Spotted mottled begonia. Speckled begonia

Begonias are those plants that delight us both in the garden and at home. They are both beautifully flowering and decorative deciduous. They appear before us in the form of shrubs, semi-shrubs or herbaceous plants. The variety of species allows you to make a choice for every taste, meeting the needs of the most discerning florists. In addition, the reproduction of begonias takes place without much difficulty in several ways. It is about them that we will talk with you further.

Growing from seeds

All flowering begonias reproduce well by seeds. Of course, agrotechnical work on growing garden and indoor plants is somewhat different. But if you follow all the rules, difficulties usually arise in either case.

Plants for open ground

Many types of begonias are known to be grown in the garden. Usually these are unpretentious, hardy plants that love the sun or partial shade. The seeds of such begonias take a long time to germinate, so they are sown at the end of February using special soil mixtures for flower seedlings.

The seeds are not sprinkled with earth, but only pressed a little, and then watered with warm water using a fine spray. Boxes with planting material are placed on windowsills in rooms with a temperature of about 20 °. After 6 weeks, the sprouts are dived into separate pots and kept in a bright place.

From the beginning of June, seedlings are planted in open ground. Before transplanting, begonia grown from seeds should be hardened for a week. On fine days, the seedlings are taken outside and left in the shade of thin trees until evening.

The flowerbed is prepared in advance, choosing a place for it without stagnant moisture. The soil is dug up, peat and fertilizers are introduced into it. Begonia seedlings are carefully removed from the pots, gently straightening the fallen roots. The sprouts are planted at a distance of 20 cm from each other, deepening in the same way as they were located in the pot. The pits are covered with earth, the surface is pressed down, watered and mulched with peat.

Houseplants

In order for begonia from seeds to successfully grow and develop at home, special attention is paid to the soil. It is made up of the following components:

• 2 measures of leaf humus;
• 2 peat measures;
• 1 measure of vermiculite.

Before introducing seeds into it, the substrate is sieved through a fine sieve. Drainage from clay shards is laid at the bottom of the sowing box, the prepared soil is poured, tamping slightly, and watered. The edge of the box should protrude about 10 cm above the soil surface.

The seeds are spread evenly over the ground, slightly pressing down. The box is covered with cellophane and placed in a warm, bright place. The crops are aired once a day. After emergence, polyethylene is removed. After a month, the sprouts are carefully planted in peat pots. Once the young begonias gain strength, they can be planted in a permanent location using the same substrate as when sowing seed.

On a note. The optimal volume of a pot for begonias is 2.5 liters. The height of the crockery should be 13-15 cm, the diameter of the top 18 cm.

Cuttings

With planting seeds, everything is clear, but how does decorative leafy begonia propagate? The answer is: stem or leaf cuttings. Although in these two ways it is quite possible to grow flowering species.

Using stems as planting material

From an adult, well-developed begonias, the apical cuttings about 7 cm long are carefully cut off. They are rooted in a mixture of agroperlite and high-moor peat (1: 1), removing the lower leaves. Begonia also tolerates propagation by cuttings rooted in boiled water. In addition, you can plant the stems directly into the ground, after dipping the ends in Kornevin, a drug that stimulates root formation.

When planting, the cuttings are immersed in the soil by 1.5 cm and must be covered with a bag in order to create greenhouse conditions. After a month, the plant is gradually accustomed to ordinary room air.

On a note. It is advisable to propagate begonias by stem cuttings in the spring, so that young plants have time to gain strength and vegetative mass by the end of summer.

Leaf cuttings

Reproduction of begonias is possible not only by the stem, but also by the leaf, although the process is longer and sometimes less successful. In the spring, a large strong leaf is cut off from an adult healthy plant and placed in a glass with a small amount of water. As it evaporates, the liquid is added without changing it completely.

When roots appear on the leaf cuttings, it is planted in a flower pot with a light and permeable soil substrate, however, this is done carefully so as not to damage the still weak root system of the young plant.

Dividing the sheet

With a limited number of leaf cuttings, but the need to obtain a large amount of planting material, propagation by dividing the leaf can be used. When choosing this method, proceed as follows:

1. Lay the begonia leaf on a hard surface, for example a wooden cutting board. With a sharpened knife, the leaf is cut into triangles starting from the median vein and heading towards the edge. Moreover, each fragment must contain at least one vein.
2. A small layer of natural cotton wool is spread on a saucer, moistened and sheet pieces are laid horizontally. A plastic bag is put on top of the saucer.
3. Vata is kept moist at all times. The package is removed only after the roots and young leaves appear, and then under the condition of a suitable warm air temperature in the apartment.
4. Planting in a permanent place is carried out especially carefully due to the fragility of each sprout obtained.

Reproduction of tuberous begonias

You can start work in the first half of March, when the buds begin to swell on the nodules, and this is a signal that it is time to separate them and plant them for germination. So, for propagation of begonias with tubers, proceed as follows:

1. Tubers are cut into pieces with a clean knife, and bore should be present on each lobe. Sections are treated with Fundazole.
2. The boxes are filled with a wet substrate made from a mixture of river sand, high-moor peat, leafy soil and humus in a ratio of 1: 1: 2: 1.
3. At a distance of 5 cm from each other, the tubers are half pressed into the ground with the hollow side up.
4. The boxes are placed in a bright, cool place with a temperature of about 17 ° C. Water sparingly, preventing the soil from drying out completely.
5. Seedlings will appear at different times, three weeks after planting. As soon as the first leaves appear on the sprouts, the begonias are transplanted into indoor pots or temporary containers for flowers intended for growing in a street flower bed.

On a note. Plants are planted in open ground only by organizing preliminary hardening in the fresh air, and after the threat of spring frosts has completely passed.

Dividing the bush

Truly, this is the easiest way to breed begonias, and even the most inexperienced amateur florist can handle it. To begin with, the plant is carefully removed from the pot, and the roots are shaken off the ground. With a knife or a small sharp spatula, the bush, along with the roots, is divided into parts, but so that at least one shoot remains on each. Parts of the plant are planted in separate pots, watered and constantly observed until they are completely engrafted in a new place.

But the most important thing, if you want to propagate begonias, is to start work in a good mood. And, of course, it's important not to be lazy when caring for flower pets. Then there will be absolutely no reason for frustration, and our homes will acquire many young and beautiful plants.

Video tutorial on the propagation of begonias by leaf fragments.

Begonia (lat. Begonia) belongs to the begonia family, a genus of begonia, used to decorate garden plots, squares and parks. The plant is annual and perennial.

Homeland of the houseplant begonia

The flower is unique in that it has a variety of forms.: from herbaceous to semi-shrub and shrub. The color of the inflorescences of an unpretentious plant differs depending on the species. After flowering, a fruit is formed - a box containing small seeds.

The common feature of the plant is the presence of unisexual flowers and asymmetric broad-oval leaves located on succulent fleshy stems. Depending on the variety, the color of the leaf plates can be green, with brown or purple impurities.

Due to its luxurious flowering and decorative foliage, begonia has gained popularity among flower growers. Depending on the structure of the underground part, the plant is conventionally divided into 3 groups:

• sheet;
• tuberous;
• bush.

Perennial native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and America.

Species, varieties and hybrid varieties of begonias

There are many varieties of this vibrant plant growing all over the world. Scientists know more than 900 of its species and more than 2,000 hybrids have been bred. In home cultivation, 2 groups are used:

• leafy;
• blooming.

The difference between decorative deciduous trees is in the original color and shape of the foliage.

Begonia tiger paws. Low plant(less than 30 cm). White or pale pink flowers bloom most often in winter. The leaf plates of a bright green color with light specks are small in size and have a brown, serrated border. Since small inflorescences are not of aesthetic value, they can be removed.

Begonia Bauer

Begonia bowerae. A low neat bush, reaching 15 - 20 cm, has decorative pubescence around the perimeter. The rhizome of the plant is creeping. On cold winter days, single flowers are formed. The most popular is the Tiger variety. with a bronze-green spotted color of foliage.

Speckled begonia

Begonia guttata. The bush can grow up to 2 m. Thanks to the correct formation, you can get a lush crown. The burgundy large leaves with silvery specks make the bushy plant attractive. Inflorescences of pink tones are large.

Begonia corallina. Luxurious shrub almost 2 m high. Saturated leaves are decorated with light spots on the front side, have an oblong-ovoid shape. The underside of the leaf plate becomes reddish by the beginning of summer. If the plant is carefully looked after, it can delight with pink flowers all year round.

By crossing the coral begonias and Richards, they obtained the alfalfa begonia, which has 20 centimeter leaves.

Begonia royal

Begonia rex. A perennial with a powerful creeping rhizome and a short, thick stem, covered with red bristles. Thanks to the large leaves on long petioles, a lush bush is formed. At the same time, the top of the leaf plates is velvety, and the bottom is with prominent veins. The drawing and coloring of the leaves depends on the variety. Flowers, collected in inflorescences, are inconspicuous in appearance, are located on high peduncles.

(Begonia manicata). The name comes from the structure of the leaves, which form a rosette at the top of the petiole, resembling a collar, and on the lower side have a weak pubescence along the perimeter and bright red outgrowths along the veins. The stem is creeping and thick.

Bright pink flowers represent a voluminous but loose inflorescence. An adult bush individual forms up to 5 such decorative brushes. Blooms in winter.

Begonia hogweed

Begonia herac-leifolia. The stem of this large individual is recumbent. The rich green foliage has a finger-dissected structure and is up to 20 cm in diameter. The underside is reddish and pubescent. On a long peduncle, pinkish flowers form, forming multi-flowered brushes.

Cuff begonia

Begonia manicata. On the thickened stem there are petioles, generously pubescent with hairs of red tones. From the fact that at the base of the leaf plate the petiole forms the so-called cuff, this type of begonia received this name. The top of the non-pubescent leaf plates has a bright green color, and along the edge there are small denticles and hairs. No less beautiful flowers rise above the large foliage, forming pinkish spreading clusters.

Begonia argenteo. Silvery leaves with well-visible veins are rather indented along the edges. Bushy plant with drooping branches. The flowers are white or creamy with a pinkish tinge.

Yellow begonia

Begonia xanthina Hook. Large-flowered shrub with densely doubled camellia flowers and recumbent densely pubescent stem. The leaves are oval in shape with a pointed tip. The top is smooth and shiny, and the bottom is slightly pubescent along the veins. Flowers from yellowish to orange.

Red-leaved begonia

Begonia erythrophylla. The beautiful undisturbed foliage has an intense green color and an unevenly rounded shape. Due to the rich red back of the leaf, this species got its name. A thick stem spreads along the ground. In the summer, a pink palette of colors appears on the bush.

Begonia limmingheana. A semi-shrub with a woody stem at the base and ovoid leaves. The edges of the leaf plates are wavy, and the color is dark green. Flowers from light red to coral red tones.

Striped begonia

Begonia listada. Shoots of this bushy species are very leafy. Elongated leaves have a sharp core at the base. A velvety top with a bluish tint and a light silvery central vein, while the bottom is dark red. On short pedicels, tiny pink flowers bloom.

Begonia metallica. Strongly branching flowering shrub with slightly reddish pubescent branches, it grows over a meter. Large foliage has a metallic sheen and red veins. The back is purple. Inflorescences are pink.

Tuberous multi-flowered begonia

Begonia x tuberhybrida multiflora. Characterized by rich carved leaves and semi-double and double flowers that appear in the summer.

Begonia mix

Begonia mix. A rich blend of herbaceous begonias with fragrant flowers of various colors. Compact bushes grow 35 cm... The foliage is green heart-shaped, the edges are unevenly serrated.

Black Velvet. Low plant(20 - 25 cm). It is characterized by a creeping stem and heart-shaped leaves with protruding white hairs along the edge, which darken when the flower is located in a bright place.

Begonia Evening glow

Fast growing bushy species. Medium-sized leaves are metallic in color, with a red center and green veins. Raspberry border around the perimeter.

Begonia Fista

Begonia feastii. Glossy, fleshy leaves are bronze on the outside and red on the back, and are prized more than pink little flowers in inflorescences.

Begonia breeding methods

There are several methods for dividing a flower, but novice growers should know some rules. In indoor cultivation, division using cuttings or leaves is most often used.

Propagation of begonias by cuttings

Propagation of begonias using stem and leaf cuttings is one of the simplest and most convenient methods for indoor floriculture. The easiest way to dilute with stem cuttings is bush begonias. The step-by-step recipe for such reproduction is as follows:

• cuttings selected for rooting must have two or more buds;
• the lower cut must be made directly under the lowest kidney;
• on cuttings with a missing top, the upper cut must be performed, retreating about 0.5 cm from the kidney;
• all large leaves present on the cuttings should be cut in half;
• in the soil nutrient substrate prepared in advance, you need to make holes and carefully place the cuttings;
• for the fastest rooting, a nutrient substrate based on equal parts of peat and sand is best suited;
• the temperature regime in the germination room should not be lower than 20-22 ° C.

To create optimal conditions for rooting, all planted cuttings must be covered with polyethylene or plastic. It is necessary to air the cuttings daily, preventing the soil from drying out.

Almost all begonia cuttings planted in this way form a root system in about a month, after which the plants can be transplanted into individual flower pots. You can use a ready-made substrate for begonias or prepare your own planting mixture from equal proportions of peat, leaf or sod soil, humus and plant compost with the addition of a small amount of coarse river sand. We should not forget about high-quality drainage and the presence of drainage holes in the planting tank.

Cutting (video)

Seed reproduction

This breeding option is used mainly in breeding work and consists in carrying out the following simple measures:

• in early February, fill small planting boxes with nutritious and decontaminated soil;
• well moisten the surface of the nutrient soil with settled water from a spray bottle and sow seeds;
• to make it easier to sow too small seeds of this ornamental crop, you should mix them with sand;
• the box with crops must be covered with glass or foil and put in a bright place.

It should be borne in mind that direct sunlight should not fall on crops. After the first shoots appear, it is necessary to remove the shelter and monitor the temperature regime and soil moisture indicators. Fortified and grown plants can be dived with caution.

Tuberous propagation of begonia

Begonia tubers are divided into several parts. Each such fragment, suitable for reproduction, should be no more than 50-80 mm in length and have a well-developed kidney. All sections of the sections must be sprinkled with crushed activated carbon, and then the planting material should be placed in a previously prepared moist and nutritious soil.

The plantings need to be covered with plastic wrap or transparent glass, and then placed in a bright place until fully rooted. After the appearance of several new leaves on the planting material, the shelter must be removed, and the young plant must be transplanted into an individual flower pot with drainage, filled with special soil for cultivating begonias in indoor floriculture conditions.

Reproduction by children

For children, it is suitable for some types of begonias and allows you to get a full-fledged and abundantly flowering adult indoor plant as soon as possible:

• carefully cut off the apical part of the rhizome with a clean and sharp knife;
• to get high-quality rooting, you need to lower the cut part into a root formation stimulator;
• place the begonia baby prepared for planting in a flower pot filled with a nutritious soil mixture of equal parts peat and clean coarse sand, which can be replaced with perlite;
• cover the flowerpot with polyethylene and place it in a warm room with diffused lighting.

It takes about a month before young shoots appear on the plant, after which you can remove the shelter and carry out standard begonia care.

Leaf propagation

If there is a need to obtain a significant amount of planting material, then it is advisable to resort to the leaf method of begonia propagation. The cut leaves must be cut into three parts. Each part must necessarily have a piece of the central vein, which is necessary for the development of a vegetative clone.

The leaf blades prepared in this way must be planted in an upright position in a previously prepared nutrient substrate. The depth should not exceed 10 mm. Planting soil suitable for rooting is prepared on the basis of peat. The substrate should be very thoroughly disinfected, which will reduce the risk of mold damage to developing plants.

Successful rooting of a leaf blade is possible only in conditions of high humidity, which implies the obligatory use of a shelter in the form of translucent plastic or polyethylene film. You can also root the leaf blade in water, without using a nutritious soil substrate.

Further care

Growing room begonias is not difficult even for novice amateur flower growers. Ornamental culture is quite unpretentious, and to obtain abundant and long-lasting flowering, you need to pay attention to the following care recommendations:

• the basis for the competent cultivation of begonias is abundant and frequent watering of the plant with soft and settled water throughout the summer period;
• it is advisable to install a flower pot on a layer of expanded clay with water, which will maintain optimal humidity;
• in winter, the volume and number of irrigation activities should be reduced to a minimum;
• complex mineral fertilizers are required to be applied at the stage of active growth and development of ornamental culture in the spring-summer period, as well as at the stage of laying flower buds;
• it is recommended to place flower pots with begonias on the windowsills of the northern and eastern directions;
• hypothermia of the plant in winter and drying out of the soil in a flower pot in summer should not be allowed.

Home begonia care

Flowers differ not only in appearance, but also in the requirements for growing conditions. Some varieties are more moody than others. But in order to grow a healthy and beautiful plant, you should definitely take care of it.

How to plant begonia (video)

Lighting, humidity and temperature

At noon, it is advisable to shelter the bush from hot rays. In summer, it is better to move the flower with a pot away from the window, and in winter, on the contrary, move it closer to the light in order to ensure uniform annual illumination.

In the room where begonias grow, it is necessary to ensure high air humidity, while taking into account that the ingress of drops on the pubescent leaves affects them negatively. Due to this feature, the flower pot can be placed on a tray with wet pebbles or moss.

The air temperature should be moderate: 20-26 ° С in the daytime and not fall below 15-16 ° С at night. In winter, the plant does not need rest, so you should not change the temperature regime.

Soil and flower pot

The plant prefers a loose, moisture-permeable and nutritious soil with a slightly acidic reaction. For adult bushes, the following composition is suitable: peat, sand, deciduous soil (1: 1: 3). The bottom of the pot must contain drainage.

Since the root system is shallow, the planting container should be wide, but not too shallow. If the plant is tuberous, then when planting, the distance from the edge of the pot to the tuber should be 3-4 cm.

Watering the plant

Water intended for irrigation must be prepared in advance. To get rid of chlorine, the water must be defended for at least a day, and to soften it, boil it or use a filter.

Experts recommend watering the plant in the morning, preferably at the same time. The frequency of watering is determined depending on the conditions and drying out of the soil. In summer, the amount of water should be higher. To maintain a sufficient level of moisture, the topsoil should be loosened to a depth of 1 cm.

Watering can be done by dipping the flower pot into a container larger than the size of the pot. Water flowing through the drainage holes will saturate the ground.

Top dressing of begonias in a pot

Once every 10 days, the flower needs feeding, while fertilizing it is desirable in the evening hours. Before starting feeding, the ground must be watered. In order to avoid toxicosis and plant death, it is important to ensure that there is no oversupply of fertilizers.

Suitable as a top dressing Bona Forte, Begonia, Good Power purchased from a specialist store.

Timing and pruning rules

Pruning the plant is necessary both to get rid of old elements and to form a bush. Pruning rules:

1. In a young individual (6 - 7 cm in height), the top should be cut off.
2. Reduce watering frequency until the plant grows vigorously.
3. When the shoots reach 10 centimeters in length, you need to cut off their tops.
4. To preserve the crown, elongated branches should be removed.

Tuberous varieties must be pruned for the winter. But not all species need pruning. After the onset of autumn, begonia leaves begin to dry out. The above-ground part must be cut off, leaving only 1 - 2 cm and put the pot in a dark, cool place (no higher than + 15 ° С).

How to care for begonia in winter

Each type of flower in the winter needs certain conditions. The most demanding is the tuberous type. Even after pruning, the soil should be periodically moistened so that it does not dry out. Bushy and decorative deciduous do not require special conditions.

Diseases and pests of begonia

Usually the plant gets sick if the growing conditions are not followed..

• Powdery mildew.
• Black root rot.
• Gray rot.
• Bacterial spotting.
• Ring spot.

In order to combat the disease, a soapy liquid is used, and the plant is sprayed with a solution of foundationol, colloidal sulfur. In case of severe damage, it is recommended to destroy the flower.

• The false shield is soft.
• Greenhouse aphids.
• Greenhouse whitefly.
• Red spider mite;
• Greenhouse thrips.
• Nematode.

How to propagate begonia (video)

The most dangerous are ticks and aphids. Insects should be removed by hand, sprayed with chlorophos, a solution of laundry soap, onion infusion, celandine and tobacco.

Begonia is considered one of the most beautiful indoor flowers. Plus, indoor plants need to be safe for children, so it is perfect for landscaping a nursery.

Name "begonia" the plant received in honor of Michel Begon, who was well versed in flowers and was a great lover of them.

Of everything exists about 2000 species begonias. All of them are distinguished by fleshy leaves and long beautiful flowering.

It grows in tropical climates: Africa, Brazil, America.

View Begonia Spotted or Begonia maculata Raddi belongs to the Begoniev family. This is a flowering shrub, belongs to the type of decorative deciduous begonias.

Feature and Description

- this is a fairly tall, spreading bush. The leaves are smooth and shiny, dark green with white or gray dots on top, have an irregular shape: oblong, rounded, heart-shaped with an oblique center.
The underside of the leaves is reddish.
The flowers are white and light pink, of a beautiful unusual shape. They are located on a drooping pedicel hanging down and collected in small inflorescences.

Home care

Landing

They are planted in spring, at the beginning of March, as the best growth occurs during this period.

Priming

The soil is mixed from different parts of peat, sand, turf, leafy ground. The substrate should be loose and light.

A foam or pumice stone is placed at the bottom of the pot to absorb excess moisture.

Pot selection

The pot should be spacious and medium in size.

Watering

She loves soft humid indoor air. But you should not spray the leaves and flowers, in order to avoid darkening or rotting of the leaves.

Light mode

Spotted prefers bright light. Direct sunlight should be avoided, the light should be diffused. If the room lacks natural light, then you can turn on fluorescent lamps.

Pruning

In order for the bush to be lush and beautiful, the top of the plant must be pinched. In order for the leaves to be large, the buds can be torn off. Older plants are rejuvenated by pruning, which is done every 3 or 4 years.

Dead leaves and flowers are promptly removed so that there is no root decay.

Thermal conditions

The optimum air temperature in the room corresponds to the interval from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius in summer and not lower than 16 degrees Celsius in winter.

The plant is grown in a house or greenhouse; it is not suitable for planting outdoors. Also, hypothermia of the roots should not be allowed, so they need to be insulated. For insulation, foam and synthetic winterizer are well suited.

Reproduction

They reproduce with the help leaf and stem cuttings, as well as by dividing the bush. Cuttings of leaves are dropped into damp ground, then transplanted into a pot. Stem cuttings are placed in water, which is periodically replaced with fresh water until roots appear.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with a special dressing for ornamental flowering plants, which is applied 1-2 times a month from the beginning of March to the end of October.

Transfer

Transplanted every year, at least once every two years.

Features of winter care

In winter there is no rest period. It is watered in moderation. In the spring, they are transplanted into a new substrate.

Pests and diseases

Begonia can be affected gray rot. Often occurs in high humidity and low light conditions in the room.

Often on the leaves may appear fungal mildew and powdery mildew.

Common pests: spider mites and aphids.

Control methods and treatment

Affected pests or diseased leaves removed, and the trimmed areas are treated with a fungicide.

Solution helps from powdery mildew colloidal sulfur, which the plant is sprayed with.
With the help of insecticides, they fight aphids and spider mites.

Care begonia is an unpretentious plant. It can bloom all year round under optimal conditions. At home, the plant restores a calm atmosphere and is also used for medicinal purposes. for the treatment of headaches, conjunctivitis, stomach ulcers.

Photo

selo.guru

Spotted begonia care

Begonia is one of the most common indoor plants. There are different types of begonias and they can all perfectly decorate the room. I remember how a big begonia was growing on my grandmother's table in the hall and I took care of her all summer. Now we have the same begonia. I often look at her and remember my beloved grandmother. Or rather, we have spotted begonia at home. Five years ago, they gave us a small sprout, we planted it immediately in the ground and it took root and began to grow in almost a week. Our family had different types of begonias, but only the spotted one took root in our family. Most likely this is due to the fact that it does not require special care.

Our spotted begonia is almost one meter long and looks like a small shrub.

The leaves of this begonia are wide and crooked.
about the size they are larger than my palm. When the leaves just come out, they have a pale green color. But, as it grows, it becomes a saturated green light with silvery dots. Thanks to this, it was called spotted. But the inner side of the leaf is reddish-pinkish. They feel a little oily or damp to the touch. This begonia also blooms. She has medium-sized flowers of a pale pink color. But, on the other hand, they are collected in large inflorescences. These inflorescences hang down and it seems that these are bunches of grapes.

This type of begonias can be propagated in several ways - by cuttings, seeds, as well as tuberous - by dividing the tuber. But, the most frequent and easy way of reproduction is by cuttings. Cuttings can be leaf or stem. For me, the easiest way is stem cuttings. The photo shows a stem that needs to be carefully cut and planted in water for a week and then planted in the ground. You can also cut off the top of the plant and do the same.

A small fluffy bush can be successfully grown from a spotted begonia. To do this, you need to cut off the tops of the begonias. When cut, this plant will grow wide at first, as lateral shoots will appear. And after a small ball is formed, it will begin to grow in height. Those cut tops can be planted in the same pot and the bush will be more lush. It happens that the stems of begonia can bend strongly and in order for them to hold, it is necessary to establish some kind of support and tie.

Begonia can be transplanted every two years. The plant itself loves light, but it is better to protect it from direct sunlight, as the leaves turn pale green.

In general, this plant does not require special care and it will grow well with every housewife.

Begonia: classification and photos of decorative deciduous varieties

These plants are so different that even experienced gardeners, seeing another unique specimen, sometimes doubt whether it is begonia or not? They amaze with their grace, variety, decorative properties. And how not to admire the magnificent family, numbering up to 1400 natural species and over 10,000 hybrids and cultivators.

Eternal blooming baby can become a decoration of any garden

Designers are happy to use indoor begonias for interior decoration, photos of garden varieties inspire gardening specialists.

Description, area of ​​distribution, natural habitat

The genus begonia is a herbaceous plant, although in some bushy varieties the stem will become lignified. Differs in a variety of external appearance - in nature there are species ranging in size from 4–5 cm to 4 m.

As a greenhouse and garden flower, begonia is distributed throughout the world, although the birthplace of plants is three centers with a tropical and subtropical climate:

• Brazilian (Amazon basin);
• South-East Asian (Indonesia, Malaysia, Indochina);
• Central African.

The natural habitat determines the requirements for environmental conditions. These are shade-loving, moisture-loving plants that prefer diffused light, slightly acidic, light, loose soils. They tolerate high air temperatures without problems, but do not like excess moisture.

It is interesting! Begonia came to Russia during the Peter the Great era. Several specimens are listed in the list of tropical plants that arrived from Holland in 1717. Today, the largest collections grow in the Botanical Gardens of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk.

Classification

It is not easy for a novice florist to understand the complex "kinship" ties of the begonia family, especially since there is no single, generally accepted classification of plants. Based on the appearance of begonias, features of use in floriculture, the following types are distinguished.

• decorative deciduous indoor;
• decorative and flowering indoor;
• decorative and flowering garden.

The European classification is based on the mode of reproduction and general biological characteristics. There are 9 groups of plants, the most famous of which are:

• Caine begonias and shrubs are reed or bushy, with an erect stem, beautiful leaves, fragrant flowers. They can grow up to 2 m in height. The vivid representatives of the species are spotted and coral begonia.


• Royal and rhizome (rhizome) are herbaceous species with a thick fleshy stem, openwork multi-colored leaves, a creeping rhizome - the main organ of vegetative propagation.
• Ever-flowering - small bushes with "waxy" leaves and bright flowers of all warm shades of the rainbow. Cultivated as an annual garden plant.
• Tuberose or tuberous is an unpretentious flowering form with large double flowers. There are ampelous varieties.

Tuberous tuberose is great in a flower pot and in a flower bed

Popular decorative leafy begonias

Indoor deciduous begonia is represented by a group of plants, the main decoration of which is leaves of the most diverse shapes and incredible colors. There are rounded, carved, heart-shaped snail outlines. In texture - smooth, velvety, pimply, covered with "cilia". The color range - from silvery to almost black tones with all kinds of blotches, streaks, spots.

We bring to your attention a description of the popular decorative deciduous varieties of begonias and their names with a photo.

Note! Decorating the interior, the flower is also beneficial. It has phytoncidal properties: it suppresses pathogenic microorganisms, mold spores cleans the air from dust, toxins, and chemical contaminants.

Begonia Mason

One of the most recognizable species is the compact Begonia masoniana with large pimpled green leaves adorned with a burgundy spot that resembles a stylized Maltese cross. The shape of the leaf plate is asymmetric, heart-shaped, pointed at the apex. The rhizome is thickened, creeping, drooping with many hairs. Leaves on elongated cuttings form a lush bush, hanging beautifully along the walls of the pots. The usual size of Mason's begonias is 20-30 cm, in good conditions it grows up to half a meter in height. Small creamy flowers on a long panicle are rather inconspicuous. Often the peduncle is removed, since it does not represent decorative value, but only enhances the outflow of nutrients from the soil.

The plant loves cool temperatures, humid air, diffused light. In the sun, the leaves brighten, losing their rich palette and contrast effect. Propagated vegetatively - with the help of stem and leaf cuttings.

Begonia Mason in greenhouse conditions

Begonia Bauer

A miniature houseplant up to 10 cm high with attractively unusual tiger-colored leaves. The leaf plate has a velvety texture, heart-shaped with rounded edges that overlap each other at the handle. The color is unusual and spectacular - against a dark background, green spots with a bronze tint and clearly traced veins stand out, the edge is framed with short whitish "cilia". Fleshy rhizome and leafy cuttings have a reddish tint, covered with spots. In the spring, cream or light pink clusters of flowers on elongated peduncles appear directly from the rhizome.

Begonia Bauer is the collective name for a whole group of decorative leafy varieties and hybrids obtained from the Mexican progenitor. On hearing the names of cultivators from Begonia bowerae - Tiger, Nigramarga, Cleopatra. Plants differ in the degree of openwork of the leaf, the saturation of its background, color, and the shape of the strokes. Propagated by dividing rhizomes (rhizomes) and leafy cuttings.

Bronze-green bush of "tiger" begonia Bauer

Collar begonia

Another representative of the Mexican subtropics is collar begonia (cuffed). An unpretentious medium-sized plant with large light green burdock leaves up to 30 cm in diameter on long cuttings. Forms a gorgeous spreading bush. The edge of the leaf plate is slightly indented, pubescent with villi, from above - smooth, monochromatic, from below - hairy. The name of the species was given by a thick fringe of reddish hairs encircling the stalk at the junction with the leaf in the form of a cuff (collar). In spring, 2–3 long peduncles (up to 60 cm) with small openwork inflorescences of pink shades grow from a thick lodging rhizome.

From this species came a decorative hybrid of Crisp with a glossy leaf and a spectacular curly edge.

Begonia Cleopatra

A well-known hybrid of the rhizome species Begonia bowerae. A characteristic feature - ornamental leaves resembling maple, top - from dark green to olive, bottom - burgundy. Leafy cuttings are long, fleshy, abundantly pubescent, grow from a basal rosette and form a bush up to 30 cm high.In winter (January - February), Cleopatra begonia throws out fragile peduncles with delicate clusters of flowers - white with a pink tint.

The plant is thermophilic, prefers diffused light, moderate watering, unpretentious care. As it grows, the bush grows old and loses its attractiveness. Therefore, an indispensable element of cultivation is rejuvenation by dividing the rhizome or rooting of leaf cuttings.

In terms of grace and unusual appearance, the room Cleopatra is not inferior to her famous namesake

Red-leaved begonia

The second name of the decorative leafy hybrid is Fista. It has a shortened creeping stem with thin long cuttings and neat leaves of a rounded, slightly sloping shape. The surface of the plate is dense, glossy, dark green, the reverse side is red with distinctly carved light veins. Red-leaved begonia blooms from December to summer. The flowers are rare, pale pink, with a velvety texture, collected in loose openwork inflorescences.

With proper care, it gives a lush dense bush with juicy bright leaves, looks good in pots and flowerpots, and is used for vertical gardening.

Begonia hogweed

Traditional, widespread in home floriculture species. Large leaves of a finger-dissected form with a serrated edge and an arrow-shaped base are located on long pubescent cuttings. The leaf plate is colored evenly with silvery-green veins, but the color saturation depends on the degree of illumination. In dissolution, the leaves are reddish; as they grow, they turn green. The thick creeping rhizome resembles a ball of whimsically wriggling snakes. Due to the overhang of the stem, the hogweed begonia acquires a semi-ampelous shape. The inflorescences are rather large, but do not evoke decorative interest.

The plant is unpretentious in care, shade-loving, tolerates both high temperatures and coolness, prefers moderate watering. Reproduction methods are vegetative.

The leaves of the begonia hogweed in shape resemble an open palm

The plant belongs to bush or reed begonias. The main difference from rhizome varieties is an erect stem that can grow up to several meters. The leaves are very showy, elongated, on short cuttings. The asymmetrical oval shape with a pointed tip resembles an "angel's wing" - this is an outdated name for the species. The dense glossy surface of a rich green leaf is mottled with round silvery specks, on the reverse side it is reddish.

Spotted begonia is interesting during flowering, which lasts all year round. Large pink and white buds are collected in panicle inflorescences, smell nice. As an ornamental flowering plant, begonia is photophilous, needs warmth, moderate humidity.

Begonia Lucerne

Another representative of decorative flowering begonias with erect (reed) stems, forming a bush up to 2 m high. The leaves are large, oval, slightly asymmetrical in shape with a wavy edge, a pointed top, a rounded-wedge-shaped base. The outer side of the leaf plate is green with light spots and textured veins, the reverse is red.

In January - February, the begonia of Lucerne throws out many peduncles, on which large pink buds open. The hybrid was obtained in breeding with coral begonia and is similar to it, especially during the flowering period, which lasts until June. The plant lends itself well to forming by pruning. Propagated by seeds, leafy cuttings.

Florists are happy to collect begonias. Most species are unassuming to care for, grow and reproduce quickly. And the choice is such that you can collect a collection all your life!

Useful plants: medicinal, indoor and others

Begonia maculata Raddi.

Family Begonia - Begoniacea.

Description. Decorative and deciduous and flowering bushy plant with large bony leaves. The upper side of the leaves is intensely green with bright silvery spots, the lower side is pinkish-reddish.

Blooms all year round. The flowers are large, pale pink, collected in a spreading inflorescence on a long peduncle, a very original shape.

Homeland. Brazil.

It is photophilous enough, when grown in artificial light it is durable. Fallen leaves and flowers should be removed to avoid rotting.

Reproduction. It propagates very quickly and easily by leaf cuttings.

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Begonia: description of types and secrets of home care

Begonia is an annual and perennial plant. Begonia (lat. Begonia) belongs to the begonia family, genus begonia, used to decorate gardens, squares and parks. The plant is annual and perennial.

Botanical description and birthplace of begonia

The flower is unique in that it has a variety of forms: from herbaceous to semi-shrub and shrub. The color of the inflorescences of an unpretentious plant differs depending on the species. After flowering, a fruit is formed - a box containing small seeds.

The common feature of the plant is the presence of unisexual flowers and asymmetric broad-oval leaves located on succulent fleshy stems. Depending on the variety, the color of the leaf plates can be green, with brown or purple impurities.

Due to its luxurious flowering and decorative foliage, begonia has gained popularity among flower growers. Depending on the structure of the underground part, the plant is conventionally divided into 3 groups:

• sheet;
• tuberous;
• bush.

Perennial native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and America.

Begonia belongs to the begonia family, genus begonia

Species, varieties and hybrid varieties of begonias

There are many varieties of this vibrant plant growing all over the world. Scientists know more than 900 of its species and more than 2,000 hybrids have been bred. In home cultivation, 2 groups are used:

The difference between decorative deciduous trees is in the original color and shape of the foliage.

Tiger begonia

Begonia tiger paws. Low plant (less than 30 cm). White or pale pink flowers bloom most often in winter. The leaf plates of a bright green color with light specks are small in size and have a brown, serrated border. Since small inflorescences are not of aesthetic value, they can be removed.

Tiger begonia

Begonia Bauer

Begonia bowerae. A low neat bush, reaching 15 - 20 cm, has decorative pubescence around the perimeter. The rhizome of the plant is creeping. On cold winter days, single flowers are formed. The most popular is the Tiger variety with a bronze-green mottled foliage.

Speckled begonia

Begonia guttata. The bush can grow up to 2 m. Due to the correct formation, you can get a lush crown. The burgundy large leaves with silvery specks make the bushy plant attractive. Inflorescences of pink tones are large.

Coral begonia

Begonia corallina. Luxurious shrub almost 2 m high. Saturated leaves are decorated with light spots on the front side, have an oblong-ovoid shape. The underside of the leaf plate becomes reddish by the beginning of summer. If the plant is carefully looked after, it can delight with pink flowers all year round.

By crossing the coral begonias and Richards, they obtained the alfalfa begonia, which has 20 centimeter leaves.

Coral begonia

Begonia royal

Begonia rex. A perennial with a powerful creeping rhizome and a short, thick stem, covered with red bristles. Thanks to the large leaves on long petioles, a lush bush is formed. At the same time, the top of the leaf plates is velvety, and the bottom is with prominent veins. The drawing and coloring of the leaves depends on the variety. Flowers, collected in inflorescences, are inconspicuous in appearance, are located on high peduncles.

Collar begonia

(Begonia manicata). The name comes from the structure of the leaves, which form a rosette at the top of the petiole, resembling a collar, and on the lower side have a weak pubescence along the perimeter and bright red outgrowths along the veins. The stem is creeping and thick.

Bright pink flowers represent a voluminous but loose inflorescence. An adult bush individual forms up to 5 such decorative brushes. Blooms in winter.

Collar begonia

Begonia hogweed

Begonia herac-leifolia. The stem of this large individual is recumbent. The rich green foliage has a finger-dissected structure and is up to 20 cm in diameter. The underside is reddish and pubescent. On a long peduncle, pinkish flowers form, forming multi-flowered brushes.

Cuff begonia

Begonia manicata. On the thickened stem there are petioles, generously pubescent with hairs of red tones. From the fact that at the base of the leaf plate the petiole forms the so-called cuff, this type of begonia received this name. The top of the non-pubescent leaf plates has a bright green color, and along the edge there are small denticles and hairs. No less beautiful flowers rise above the large foliage, forming pinkish spreading clusters.

Silver begonia

Begonia argenteo. Silvery leaves with well-visible veins are rather indented along the edges. Bushy plant with drooping branches. The flowers are white or creamy with a pinkish tinge.

Silver begonia

Yellow begonia

Begonia xanthina Hook. Large-flowered shrub with densely doubled camellia flowers and recumbent densely pubescent stem. The leaves are oval in shape with a pointed tip. The top is smooth and shiny, and the bottom is slightly pubescent along the veins. Flowers from yellowish to orange.

Red-leaved begonia

Begonia erythrophylla. The beautiful undisturbed foliage has an intense green color and an unevenly rounded shape. Due to the rich red back of the leaf, this species got its name. A thick stem spreads along the ground. In the summer, a pink palette of colors appears on the bush.

Begonia Limming (ampelous)

Begonia limmingheana. A semi-shrub with a woody stem at the base and ovoid leaves. The edges of the leaf plates are wavy, and the color is dark green. Flowers from light red to coral red tones.

Begonia Limming (ampelous)

Striped begonia

Begonia listada. Shoots of this bushy species are very leafy. Elongated leaves have a sharp core at the base. A velvety top with a bluish tint and a light silvery central vein, while the bottom is dark red. On short pedicels, tiny pink flowers bloom.

Begonia metallica. Strongly branching flowering shrub with slightly reddish pubescent branches grows over a meter. Large foliage has a metallic sheen and red veins. The back is purple. Inflorescences are pink.

Tuberous multi-flowered begonia

Begonia x tuberhybrida multiflora. It is characterized by rich carved leaves and semi-double and double flowers that appear in the summer.

Begonia mix

Begonia mix. A rich blend of herbaceous begonias with fragrant flowers of various colors. Compact bushes grow 35 cm. The foliage is green, heart-shaped, the edges are unevenly jagged.

Metallic begonia

Begonia Black Velvet

Black Velvet. Low plant (20 - 25 cm). It is characterized by a creeping stem and heart-shaped leaves with protruding white hairs along the edge, which darken when the flower is located in a bright place.

Begonia Evening glow

Fast growing bushy species. Medium-sized leaves are metallic in color, with a red center and green veins. Raspberry border around the perimeter.

Begonia Fista

Begonia feastii. Glossy, fleshy leaves are bronze on the outside and red on the back, and are prized more than pink little flowers in inflorescences.

Begonia Black Velvet

Begonia breeding methods

There are several methods for dividing a flower, but novice growers should know some rules. In indoor cultivation, division using cuttings or leaves is most often used.

Reproduction of room begonia by a leaf

In this method, the planting material is a fragment of a leaf plate with veins. It is necessary to select a large and healthy leaf and perform the following manipulations:

• the leaf plate must be divided into sectors, while it is important to take into account that in each lobule there must be a fragment of the main vein that moves the nutrients;
• the edges of the slices should be very neat;
• place each part of the leaf in a bowl with a substrate (peat and sand in equal proportions);
• the vein of the leaf cutting should touch the substrate;
• create greenhouse conditions (cover with foil or a cut bottle);
• shoots should appear after 3 weeks;
• the soil should be moist, but not very wet, otherwise the leaf will rot.

After rooting, the leaf fragment must be moved to a well-lit place.

How to propagate begonia by cuttings

You can use cuttings to plant the plant. If you plan to grow begonia outdoors, it should be propagated in the summer. For home cultivation, cuttings are recommended to be taken in early spring.

• with a sharp object (knife, scalpel), it is necessary to cut off the stalk (10 cm), on which 2 - 3 pairs of leaves are located;
• the slices need to be dried;
• after preparing the soil, make a small depression, insert the cutting and sprinkle with soil;
• cover with a cut plastic bottle;
• after the appearance of young leaves (after 30 days), remove the bottle.

After 3 - 4 months, the first flowers will appear on the plant.

You can use cuttings to plant begonias

Growing begonias from seeds

Seed cultivation is only suitable for decorative flowering and ever-flowering varieties. In order for small seeds to germinate, you should create comfortable conditions:

• low temperature;
• sufficient humidity;
• constant air exchange;
• bright lighting.

Time to plant seeds: end of winter - beginning of spring. For convenience, small seeds are recommended to be mixed with sand. In this case, it will be possible to distribute them evenly. Before planting, the soil and seed material must be treated with a manganese solution.

The substrate is prepared as follows: earth, wet sand and peat are combined, and the land must be taken 2 times more. To avoid indentation when watering, water should be watered in droplets, not spray. The container must be covered with glass. After germination (after 3 weeks), you need to create a temperature of 20 - 22 ° C.

Seed breeding of begonias is only suitable for decorative flowering and ever-flowering varieties.

By dividing the bush and rhizome

To propagate a bush plant by the dividing method, the following steps must be taken:

• remove the bush from the container;
• cut off large leaves and long shoots;
• rinse the root system and divide into segments, each part must contain a kidney;
• the sections must be treated with root roots and slightly dried;
• plant a flower in a specially prepared substrate;
• after rooting (after 3 months), the seedlings must be transferred to a separate bowl.

Home begonia care

Flowers differ not only in appearance, but also in the requirements for growing conditions. Some varieties are more moody than others. But in order to grow a healthy and beautiful plant, you should definitely take care of it.

How to plant begonia (video)

Lighting, humidity and temperature

Although begonia tolerates shade, it is not a shade-loving plant. At noon, it is advisable to shelter the bush from hot rays. In summer, it is better to move the flower with a pot away from the window, and in winter, on the contrary, move it closer to the light in order to ensure uniform annual illumination.

In the room where begonias grow, it is necessary to ensure high air humidity, while taking into account that the ingress of drops on the pubescent leaves affects them negatively. Due to this feature, the flower pot can be placed on a tray with wet pebbles or moss.

The air temperature should be moderate: 20-26 ° С in the daytime and not fall below 15-16 ° С at night. In winter, the plant does not need rest, so you should not change the temperature regime.

Although begonia tolerates shade, it is not a shade-loving plant.

Soil and flower pot

The plant prefers a loose, moisture-permeable and nutritious soil with a slightly acidic reaction. For adult bushes, the following composition is suitable: peat, sand, deciduous soil (1: 1: 3). The bottom of the pot must contain drainage.

Since the root system is shallow, the planting container should be wide, but not too shallow. If the plant is tuberous, then when planting, the distance from the edge of the pot to the tuber should be 3-4 cm.

Begonia prefers loose, moisture-permeable and nutritious soil with a slightly acidic reaction

Watering the plant

Water intended for irrigation must be prepared in advance. To get rid of chlorine, the water must be defended for at least a day, and to soften it, boil it or use a filter.

Experts recommend watering the plant in the morning, preferably at the same time. The frequency of watering is determined depending on the conditions and drying out of the soil. In summer, the amount of water should be higher. To maintain a sufficient level of moisture, the topsoil should be loosened to a depth of 1 cm.

Watering can be done by dipping the flower pot into a container larger than the size of the pot. Water flowing through the drainage holes will saturate the ground.

Experts recommend watering begonia in the morning, preferably at the same time

Top dressing of begonias in a pot

Once every 10 days, the flower needs feeding, while fertilizing it is desirable in the evening hours. Before starting feeding, the ground must be watered. In order to avoid toxicosis and plant death, it is important to ensure that there is no oversupply of fertilizers.

Bona Forte, Begonia, Good Power, purchased in a specialized store, are suitable as top dressing.

Once every 10 days, begonia needs feeding, while fertilizing is desirable in the evening hours

Timing and pruning rules

Pruning the plant is necessary both to get rid of old elements and to form a bush. Pruning rules:

1. In a young individual (6 - 7 cm in height), the top should be cut off.
2. Reduce watering frequency until the plant grows vigorously.
3. When the shoots reach 10 centimeters in length, you need to cut off their tops.
4. To preserve the crown, elongated branches should be removed.

Tuberous varieties must be pruned for the winter. But not all species need pruning. After the onset of autumn, begonia leaves begin to dry out. The above-ground part must be cut off, leaving only 1 - 2 cm and put the pot in a dark, cool place (no higher than + 15 ° С).

Tuberous begonias must be pruned for the winter.

How to care for begonia in winter

Each type of flower in the winter needs certain conditions. The most demanding is the tuberous type. Even after pruning, the soil should be periodically moistened so that it does not dry out. Bushy and decorative deciduous do not require special conditions.

Diseases and pests of begonia

Usually the plant gets sick if the growing conditions are not followed.

• Powdery mildew.
• Black root rot.
• Gray rot.
• Bacterial spotting.
• Ring spot.

In order to combat the disease, a soapy liquid is used, and the plant is sprayed with a solution of foundationol, colloidal sulfur. In case of severe damage, it is recommended to destroy the flower.

• The false shield is soft.
• Greenhouse aphids.
• Greenhouse whitefly.
• Red spider mite;
• Greenhouse thrips.
• Nematode.

How to propagate begonia (video)

The most dangerous are ticks and aphids. Insects should be removed by hand, sprayed with chlorophos, a solution of laundry soap, onion infusion, celandine and tobacco.

Begonia is considered one of the most beautiful indoor flowers. Plus, indoor plants need to be safe for children, so it is perfect for landscaping a nursery.

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Description of the appearance of begonia

The flower grows in the form of a bush, has large (larger than a palm) leaves of a rich green color interspersed - hence the name of begonia. Young leaves are colored light green, but when they grow, the color darkens. The shape of the leaf is uneven, round-elongated, a bit like a heart. The reverse side is red. If you touch the sheet, you get the impression that it is wet or painted with oil paint.

This type of begonia blooms almost all year round. Large inflorescences hang in clusters (like grapes), and the flowers themselves are small - white or pale pink.

Growing spotted begonia

The begonias planted in early spring take root best. You need to choose an average flowerpot for a flower, spacious enough. The plant loves light soil, so they use mixed soil:

• leafy land;
• peat;
• turf;
• sand.

When planting begonias on the bottom of the flowerpot, be sure to lay pieces of foam or sprinkle expanded clay to create a drainage layer.

The plant is light-loving, however, under the influence of direct sunlight, burn spots appear on the leaves. Therefore, it is better to choose a place for it with diffused lighting. If it is not possible to provide natural lighting (for example, the apartment is located on the north side of the house), the begonia must be additionally highlighted. With a lack of sun, the plant may stop blooming, and the leaves will lose their rich color.
Spotted begonia is very fond of water, so it needs to be watered often and well. At the same time, make sure that the water does not stagnate in the pan. With the onset of winter, watering is reduced - it is enough to simply maintain moderate humidity, preventing the soil from completely drying out.

It is impossible to spray spotted begonia, otherwise the leaves will darken and the process of decay may begin.

Since spotted begonia is afraid of low temperatures and drafts, it is grown only indoors. The comfortable temperature for keeping it in the summer is 25 degrees Celsius, and in winter - at least 17 degrees.
To stimulate development, the shrub is fed with special fertilizers for ornamental plants that bloom. Top dressing is best done starting in spring and ending in autumn no more than once (maximum two) times a month.

Pruning and breeding begonias

To stimulate the growth of lateral shoots and the formation of a beautiful bush, the top of the plant must be cut off. Since begonia blooms on young shoots, every 3-4 years it is rejuvenated - maximum pruning is carried out.

If the fact of flowering is not so important, but there is a desire for large leaves, you can break the buds to redirect the power of begonias to the growth of the leaves.

The cuttings and leaves remaining after the rejuvenation of begonia can be planted to obtain new plants. Begonia also reproduces by dividing the bush.

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What does a begonia flower look like: plant characteristics

The begonia plant (Begonia) belongs to the Begonia family. Behind these words lies the richest and most diverse world, uniting about 1000 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants, shrubs and dwarf shrubs, growing both terrestrial and epiphytic. The number of all kinds of hybrids and varieties, according to experts' estimates, exceeds several thousand. Thanks to this variety, begonias are popular in both gardening and indoor floriculture.

All kinds of begonia flowers are native to the tropical regions of both hemispheres. Named after the 17th century Governor of Tahiti, Michel Begon, a great lover and gatherer of flowers.

The first thing worth noting when describing a begonia plant is the variety of forms: these can be shrubs (occasionally climbing), dwarf shrubs, and most often herbaceous plants with erect, creeping, sometimes ampelous shoots. The seeds of all types of begonias are extremely small. The fruit is a capsule.

A common characteristic of the begonia plant is the presence of succulent fleshy stems with asymmetric leaves on the petioles, unisexual flowers, located 2-3 in the leaf axils. Luxurious flowering and decorative leaves made begonias very popular houseplants. When describing the flowers of begonias, they are conventionally divided into three groups, depending on the nature of the underground part of the plant: leafy, tuberous and bush.

Blooming begonia is a wonderful decoration for a summer balcony or veranda.

Begonia has an interesting Russian name, indicating that this plant was widespread in Russia as early as 1812. During the flight of the French from Moscow, begonia was called "Napoleon's ear". Indeed, in outline and from the lower red side, the begonia leaf looks like a large frostbitten ear.

Decorative-leaved begonias naturally grow in the tropics and subtropics of Asia, Africa and America. Begonias are valued for their leaves of magical beauty - their ornament, unique color: from bright red with painting to brown, purple, silver-green. Flowers have no decorative value.

See what a begonia flower looks like in these photos:

The flowers of many begonias are non-pollinated and do not produce seeds. Begonias should have died, but they cover many places in the rainforest with an almost continuous carpet. Let's take a closer look. Here beautiful leaves have fallen on moist soil. The delicate sheet does not dry out. The freshness of the leaf depends on the good wettability of the leaf surface, as well as on the presence of aquiferous tissue in the leaf petiole (similar to the aquiferous tissue of succulents).

What are the popular types and varieties of begonias: photos, names and descriptions of flowers

There is no single classification of begonias. Some experts propose to subdivide all types according to the options for the development of the root system: - with a tuberous rhizome, - with a creeping rhizome, - with a fibrous root system. Such a classification is important when choosing a breeding method. There is a variant of classification based on the nature of growth and morphological characteristics of the shoots: - with erect ligneous shoots, - with thick shoots, similar to rhizomes, - with thin drooping or creeping shoots, - bushy begonias with juicy erect shoots. Despite such a pronounced external difference, begonias also have common features. All of them are monoecious, that is, both male and female flowers are on the same plant. When pollinated, from the female (pistillate) flowers, the fruit develops - a triangular box with small numerous seeds.

Flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences or arranged in pairs in the axils of alternate leaves. Most species, especially deciduous ornamental, are characterized by an asymmetric shape of leaf blades. And one of the most characteristic features of begonias is the unique ability to vegetative propagation - few other crops are able to grow from a small piece of a leaf. With regard to indoor floriculture, it is more convenient to divide all available types and varieties of begonias into deciduous-decorative and flowering, additionally highlighting the tuberous begonia (Begonia tuberhybrida), which is associated with the peculiarities of the placement, care and use of these plants in phytodesign.

Wild begonias have flowers less than ten centimeters. But these sizes seemed small to gardeners, and over the course of eighty years they achieved an increase in them through selection and crossing. The breeder Vilmorin succeeded by crossing two wild species of begonias to obtain a hybrid that blooms in winter. This variety of begonias is called "glouard de Lorrain", that is, "the glory of Lorrain" (a famous artist).

Modern varieties of tuberous begonias produce flowers of 20 (for example, the Everest variety) and even 30 centimeters in diameter, that is, exceeding the size of flowers of large chrysanthemums and peons.

Gardeners, as athletes, annually set world records for the beauty, shape, color (color), size and number of flowers of the plants they produce.

The new varieties cannot be compared to the "primitive" begonias. They look more like roses or camellias. There were no such flowers in nature.

These are hybrids, their parents are begonias from different countries of the world, and their homeland is the gardener's greenhouse. These flowers are created by human art.

The following types of begonias are characterized by their original beauty and relative undemandingness:

The most popular varieties:

Look at the photos of popular types of begonias, the names of which are given above:

For a better orientation of amateur gardeners, all cultural begonias are divided into 3 groups: begonias with decorative flowers, begonias with decorative leaves, and bush begonias. Although such a systematization is not precise, since it does not exclude the possibility of including the same plant in different groups, it makes it easier to choose the right begonia and recommendations for its care.

The group of begonias with decorative flowers includes:

Type begonias "Lorraine" which appeared at the end of the 19th century and under the name "Gloire de Lorraine" have long dominated the market. This variety of begonias blooms in winter with white or pink flowers. Nowadays, it is quite rare in flower shops.

Type begonias "Elatior" , bred in England at the beginning of the 20th century from tuberous begonias. They bloom all year round with white, red, pink, yellow flowers. They are generally larger and brighter than the similar flowers of the Lorraine hybrids. In the Elatior group of begonias, the most popular are the Rieger begonias, which are named after the breeder.

Hybrids blooming all year round ever-flowering begonias (B. semperflorens). They tolerate the sun better than the varieties listed above, and mainly grow in gardens and squares, in flower beds and lawns. They can also be planted in pots, especially begonias with decorative flowers.

Tuberous begonias.

Ever-flowering begonia -B. Semperflorens.

Flower lovers can be offered ever-flowering begonia. Caring for her is almost the same as for the royal begonia and its varieties. The only difference, perhaps, lies in the fact that the temperature of +18 ºС is comfortable for it. Until the beginning of flowering, this kind of begonia needs to be fed monthly with fertilizers, then it will be longer and more luxuriant. The AVA fertilizer is well suited for this. To make the plant look better, the faded flowers must be removed.

Flowering begonias are perennial and annual. Perennials are bush begonias, and annuals are tuberous. Of the perennials, I would like to note begonia, which reaches a height of 80 cm, blooms with red or white flowers, and its leaves with a silvery down. Of the annuals, begonia is especially good, blooming mainly in winter - with red, white or pink flowers. From hybrids, you can opt for begonias with large flowers, simple or double, the color scheme of which can be not only white and pink, but also red, and even yellow.

Wintering begonia -B. X hiemalis.

Plants with simple or double flowers of a wide range of shades, mainly red, pink, yellow, orange and white. They evolved from a cross between B. socotrana and tuberous begonias from South America.

Winter-flowering begonia - B. x cheimantha, or Loren's begonia - B. Lorraine.

The name of this type of begonias is given for their ability to bloom in winter. The hybrid B. x cheimantha, obtained by crossing B. socotrana and B. dregei, blooms in winter and forms groups of small pink or white flowers. The pink-flowered Gloire de Lorraine is one of the best known varieties.

These photos show varieties of winter-flowering begonias:

Begonia Sutherland -B. Sutherlandii.

This type of houseplant begonia is an ampelous crop with small lanceolate leaves and an abundance of simple orange flowers in a loose inflorescence in the summer.

Many varieties of begonias are known, including:

The flowers are red, orange, pink and yellow. They all bloom during the summer months.

Other types of houseplants begonias and their care

Tuberous begonia - B. x tuberhybrida.

Polyhybrid species originating from multiple crosses of eight-petalled begonia with Bolivian begonia, Perseus, Vicha, Devozi, etc. Plants with a thick underground tuber-rhizome, with a translucent succulent stem, 20–80 cm high. The leaves are alternate, with a varied pattern, heart-shaped, somewhat asymmetric, flowers are simple, semi-double and double, 10-15 cm in diameter, all kinds of colors - from pure white to dark red, yellow, orange, except blue and purple. Plants are monoecious, flowers are dioecious, require cross-pollination. Male flowers bloom earlier than female flowers, they are larger, double, female non-double. This should be taken into account when propagating begonias with tuberous seeds.

When caring for this type of indoor begonias, you should regularly cut out small female flowers that appear next to large, spectacular male ones, and also constantly pick up old flowers (with the exception of small-flowered species).

According to the shape and structure of flowers, numerous varieties of tuberous begonia are divided into three classes:

In each class, groups are distinguished according to the shape of the petals:

Subgroups according to the shape of flowers have also been identified - pink, daffodil, camellia and peony.

Tuberous begonia can be used both as a pot plant and as a flower garden plant. Tuberous begonia propagates by seeds, tubers and their division, less often by cuttings. With seed reproduction, plants bloom on the 135-150th day after germination. To obtain seeds, artificial pollination is carried out. From 1 g of seeds (10-13 thousand pieces), you can get up to 3-5 thousand well-developed plants. Germination capacity lasts up to 3-4 years. The optimal sowing time is December. Seeds are sown into leafy soil or a mixture of rotted manure, leafy soil and sand (1: 2: 1) at a temperature of 22-25 ° C. Seedlings appear on the 14-15th day. They dive in the phase of two cotyledonous leaves into leafy ground at a temperature of 20-22 ° C, cover with glass for 2-3 days for better rooting of seedlings. When the leaves close, they dive a second time, then a third. The soil mixture for the second and third picks is composed of leafy, soddy soil, peat and sand (4: 2: 2: 1), pH 6–6.5. After the third pick, when the leaves close, the begonia with a lump of earth is planted in 11-13-centimeter pots in the same soil mixture with the addition of leafy soil (one part). Organic fertilizers are added to this mixture. After planting, the plants are watered abundantly, slightly shaded.

Tuberous begonias require even moisture in summer. The air is sprayed around the plant. When growing begonias at home, from May to October, the plants are fed weekly.

Before the first frost, the tubers are dug up and stored at about 10 ° C. Previously, at a height of 2-3 cm from the tuber, the greens are cut. You can also leave the tubers in the pot by placing it in a cool place and keeping watering to a minimum.

Depending on the desired flowering period, tubers or parts of them are planted in January-February in a nutrient mixture of sod, deciduous, peat land and sand. The top of the tuber should protrude from the ground. Sprinkle with warm water. When the sprouts get stronger, the tops of the tubers are covered with earth.

Reproduction of this begonia is produced by tubers by dividing them in spring into parts with sprouts. The place of the cut must be sprinkled with crushed coal.

Tuberous begonia is very photophilous, therefore it is better to cultivate it on the southern windows, since in the northern ones it loses its decorative effect. Blooms in 5-6.5 months after sowing, and grown from tubers - 1-1.5 months earlier. In the open field it blooms until frost, and in rooms until November.

With sharp fluctuations in temperature, plants in October can shed their leaves. After flowering, they gradually pass into a dormant state. At this time, when growing and caring for home begonia, watering is reduced, the plants are transferred to a dark place. After 1–1.5 months, the aerial part dies off, and the tuber should remain in the ground for another 2–3 weeks, then it is removed and placed in a box with sand. Store at a temperature of 12-14 ° C, the sand is periodically slightly moistened. In January, the tubers are laid out in the same soil mixture as for planting, germinated at a temperature of 20-22 ° C, the growing plants are planted in pots with a diameter of 13 cm. The stems of begonias grown from tubers are much thicker, the bushes are taller. They usually require a garter, especially in the second half of summer.

When propagating room begonias by dividing the tubers, the latter are germinated before planting. After the sprouts appear, the tubers are cut into pieces with a sharp knife so that there are 3-4 sprouts on each division. To decorate flower beds, the flower bed is planted after spring frosts (mid-May) in partial shade on semi-humid lawns. Summer care consists in the systematic loosening of the soil, moderate watering, timely cleaning of fading flowers. When growing indoor begonias, feeding begins before budding. They are fed once every three weeks with a solution of mineral fertilizers.

Royal begonia.

Royal begonia comes from America, but probably everyone knows this plant - even those who are not fond of floriculture. At least everyone heard the name of the flower. I was not mistaken in saying "flower". Begonia fell in love with us for its lush, bright and long flowering.

However, there are also species of this plant that are valued not for flowering, but for their unique color of leaves.

Royal begonia is one of them. In the room for her, you need to find a place with good illumination. But it must be borne in mind that royal begonia does not tolerate direct sunlight, so it will feel great on a window facing the north side. She also does not tolerate drafts. If the plant is cold, it begins to shed its leaves. On the other hand, dried out at the edges or twisted foliage means that the begonias, on the contrary, are too hot. It should be watered and moved to a cooler place.

In hot weather, it is imperative to increase the humidity in the room, and in no case should you spray the leaves with water. In summer and spring, when leaving and breeding begonias at home, the plant should be watered with warm water that does not contain lime. During the flowering period, you need to monitor the soil: it must always be moist. But if the stem of a plant rots, it means that you water it too often or abundantly. You can put the begonias on a pallet of gravel (it should be wet) to create a more comfortable environment for your plant.

Pests and diseases, such as mold or rust, can develop on begonias if you humidify the air too much or the temperature in the room is very low.

In order for the foliage to develop well, pick off the flowers in time. And do not forget to feed the plant (especially if the leaves have become small). Do not forget that the beauty of this variety lies precisely in its foliage.

However, with age, begonia leaves still coarsen, so every two years it is worth updating the plants by planting new ones with the help of cuttings. You take a leaf and, after making several cuts in the place of the veins, put it on damp ground. Shoots will appear near the incisions. When young plants reach a height of 5–10 cm, they can be planted in specially prepared containers.

If begonia roots appear on the surface of the soil, you need to take a more spacious container and, filling it with fertile soil in half with peat, transplant your plant.

The most common varieties of royal begonias are:

All these varieties bloom profusely from June until frost and can be grown both outdoors and at home.

The variety of begonias allows you to choose a plant with a color scheme that matches the interior of your apartment. Leaves can be nearly black or dark green; with silvery, reddish or dark green stripes. There is a variety in which the top of the leaf is silvery and the bottom is purple. There is a variety with pale green foliage, numerous veins and a dark spot in the center. And the leaves of begonia are covered with red scales, and the edges are torn and resemble a fringe.

As you can see, lovers of this plant have a wide choice. And there is no such apartment or house, no matter where at least one of the listed types of begonias fits.

Growing room begonia: how to care for a flower

For winter-flowering species, the optimum temperature is 13–21 ° C. High humidity for begonias is beneficial, but not particularly important.

The plant is light-requiring, but protect it from direct sunlight. In winter, try to provide as much light as possible.

Homeland of begonia

The genus Begonia is part of the family of the same name. Its homeland is the tropical zone, so almost all species are very fond of humid, warm growing conditions. The greatest species diversity is observed in Africa south of the equator.

The distribution area is very wide - Latin America, Haiti, India, Sri Lanka and many other equatorial regions.

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The very word "begonia" appeared in honor of the surname of the well-known governor of the island of Haiti, Begon, who lived at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Botanical features of the flower

Begonia grows in almost any form:

• herbaceous plant;
• shrub and semi-shrub;
• ampelous (creeping) plant.

Stems and foliage are dark green, fleshy. Leaves grow 2-3 from one sinus. Begonia has a variety of flowers. The fruit forms a box in which a huge number of seeds ripen.

Depending on the characteristics of the underground part of the plant, begonias are divided:

• leafy;
• bush;
• tuberous.

The flower has taken root well in our latitudes, it is grown as a houseplant almost everywhere.

How to grow begonia (video)

Description of species, varieties and hybrid varieties of begonias

Begonia is distinguished by an extraordinary variety of natural species (more than 1600), as well as artificially bred varieties and their hybrids. Each of them has a decorative value and can add its own touch to the overall interior of the apartment.

Striped begonia (Begonia listada)

The variety got its name due to the beautiful color of the foliage.- a yellow stripe in the middle stands out in contrast against a dark green background. The shoots droop, and the main beauty is made up of the leaves - the flowers are pale pink and small in size and do not rise too high above the plant.

Silver begonia

Plant with noticeable, prominent silvery foliage. The leaves are rather large, ovoid with a peculiar relief texture. The edges are often trimmed with burgundy edging. In color, they are both pale green and pure silver, which gives this species a special decorative value.

Begonia Yellow

The species got its name from its bright yellow flowers, contrasting well against the dark green foliage. The plant has very short stems and a peduncle, which makes it look neat and attractive. In good conditions, it can reach a height of up to half a meter.

Begonia limming (ampelous) (Begonia limmingheiana E. Morr.)

This variety has characteristic deep pink and light red flowers. that look great against the pale green background of the leaves. The plant is ampelous, the stems grow up to 60 cm and hang beautifully from the pot.

Red-leaved begonia (Begonia Erythrophylla)

Despite the name, the leaves of this variety have a burgundy color only from below. From above, they are of dark green tones, covered with a dense leathery shell, due to which they resemble gloss. The contrasting combination along with the brilliant effect provides a great decorative value to this plant.

Coral begonia (Begonia corallina)

The variety got its name from the graceful flowers of a gentle coral tone. They have not only beautiful shades, but also an original lobed shape, thanks to which they liven up the space well. The variety is very unpretentious, therefore it is one of the most popular among gardeners.

Cuff begonia (Begonia Manicata)

It is a true domestic palm tree that produces large, lobed leaves on large, fleshy stems. In size - a real giant, it can grow up to one and a half meters. It is very important to prune on time, so that the bush turns out to be spreading and beautiful.

Begonia Bowerae

Bauer's begonia resembles brindle in color. Varieties of this variety have both small and large ovoid leaves. They look very original and fit well into any type of design.

Tiger begonia (Begonia tiger)

A variety with a very unusual striped leaf color - dark and light green stripes create a good contrast, often combined with splashes of yellow. Milky white flowers.

Multiflorous tuberous begonia (Begonia Tuberosa)

A plant with an amazing variety of flower shades. Red, yellow, pink, coral - all of them are united by the fact that they are very bright, so such plants are appropriate to use in northern rooms where there is a lack of light.

Begonia hogweed (Begonia Heracleifolia)

The leaves of this variety resemble a palm tree.- dark green or black with bright veins and distinct lobes. The color is very diverse - there are also bright and pale green tones. It brings a real tropical touch to the room.

The species has an amazing variety of foliage in both color and texture. The leaves are colored pink, burgundy, light and dark green. They have different forms of patterns and perfectly decorate the room.

Begonia Feastii

A variety with glossy greens. Swampy to bright green tones. The shape of the leaf is rounded. The back side is often painted red, which creates a unique decorative effect. Fista creates a rich, beautiful look to the room.

Begonia Black Velvet

Recognizable variety due to its unique dark green and even black foliage color... The leaves are charcoal, velvety in texture, which makes them look very rich. The flower stalks rise high above the plant so that the flowers can be clearly seen.

Speckled begonia (Begonia Maculata)

The variety has extremely beautiful leaves with a peculiar speckled color: dark green veins on a silvery or light green background. The flowers are pink, saturated colors. The petioles are often red, which creates an additional beautiful contrast.

Begonia Mix

The variety has a wide variety of flowers.- bright red, pale pink, yellow, snow-white. He loves light very much, so it is preferable to choose southern windows. At the same time, the mix prefers warm places where drafts will be excluded. Otherwise, it may start to fade.

Begonia Evening glow

This variety has a unique color of leaves - silvery, white tones with a bright red heart. The edges are covered with a graceful, thin edging, serrated shape. The plant blooms with pink or crimson flowers, which also contrast well against the general background. It makes an unusual impression by bringing the room to life.

Begonia Alfalfa (Begonia Medicago)

Begonia alfalfa has beautiful, large leaves. In color from light green to dark tones. On the reverse side, they have a pinkish tint, due to which they have a great decorative effect. A characteristic feature is long flowering(throughout the summer until September).

Reproduction of begonias

Begonia can be propagated by almost all known methods, and the technologies of each of them have been worked out quite well.

How to propagate a flower by cuttings

Any species and varieties of plants can be propagated by cuttings. This method is the most convenient and fastest. The technique is as follows:

1. With the help of a sufficiently sharp knife, you need to cut off a green stalk no more than 10-15 cm. The main requirement is that there should be at least 4 fresh leaves on it.
2. Put it on for several hours so that the cut dries up a little.
3. Plant it in soil chosen specifically for begonias (it is better to mix it with sand in equal mass quantities).
4. A little earth must be poured on top - so that the soil is not dense.
5. Then the surface is covered with polyethylene or any other impermeable material.
6. The first leaves will appear in 3-4 weeks. Further cultivation is carried out without additional layers.

How to plant tuberous begonia (video)

Propagation of begonias by seeds

Unlike cuttings, planting a flower with seeds is not suitable for all begonias, but only for flowering ones.

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Begonia seeds are so small that there can be several tens of thousands of them in 1 gram.

To grow seeds, you need to take a mixture of the same composition, while providing constant watering - the soil literally should not dry out. It must be done very carefully - literally in small drops. Along with this condition, it is important to ensure:

• sufficient air circulation - the house should not be stuffy;
• it is better to keep the temperature slightly below room temperature;
• lighting should be constantly bright - if necessary, illuminate with a diode lamp that does not give strong heat.

Seedlings appear within 1-2 weeks. A pick should be done after 3 leaves begin to open, and you need to plant young flowers in 2-3 months. Flowering can be expected in 4-5 months.

Features of plant propagation by a leaf

All types of flowers can be propagated by a leaf, but this is especially true for those plants that do not have a pronounced stem (winter begonia and Mason's begonia). The technology is as follows:

1. The leaf must be selected large and healthy - it is cut off with a knife.
2. Triangular cuts are made from the center to the edges of the sheet.
3. All parts are placed on clean, damp sand.
4. Further, you need to take care of it regularly, ensuring constant moisture (using a spray).

Plants can be transplanted as soon as their root system is sufficiently strong - this usually occurs after the appearance of 6-8 leaves.

Reproduction of bush begonia by dividing the rhizome and bush

The method is good for bushy begonias, but it is better to use it in early spring. The technology is as follows:

1. The plant is carefully removed from the dishes.
2. The roots are exposed to a gentle stream of room temperature water.
3. The bush is cut along with the roots so that all children have a sprout.
4. The cut must be allowed to dry - you can speed up the process and pour charcoal on it.
5. Next, the root is treated with a growth accelerator, and the bush sits in a new pot. It is important to ensure adequate watering during the first weeks.

How to plant indoor begonia in a flower pot

For begonias, a special soil has been developed and sold, however, you can make up a soil mixture yourself - it is only important to know a few tricks.

Ground requirements

There are several options for preparing soil:

• leaf land and peat in equal mass ratios;
• sand taken half the size of these components.

In another case, the composition is more diverse:

• peat, humus and sand in equal amounts;
• deciduous land taken in three times.

And another option:

• equal parts of leaf, coniferous land and sand;
• charcoal - 2-3 pinches.

Important! When making a mixture yourself, you always need to disinfect the soil - you can simply process it in the oven for an hour or boil it for half an hour.

Landing technology

A flower is grown from tubers (bulbs). They should be purchased in winter, since the planting takes place at the very beginning of spring - then you can manage to grow begonia, which will bloom in summer.

The landing technology is as follows:

1. Tubers must be carefully cleaned of extraneous formations, wilted rhizomes.
2. Hold in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a special disinfectant for half an hour.
3. Plant in soil prepared as described above. The soil must be well loosened.

As for the pot, it is chosen small in size so that the borders from the tuber to the edges of the pot are no more than 5 cm.

Important! Drainage of the soil is a prerequisite for any type of begonia. You can use small pebbles or expanded clay, which is filled up to a third of the depth of the dish.

Secrets of caring for decorative begonia at home

Begonia is famous not only for its extreme variety and decorative value, but also for its undemanding care conditions. For a plant to grow well, it is important to follow a few simple rules.

Choosing a place in the house

Begonias love bright enough light, but additional shading should be done on the southern windows. The best option is west or east, where the sun stays for half a day. It is also important to consider the following points:

• begonia does not like drafts and temperature drops;
• the flower responds very badly to dry air.

Accordingly, placing a pot under a window or above a radiator is the most incorrect option. A normal room temperature in the range of 18 to 26 ° C is quite suitable for the plant.

How to water begonia

The best time to water is in the early morning when you leave for work. If this is not possible, you can do it in the evening. In any case, it is best to water at the same hours.

The watering mode is as follows:

• in the summer - 3-4 times a week;
• in winter - 1-2 times a week.

The main criterion is the condition of the soil. It should always remain slightly damp.

ADVICE:

Water for begonia always needs to be defended during the day. It will be very good if you put a kilogram of peat in an ordinary bucket (10 liters) - the water will become more acidic, and the flower will respond with great gratitude to such watering.

Plant feeding

There are special fertilizers designed for begonias.... In their absence, the flower can be fed with superphosphates or complex mineral fertilizers. Application rate - 2 times a month in spring and summer. In winter, once a month is enough.

Pruning begonias in a pot

Since the flower tends to grow very violently, then even at the stage of its youth, you need to think about what shape should be given to it. If you need to create a lush bush, then it is better to cut off the top immediately upon reaching literally 8-10 cm.

Lateral shoots are cut using approximately the same criterion. Further, care consists in the timely removal of dead or semi-dry shoots, as well as in pinching strongly growing branches. In decorative-leaved flowers, peduncles are also removed without fail after the end of flowering.

How to propagate begonia (video)

Begonia is a southern guest that has long been registered in our latitudes. It complements the design of the room well, enlivening it with its beautiful flowers. And if you consider that leaving will not take much time, we can safely recommend the cultivation of this plant to any gardener.

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In addition to about 1,000 species existing in nature, there are still about 2,000 hybrids of this plant. In this regard, an average description of this plant simply does not exist. Plus, such plants in various classifications are divided into decorative flowering and decorative deciduous, deciduous and evergreen, perennials and annuals, creeping and tall, rhizome and tuberous. Florists grow a huge variety of begonias at home, and all of them need to be looked after when cultivated at home in about the same way.

Home begonia care

Home-grown begonia needs consistency. In this regard, she needs to choose 1 specific place in the room where the flower will stand all the time. The area should be well lit, but the plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Decorative-flowering species are especially light-requiring, in this regard, it is recommended to choose a window sill of western or eastern orientation for their placement. The plant feels best at an air temperature of 18 degrees at any time of the year. However, in the summer, it is able to withstand a slight increase in temperature.

Since this plant is tropical, it needs high humidity. However, it is not recommended to moisten the foliage of the flower from a spray bottle, because after this procedure, specks of brown color are formed on its surface. In order to increase the humidity of the air (especially in the winter period, when the air is dried by heating devices), you need to turn the pallet over and insert it into a larger pallet, then a container with a flower is installed on top of it. Expanded clay should be poured around the inserted pallet and wetted, while ensuring that it is constantly moistened.

Begonia needs space, in this regard, when choosing a place for it on the windowsill, where other plants already stand, this fact must be taken into account. Also, this flower needs systematic ventilation, while it must be protected from drafts and excessively high or low air temperatures. If these conditions are not met, the flower will begin to wither, and will also drop leaf plates and flowers.

Before proceeding with the direct planting of begonias, you must choose the most suitable pot for it. For such a plant, it is recommended to choose a small pot, which must be made of ceramic. So, the diameter of the container should exceed the size of the root system of the flower by only 3-4 centimeters. If it is planted in a larger pot, then the plant may suffer from waterlogging of the soil, and also in this case it will bloom a little later. You can buy ready-made soil mixture for planting at a special store, but if you wish, you can prepare it with your own hands. To do this, combine leafy soil, sand, high peat, turf soil (can be replaced with humus), taken in a ratio of 2: 1: 1: 1. The acidity of the soil should be approximately pH 5.5 to 6.5.

The container for planting begonias is 1/3 filled with drainage material. Then a two to three centimeter layer of charcoal must be laid on it, which is necessary to prevent the development of rot. After that, the flower itself must be placed in the container along with a lump of earth and it remains only to fill all the available voids with earth mixture. When the plant is planted, it needs to be watered. It is recommended to plant begonias in spring from the second half of March, after the light level and the duration of daylight hours become suitable for its growth. If the plant is tuberous, then it needs preliminary germination. To do this, the tubers are placed on top of the substrate in a box (not buried), and removed to a normally illuminated, cool (from 16 to 18 degrees) place with a humidity level of 60 to 70 percent.

If begonia is grown indoors, then it just needs to be watered correctly. Such a plant loves moisture, but it does not need frequent watering. It is much more important that the air humidity is high enough, otherwise the tips of the leaf plates will begin to dry out. However, in summer, in the heat, begonias should be watered more abundantly, but at the same time, stagnation of liquid in the root system should be avoided. Water it with water at room temperature, which should be defended for at least 24 hours. Watering is recommended only after the topsoil dries out to one and a half centimeter depth. In winter, plants should be watered less frequently and in moderation; if you have tuberous species, then they should not be watered at all at this time of year.

Top dressing

In order for begonia to grow and develop normally, it needs to be fed in a timely manner. It is necessary to start feeding decorative flowering species after the budding period begins. Top dressing is carried out 1 time in 2 weeks and liquid complex fertilizer for flowering plants is used for this. When the formation of the ovaries begins, the plant will need to be fed with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers (Ovary, Bud, Pollen). Fertilizers containing nitrogen, it is necessary to feed only decorative leafy species, otherwise the flowering of decorative flowering species may not start at all.

In order for the plant to develop normally, it must be systematically transplanted. The transplant is carried out at the beginning of the spring, before the growing season begins. The fact that the plant needs a transplant is indicated by its roots, which begin to appear from the drainage holes. The plant should be pulled out of the container and the residues of the substrate should be carefully removed from it. Then the roots should be dipped in a solution of potassium manganese, the color of which should be light pink. After that, the roots must be carefully washed, removing the remaining soil, using well-settled water for this. Then the root system is examined and those areas on which there is rot are removed. After the root system dries up, the plant must be planted in a larger container. How to do it correctly is described above. After transplanting, the begonia must be put in its usual place. At first, she will need frequent watering.

It is quite simple to transplant young specimens, and they respond normally to this procedure. However, adult specimens are somewhat more difficult to transplant, because they have many overgrown fragile leaf plates. In this regard, after the flower turns 3 years old, it is recommended to divide it into several parts.

Evergreen species have a mild dormant period. Tuberous species require a fairly long rest period. Features of begonia care in winter, when a dormant period is observed, directly depends on the species. Shrub, as well as decorative species at this time are placed in a place where the air temperature should be from 15 to 22 degrees and there is high humidity (for this, you can hang moistened rags on hot heating pipes or purchase an air humidifier).

From the middle of the autumn period, the tuberous species of this plant begins to prepare for the dormant period. Their leaf plates dry up and die off, in this regard, such flowers need to be watered less. After the complete withering away of the above-ground part of the container with plants, it is necessary to rearrange the darkened cool (from 10 to 15 degrees) place for the whole winter. It happens that tuberous plants "do not want" to prepare for a dormant period, in this case they must be forced to do this, otherwise you will not see a lush flowering next year. So, watering must be significantly reduced, and the part of the plant that is above the soil surface must be cut off.

Breeding methods for indoor begonia

How to propagate

Such a plant can be propagated by seed or vegetative (stems, leafy cuttings, dividing a bush or a tuber or rhizome) in a way. The easiest and fastest way is vegetative.

It is quite easy and quick to grow begonia from seeds. Sowing is carried out in the last days of February or the first of March. To do this, small seeds must be spread over the surface of the substrate (do not cover). Then the container should be moved to a well-lit, warm place, having previously covered it with film or glass. Crops should be watered through a pallet or with a sprayer. After the first seedlings appear, the shelter should be removed for good. The pick is made after the plants have 3 or 4 true leaf plates. After 8 weeks, young plants can be transplanted into individual pots. Such begonias can begin to bloom in the first year, but in order for this to happen, they often need additional lighting.

For the propagation of deciduous species, division of the rhizome is used. This procedure is performed in the spring. To do this, you need to pull the flower out of the soil and with a very sharp knife divide the rhizome into several parts, while each division must have roots and at least 1 shoot or bud. Places of cuts should be sprinkled with crushed charcoal. After that, the delenki are planted in individual containers.

The tuber of an adult plant can also be divided into several parts. After that, you need to wait until the cut sites are slightly dry and dust them with crushed charcoal. Then the cuttings are planted in individual containers.

The simplest of all vegetative propagation methods is cuttings. Cuttings with 3 or 4 leaf plates must be cut from the bush. To prevent rot on the cuts, they should be treated with charcoal. Then the cutting should be planted in a mixture of leaf and peat soil and sand (1: 1: 1). The container is placed in a well-lit, warm place, in which there is no access to direct sunlight. The cuttings need moderate watering, so it is necessary to moisten the soil only after the soil dries out to a depth of 1 to 2 centimeters. You can root the cuttings by immersing them in a glass of water. The roots will grow back after about 4 weeks.

Since most species have fairly large and dense leaf plates, they can be propagated by leaf cuttings. In this case, both the whole leaf plate and part of it are suitable for reproduction. If begonias are propagated with a whole leaf, then the main veins must be incised on its seamy side. Then the sheet plate is laid with the cut side on the surface of the moistened sand, which must be calcined in advance. After that, it is fixed in this position. Watering is carried out through the pallet. After about 8 weeks, roots will appear from those places that are incised, and after a while young plants will begin to grow. The grown grown young begonias should be separated and planted in a mixture of deciduous soil, sand and peat (1: 1: 1).

Aphids, red spider mites and nematodes can settle on indoor begonias. Ticks and aphids suck sap from the plant, as a result of which it loses its decorative effect and slows down its growth and development. To combat aphids, Karbofos or Actellic is used, while 2 or 3 treatments are needed with a break of 1–1.5 weeks. And to combat ticks, a tool such as Derris, Decis or other insectoacaricides is used. If infected with nematodes, the plant will have to be thrown out, since you cannot get rid of them. You can find out that begonia is infected with nematodes by discolored leaf platinum and by influxes on the root system.

Begonia is susceptible to diseases such as gray rot, black root rot, botrytis, powdery mildew or downy mildew. Fundazol, Quadris, Bordeaux liquid, Skor or another remedy of similar action will help to cure the plant. Also, this plant is susceptible to infection and incurable viral or bacterial diseases, for example: bacterial wilting, cucumber mosaic, tomato spot. The infected instance must be destroyed.

Sometimes it happens that the leaf plates begin to dry out. The reason for this is that the air in the room is too warm and dry, as well as excessively poor watering. In this case, the begonias should be watered and placed in a cool place, while the pot should be placed on an inverted tray (see details above).

Begonia turns yellow

It happens that rings or spots of yellow color form on the surface of the leaf plates - this is a sign of infection of the plant with tomato spot or cucumber mosaic. Infected specimens should be destroyed. If the leaves turn yellow and droop, then the reason for this is that the plant is too cold, and the soil contains too much water. Wait for the potted medium to dry well, and then move the flower to a warm place.

The main types and varieties of begonias with photos

There is currently no single classification of begonias. However, in the special literature one can come across conditional variants of dividing the species of a given plant, for example: into decorative-flowering and decorative-deciduous; they are also divided according to the type of the part of the plant located underground, into tuberous, rhizome and with a superficial root system; there are those who divide these species into the following groups - bushy, decorative deciduous and tuberous. However, today experts are increasingly resorting to the following classification:

• bushy with erect babmbuk-like stems;
• with flexible and thin drooping or creeping stems;
• with rhizome rather thick lying or lodging stems;
• species that are the ancestors of flowering hybrid begonias.

However, for home floriculture, such a classification is more convenient:

• decorative flowering indoor plants;
• decorative deciduous indoor plants;
• decorative flowering pot plants.

Below will be presented the names of the species of such a plant, which are most popular in home floriculture, with their descriptions, as well as with common varieties.

Leafy (deciduous) begonia

The homeland of such a flower is East India. It is considered one of the most beautiful. Breeders have used this species to create a variety of decorative leafy varieties, as well as hybrid forms. The plant has a thickened rhizome, and its spectacular large leaf plates are bare or slightly pubescent, reaching 20 centimeters in width and 30 centimeters in length. Their heart-shaped shape is asymmetrical, their edge is unevenly serrated or wavy. The color of the leaves can be brown-bronze, raspberry-velvety or violet-red, sometimes specks of silver or purple-red color can be seen on their surface. There are hybrid forms, the leaf plates of which are almost black, and crimson specks are located on their surface. During flowering, pink flowers appear, which are not of particular decorative value.

Popular varieties:

1. Cartagena- oval leaf plates, which are wrapped in a shell, are colored dark green. The central part of the leaf is dark brown, but with age it changes its color to plum. On the green part of the leaf plate there are specks of a silvery color with a light pink glow.
2. Silver Greenhart- leaf plates of a silver color have an oblique heart-shaped shape, they also have a green-emerald border with small dots of a silver color.
3. Chocolite Cream- the leaf plate is spiral-twisted and its central part is painted in a rich plum color. The rest of the leaf has a silvery color with a pinkish tint.
4. Evening Glow- the leaf plates are of medium size, and their central part is painted in a rich crimson color. From the center, along a part of the crimson leaf, veins of a brownish-green color diverge. The leaves have a crimson edge.
5. Hallelujah- has large leaves, which are spirally twisted at the petioles. They are colored light purple with a silvery sheen. The central part and the edge of the cherry-colored leaves, while between them there is a fairly wide strip of saturated green color, on the surface of which there is a huge number of silvery small spots.

In addition to the varieties mentioned above, growers also grow others. For example, the following varieties and hybrid forms are very popular: Pearl de Paris, Regal Minuet, Silver Corcscrew, Black Fang, November Frost, Lilian, Red Tengo, Titica, Benitochiba, Dewdrop, Sharm, etc.

The homeland of this plant is Mexico. The bush is low (no more than 25 centimeters), has creeping shoots and leaf plates of a pale green color, on the edge of which there are specks of brown or black. On the seamy side of the leaves is pubescence. Unremarkable pale pink flowers are part of loose drooping inflorescences. This species is rarely seen in the wild. Thanks to specialists, a large number of very beautiful varieties were born.

The most popular are:

1. Tiger- creeping shoots can be no more than 10 centimeters high. On the surface of the velvety leaves there is a bronze pattern, along the veins there is a strip of brown color. There are specks on the surface of the light red petioles.
2. Cleopatra- on the surface of these leaf plates there are hairs of a light color, and they are able to change their color when changing lighting. The seamy side of the burgundy or red leaves.

Such begonia is semi-shrub, and its homeland is the tropical forests of Brazil. At home, the plant can grow up to 100 centimeters in height. Possesses bamboo, erect and naked shoots. Oblong ovoid leaf plates have a serrated edge. They can be up to 20 centimeters long and 7 centimeters wide. On the surface of the dark green front side of the leaves there are small spots of a silvery color, while the back side is pale green in color. Peduncles are coral in color. They bear flowers, which are part of the inflorescences in the form of a brush. Popular varieties:

1. Alfalfa- large green leaf plates have a jagged edge, there are silver spots on their front side, and the seamy side has a red color.
2. President Carnot- Thyroid leaf plates at the base are dissected, and their edge is weakly serrated. The leaves are 30 centimeters long and 15 centimeters wide. They are colored green and have whitish specks on the surface.

This begonia is one of the oldest home flowers. Her homeland is Mexico. The creeping shoot is about 4 centimeters thick. Large, finger-dissected leaf plates are placed on greenish-yellow petioles. In length, the leaves do not exceed 35 centimeters, there is a clearly visible venation. Pinkish-green flowers are part of loose, brush-shaped inflorescences. Flowering begins in February.

In addition to these species, florists are popular: striped, metal, Bover, yellow, shiny, Mason, hogweed, white-point, red-leaved, Limming, imperial, etc.

Decorative blooming begonia

The height of a compact bushy bush does not exceed 60 centimeters. In a young plant, the stems are erect, but over time they take an ampelous or semi-ampelous form. Rounded leaf plates have slight pubescence along the edge, and they reach 6 centimeters in length. They can be painted in dark or pale green, and they can also be found with a reddish tint. Small (about 25 mm in diameter) flowers, double or simple, can be painted pink, white or red. They are part of inflorescences that are short-lived. The opened flowers do not delight with their beauty for long and soon fade, but they are very quickly replaced by new ones. With proper care, good lighting and regular feeding, such begonia can bloom in the winter. Popular varieties:

1. Gustav in Knaak- the height of the spreading bush can reach about 30 centimeters. Green leaf plates have a red border. The diameter of carmine flowers is about 3 centimeters, and they are part of the inflorescences.
2. Carmen- on a medium-sized bush there are brown leaf plates with anthocyanin. There are also many pink flowers.
3. Ambergris- the height of the bush does not exceed 15 centimeters, the leaf plates are brown, and the diameter of pink flowers is not more than 3 centimeters.
4. Bicol- the height of the bush reaches 14 centimeters. The leaves are green, and the white flowers have a light pink border.
5. Orania- a small bush, the height of which is about 16 centimeters. Green leaf plates have a red border. The flowers are reddish-orange.

And flower growers prefer to grow varieties of this type such as: Bella, Rozanova, Linda, Othello, Teikher, Leila, Lucifer, Scarletta, Albert Martin, Ball Red, Kate Teikher, etc.

This hybrid form is considered the most spectacular and has the most abundant flowering. Among domestic begonias, such a plant is a favorite. The height of the bush does not exceed 40 centimeters. Shoots are thick, fleshy, the shape of alternate leaf plates is cordate. The length of the leaves is about 8 centimeters, while their edge is indented. The front side of the leaves is shiny, saturated green color, and the back side is matte and painted in a light green color. The flowers are part of the inflorescences and have long peduncles. Popular varieties:

1. Schwabenland- on a tall, abundantly flowering bush there are many small rich red flowers.
2. Renaissance- on a tall bush there are double flowers, the red petals of which are corrugated.
3. Louise- flowers are painted in a pale cream color, have a light pink tint.
4. Piccor- on a low bush there are deep pink flowers that are double.
5. the Rose- double flowers have a dark pink color.

Also popular among flower growers are such varieties as: Kyoto, Goldfinger, Azotus, Berlin, Sharlach, Cleo, Annbel, Bellona, ​​etc.

Often this species is grown as a garden flower or is used to decorate balconies and terraces. Such a flower has drooping stems that descend in cascades, and a large number of flowers are located on them. To grow such plants, baskets, pots or pots are used. Flowers can be double, double, semi-double, as well as simple, and they are painted in red, yellow, white, pink, orange, as well as in various combinations of these color shades. Flowers can be large, medium and small. Popular varieties:

1. Gail- on a sprawling bush there are hanging long (about 30 centimeters) stems, in the upper part of which there are pointed green leaf plates with a jagged edge. Light pink semi-double flowers in diameter can reach 3 centimeters.
2. Christie- a sprawling bush consists of rather fragile hanging stems, which do not exceed 40 centimeters in length. The diameter of the double flowers is 4 centimeters, and they are painted white.
3. Roxanne- a small bush consists of hanging stems, the length of which does not exceed 40 centimeters. Terry flowers of four centimeters in diameter are colored orange.
4. Kati- a sprawling bush consists of relatively fragile stems, the length of which is about 30 centimeters. The diameter of the yellow semi-double flowers is 3.5 centimeters.

The most popular hybrid varieties of decorative flowering begonias

1. Harlequin- the height of the spreading bush is up to 25 centimeters, the leaf plates are green, and the large (12 centimeters in diameter) double flowers are yellow and have red edges.
2. Gold Dress- the height of a semi-spreading bush is about 25 centimeters. The leaf plates are pale green. Densely double pink flowers are rather large (diameter 20 centimeters) and are yellow.
3. Duck Red- the sprawling bush reaches a height of no more than 16 centimeters. The leaves are deep green, and the peony double flowers are dark red. The diameter of the flowers is about 10 centimeters, while the petals are quite wide.
4. Camellia Flora- a small bush has a height of about 25 centimeters. The leaf plates are green. Large (about 12 centimeters in diameter) camellia flowers are pink in color, and their petals, which have whitish edges, are tiled.
5. Crispa Marginata- the height of the bush is about 15 centimeters. The folded leaf plates are green and have thin purple ropes. Large (about 12 centimeters in diameter) wide-oval flowers are white and have a deep red border. The lateral petals are wavy and strongly corrugated.
6. Amy Jean Bard- the height of the bush is no more than 12 centimeters. Green leaf plates are small. The inflorescence contains 5 small (about 3 centimeters in diameter) double flowers with an orange color.
7. Dayana Vinyard- the height of a small bush is about 20 centimeters. The leaves are pale green. Large (diameter about 20 centimeters) densely double flowers are white in color, as well as wavy folded petals.
8. Marmorata- the height of a semi-spreading bush is about 20 centimeters. Terry large (about 12 centimeters in diameter) flowers are painted in a scarlet hue, and there are whitish streaks on their surface.
9. Feyerflamme- the height of the bush does not exceed 20 centimeters. The leaf plates are green and the veins are crimson. Small (about 3 centimeters in diameter) semi-double flowers have a pinkish-orange color.

rastenievod.com

Feature and Description

- this is a fairly tall, spreading bush. The leaves are smooth and shiny, dark green with white or gray dots on top, have an irregular shape: oblong, rounded, heart-shaped with an oblique center.
The underside of the leaves is reddish.
The flowers are white and light pink, of a beautiful unusual shape. They are located on a drooping pedicel hanging down and collected in small inflorescences.

Home care

Landing

They are planted in spring, at the beginning of March, as the best growth occurs during this period.

Priming

The soil is mixed from different parts of peat, sand, turf, leafy ground. The substrate should be loose and light.

A foam or pumice stone is placed at the bottom of the pot to absorb excess moisture.

Pot selection

The pot should be spacious and medium in size.

Watering

She loves soft humid indoor air. But you should not spray the leaves and flowers, in order to avoid darkening or rotting of the leaves.

Light mode

Spotted prefers bright light. Direct sunlight should be avoided, the light should be diffused. If the room lacks natural light, then you can turn on fluorescent lamps.

Pruning

In order for the bush to be lush and beautiful, the top of the plant must be pinched. In order for the leaves to be large, the buds can be torn off. Older plants are rejuvenated by pruning, which is done every 3 or 4 years.

Dead leaves and flowers are promptly removed so that there is no root decay.

Thermal conditions

The optimum air temperature in the room corresponds to the interval from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius in summer and not lower than 16 degrees Celsius in winter.

The plant is grown in a house or greenhouse; it is not suitable for planting outdoors. Also, hypothermia of the roots should not be allowed, so they need to be insulated. For insulation, foam and synthetic winterizer are well suited.

Reproduction

They reproduce with the help leaf and stem cuttings, as well as by dividing the bush. Cuttings of leaves are dropped into damp ground, then transplanted into a pot. Stem cuttings are placed in water, which is periodically replaced with fresh water until roots appear.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with a special dressing for ornamental flowering plants, which is applied 1-2 times a month from the beginning of March to the end of October.

Transfer

Transplanted every year, at least once every two years.

Features of winter care

In winter there is no rest period. It is watered in moderation. In the spring, they are transplanted into a new substrate.

Pests and diseases

Begonia can be affected gray rot. Often occurs in high humidity and low light conditions in the room.

Often on the leaves may appear fungal mildew and powdery mildew.

Common pests: spider mites and aphids.

Control methods and treatment

Affected pests or diseased leaves removed, and the trimmed areas are treated with a fungicide.

Solution helps from powdery mildew colloidal sulfur, which the plant is sprayed with.
With the help of insecticides, they fight aphids and spider mites.

Care begonia is an unpretentious plant. It can bloom all year round under optimal conditions. At home, the plant restores a calm atmosphere and is also used for medicinal purposes. for the treatment of headaches, conjunctivitis, stomach ulcers.

Photo

selo.guru

Description, area of ​​distribution, natural habitat

The genus begonia is a herbaceous plant, although in some bushy varieties the stem will become lignified. Differs in a variety of external appearance - in nature there are species ranging in size from 4–5 cm to 4 m.

As a greenhouse and garden flower, begonia is distributed throughout the world, although the birthplace of plants is three centers with a tropical and subtropical climate:

• Brazilian (Amazon basin);
• South-East Asian (Indonesia, Malaysia, Indochina);
• Central African.

The natural habitat determines the requirements for environmental conditions. These are shade-loving, moisture-loving plants that prefer diffused light, slightly acidic, light, loose soils. They tolerate high air temperatures without problems, but do not like excess moisture.

It is interesting! Begonia came to Russia during the Peter the Great era. Several specimens are listed in the list of tropical plants that arrived from Holland in 1717. Today, the largest collections grow in the Botanical Gardens of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk.

Classification

It is not easy for a novice florist to understand the complex "kinship" ties of the begonia family, especially since there is no single, generally accepted classification of plants. Based on the appearance of begonias, features of use in floriculture, the following types are distinguished.

• decorative deciduous indoor;
• decorative and flowering indoor;
• decorative and flowering garden.

The European classification is based on the mode of reproduction and general biological characteristics. There are 9 groups of plants, the most famous of which are:

• Caine begonias and shrubs are reed or bushy, with an erect stem, beautiful leaves, fragrant flowers. They can grow up to 2 m in height. The vivid representatives of the species are spotted and coral begonia.
• Royal and rhizome (rhizome) are herbaceous species with a thick fleshy stem, openwork multi-colored leaves, a creeping rhizome - the main organ of vegetative propagation.
• Ever-flowering - small bushes with "waxy" leaves and bright flowers of all warm shades of the rainbow. Cultivated as an annual garden plant.
• Tuberose or tuberous is an unpretentious flowering form with large double flowers. There are ampelous varieties.

Popular decorative leafy begonias

Indoor deciduous begonia is represented by a group of plants, the main decoration of which is leaves of the most diverse shapes and incredible colors. There are rounded, carved, heart-shaped snail outlines. In texture - smooth, velvety, pimply, covered with "cilia". The color range - from silvery to almost black tones with all kinds of blotches, streaks, spots.

We bring to your attention a description of the popular decorative deciduous varieties of begonias and their names with a photo.

Note! Decorating the interior, the flower is also beneficial. It has phytoncidal properties: it suppresses pathogenic microorganisms, mold spores cleans the air from dust, toxins, and chemical contaminants.

One of the most recognizable species is the compact Begonia masoniana with large pimpled green leaves adorned with a burgundy spot that resembles a stylized Maltese cross. The shape of the leaf plate is asymmetric, heart-shaped, pointed at the apex. The rhizome is thickened, creeping, drooping with many hairs. Leaves on elongated cuttings form a lush bush, hanging beautifully along the walls of the pots. The usual size of Mason's begonias is 20-30 cm, in good conditions it grows up to half a meter in height. Small creamy flowers on a long panicle are rather inconspicuous. Often the peduncle is removed, since it does not represent decorative value, but only enhances the outflow of nutrients from the soil.

The plant loves cool temperatures, humid air, diffused light. In the sun, the leaves brighten, losing their rich palette and contrast effect. Propagated vegetatively - with the help of stem and leaf cuttings.

A miniature houseplant up to 10 cm high with attractively unusual tiger-colored leaves. The leaf plate has a velvety texture, heart-shaped with rounded edges that overlap each other at the handle. The color is unusual and spectacular - against a dark background, green spots with a bronze tint and clearly traced veins stand out, the edge is framed with short whitish "cilia". Fleshy rhizome and leafy cuttings have a reddish tint, covered with spots. In the spring, cream or light pink clusters of flowers on elongated peduncles appear directly from the rhizome.

Begonia Bauer is the collective name for a whole group of decorative leafy varieties and hybrids obtained from the Mexican progenitor. On hearing the names of cultivators from Begonia bowerae - Tiger, Nigramarga, Cleopatra. Plants differ in the degree of openwork of the leaf, the saturation of its background, color, and the shape of the strokes. Propagated by dividing rhizomes (rhizomes) and leafy cuttings.

Collar begonia

Another representative of the Mexican subtropics is collar begonia (cuffed). An unpretentious medium-sized plant with large light green burdock leaves up to 30 cm in diameter on long cuttings. Forms a gorgeous spreading bush. The edge of the leaf plate is slightly indented, pubescent with villi, from above - smooth, monochromatic, from below - hairy. The name of the species was given by a thick fringe of reddish hairs encircling the stalk at the junction with the leaf in the form of a cuff (collar). In spring, 2–3 long peduncles (up to 60 cm) with small openwork inflorescences of pink shades grow from a thick lodging rhizome.

From this species came a decorative hybrid of Crisp with a glossy leaf and a spectacular curly edge.

A well-known hybrid of the rhizome species Begonia bowerae. A characteristic feature - ornamental leaves resembling maple, top - from dark green to olive, bottom - burgundy. Leafy cuttings are long, fleshy, abundantly pubescent, grow from a basal rosette and form a bush up to 30 cm high.In winter (January - February), Cleopatra begonia throws out fragile peduncles with delicate clusters of flowers - white with a pink tint.

The plant is thermophilic, prefers diffused light, moderate watering, unpretentious care. As it grows, the bush grows old and loses its attractiveness. Therefore, an indispensable element of cultivation is rejuvenation by dividing the rhizome or rooting of leaf cuttings.

The second name of the decorative leafy hybrid is Fista. It has a shortened creeping stem with thin long cuttings and neat leaves of a rounded, slightly sloping shape. The surface of the plate is dense, glossy, dark green, the reverse side is red with distinctly carved light veins. Red-leaved begonia blooms from December to summer. The flowers are rare, pale pink, with a velvety texture, collected in loose openwork inflorescences.

With proper care, it gives a lush dense bush with juicy bright leaves, looks good in pots and flowerpots, and is used for vertical gardening.

Traditional, widespread in home floriculture species. Large leaves of a finger-dissected form with a serrated edge and an arrow-shaped base are located on long pubescent cuttings. The leaf plate is colored evenly with silvery-green veins, but the color saturation depends on the degree of illumination. In dissolution, the leaves are reddish; as they grow, they turn green. The thick creeping rhizome resembles a ball of whimsically wriggling snakes. Due to the overhang of the stem, the hogweed begonia acquires a semi-ampelous shape. The inflorescences are rather large, but do not evoke decorative interest.

The plant is unpretentious in care, shade-loving, tolerates both high temperatures and coolness, prefers moderate watering. Reproduction methods are vegetative.

The plant belongs to bush or reed begonias. The main difference from rhizome varieties is an erect stem that can grow up to several meters. The leaves are very showy, elongated, on short cuttings. The asymmetrical oval shape with a pointed tip resembles an "angel's wing" - this is an outdated name for the species. The dense glossy surface of a rich green leaf is mottled with round silvery specks, on the reverse side it is reddish.

Spotted begonia is interesting during flowering, which lasts all year round. Large pink and white buds are collected in panicle inflorescences, smell nice. As an ornamental flowering plant, begonia is photophilous, needs warmth, moderate humidity.

Another representative of decorative flowering begonias with erect (reed) stems, forming a bush up to 2 m high. The leaves are large, oval, slightly asymmetrical in shape with a wavy edge, a pointed top, a rounded-wedge-shaped base. The outer side of the leaf plate is green with light spots and textured veins, the reverse is red.

In January - February, the begonia of Lucerne throws out many peduncles, on which large pink buds open. The hybrid was obtained in breeding with coral begonia and is similar to it, especially during the flowering period, which lasts until June. The plant lends itself well to forming by pruning. Propagated by seeds, leafy cuttings.

Florists are happy to collect begonias. Most species are unassuming to care for, grow and reproduce quickly. And the choice is such that you can collect a collection all your life!

Spotted begonia maculata is a bright representative of ornamental deciduous plants, which, in addition, have beautiful inflorescences. This kind of begonia is not very convenient to grow on a windowsill, since it grows decently in height. A flower pot will decorate a closed balcony or draw attention to the bright corners of the house.

Description of the appearance of begonia

The flower grows in the form of a bush, has large (larger than a palm) leaves of a rich green color interspersed - hence the name of begonia. Young leaves are colored light green, but when they grow, the color darkens. The shape of the leaf is uneven, round-elongated, a bit like a heart. The reverse side is red. If you touch the sheet, you get the impression that it is wet or painted with oil paint.

This type of begonia blooms almost all year round. Large inflorescences hang in clusters (like grapes), and the flowers themselves are small - white or pale pink.

Growing spotted begonia

The begonias planted in early spring take root best. You need to choose an average flowerpot for a flower, spacious enough. The plant loves light soil, so they use mixed soil:

• leafy land;
• turf;
• sand.

When planting begonias on the bottom of the flowerpot, be sure to lay pieces of foam or sprinkle expanded clay to create a drainage layer.

The plant is light-loving, however, under the influence of direct sunlight, burn spots appear on the leaves. Therefore, it is better to choose a place for it with diffused lighting. If it is not possible to provide natural lighting (for example, the apartment is located on the north side of the house), the begonia must be additionally highlighted. With a lack of sun, the plant may stop blooming, and the leaves will lose their rich color.
Spotted begonia is very fond of water, so it needs to be watered often and well. At the same time, make sure that the water does not stagnate in the pan. With the onset of winter, watering is reduced - it is enough to simply maintain moderate humidity, preventing the soil from completely drying out.

It is impossible to spray spotted begonia, otherwise the leaves will darken and the process of decay may begin.

Since the spotted one is afraid of low temperatures and drafts, it is grown only indoors. The comfortable temperature for keeping it in the summer is 25 degrees Celsius, and in winter - at least 17 degrees.
To stimulate development, the shrub is fed with special fertilizers for ornamental plants that bloom. Top dressing is best done starting in spring and ending in autumn no more than once (maximum two) times a month.

Pruning and breeding begonias

To stimulate the growth of lateral shoots and the formation of a beautiful bush, the top of the plant must be cut off. Since begonia blooms on young shoots, every 3-4 years it is rejuvenated - maximum pruning is carried out.

If the fact of flowering is not so important, but there is a desire for large leaves, you can break the buds to redirect the power of begonias to the growth of the leaves.

The cuttings and leaves remaining after the rejuvenation of begonia can be planted to obtain new plants. Begonia also reproduces by dividing the bush.

Video on how to root a begonia leaf in water