Begonia is one of the most beloved plants of flower growers. It is often found in flower beds, in front gardens and on balconies. Begonia at home pleases with frequent flowering and luxurious shiny leaves all year round. Different types can be planted in pots: decorative deciduous, flowering and even semi-shrub.
Home begonias can bloom in winter and summer. Decorative-flowering flowers have bright inflorescences of various shades, and decorative-deciduous ones are valued for lush and beautiful foliage.
Begonia care: basic rules
Begonia cannot be called a whimsical plant, but it requires special attention. To prevent the flower from disappearing at home, you need to follow the basic rules of care:
- … Begonia does not tolerate direct sunlight, but loves bright places. Deciduous varieties can grow in partial shade, and flowering requires a lot of light. Pots with these flowers are best placed on the east and north windows. It is important to remember that the plant does not tolerate a frequent change of location; with a constant change in lighting conditions and temperature conditions, begonia may die.
- In summer, watering should be frequent and abundant. At home, begonia does not tolerate dry air, it must be regularly humidified. For example, put a pallet with expanded clay and water next to the pot, which will evaporate and humidify the air. By winter, watering is reduced, the begonia is not fertilized or transplanted, the pot is not turned.
- … In summer, the room temperature should be 20-22 ° С, in winter - no higher than 15 ° С. For deciduous varieties in winter, you need to ensure a temperature of 10-12 ° C.
If begonia does not bloom, but at the same time is not affected by diseases and pests, look for the reasons in improper care: insufficient or excessive watering, draft, abnormal temperature conditions, etc.
Begonia is not demanding on the soil; it is possible to prepare soil for it from a mixture of leafy earth, peat and black soil. You can put a small layer of sand on the bottom of the pot. Transplant the plant as needed when the roots do not fit in the old pot. This procedure is best done in early spring. The roots of the begonia must be carefully pulled out of the pot and cleaned of soil, the decayed parts must be removed and the root system must be placed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
After transplanting, you must carefully monitor the plant: water thoroughly as the soil dries and do not expose the leaves to direct sunlight. Begonia takes root in a new pot within 1 month.
In order for begonia to feel comfortable at home and bloom profusely, it needs fertilizers. Complex minerals should be applied in spring and summer during the period of active growth and budding. The store sells special formulations for flowering begonias, which are applied to the soil 1-2 times a week. Ornamental deciduous plants stop fertilizing in the fall, and flowering plants after all the inflorescences have disappeared.
Begonia can be safely called the queen of indoor plants. With proper care and constant attention, it will give lush blooms and vibrant foliage. A huge number of varieties allows you to grow plants with red, pink, white, yellow, cream inflorescences of various sizes.
