How to care for tiger begonia at home?


Choosing a houseplant is an entertaining activity for indoor plant lovers.

A real hostess knows how difficult it is to piece together the details and fit them into the setting, creating their own interior design.

Therefore, if a woman looks at the color catalog for a long time, chooses wallpaper, curtains or other interior items, do not distract her. She creates comfort.

It is much more useful if the hostess pays attention to the right things: she does not pursue fashion, but makes sure that the house is beautiful and clean.

Potted flowers can tell a lot about their owner. Some choose them according to the description of magical properties, others - to their taste.

There are women who drag home every plant they like, trying to ensure its comfort.

Tiger begonia will not leave indifferent any mistress. It is so catchy and unusual that it will not let you pass by.

Everyone will find something of their own in her: she is special, glamorous, with character. Women breed different types of begonias to decorate their interior.

Tiger begonia: care and reproduction

Tiger begonia, or Bauer's begonia, is an indoor ornamental plant that attracts the attention of flower growers with its exquisite beauty, undemanding care and compactness of the bush. It is part of the popular genus of begonias, which has about two thousand varieties, differing in the color of the leaves, their shape and colors.

The tiger begonia flower is a plant with a branching erect stem. The sheets are heart-shaped, slightly beveled, with fine-toothed cusps on the edge. The length of the leaves is about eight centimeters. Their upper lobe is colored in a brownish-olive color; closer to the edge it acquires a greenish color with small specks.

Tiger begonia has white flowers that gather in inflorescences. They grow straight from the root. The rhizome is located on the surface of the earth. Flowering occurs in winter. Tiger begonia, the photo of which you see below, is a miniature, low-growing plant no more than thirty-five centimeters high. The flower looks great on a windowsill in a ceramic planter.

Animal-colored flower

Among begonias, you can find annual and perennial grasses, shrubs or dwarf shrubs. Tiger begonia belongs to the group of decorative leafy begonias... Tiger begonia (Bauer's begonia) (lat.Begonia tiger paws, Begonia bowerae) is an ornamental houseplant with a heart-shaped leaf, medium-sized leaves with jagged edges, the pattern consists of bright green spots on a dark green background.

The plant does not have an aerial stem, so long hanging leaves grow from the root. The maximum height is 30 cm. For flowering, it produces a long stem on which white flowers bloom. Blooms usually in winter. Tiger begonia is native to the rainforests of Mexico and America.

More nuances about tiger begonia, or as it is also called - Tiger, can be found in our material.

Tiger begonia: home care

Florists attribute begonia to unpretentious plants, besides, it multiplies easily. Very quickly, it turns into a beautiful bush with unusual leaves.Nevertheless, you must follow some simple rules if you want tiger begonia to decorate your windowsill. Caring for her involves replanting every two years in a larger flat pot. And that's not it.

It is necessary to carefully consider the choice of soil, which should include:

All components must be taken in equal parts, mixed well and placed in a small pot. The stalk is buried halfway into the ground. If you have a larger pot, then you can plant several cuttings in it. Since tiger begonia has creeping rhizomes and the bush grows wide, choose wide, not tall pots for it.

This is an amazing plant that prefers the middle ground in light mode. Therefore, it must be placed on the southwest or southeast windows. It must be borne in mind that the plant does not tolerate direct sunlight at all; it requires diffused lighting.

The benefits and harms of a houseplant

Every living being on the planet has a certain energy.

Let's figure out what a begonia is, what its character is:

  • The plant is often placed in offices and offices, it is believed that it promotes relaxation, relieves stress.
  • Another important property: begonia eliminates anxiety and anxiety, increasing performance. This makes it indispensable: place a flower on your desktop.
  • The variegated flower has a kind character, its presence helps to relieve stress, improve mood. It will facilitate complex business negotiations and help family members find a common language.
  • A decoction of begonia is used to treat alcoholism. He dislikes alcohol. A secret treatment is possible when a person is dosed with a decoction into drinks. But it is better not to experiment, but to test for a possible allergic reaction and treat the disease openly, with the patient's permission.
  • Experts believe that the plant works like an energy conditioner. It passes energy through itself, releasing only positive energy. Negative - the plant feeds, absorbing it along with carbon dioxide.
  • The flower is useful for melancholic, sensitive and vulnerable people. It is good to give it to a person suffering from an emotional or mental disorder. She resists the development of depression, drawing out all the negativity. A depressed person can simply be placed in a room full of flowers of this variety for a day, the result will pleasantly surprise you.

Temperature regime

Tiger begonia loves warmth, in the room where the flower is located, the air temperature should not be lower than +18 ° C. The begonia bloom cannot be called very beautiful, but if you want to see it, then you need to maintain a higher air temperature.

Tiger begonia does not tolerate spraying, but at the same time it loves high humidity. A tray with raw moss should be placed under the pot, and a container with wet expanded clay or water, placed next to the plant, will provide it with the necessary moisture.

Growing difficulties

Like any other plant, tiger begonia can suffer from diseases or the appearance of pests if the rules for its maintenance are violated.

Important! At the first suspicion of infection, it is worth separating the plant from other flowers.

Diseases

If you do not monitor the microclimate in the room where the flowers stand, then there is a risk of provoking a disease. The most common diseases of begonia include:

  • powdery mildew. You can recognize the ailment by the characteristic white-brown spots, which spread in short lines along the leaf plate. And high temperature and low humidity lead to their appearance. The following preparations "Fitosporin-M", "Alirin-B" (in the early stages) and "Topaz" will help to get rid of powdery mildew;

    Powdery mildew

  • gray rot. This disease is caused by excess moisture in the air and soil.Rot appears as small gray specks that are sticky to the touch. Very soon, the disease affects all large areas of leaves and stems. The plant can be saved only by improving the climatic conditions. The affected areas of the flower must be removed, and the remaining are treated with a 0.1% solution of "Euparen" or "Fundazole".

Did you know? Begonia is the symbol of North Korea. Her image can be seen on the coat of arms.

Pests

The pests most often found on begonias include:

  • greenhouse aphids. These small (up to 2.5 mm) insects of green or yellow color live on the lower part of the leaf, they draw juices from the plant. Their long-term parasitism on the flower leads to its wilting and death. Aphids pollute the leaf, leaving sugary traces on it. Spraying with a 2-4% solution of laundry soap or 0.1% Aktelikom will help to get rid of the pest;

    Spotted greenhouse aphid

  • soft false shield. Insects with tan backs can be found on all parts of the plant. They leave behind a dark coating. To get rid of pests, take a soft brush (you can use a toothbrush for convenience) and an infusion of garlic (10 grams per 1 liter of water). In this way, clean off insects, their traces, and then wash them with a solution. Such treatments should be carried out every 2-3 weeks;

    False shield

  • greenhouse thrips. The insect often infects begonias, not only sucking out vital juices, but also multiplying on the leaves, flower tubers, in the soil. To get rid of these dark brown pests and their yellowish larvae, washing the plant with a solution of celandine (100 g per 1 liter of water) or 0.1% benzophosphate solution will help. The procedure must be repeated at least once a week.

Watering and feeding

Tiger begonia grows actively in the spring and summer. At this time, she needs uniform and moderate watering with soft water. But it is necessary to moisten the soil only after the soil in the pot is dry.

In winter, begonia enters a dormant state. Watering it in a cool room should be very careful and limited. The soil in the pot should not be waterlogged or too dry.

In summer and spring, during the active growth of the plant, fertilizing with complex fertilizers is necessary. From March to October, the begonia needs to be fertilized every week. In winter, this procedure is performed every six weeks. In the cold season, the soil should be warm, so water for irrigation at this time is desirable a little warmer than room temperature.

Growing a tiger indoor plant

The tiger begonia variety is very unpretentious and easy to reproduce. It grows quickly, and after a very short time, a lush charming bush grows from a small sprout.

Reproduction

Flower propagation can be done in several ways: apical and leafy cuttings, parts of the root system and seeds. When propagated by roots, rhizomes are planted in low flowerpots with a suitable substrate. It is advised to remove the tops of growth from the planting material. After good rooting, you can start to divide. The rooted part is separated, then transplanted into a separate container, previously filled with soil.

The pot with the new plant is covered with a foil with small holes for ventilation.

You can cut begonias at any time of the spring-summer period. To propagate a flower in this way, the following manipulations should be performed:

  1. Choose a healthy, full-fledged leaf with a small part of a leafy cutting (about 5 cm).
  2. A planting container is needed with a diameter of 7 cm, or several seedlings are planted in a large flowerpot at once.
  3. Prepare a substrate for a young flower, which should include a mixture of wet peat, perlite and coarse sand.
  4. Half of the cuttings are immersed in prepared soil.
  5. The flowerpot with the sprout is placed in a plastic bag, in which it is imperative to make small holes for the passage of air.
  6. The pot is transferred to a suitable place with an ambient temperature of at least 17 ° C.

After 1-1.5 months, young shoots can be expected to appear. After another month, you can separate the sprouts and place them in separate containers one at a time.

Planting and transplanting

The most important factor in planting is the correct choice of soil. Experienced flower growers recommend preparing pot filler yourself. The soil should contain the following components:

  • leaf or garden land - two parts;
  • peat - one part;
  • coarse sand - one part;
  • compost - one piece.

If it is not possible to prepare the soil with your own hands, you can purchase a ready-made substrate at a flower shop. The acidity of such a filler should be in the range of 5.5-6.5 pH.

Young begonia needs a yearly transplant. This is done preferably in the spring. A flowerpot should be selected more than the previous one. Adult crops are transplanted every two years. If you do not carry out such a procedure, the plant loses its decorative effect and takes on a painful appearance.

After transplanting, it is advised to cut off the leaves so that the nutrients can enter the root system as much as possible. This procedure promotes better rooting. After transplanting, the flower should be placed in a shaded area for several days.

With regular replanting with complete soil replacement, you can reduce the amount of fertilizer, or completely eliminate them.

Reproduction

Tiger begonia propagates from particles of rhizomes and cuttings. You can use the top of the shoot as a cutting, but a single leaf with a cutting of at least five centimeters will do. Begonia propagation can be done at any time, usually in spring or summer.

Cut a healthy leaf from an adult plant with a five-centimeter piece of cutting and submerge it halfway in the same soil as you prepared for an adult plant. Place the pot in a plastic bag with ventilation holes and place it in a room with a temperature of at least + 17 ° C.

A leafy cutting is usually planted in a small pot with a diameter of no more than seven centimeters. After a month, maximum one and a half, you will see young sprouts emerging from the cuttings. And after a month they can be planted in separate pots.

Rhizomes should be planted in low pots. The tops of growth are cut off from them. After the rhizomes take root, the plant is divided. The rooted part is separated from it and planted in another container for flowers. The pot is covered with cellophane with holes for ventilation.

Signs and superstitions

Tiger begonia has long settled in the houses and apartments of flower growers, and not only. This plant has managed to acquire various superstitions:

  • believed to bring happiness to the family;
  • helps single people find love;
  • attracts money to the house;
  • is able to predict the future: if the plant withers, this is a bad omen;
  • fast growing, healthy begonia indicates good luck and well-being in the home;
  • flowers that suddenly appeared on a plant are a sign of an upcoming replenishment in the family.

Check out indoor plants such as red-leaved begonia, cleopatra begonia, mason begonia, coral begonia and ever-flowering begonia.

Bauer will be a wonderful decoration for any home. This original flower does not take up much space on the windowsill, does not require careful maintenance, and is also capable of bringing good luck and prosperity (if you believe the signs).

Diseases and pests

Like most houseplants, begonias should be protected from pests and diseases. We will tell you about the most dangerous of them.

These pests cause great harm to begonias. Insects settle on young stems and peduncles. If found, wash off with soapy water.If the damage is too severe, then you will need insecticidal preparations to fight.

If you see fluffy lumps on begonia leaves, these are felt. Pests should be removed with a cotton swab or napkin dipped in any insecticidal preparation diluted with water in equal proportions 1: 1. If that doesn't work, treat the leaves with a neat insecticide.

If your flower is weakened, has spongy wet rhizomes, which are covered with gray mold, this means that it has been affected by root rot. In this case, it is necessary to reduce watering and provide it with the required air temperature in the room.

Today we have presented you a very beautiful and at the same time completely unpretentious indoor flower. Bauer's begonia is indeed a very spectacular plant that can decorate any interior. Caring for it is simple, even novice indoor plant lovers will be able to cope with it, who will delight with the first experience of growing flowers with excellent results. That is why begonia is becoming more and more popular every year.

Useful video

In this video, you will learn more about caring for a plant:

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Begonia Bauer

acts as one of the most prominent representatives of the entire family of begonias. Its popularity and general appreciation among connoisseurs of indoor plants is achieved due to its ease of growing and attractive appearance. It can form as a hanging or ampelous plant.

Growing tiger begonias: photo of a flowerpot, home care

They gave me a huge begonia last year, with bright, elegant leaves. Naturally, I put it on the central, most lighted windowsill - let the whole yard admire!

Read also: Rodoghypoxis: species and cultivation - An easy matter

But after a while I realized that (before that striped) her leaves suddenly became darker, monotonous, and even with ugly yellow, drying spots. It became clear - I was tricky with the lighting, and maybe with the temperature of the pot. I had to go and surrender to a flower shop, asking for advice on how to grow such plants correctly ...

Botanical description and history of the houseplant

This very species-rich genus of the begonia family is distributed almost throughout the tropical and subtropical belt. The palm tree for the species diversity of begonias belongs to South America. Begonia is common throughout the tropical and subtropical belt. The largest number of begonias grows in South America.
The plant was named in honor of Begon, the governor of Haiti, a great lover and collector of plants, who organized scientific research in the Antilles in the 17th century. In 1950, a Mexican species of small-leaved begonia appeared - the Bauer begonia (Begonia bowerae).

One of the hybrids of this species is Cleopatra begonia. There are other names for this plant, for example, Boveri begonia.

The Cleopatra begonia has dark green, pointed to the end leaves, reminiscent of maple (read about maple begonia here), and a thin stem covered with hairs. Plant height can reach half a meter. This variety of begonias has its own characteristics:

  • depending on the lighting, the leaves can have different shades;
  • different color of leaves from different sides: green outside and red (sometimes burgundy) underneath;
  • light fine hairs covering the leaves.

Cleopatra has pink flowers gathered in a spreading inflorescence. The usual flowering period is January to February.

The plant represents the Begoniev family, one of the largest, which includes a wide variety of amazing varieties. It is also a common decorative flowering plant in the home interior. As a rule, they are used in landscaping offices, schools, kindergartens, libraries, apartment windows.

This amazing and colorful flower grows up to half a meter in height. The leaves are on a thin stem and grow from a basal rosette. Finger-shaped leaves with dark green color. Under different lighting angles, they take on different shades of color with a predominant green color. On the surface of the leaves is a layer of small white and gray hairs. It is this feature that distinguishes Cleopatra from other similar plants.

The plant belongs to the begonia family. In the wild, it is found everywhere in subtropical and tropical forests.

Did you know? Many begonias are edible tubers. They have a pleasant sweetish taste with a citrus tinge.

Begonia Cleopatra is a low-growing plant, reaching a maximum height of 30 cm. It belongs to herbaceous perennials. Shoots are collected in root rosettes. Stems are erect, covered with not too dense spines. The stem color is green-burgundy.

The leaf plates are heart-shaped, beveled, outwardly resembling maple leaves. The edges of the plates are split, decorated with teeth. The outer side of the leaf is colored dark green. The coloration may become lighter or darker as the plant moves relative to the light source. The underside of the leaf plate is painted red or burgundy.

The flowering phase begins in January and lasts about a month. Flowers are small, up to 2 cm in diameter, collected in an oblong spreading inflorescence. The petals are pink, hiding the yellow core.

The advantages of this decorative leafy plant

Tiger begonia, also known as Bauer's begonia, is a successful hybrid that has become popular thanks to its "animal" design on the leaves.

You can grow a plant like a regular flowerpot on a windowsill, as well as an ampelous flower.

The main plus of begonias is foliage: spotty-contrasting, heart-shaped, up to 8 cm in diameter, with denticles along the edge. The leaves grow on long petioles that are attached to a straight, branched stem up to 30 cm in length.

The bush also blooms, like this:

Some people do not like these flowers, and they pinch off the peduncles as soon as they see them appear, so that the flowers do not weaken the bush. Others, on the contrary, are delighted with these small "snowflakes" on the succulent leaves of the plant, so they generously feed their begonias so that more flowers will grow.

Varieties

Bauer's begonia has several subspecies:

Cleopatra

This variety is an ornamental plant. It has small buds, colored white or pink. They bloom from mid-winter to mid-summer.

The leaf blades can reach 15 centimeters in diameter. They resemble maple leaves in shape. They have a small fluffy bloom.

The leaves are colored green with a slight bronze sheen. If the flower constantly stands in an area with abundant lighting, then it will gradually change its color to light brown.

Cleopatra propagates by cuttings or rooted leaves. Sometimes the division of the rhizome or even the bush itself is used for this.

"Tiger"

In this type, the leaf plates are painted in a bronze-green color. Often this flower grows with large brown spots on the leaf blades. The leaves are small and oblique in shape. A strip of brown can be seen along all the veins. The stem of the plant grows branching and creeping.

Tiger

The shape of the leaves in this species is heart-shaped. Their edges are jagged. They are painted dark green. The pattern on the plates is presented in the form of large spots of a light green hue.

The aboveground stem is absent. The elongated leaf grows from the root system of the plant. The height of the entire bush can reach no more than 30 centimeters. In winter, a flowering stem grows. White flowers are formed on it.

"Major"

Such an ornamental plant has small leaves of a light green color. Their edges are painted in a darker shade. Small bright pink spots can be seen on them. This type blooms with pink small flowers.

Apple Pie

This species has small dark green leaves with double edges. On the leaf blades along the veins, stripes of a dark purple hue can be seen. Apple-pie blooms with white flowers.

Begonia Rhinestone Jeans

This variety is an ornamental small plant. The leaves are colored dark green with lighter edges. They have an elongated and slightly pointed shape.

Basic principles of flower care

  • Shine. Diffused light is the main condition for the formation of the correct pattern on the leaf plates of begonias. If possible, keep the pot on a southeast or southwest windowsill.
  • Temperature. The lowest temperature bar for a heat-loving plant is +18 degrees. The warmer it is in the room, the more flowers the flowerpot can grow.
  • Watering. In the summer, the flowerpot is watered when the soil in the pot dries up. In winter, watering is done even less often. Tap water, if you do not have high-quality filters, use only settled water (for at least a day, and in an open cup or jar). For watering, it must be warm, so if you stand on a cold balcony, warm it up. It is important to pour moisture exclusively onto the ground - the leaves and stem are afraid of water, so begonia is not sprayed.
  • Humidity. Both in summer heat and in winter (with dry air due to batteries), it is better to keep the plant on a tray with wet moss or expanded clay.
  • Food. From mid-spring to mid-autumn, the bush is pampered with a complex mineral fertilizer. It is diluted with water and poured into the soil after watering. Make sure that the food does not turn out to be too concentrated - when diluting, it is better to pour more water than less. The frequency of feeding is 1 time per 4 weeks.

Frequency of transplants: maximum once every 2 years, since this decorative culture is delicate and does not tolerate such a procedure very well. However, if the flowerpot is young, it is better to transplant it annually, otherwise the rapidly growing roots will become cramped in the pot. A transplant is carried out in the spring.

The best soil recipe: leafy, coniferous, sod land, humus and sand (in equal proportions).

Also, do not forget two points: first, put expanded clay on the bottom of the pot for drainage; secondly, do not fill the pot with soil to the very top - the roots will begin to grow, pushing out part of the earth, and your entire windowsill will be constantly dirty.

And so that the pot does not seem empty, lay sphagnum on top of the soil - you will get both a beautiful picture and additional safety (moss is a good antiseptic that protects the roots from rotting).

  • Pot: wide but not deep. The roots of the flower do not grow in depth, but in breadth. It is good if it is made of clay.
  • Transfer method: gentle handling.

When transplanting, it is recommended to cut off all the leaves (but I don’t do that) and put the flowerpot in the shade for a while to get rid of stress faster.

You will see the transfer of the flower step by step here:

Treatment and prevention

Diseases. The main "ailments" of Bauer's begonias are associated with stagnation of liquid near the roots or the ingress of water on the leaves.

  • Powdery mildew. In a liter of water, dilute 20 g of special green (but you can take pharmacy tar) soap and 2 g of copper sulfate. Spray the bush.
  • Gray rot. If with powdery mildew the bush is covered with whitish spots, then with gray rot - grayish. A solution of Bordeaux liquid can save your pet. The previous recipe (green soap, copper sulfate, water) is also suitable.
  • Root rot. If you dug a bush and saw that the roots are wet, covered with something grayish, the begonia can still be saved. Change the soil, put the pot in a warm place, and water it much less often than before.

Pests. Begonia is afraid of felts and aphids. A sick flowerpot needs to be oiled with an insecticide without delay.It is better to do this in the summer and on an open balcony (your family should not breathe such poison).

If it is winter outside and there are still few aphids, you can try to remove them manually (by dropping them with a cotton swab into the sink), and then treat the flowerpot with soapy water.

What other problems can you face?

  • The leaves turn yellow. Either the bush has little light, or you are watering it incorrectly.
  • The leaves first curl up, then fall off. Most likely, the flower is hot. Is he standing over a "breathing fire" radiator? Leaves may fall in a too dark room. And if they are rotten at the same time, you fill the flower.
  • The tips of the leaves dry up and turn brown. The air is very dry. Since the begonia must not be sprayed, keep it on a tray / sump with poured clay or moss, and away from the aforementioned radiator and other heaters that are on.
  • The leaves are pale and begin to rot. Overflow is taking place.

And if the bush is old and loses its decorative effect, it can be rejuvenated by removing part of the old trunk, as well as the root system. Here's how an experienced florist does it:

Landing

Soil preparation

Begonia loves a fairly fertile substrate. The best will be a composition of equal proportions of coniferous, turf, leafy soil, as well as sand and humus. You can buy a universal soil for indoor flowers, and add the described components in a small amount to it.

Important! Before planting a plant in new soil, make sure that the root system completely fills the old pot. For example, you can see roots growing into holes in the bottom of the pot.

It is better to avoid premature transplanting of the plant, due to the fact that the roots of begonia are very thin and delicate and easily damaged.

Caring for the roots

When planting begonia in new soil, 1 cm of expanded clay is placed on the bottom of the pot. On top of the soil, pieces of sphagnum are laid in a thin layer. These measures will prevent horses from rotting, since sphagnum is an excellent antiseptic that prevents the development of putrefactive bacteria.

A new pot for tiger begonias must be chosen a little more than the previous one, since a container that is too spacious will have a bad effect on growth.

Reproduction of tiger begonia

Can be used as a leaf with a 5-cm petiole, and the tip of the shoot.

The stalk is stuck into a moistened substrate (1 part of peat, perlite, humus and river, coarse sand), although some growers root begonias no less successfully in a glass of water mixed with Kornevin. If the pot is large, you can stick several branches into it at once.

Sprout the cuttings under the bag, warm. It should be removed in about 2 months. During this time, the kids will have time to take root, and they can be planted in their personal pots.

You can see propagation with a cuttings with your own eyes, as well as hear about common mistakes when growing and propagating begonias, here:

Separation of the rhizome (bush)

For such reproduction, an old begonia is suitable, the roots of which have grown quite widely. Part of the root must be carefully separated (it would be wise to rub the cuts with crushed coal so as not to infect them).

Read also: Growing a date palm from a stone at home: practical advice from experts

Put the delenka in a new pot. Cover the top of the pot with a piece of transparent glass or a bag, and then wait for the sprout to emerge from the soil.

This is the most unpopular way - it takes a lot of time and patience. Plus, you can't buy begonia seeds everywhere.

  • Tiger begonia is grown for beautiful leaves with contrasting colors. The flowerpot also blooms, but some people cut these flowers, believing that they spoil the beauty of the begonias.
  • It is worth growing a plant in a warm place, in bright, but indirect lighting (an exact hit of the sun's ray will end in a burn for the leaf). Begonia loves to be careful - you only need to water it on the ground, without getting on the leaves, you cannot spray it at all.
  • The easiest way to propagate a plant is by cutting.If the flowerpot is old and you are replanting it, you can plant a piece of rhizome - it will give life to a new begonia.

And if you liked Bauer's begonia, but you want to buy a couple of more ornamental deciduous plants of this species with it, there is plenty to choose from! This video will introduce you to the whole variety of begonias. Try not to admire!

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.

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 form. 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.

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 early summer. If the plant is carefully looked after, it can delight with pink flowers all year round.

When crossing coral begonias and Richards, they got the begonia alfalfa, 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. The 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 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 hue.

Red-leaved begonia

Begonia erythrophylla. The beautiful undisturbed foliage has an intense green color and an irregularly 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 stalks, tiny pink flowers bloom.

Metallic begonia

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 flowersthat 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.

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

Biological description and photo

This perennial plant is a small but rather lush bush that grows up to 25-30 cm in height. As a rule, tiger begonia produces a lot of leaves that completely cover the stems. This creates a pleasant effect of a kind of green pillow that attracts the eye and lifts the mood of its owner.

The foliage is small, up to 3-4 cm wide, although there are also larger species. The patterns are varied, always contain contrasting elements: alternating stripes, spots or a complex pattern in the form of symmetrical veins diverging from the center to the edges. The shape is round, ovoid, and sometimes complex: it resembles oak leaves.

Due to its peculiar color, the flower can be easily distinguished among dozens of other plant species. Even in the photo of the tiger begonia, you can see how it wins thanks to its peculiar pattern and contrasting transitions.

If you look closely at the leaves, many of them show small whitish hairs along the edges. Such fluff gives the plant its charm: it seems that this is a real masterpiece, created by nature itself. And also white fluff in combination with a tiger pattern suggests associations with tropical exoticism, which also cheers up well.

The plant blooms with small white flowers. In appearance, they resemble a butterfly and look pretty cute.Although, of course, the main source of inspiration is the original leaves. In addition, they will definitely be able to delight all year round, and not from time to time.

Begonia Bauer and a little history

This plant is a hybrid species - it was developed in the 1970s. Moreover, in another way, the tiger begonia is also called the Bauer begonia (Begonia Bowerae) - in honor of the German breeder Rudolf Bauer.

Interestingly, he also bred the so-called yoshta - a hybrid of black currant and gooseberry. And yet, judging by the photo, Bauer's begonia, rather, can be called a tiger begonia.

Description

The second name of such a plant is Bauer's begonia. It is a flower with many small leaf blades, which depict a pattern that looks like a brindle color.

The pattern on the leaves, as a rule, is variegated, consisting of green, yellow, brown shades. The original shape of the image and the leaf plates themselves give the flower a beautiful and unusual appearance.

Tiger begonia blooms with small white or pink flowers. They grow in the form of inflorescences directly from the root system of the plant. Flowering occurs in winter.

Home care

In fact, any advice or specific best practice for plant care can be boiled down to one golden rule. The florist should take into account where this plant comes from, and try to create environmental conditions as close to natural as possible.

In the case of the tiger begonia (as with all other representatives of begonias), you must always remember that the flower came to our northern latitudes from the tropics. This means that he is very fond of moisture and warmth.

Watering and humidity

On the other hand, love of moisture does not mean that tiger begonia should be literally poured with water. Excess moisture, as a rule, leads to decay of the roots and can even cause the death of the plant.

This means that there is a second golden rule that works perfectly in almost any situation: "everything is good in moderation."

In this case, pay attention to the following tips:

  1. Water the Bauer's begonia only with settled water - it should stand on the table all night.
  2. Water is poured only at the root, trying not to touch the foliage: droplets of moisture can lead to sunburn.
  3. In the summer, water is watered 3-4 times a week, in winter - 2 times less. The criterion is the topsoil: if it is barely wet, you need to add a new portion of water.
  4. After 1-2 days after watering, it is better to loosen the soil so that air can freely flow to the roots.
  5. And one more rule for flower growers living in areas with too hard water. Such a liquid is poorly suited for watering. Therefore, it is preferable to soften it before settling - for example, add a little peat to the container or add melted, rainwater. But in no case should it be poured with boiled water - there is no oxygen in such water.

Among the rules for caring for a flower, one can also highlight the fact that Bauer's begonia is very fond of moist air. At home, it can be created in different ways:

  1. For example, put moss and wet it (peat is also possible).
  2. As a last resort, you can moisten a towel or sponge.
  3. Another option is to pour water into a saucer and place it on the windowsill.
  4. Such methods should definitely be used in the summer, during the hot season. And in winter, you can just keep track of regular watering.

But you should not spray the foliage of tiger begonia. The fact is that all begonias are capricious young ladies. And even small droplets of water lead to spots on the surface (due to sunburn). And then the appearance of the plant loses its attractiveness.

Temperature and lighting

As for the temperature, here again you can remember where the plant comes from. In general, a sufficiently high temperature level should be maintained: optimally +22 o C ... +23 o C. In summer, the temperature should not fall below +20 o C, in winter it can be slightly lower, but at least +17 o C.

Read also: Black radish - planting, care, cultivation, planting dates, video

But with lighting, the question is more delicate. It is clear that almost any tropical flower loves the sun. But in the case of Bauer's begonia, it's important not to overdo it: she doesn't really like excess light. It is optimal to place the pot either in the southwest or in the southeast. Moreover, direct sunlight should be avoided:

  1. You can put the pot on the table next to the window.
  2. Curtain the window with tulle.
  3. Place the pot in an area of ​​light shade from other plants.
  4. And in the summer heat, be sure to set aside flowers away from the hot sun.

Soil composition

Novice growers can purchase a special soil mixture for begonias. Although, with all the necessary components, the soil can be made independently. The same quantities are taken:

  • humus;
  • peat;
  • perlite (a rock that is used specifically for plants);
  • coarse sand.

The components are mixed, poured into an ordinary pot (diameter 15-20 cm) almost to the top. It is not necessary to pour the mixture flush with the edge - you should retreat 1-2 fingers wide.

The fact is that the roots of tiger begonia often crawl to the surface and they need to be periodically sprinkled with earth. Accordingly, a little space should be left for this. The material of the pot is freely selectable.

Plant feeding

Contrary to popular belief, caring for tiger begonia at home does not imply too frequent fertilization. The plant does not really like an excess of organic or mineral substances, even if they are useful. In fact, the flower is fed only in spring and summer, and not more often than once every 4-6 weeks.

A complex mineral fertilizer is used, which can be alternated with organic fertilizer. The concentration indicated in the instructions should be reduced by 1.5-2 times. Moreover, in winter, feeding stops - the tropical beauty needs to rest and gain strength for the new season.

Requirements for soil and air

Begonia is used to moist soil and air. However, she does not like waterlogging, as this leads to decay of the roots. Watering should be done as the earth dries up so that water does not fall on the foliage and petioles. In order for the foliage to grow well and have a healthy appearance, the begonia pot is placed on a pallet covered with small pebbles or expanded clay, which are watered over time.

Attention! It is impossible to spray the plant, achieving humidification of the air, as this leads to the appearance of rusty specks on the leaves.

Reproduction of tiger begonia

This type of plant reproduces in three ways:

Cuttings

Moreover, the simplest and most popular way of breeding tiger begonias is by cuttings. The instruction is very simple:

  1. A medium-sized, healthy-looking leaf is cut (an incision is made at an angle of 45 o).
  2. They put a leaf in water - a glass, or a small vase, or a jar. The main thing is that the stem of the leaf should not touch the bottom - so it can rot.
  3. They put a glass with a leaf in a darkened and warm enough place (from +23 o C).
  4. After a couple of weeks, after the roots appear, you can plant the plant in a pot. In this case, the pot does not need to be taken too large, otherwise all the strength of the plant will go into growth, and it will give few flowers.
  5. How to plant a stalk: pour soil into a pot, make a small depression, plant a begonia stalk with roots. It remains to lightly press it with your fingers and water.

Growing from seeds

This method is less popular because it requires more attention and care. It is better to purchase seed material in a specialized store. They sell seeds in 2 forms:

  1. Regular (unprocessed).
  2. Granular (in the form of pills) - easier to work with.

Regardless of the type of material, the planting technology is the same (planted at the very beginning of spring):

  1. The seeds are pre-treated with a 1% solution of potassium permanganate for 30-45 minutes.
  2. Then they are washed and planted in a pre-moistened peat tablet.
  3. Each tablet is placed on a tray, which is covered with polyethylene or glass.
  4. Then water is constantly added to the tray so that the surface of the tablet is always moderately moist. The room temperature is not less than 20-22 o C.
  5. Normally, the first shoots appear after 2-3 weeks. After the formation of the third leaf, a pick is made.
  6. They dive again after 8 weeks from the moment of germination. At the same time, the sprouts are planted in pots.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

The breeding technology of begonias by dividing the bush is the same for almost all types of begonias.

Disembarkation

Before planting begonia, you need to choose a suitable base for this - soil. It is recommended to plant it in open soil. This should be done in the first half of June.

Before planting, the plant must be placed in a bright room for several days, in which the temperature is about 22-23 degrees Celsius during the daytime and at least 12 degrees at night.

Planting holes should be made at a distance of at least 35-40 centimeters. If the flower is undersized, then it can be reduced to 20 centimeters.

Planting depth depends on the size of the flower. It is also worth considering that the stem of the begonia is quite fragile, it is easy to break it. It is recommended to pre-treat each well with a composition with potassium and phosphorus. It acts as a fertilizer for the plant.

Keep in mind that tiger begonia loves fertile soils, rich in leafy soil, sand, peat, humus. Therefore, after you have planted a plant, the hole should be sprinkled with ash or humus on top. Cover the seedlings at night to keep them warm.

If you plan to plant a flower not in the open field, but at home, then you can purchase a ready-made earthen mixture in a specialized store. To cook it yourself, you need to mix leafy soil, slightly damp peat, river sand, turf soil (if it is not there, you can take coniferous).

In the process of planting the plant, make sure that raw peat does not accidentally get on the root system, because this can lead to the death of the flower due to severe burns.

Transplanting into a new pot and rejuvenating the bush

Tiger begonia is a perennial plant, and also has the shape of a lush, spreading bush. It is clear that, subject to the rules of care, it grows very quickly and needs constant transplantation.

A young bush is transplanted every spring until the age of 3-4 years. But a plant older than this age is transplanted every 2 years. The basic principle is that each new pot is chosen 4-5 cm larger in diameter than the previous one.

Transplanting Bauer's begonia into a new pot is not that difficult. A clear video tutorial will help you with this.

Rejuvenation of the bush must be carried out only in adult, mature plants (over 4 years old). To do this, you should completely cut off old, weak leaves, and also flower buds, which take up a lot of moisture and nutrients. If necessary, healthy foliage is cut off, which clearly spoils the appearance - for example, it protrudes too far beyond the main contour of the bush.

Transfer

Tiger begonia transplanted only when the pot becomes small and does not allow the roots to develop. And if the roots began to break through the bottom, then you should immediately start a transplant. On average, this procedure is performed no more than once every 2 years. If you do this earlier, you can seriously damage the root system.

For transplanting, it is important to take only nutritious fertile soil in order for the plant to actively develop and have an attractive appearance. When self-compiling the soil, you will need to take humus, sod, deciduous humus and sand in equal proportions. A drainage layer is also required to prevent the risk of root rot.

Important! After transplanting, cut off all the leaves for faster and more successful adaptation.

At first, after that, it is worth waiting with the introduction of fertilizing, because the soil is already nutritious.

A bit of botany

Begonias are a genus of plants that are part of the family of the same name. These are herbaceous plants (annuals or perennials), as well as shrubs and semi-shrubs. Plants have asymmetric leaves, with a highly cut leaf plate, a wide variety of colors and shades.

The history of the spread of the plant. This magnificent flower came to Europe at the end of the 17th century. An expedition to the Antilles under the leadership of the Frenchman Michel Begon discovered there beautiful flowers that were brought to France. It was named after the organizer of the scientific expedition.

After that, new discoveries fell like a cornucopia: a little later, ever-flowering begonia was discovered in the New World, royal begonia was discovered, and tuberous begonia was found in the jungles of South America. Begonias can be roughly divided into plants with beautiful flowers and decorative foliage. Ornamental foliage begonia usually has large leaves of very beautiful shape.

Begonia is one of the most common and affordable plants and can be easily purchased at any specialty store or grown on your own.

These flowers are very unpretentious pets (for which flower growers love them), caring for them is very simple. In addition, these plants are quite disease resistant. However, there are certain nuances of growing begonias and caring for them.

Bloom. When does begonia bloom?

Begonia blooms very brightly, colorfully and very abundantly. Flowering usually begins in summer and lasts until late autumn. There are plant species that can bloom in winter and even all year round. To extend the flowering period, female flowers should be removed at the very beginning. Sometimes the flowers are removed to achieve stronger tubers.

There are many types of begonias in nature. A lot of them now live in our homes and delight us with their beautiful flowers. There are several particularly popular types of these flowers.

Here is a list of them:

  • Coral begonia. The upper part of the platinum plate is silvery with green veins. The lower part of the leaf is red. The plant lives for about five years.
  • Collar begonia. This popular plant came to us from Mexico. Collar begonia has large, heavily cut leaves covered with a reddish downy. The stem has the same coverage. The flowers are pale pink in color, forming a beautiful brush. They usually bloom in winter.
  • A very beautiful and very unpretentious plant is Bauer's begonia. This plant has a very large and beautiful bush. This begonia is quite demanding on lighting.
  • Tiger begonia. This flower will easily decorate any interior. The plant has heart-shaped, bright green leaves with dark spots on the veins.
  • Begonia Cleopatra. It has round leaves of a dark green color, needs high humidity.
  • Begonia Lucerne. Typical representative of decorative leafy begonias. The leaves of the plant are very large, bright green, elongated, with a glossy sheen. The upper part of the platinum plate is densely covered with silvery dots.
  • The begonia is yellow. This flower belongs to tuberous begonias and pleases its owners with beautiful inflorescences of various colors. There is a double and non-double form of yellow begonia inflorescences. There are a large number of varieties of this flower: red, white, yellow begonia with a pink border.

About

Homeland of begonia

In the wild, the plant is common in the subtropics and tropics of America, Asia, Africa. Many types of flowers grow in forests that are characterized by high humidity. However, begonia grow on rocks, mountains and even on other plants.

Nobody knows where begonia was first seen. But there are legends associated with the discovery of a flower. So, in the 17th century, the French monk C. Plushier first saw begonia. The plant was spotted on the island of Haiti during an expedition. He, for the first time, gave a description of the plant, which he called begonia. The name of the flower is in honor of the governor of the island, Michel Begon, who collected rare plants.

According to another legend, in 1689, the same Michel Begon organized a scientific expedition to the West Indies. There a flower was discovered, which was given the name in honor of the patron of the arts. Since then, in the following years, several hundred different forms of the plant have been discovered and described.

Why does Begonia turn yellow or does its leaves dry?

There are times when the leaves of a plant begin to dry out. This occurs due to too dry air or insufficient watering. In order for the plant to please your eye again, you need to remove the pot to a cool place and water the flower.

Often, the plant has yellow spots. This indicates that your plant is infected with cucumber mosaic. Affected flowers must be destroyed.

And if the leaf plates turn yellow and droop, it is too cold in the room, and there is too much water in the soil. As soon as the ground is dry, the flower pot must be moved to a warm place.

While watching, you will learn about growing begonias.

This plant will charm anyone and perfectly decorate a room or office. In case of any diseases, the plant is needed on time with special means. Strictly follow all the rules for caring for Begonia. This is the only way this plant will delight your eyes for many years.

Attention super FLY!

Begonia

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Begonia Cleopatra: description

Begonia Cleopatra is a plant with erect branching stems. Leaves are finger-shaped, torn, about 12 cm. It has two names - Boveri and Maple-fibered begonia. The second was due to the similarity of the shape of the leaves with maple. Above, the leaves are burgundy. The lower part is covered with white fluff. Begonia Cleopatra is a decorative flower native to Africa, Asia, America.

begonia cleopatra

Where and how to plant it?

Lighting and location

For good growth, Cleopatra needs diffused lighting. It is best for the plant to be in the west or east window. If this is not possible, and begonia grows on the northern window, then for full development the plant will need additional lighting with lamps. On the contrary, it is necessary to provide for darkening for the south window.

Soil requirements

You can use purchased soil specially designed for begonias (slightly acidic, loose), or you can prepare the soil for planting yourself. To do this, add coarse sand, perlite and peat in equal proportions to the forest soil calcined in the oven.

Pot and drainage

To plant begonias, you need to take a wide plastic flower pot, it does not have to be deep. Clay pots are not recommended for planting begonias due to the likelihood of roots growing into a rough surface. Drainage should be placed at the bottom of the pot - expanded clay or pebbles. Put a third of the prepared soil on the drain, then install the plant and fill in the remaining soil. Then pour warm water over the begonia.

Pot and drainage

Planting a flower in a pot

Here you can see a photo of Cleopatra begonia, which is easy to grow at home.

When planting, it is better to give preference to shallow plastic pots with a wide diameter. Clay ones will not work, as the roots can grow into the rough surface of such a container. You need to put any drainage on the bottom: you can use pebbles, expanded clay, shards. 1/3 soil is poured from the top of the drainage. Then we plant the plant and sprinkle with the rest of the soil.

Basic landing rules

Before you start breeding this plant at home, you need to carefully consider the planting recommendations.

To plant the Cleopatra begonias in a pot, follow these rules:

  1. Use a drain before adding soil. Small stones, pebbles or shards are suitable as drainage.
  2. After installing the drain, add one third of the soil and plant the plant. Sprinkle with the remaining soil on top.
  3. Choose a fertile and light soil for your bush.
  4. When you're done planting, don't forget to water the flower.

Begonia rejuvenation

Rejuvenation of begonias is carried out every two to three years. The root system of this plant is superficial, and over time it is almost completely bare. At the same time, the leaves become smaller, they are rarely located - decorativeness is lost. To prevent this, it is necessary to carry out a transplant.

  1. Choose a low and wide bowl.
  2. A small drainage layer is poured at the bottom.
  3. The soil is prepared loose and nutritious.
  4. The plant is removed from the old pot and pruned so that the upper part of the roots with leaves remains.
  5. The roots are buried in the ground so that the point of growth of the leaves is at the level of the soil;
  6. Abundant watering is carried out.
  7. To reduce the evaporation of moisture, a transparent bag is put on the dish, in which holes are made for ventilation.
  8. Airing is carried out periodically.
  9. The bag is removed when new leaves begin to appear.

Advice

When transplanting, you should leave 3 cm between the edge of the sides and the soil. In the future, when the roots begin to bare, the earth can be poured and thereby postpone the rejuvenation procedure for 1-2 years.

Propagation of begonias by leaf cuttings

Combination with other plants

Street begonia works well for flower arrangements. It easily combines with various shrubs that give it partial shade, as well as decorative deciduous plants, perfectly complements low-growing perennial flowers. Begonias look great with such border summer plants: surfiniya, lobularia, iberis, lobelia. An excellent tandem is obtained by merging begonias with asters, lilies, cenirarias.

Bauer's begonia transplant and rejuvenation

Bauer's begonia should be replanted every two years. Adult plants need to be rejuvenated by pruning so that the leaves on the plant are larger, flower buds need to be removed.

There is a very beautiful pattern on the leaves of tiger begonia, so it is better to put it separately so that it looks favorably among other plants.

To combine, you need to take undersized flowering varieties and plant them in one container. It is even possible to create a small collection of Begonia Rex and Begonia masoniani decorative leaf hybrids.

Appearance and features

The leaves are emerald green with a black outline and a characteristic mottling of reddish, dark and light green shades. Flowers are pink and white in small size.

All begonias differ in some features from other ornamental plants:

  • The inflorescences of this plant can boast of an uneven shape, size and color. The budding period begins in the warm and light season.
  • Foliage can be colored in all shades of green. In addition, lines, spots, dots, blotches often appear along the perimeter of the sheet, making the design of the sheet plate unique.
  • The shape of the leaves is also found in the most diverse: round, heart-shaped, oval, elongated, pointed.Another uniqueness of all begonias is the fluff on the foliage, which gives the appearance of the flower a velvety effect.

Planting a flower in a pot

The condition of the soil is a very important factor in the successful development of this plant. Begonias do not tolerate too wet soil. This factor must be taken into account when planting a flower.

When planting, you should not choose a pot that is too large, it should be slightly larger than the previous one.

Take care of proper drainage, pick up the right soil. There must be a drainage hole in the pot. Suitable soil for begonia resembles soil for another indoor flower - an azalea. Choose equal proportions of good garden soil, peat, organic fertilizer, and sand. If you buy soil from a store, then it is better to choose a peat-based substrate.

Moisten the soil well before planting and let it dry slightly for several hours.

Planting a flower is best done in autumn or mid-spring. The plant usually takes about five weeks to adapt.

Begonia transplant

As soon as the begonia sprouts reach a height of 5-6 cm, the plant must be transplanted into a larger pot. The minimum diameter of a pot for begonia at home should be at least 25 cm.Begonia tolerates transplantation well, so at this stage there should not be any special problems. A larger pot will enable the plant to begin the growing season in full: during the second month, begonia will give a large number of new leaves, the first ovaries of flower buds will appear. Further transplants should be carried out in two cases: either when the root system of the begonia grows too much, or if it is required to plant the plant in open ground. This should be done as soon as weather conditions permit (temperature 15-20 ° C).

Pot transplant

The procedure for transplanting a plant with a formed root system is somewhat more complicated: the flower must be completely removed from the pot and the roots must be cleaned from the soil. After that, they are treated with a solution of potassium permanganate by immersion in a weak (0.1 g per 1 liter of water) solution. The residence time in the solution is no more than half an hour. At the end of the disinfection of the plant, rotten and dried roots are cut off, and the cut sites are treated with charcoal powder. At the bottom of the pot, it is necessary to put a drainage from small rubble or large eggshells. The first two weeks after transplanting, the plant must be kept in the shade and provided with abundant watering.

Features of transplanting into open ground

The landing site for begonias must meet certain requirements: it must be an area protected from winds and direct sunlight. The ideal option is a penumbra on the north side of the garden. The planting rule is very simple - it is necessary to place begonia bushes at a distance of at least 30 cm from each other. Since the plant is decorative, it can be used for planting entire flower beds. The height of begonias reaches 35 cm, that is, this plant occupies a middle-level niche in flower beds. After planting, it is recommended to mulch the soil with sawdust or small light stones (for example, expanded clay). Mulching helps the soil retain moisture longer and relieves the owner of the need to loosen the soil.

Plant diseases and pests

Begonia is a hardy plant and usually copes with possible diseases on its own. Attentive attitude to it will help, for example, eliminate difficulties that arise with a lack of light or moisture, and, possibly, from high temperatures.

  1. The plant is too stretched from lack of light or from poor soil.
  2. The leaves acquire a brown hue and break from high temperatures and with a lack of moisture.
  3. Leaves become curled at high temperatures.

It happens that in plants planted in a greenhouse, or in adverse weather conditions, diseases such as:

  • powdery mildew;
  • rot is gray;
  • annular spotting;
  • bacterial spot.

Home begonia can be affected by:

  • soft false shield;
  • root and leaf nematodes;
  • orange aphid;
  • greenhouse thripsis.

Florists and gardeners can treat plants and fight pests using preparations and methods that disinfect soil, foliage and plant roots.

Application in landscape design

Designers use these flowers to create alpine slides, park beds with unique flower patterns. It is also quite common to find begonias in flowerpots for decorating terraces, garden plots, open areas, flower beds.

Potted begonias are used to paint plain green lawns and flower carpets. Landscaping specialists all over the world use this unusually colorful flower, because with anything you do not plant - everything will turn out great. In general, garden begonia is an ideal plant for a garden, home, park. Unpretentious nature and long-lasting flowering add only positive qualities. It is not for nothing that begonias are selected and grown on an industrial scale.

Video

Photo


Among the variety and varieties of this beautiful plant, there are such: decorative deciduous, tuberous, flowering, bush. Florists are most attracted by the begonias Diadem, Naked, Sizolistaya, Mix, Collar, Coral, Fista, Mason, as well as terry varieties and varieties with yellow flowers and bright red leaves.
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