Begoniais an extremely popular and appreciated plant in our country, decoration of flower beds, gardens, terraces and balconies. Begonias come in different species and varieties. For several years, their popularity has definitely increased, thanks to which today their diversity is much greater. Begonias can be grown both indoors and in gardens. What species to choose for cultivation and what do you need to provide for them to bloom beautifully?
bulbous begonia
Begonias belong to the Begoniaceae family - Oblique. They are a very numerous genus with many different species.Begonias are dioecious, which means they have both male flowers and separate female flowers. These plants can be easily crossed with each other, therefore, over the years, many new species and varieties have been obtained.
Growing begonias
Begonias prefer fertile and well-drained soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Most begonias grow best in slightly shaded positions. Varieties with darker leaves tend to tolerate more sunlight better, while varieties with lighter leaves need more shade.
In the case of potting in apartments, it is worth providing the begonias with a bright place but with diffused light. The optimal temperature during the growth and flowering of plants is 18-20 ° C. In winter, the temperature should not drop below 15 ° C, and in summer it should not rise above 24 ° C. In summer, plants should be watered when the soil dries out (usually twice a week), and in winter they should not be watered too abundantly (not more often than every week).We fertilize in spring and summer, continuing to fertilize until the plants bloom. Every 2-3 years it is worth replanting the plants.
Good to know!When growing begonias in beds and in containers, it is worth breaking the first flower buds so that the plants reach their target sizes faster. Later, it is worth trimming wilted inflorescences to stimulate plants to create new flowers and extend the flowering period.
Diseases and pests of begonias
Most begonias are susceptible to two fungal diseases - mildew and gray mold. The development of these diseases may be favored bygrowing begoniasin excessive thickening and too frequent wetting of the leaves. In the case of powdery mildew, irregular spots appear on the leaves and stems, covered with a white coating. Sometimes the bloom occurs on flowers. In the case of gray mold, gray, quickly browning and enlarging spots appear on the petioles and leaf blades. At first, small, round, bright spots are visible on the flower petals, which enlarge and turn brown over time.In the case of both diseases, heavily infected plants must be discarded. If we are able to recognize the first symptoms of an emerging disease, spray with fungicides. When growing in pots in apartments, we should only use safe natural preparations based, for example, on garlic extract.
From pests on begonias mealybugs and swollen mushrooms may appear, sometimes also aphids.
Ever-flowering begonia
Begonia - species and varieties
Ever-flowering Begonia (Begonia semperflorens)
Begonia grows wild in Brazil, where it is a perennial plant, while in Poland it is an annual plant. It grows up to a height of 20 - 30 cm. The leaves are ovate, shiny, set on fleshy petioles. It blooms from early June to late autumn.
These plants require fertile, humus soil with a slightly acidic reaction. They grow best in sunny places, but will do well in half-shade.They do not tolerate long-term drought poorly, and when the summer is cool and rainy, they generally grow and bloom less. Continuously flowering begonia should be fed weekly. It should not be planted permanently until the end of May or the beginning of June, when it is certain that frost will not occur because this begonia is sensitive to cold.It is a very good plant for flower beds and containers, it can also create border borders, in general, constantly flowering begonia is extremely versatile. However, it is better not to use it as an indoor plant.
Tuberous begonia(Begonia x tuberhybrida)
This plant is found in the wild in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. It has stems 15-30 cm long, they are thick and juicy. The leaves are ovate, large and asymmetrical. Flowers are female and male. Tuberous begonia blooms from June until the first frost.
Tuberous begonias like humus and permeable soil. They do best in airy, bright position, preferably with diffused light.Too harsh sun scorches leaves and flowers. This begonia can be planted in the ground and in containers at the end of May or the beginning of June. Do not wet the leaves or flowers when watering.
Wintering of tuberous begoniasTubers of begonias do not overwinter in the ground, so in early October they should be dug up and stored in a frost-free place until March. Best pitted in dry sand, peat or sawdust. In March, the tubers are put back into pots and kept at a temperature of around 18 °, so that when the risk of frost is over, the plants are already blooming.
Tuberous begonia is a very good plant for growing in containers, it looks beautiful in hanging containers. It also looks beautiful on flower beds and discounts. It is not suitable as an indoor plant.
A popular type of tuberous begonia isdangling begonia , the shoots of which are heavily overhang, thanks to which the plant looks very beautiful in hanging containers. The flowers of this variety are gathered in eye-catching panicles.
Winter Begonia(Begonia x elatior)
An extremely graceful plant to grow indoors. It blooms practically all year round. It does not produce any tubers. It is worth remembering that when the plant has faded, it is not worth keeping it because it is unlikely to bloom again. Prefers a bright and warm position, but not in direct sunlight. It should be watered regularly, but the substrate should not be too wet. It's a good idea to fertilize the begonias every week to maintain profuse flowering. It is worth being careful if the plant does not get sick with powdery mildew or other fungal disease caused by excessive moisture, early detection helps to quickly get rid of the disease and prevent the begonia from having to be thrown away.
Royal begonia(Begonia rex)
This species of begonias is highly valued mainly due to its rich color of leaves. In this plant, unlike other begonias, the leaves are the most important, not the flowers.It is worth remembering that royal begonia comes from the tropical forests of Borneo and Assama, therefore it prefers shaded sites. The principle of its care is that the more colorfully colored leaves, the more shaded the position should be. These begonias like a peat substrate mixed with sand. It should be watered regularly, the substrate humidity should be medium. In winter, keep the air moist. This begonia should only be watered with stagnant soft water. Fertilize every 2 weeks.
