The author of the text is Dr. Regina Dębicz
Only a few potted flowers can boast of multicolored leaves. These are: Croton Codiaeum, Caladium Caladium, Coleus Coleus, Cordyline Cordillin, Hypoestes Hypoesthesia, some species of the genus Dracaena and arrowroot.
However, none of them have such beautiful leaves as the royal Begonia rex. It was brought to England in 1858 from the Indian province of Assam.This species has large, heart-shaped, green leaves with a silvery band between the notched edge and the central part of the blade.
However, the cultivation includes only varieties that were created by crossing Begonia rex with different species, incl. from Begonia imperialis, Begonia decora, Begonia incarnata, Begonia cathyana, Begonia socotrana and from Begonia diadema (this species had a great influence on the emergence of many varieties).The first varieties were bred by the famous English nursery James Veitch in the 19th century.Since then, a huge number of begonia varieties have been created with an unprecedented variety of leaf colors and ornaments decorating them.
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Begonia Królewska Begonia rex (Photo: Fotolia.com) |
At the last Horti Fair in Amsterdam, a dozen new varieties were presented, which are multiple hybrids of royal begonias with other species and varieties of begonias. The fiery-red 'Inca Fire', 'Maori Haze' with a dark purple-brown center and a metallic-green edge were of particular interest, 'African Jungle' (leaves with an almost black irregular center), 'Mornig Dew' 'with burgundy-green leaves,' Arctic Breeze 'with metallic-green leaves,' Indian Summer 'with pinkish-red leaves with a black irregular spot at the base and' Green Valley leaf 'with silvery-green leaves with a pink drawing in the center.
Cultivation requirements of begonias with ornamental leaves
These begonias are small plants, reaching a height of up to 30 centimeters and a diameter of up to 50 centimeters.Since we want them to obtain and maintain a beautiful color of the leaves for as long as possible, we have to place them in a bright place so that the light reaches them diffusedBecause if the sun shone on them directly, the leaves, especially the young, there is a risk of burns.
In the period of growth, rooms with a temperature of 18 - 22 are most suitable for them°C. During this time, it is necessary to ensure that the begonias always have a moist substrate and high humidity in the air. It is best to use lukewarm and soft (lime-free) water for watering.
Plants should not be sprinkled as drops on the leaves may cause stains.The air humidity can be slightly increased by placing the pots on saucers with damp pebbles.Begonias also require frequent airing of the room, but they cannot stand drafts and sudden changes in temperature. In spring and summer, you need to feed them every 8 - 14 days, preferably with diluted organic fertilizer or a solution of compound fertilizer, low in nitrogen, which will ensure a nice color of the leaves.
Rest period
In winter, plants go through a short period of dormancy.During this time, we move them closer to the window so that they have enough light, water moderately (so that their root ball never dries out), and the temperature in the apartment is kept at 15-18 ° C.
During this period, the plants lose their older leaves (sometimes even all of them), but you don't have to worry about it, because in the spring they will regain their foliage if we do not dry the roots.
Overdoing
Begonias grow well in small pots, but when they get too tight for them, they need to be transplanted in spring to as wide and shallow as possible with thick drainage.Begonias like humus soil with the addition of peat and sand, slightly acidic (pH 5.5 - 6.5).When transplanting, be very careful, because the leaves and roots of the begonias are very fragile and easy to damage.
