayed.

You can find out how and what to water begonias in.

What capacity is needed for planting?

Note! Taking into account the structural features of the root system, preference should be given to containers whose diameter is slightly larger than the height.

The size of the pot depends on the purpose of planting. Cuttings that have already begun to take root are planted in containers 5-6 centimeters in size. Pots must have several drainage holes.

After 6 months, when the root system has already entangled the earthen ball, the begonia needs to be transplanted into a pot measuring 8 - 10 centimeters. If the first planting was carried out in the spring, after a year an even larger container is selected. It is determined based on the size of the formed root system.

The flowerpot should be one third larger than before. You cannot choose a container for begonias that is too spacious the first time. The root system of the plant may rot. When dividing an overgrown begonia, the diameter and height of the flowerpot for each of the separated parts is 2-3 centimeters less than the previous one. When separating young rosettes, the children are temporarily placed in seedling containers measuring 60 by 60 millimeters.

Form

For begonias, it is better to take a regular round pot. The shape of the container should not complicate it.

Material

Ceramic pots are more suitable for the normal functioning of the begonia root system. They do not retain moisture and provide good air circulation.

Plastic can also be used if you choose the right soil, provide good drainage and prevent overheating or hypothermia of the container.

On a note. You should not purchase popular glass pots for begonias. Such flowerpots have little functionality, and decorative effect absent when growing plants in a regular substrate.

Read about how to properly care for a plant grown in a pot.

Preparation

If the pot remains the same when replanting the plant, you need to disinfect it by placing it in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes. The lower third of the begonia pot must be filled with drainage - a layer of expanded clay and coarse sand. In order to prevent rot, it is covered with a layer of charcoal 2-3 centimeters thick.

How to plant?

You can plant a plant yourself, using its parts such as stems, tubers, leaf cuttings, as well as vegetatively.

Planting using rhizomes

The pot should be four centimeters larger than the diameter of the root system. Planting begonias in a pot is done a little more in the spring, as is replanting. Be sure to fill the bottom of the pot with 2-3 centimeters of drainage. Next, add a layer of charcoal, which will help prevent rotting.

Mix soil enriched with vitamins with river sand and humus, and you can also add peat. Young begonia does not respond well to increased soil acidity. It should be within 5.5 pH. Young plants tolerate planting well, so after watering they can be immediately placed in a permanent place.

Important! With age, begonia grows a large number of fragile young leaves. Flower growers most often take cuttings or rejuvenate it by dividing the rhizomes.

Tuberous planting is carried out towards the end of March. Before planting in a pot, it is necessary to carry out germination by planting the tuber in a nutrient medium. During this period, the flower must be kept in the light at high humidity and air temperature +18°C. It is better to water in a tray. After the tubers germinate, they are planted in a pot.

When planting, the lower part of the tuber should be at the bottom, since the kidneys are located on the top. The flowerpot should not be filled to the brim with soil: after the tuber has grown well, its base should be sprinkled with soil to a depth of three centimeters.

1. When planting by dividing a tuber, you should cut it into parts so that each one contains a bud. Sprinkle the cut area with ash. Then plant part of the tuber in moist soil. Cover the pots with film and place in a bright room. After rooting, plant the plants in pots for permanent residence.
2. For vegetative propagation by children, it is necessary to cut off the top of the begonia up to seven centimeters long. Move for rooting to a small container with soil containing peat and coarse sand in equal proportions. Cover the pot with film. When the new seedling sprouts, transplant the plant into a permanent pot.
3. To plant leaf cuttings, the plant leaf should be cut into squares. Place them vertically in the substrate. Cover with film. Remove it when the cuttings take root. Plant the young plants each in their own permanent pot.
4. To plant from stem cuttings, you will need stem cuttings that have at least two nodes. A cut needs to be made. Create a hole in the substrate. Insert the cutting into the hole. Cover with film. Rooting occurs in 15 - 30 days.

Why is it so important to choose correctly and what are the consequences?

On a note. If you choose a container that is too large, the flower will suffer from waterlogging. Pots with edges curved inward make it easier for pests to hide.

When growing begonias in a plastic pot, there is a risk of a greenhouse effect occurring in the soil and overheating of the root system. In addition, in such a pot stagnation of water may form in the root area.

Ceramic pot provides air exchange and excellent thermal insulation, preventing overheating of the begonia root system. At proper care There is no risk of excess moisture for the plant. Begonia is demanding on growing conditions.

For the plant it is necessary to create correct composition soil, choose a suitable pot, observe certain conditions when planting and caring. If all the rules are followed, begonia will delight its caring owner with luxurious flowers and delicate leaves.

If you are a beginner gardener, then begonia will be the most the right choice for your home green corner. This plant is not only beautiful, but also unpretentious. Everyone can learn how to care for it, and it, in turn, will bestow it with its sunny appearance and refreshing aroma.

To properly care for begonia, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules for planting, watering it and finding a cozy place for it in the house. If you take into account all the nuances, the plant will delight you for about 4 years.

What conditions are needed for begonias?

Indoor begonia grows in pots. They should be located away from heating devices. The plant feels best in a corner specially designated for plants. The optimal air temperature for begonia is room temperature. If it is summer outside, then it should not exceed 20-22 degrees, if it is winter, then it should be below 15-16 degrees.

The air in the room should not be dry. Otherwise, it is better to turn on the humidifier. As for lighting, it should not be too bright. Every plant needs sunlight, but too much of it can be harmful for begonias. Moreover, protect the plant from direct rays, which will dry out the delicate leaves and petals.

IN different time The watering regime for begonias is different every year. If it doesn't need much water in winter and does well in slightly moist soil, it should be watered more often in summer. But, nevertheless, it is necessary to ensure that the soil is not too wet, otherwise the roots may rot.

The same applies to the flowering period of begonia. When the petals open, it needs more moisture than usual. But after the inflorescences fall off, you can return to your previous drinking regime.

It is impossible to say the exact amount of watering; it depends on the air quality and time of year. Your plant itself will let you know when it feels comfortable and when the watering regime should be changed.

Pay attention to the quality of the water with which you are going to irrigate your begonia. Regular tap water is not suitable due to its high chlorine content. To reduce it, boil it, pass the water through a filter, or let it settle.

Begonia should be watered no more than once a day and preferably at the same hour. In summer this can be done every day, and in winter 2-3 times a week. To make the plant comfortable, water warm water. Avoid spraying the leaves as they may change color.

Fertilizers for begonias

An important point in caring for indoor begonia is feeding. It helps to prolong the life of the plant, delight us with its flowering more often, and saves us from pests and diseases. But fertilizer is no less important for young shoots grown at home.

To choose the right fertilizer, you need to look for the inscription “for indoor plants”, and also pay attention to the composition. It should contain magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron. Avoid chlorine content. Today, gardening stores offer a wide selection of fertilizers that meet all the necessary requirements. In addition, there are special formulations designed specifically for this type of plant.

You should also pay attention to what time the fertilizers are intended for. Some are introduced during the period of bud formation, others in the second half of flowering. On average, begonia is fertilized once a month, but if necessary, you can do this more often, but with a less concentrated solution.

To plant begonia at home, you need to purchase tubers of this plant. They are sold at any store that sells gardening supplies. You will also need soil for indoor plants, fertilizer for tubers and several pots of different diameters.

The optimal tuber size is slightly larger than a matchbox; you can also ask for seedlings with a sprout that has emerged, so the begonia will begin to delight you with its flowering much earlier.

Before planting, you need to prepare the pot: pour expanded clay into the bottom, and then soil. The tuber should be placed on the ground with its flat side down, this is where the roots will appear. The other side has a concave shape and an uneven surface, which is formed by the buds. A purchased tuber should not be covered heavily with soil, otherwise it may not sprout. It is especially important to leave the middle open so that the sprouts can easily make their way up.

The soil around the tuber should be periodically moistened, and the pot should be kept in a well-lit place at room temperature. When the sprout rises 5 cm from the ground, it should be half filled. After a month, the begonia will acquire the features of an “adult” plant, and soon it may bloom.

The first flowers last a long time - summer and almost all autumn, so you will have time to enjoy its unusual velvety petals. Begonia can also be planted in the garden during the warm season, just select the right variety and choose a place protected from direct sunlight.

Begonia has gained well-deserved popularity among gardeners. It is easy to care for and blooms throughout the warm season of the year and gives beauty and joy. Propagating begonia is also quite simple.

Seed propagation
Growing begonias using seeds should begin in January. Seeds are poured onto the soil and covered with glass or film. They should be irrigated with a spray bottle and kept in the light, but not in the sun, and at room temperature.

After a month, the first sprouts will appear; they should be transplanted into a pot with a small diameter. During the entire time the begonia grows, it needs to be replanted 3 times. By the end of August, the first flowers will appear, which will delight you all autumn.

Begonia grown from seeds is prepared for wintering at the end of October. You need to remove dried and yellowed leaves from it and move it to a place well lit by artificial light.

Propagation by cuttings
To obtain begonia cuttings, it is necessary to plant tubers, which are called mother tubers, at the beginning of winter. After about a month, the cuttings should be carefully disconnected and the growing areas should be disinfected.

After this, they need to be dried a little and planted in the soil. The cuttings will give roots approximately 3-4 weeks after planting, and then they can be distributed over separate pots. In this case, new tubers are not formed, and such begonias should be cared for in the same way as seed ones.

Propagation by tubers
To get several begonias from one tuber, you need to divide it into 2 or 3 parts so that 1-2 sprouts remain on one piece. After this, they are planted in the soil, lightly sprinkled with soil and watered periodically. After a month, roots form and the sprouts increase by 3-5 cm. Now they can be planted in small pots, and after a while moved to containers with a larger diameter.

Before the start of winter, tuberous begonia should be cut at a height of approximately 2 cm from ground level, the roots should be pulled out and cleaned well. Within half a month, the tubers need to be dried, and then placed in a box and sprinkled with peat. So the begonia is stored in the cellar or refrigerator until it is time to plant it.

Begonia transplant

As the plant's root system develops, the container in which it is planted needs to be changed. If you immediately place it in a large pot, the part located underground will begin to rot. Therefore, experts recommend replanting begonia at least once every two years.

Begonia transplant scheme:

• lay a newspaper on the table and place a pot with a plant next to it;
• take a knife and run it along the walls, disconnecting the earth from them;
• then turn the pot over the newspaper, carefully holding the begonia stem at the base;
• pull out the roots and shake them off the ground;
• line the bottom of the new pot with expanded clay and cover it with a 1 cm layer of soil;
• place the begonia in it and carefully sprinkle it with soil, fixing the roots and part of the stem;
• Press the ground a little, 2-3 cm should remain from the edges of the walls.

Begonia experiences stress after transplantation, so provide it comfortable conditions. The room temperature should be 22 degrees, the lighting should not be too bright, and the air should be humid. You should not immediately water the plant after replanting; wait a few days until it “takes root” in its new location. For a couple of months, it should be watered no more than once every seven days.

If you decide to set up a small botanical garden at home or just love houseplants, begonia should definitely appear in your apartment. This plant does not require special care, but blooms very beautifully for a long time. It will bring comfort and summer mood to your home.

Video: the basics of successful begonia care

In the bustle of rapidly passing workdays, filled with stressful situations and numerous problems, it is so important to have an island of peace, beauty and harmony where the soul rests. An activity that will bring the desired relaxation and tranquility can be growing begonias at home.

Varieties of this ornamental plant there are many, and each of them is good in its own way. Some captivate the eye with carved leaves of unusual shape and color, others with huge double flowers. Very effective appearance Tuberous begonias have luxurious hanging varieties. Possessing a striking sensual beauty, these flowers do not require special attention. Planting and caring for them is quite possible even for those who are just beginning to get acquainted with the intricacies of growing indoor plants.

Lighting and temperature

It is best to place a pot of begonias near a window facing east or west. For rapid growth To maintain the rich color of the leaves, a flowering plant needs a lot of bright light. But being in the sun will not do him any good: exposure to direct rays of the sun can lead to burns. Therefore, in spring and summer during the daytime, it needs to be provided with light shading.

This can be done using the following materials:

• floral film;
• paper;
• tracing paper;
• gauze;
• sun protection net;
• roller blinds

Caring for decorative deciduous varieties of begonias in relation to choosing the optimal location for the pot is slightly different. They do not need bright lighting; at home it is preferable to place them in partial shade, even at a short distance from the window.

A flowerpot with a flower should not be frequently moved from place to place. The plant gets used to certain lighting and temperature, and constant changes in these factors will negatively affect its development and flowering.

Although begonia originates from the shores of southern countries, it does not like extreme heat. IN summer time at home, the most comfortable temperature for a flower is within 21-23°C. In winter it should be at least 15-18°C. The plant has a very negative attitude towards hypothermia: its growth slows down greatly.

Watering rules

Proper care of begonia involves following the rules of watering the flower.

• In spring and summer, especially in extreme heat, indoor begonia is watered frequently and abundantly, making sure that water does not get on the leaves. It is better to do this in the morning, when the air is not yet too hot. The water must be settled; it must be soft and warm (at least 20°C). After intensive moistening, the soil should be slightly loosened. The next watering is carried out if the soil has dried out from above to a depth of 1-1.5 cm. The soil should not be allowed to dry out, but moisture should not stagnate in the tray or pot so that the roots of the plant do not rot.
• With the onset of winter, watering becomes rare and moderate. At this time, caring for begonias at home will be better if the pot with the plants is slightly insulated. The root system of the flower must not be overcooled, otherwise it may die.

Begonias are native to the tropics and subtropics with a humid climate, so dry indoor air has a detrimental effect on them. When water gets on the leaves of a flower, they become covered with ugly dark brown spots, so spraying the plant is not recommended. There is another effective method humidify the air at home. Expanded clay is poured into a shallow container and water is poured, adding fresh water as it dries. Place a pot of begonia on top of the granules. Evaporation will provide her required humidity, which should be at least 50-60%. Instead of expanded clay, you can use peat or moss.

Trimming and pinching

Caring for begonias at home includes mandatory pruning. It allows you to rejuvenate the bush, form a luxurious crown and improve flowering. The first pruning is carried out when the plant reaches 6-7 cm in height, removing the top with a sharp knife. Thanks to this procedure, dormant buds of bush begonias are activated, and side shoots begin to intensively develop in the lower part of the stem.

After pruning, the flower is placed in a shaded place and sprayed with water several times a day. The frequency of watering is reduced at this time. You can return to the previous regime of soil moisture after active growth of the seedling has begun.

The next pruning is done when the length of the side shoots is 10 cm. When choosing a place for cutting, you need to focus on the direction of the buds. The top one remaining on the branch should face outward. Further care for a young bush consists of periodically shortening overgrown shoots and removing dried or damaged stems and leaves.

Another way to give the plant a decorative and well-groomed appearance, and its crown the desired shape, is by pinching the shoots. It is done either before flowering begins or after its completion, pinching off the upper growth point of the main stem by 1-2 cm.

Fertilizer

Growing healthy and strong plant at home it is impossible without feeding. Until the end growing season When the time comes for begonia to rest, it is carried out regularly, every 1.5-2 weeks.

The nutritional composition is chosen depending on the type of flower.

• Caring for decorative deciduous begonias involves the use of fertilizers containing a lot of nitrogen. It is necessary for rapid growth and intensive formation of new leaves. Such products as “Kemira”, “Uniflor-rost”, “Agricola” have proven themselves well. Dilute and use them strictly according to the instructions.
• Care flowering plants is carried out using complex compounds with a high content of potassium and phosphorus and minimal nitrogen. Thanks to these elements, indoor begonia will produce many buds and flowering will be long. The mixtures “Bud”, “Ovary”, and “Zdravy” are in demand. They begin to be introduced from the moment the bush blooms.

If the plant is not fed, its appearance deteriorates. The color of the stems and leaves becomes pale, the buds become smaller, their number decreases, they may not appear at all, the flowers quickly fade. The bush itself looks stunted and emaciated. But also overdo it with the introduction nutrients It’s not worth it, their excess is harmful to plants.

Decorative deciduous varieties of begonias stop fertilizing with the arrival of autumn. For flowering forms, the end time of fertilizing is determined by the duration of flowering. If the plant begins to bud in late autumn or even winter, continue to feed it until they wither.

Winter period in the life of begonias

Tuberous begonia is required for the winter mandatory pruning. With the arrival of autumn, the plant is watered less frequently. When the leaves on the bush dry out, it aboveground part remove with a sharp knife at a height of 1-2 cm from the surface. The ideal time for the procedure is October.

Then the pot with tuberous begonia is placed in a dark place. This could be a basement, a cellar, a glazed loggia. In an apartment, the space under the bathroom is suitable for storing plants. For wintering to be successful, the air should not heat above 15°C. Occasionally moisten the soil in the pot so that it does not dry out completely.

Winter for begonias is a period of rest. At this time, the plant accumulates energy and strength in order to active growth please with abundant flowering. There is no need to worry him. It is not recommended to replant plants, move them to another place, or rotate them. As the weather gets colder, their growth slows down and they no longer need fertilizer.

Landing Features

At home, planting begonias, depending on the variety, is done in one of two ways:

1. seeds;
2. tubers.

Planting with seeds is acceptable only for two varieties of plants: ever-flowering and decorative-flowering. They are sown in February using convenient containers. They are filled with leaf soil, peat and sand (2:1:1). Sprinkle the seeds heavily nutritious soil no need, just roll them in a little. Then the container with seedlings is covered with glass or film.

For germination and uniform development, seedlings need special care: temperature around 20-22°C and periodic moistening of the soil using a spray bottle. 2-3 weeks after sowing, the seedlings sprout. This is done very carefully so as not to damage the delicate stems. Within a month, the young shoots can be planted in a permanent pot.

Growing tuberous begonia will require more attention. To obtain strong flower, caring for which will not bring much trouble, it is better to plant tubers that have already sprouted. This is not difficult to achieve; just lay them out on a damp cloth in a warm place with good lighting. When roots form - and you won’t have to wait long for them to appear - the tubers are planted in pots. You shouldn’t deepen them too much; just dig in 1-2 cm. favorable time for the procedure - March.

Transfer

For all types of begonias, including tuberous ones, acidified soils are preferred. Plants are undemanding to the composition of the soil; it can be easily prepared at home. Good drainage is a guarantee of flower health and active growth. It will be provided by a layer of medium-sized gravel, peat moss or regular sand placed at the bottom of the pot. Lay leaf soil on top; it should fill the container halfway. The remaining space is occupied by peat and black soil, mixed in equal proportions. Then all that remains is to plant the plant in the ground.

If the begonias become cramped in the pot, you need to change it to a more spacious one. Do it better in early spring. The flower is carefully removed, its roots are carefully cleaned of old soil and briefly dipped in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After disinfection, carefully examine the root system of the plant. If there are areas with signs of rot, they are removed.

The flower will take root faster if, when replanting, you do not immediately completely cover its roots with soil. Allow a little space to reach the top of the pot. Once the roots are dry, you can add fresh soil and cover them.

After transplanting, which is stressful for the plants, begonias will need more attention and care. They need to be watered more often and thoroughly. You should not immediately place the flowerpot on a brightly lit windowsill; it is better for the flowers to stay in the shade for some time. They usually take root in a new pot within 1 month.


Begonia is one of those plants that can safely be called universal. Its cultivation is possible both outdoors in the garden and at home. It will decorate any window, balcony, veranda, front garden, steps in front of the house. The shapes and varieties of the plant are so diverse that even the most capricious gardener will find a variety that suits his taste. A special place in women's hearts belongs to the tuberous begonia.

It is difficult to find another flower that would combine whimsical sophistication and amazing unpretentiousness. Worth a gift indoor begonias just a little time and care, and they will definitely thank you with lush fragrant flowers or dense carved foliage, the beauty of which will not leave anyone indifferent.