Begonia

Begonia (Begonia) is a unique herb in terms of the number of species and varieties, which differ in shape, color of flowering, size and habitat. In the Begoniev family, there are perennials and annuals, which are represented by herbaceous plants, dwarf shrubs and full-fledged shrubs.

Begonia can be found in countries with tropical and subtropical climates - in Africa, America and Southeast Asia, and even on the island of Madagascar. Begonias are striking in their range of sizes and shapes. The smallest plant can be only a few centimeters high, and the largest reaches the three-meter mark. Begonia has adapted to different growing conditions. It can grow in moist wooded soils, and on the roots of old trees, and in crevices of cold rocks.

Description of home begonia

The Antilles are considered the birthplace of begonias. The plant was discovered there back in 1687 by members of one of the scientific expeditions organized by Michel Begon. Subsequently, plants unknown at that time, found and described by the botanist from France Charles Plumier, who also participated in this trip, were named after him.

In horticulture, there are 125 species of this flower and a large number of hybrid forms, as breeders have done a tremendous and active work over the past decades. The total number of begonias is approaching a thousand. Among this large family, you can find decorative begonias, both flowering and deciduous. Tuberous large-flowering begonias obtained by hybridization are very popular.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, new types of begonias were found in different countries. For example, in India - royal begonia, in Peru - Veich begonia, in Bolivia - Pierce's begonia and Bolivian, in the highlands of South America - tuberous begonia. But florists and gardeners give the greatest preference to Belgian begonias.

Home begonia care

Lighting

Lighting for deciduous begonia species should not be very bright, partial shade, especially in the hot and sunny summer period, since the sun's rays, when it hits the begonia leaves, leave burns. Blooming begonias prefer brighter lighting at any time of the year, but you need to protect it from direct sun with a white cloth or tissue paper, and use blinds.

Temperature

The temperature regime for keeping begonias changes with the seasons. In the warm spring and summer months, the plant needs a temperature in the range of 20-25 degrees, and in the rest of the months - from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.

Air humidity

Air humidity is of great importance for the development of begonia.Its level should be constantly close to 60%. Such humidity can be maintained with the help of additional containers of water that will stand next to a houseplant or a special electrical device that will humidify the air. The liquid will constantly evaporate and maintain the required moisture level.

Another way to moisturize is a container with damp moss or peat, in which you want to place a pot of begonia. But you will have to abandon the spraying that is usual for other colors, since begonia from such water procedures can die. Water droplets on the leaves of the plant will leave behind brown spots and cause the foliage to fall off.

Watering

Watering begonias should be plentiful or moderate, depending on the season. On hot summer days, the plant needs a lot of moisture, and in cold autumn and winter times, the amount of watering and their volumes are reduced. An excess and lack of moisture in the soil can lead to negative consequences. Therefore, the next watering is recommended only when the soil dries out by two centimeters. Water should not stagnate in the soil, so it is necessary to regulate its volume during irrigation. Water for irrigation should only be purified or thawed and approximately equal to the air temperature in the room.

The soil

The optimal composition of the soil for growing home begonia: 2-3 parts of leafy land, 1 part each of sand, black soil and peat.

Top dressing

Complex fertilizing must be applied twice a month, starting from the budding period of begonia and throughout the entire flowering period. This applies to decorative flowering begonias. But for decorative leafy representatives, fertilizers without nitrogen content are needed, because this nutrient contributes to the active development of the leaf mass and inhibits the flowering process.

Transfer

Tuberous begonias are planted in the soil in early spring. Transplantation of rhizome flower species is performed as the indoor plant grows. Do not transplant begonias with dry soil in a pot or immediately after moistening it. A favorable time for transplanting home begonia is the next day after watering. It is worth taking care of the volume and composition of the soil mixture for a new flower container in advance. The composition of the soil should include: sand, peat and black soil in equal proportions, as well as two parts of leaf or garden soil. On the day of transplanting, the soil in the flower container should be only slightly damp.

The plant must be removed from the pot along with an earthen lump and carefully (using a small thin stick) free the root part from the ground. The plant should stand for some time in a weak manganese solution (only its root part), and then it is necessary to get rid of damaged or rotten parts of the root with a sharp knife. All small roots entangled in a lump, as well as diseased parts of large roots, are subject to pruning. It is recommended to sprinkle the cut sites with crushed activated charcoal or charcoal.

Begonia is placed in a new pot with soil mixture and sprinkled with earth almost to the very top, immediately watered abundantly. Over the next week, the earth will gradually settle, the top layer will dry out a little, after which you can add the missing amount of soil. During these 6-7 days, watering is not carried out, they are replaced by daily spraying.

Pruning is recommended immediately after transplanting begonias. This will promote the formation of a shrub form and less moisture evaporation. The begonia should spend the first week in a new container indoors without drafts and in shady conditions.

Dormant period

After flowering, begonia of tuberous species should gradually pass into a dormant period. To do this, it is necessary to gradually reduce the number and volumes of watering until the aerial part of the indoor flower is completely dry.All dried parts of the plant are completely removed, and the flower is placed in cool conditions with a temperature of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius for 2.5-3 months. At the same time, watering should be continued, but in minimal quantities and very rarely.

Breeding methods for home begonia

The beginning of spring is the most favorable time for begonias to breed.

Growing from seeds

Sowing begonia seeds is recommended in the last week of winter or at the very beginning of spring. Small seeds are scattered over the surface of the earth in a box, without crushing them with soil, covered with glass and placed in a warm (about 25 degrees Celsius) room in a well-lit place. Watering the soil is carried out using a sprayer. For sowing, it is advisable to use freshly harvested seeds, although they retain their germination for three years after collection.

The picking of young seedlings is carried out twice. The first time - after the formation of the third full-fledged leaf, and the second time - 1.5-2 months after the appearance of seedlings. Young plants are transplanted into small individual pots.

From the moment the seedlings appear until the beginning of April, it is necessary to supplement the illumination of the plants with fluorescent lamps due to the short daylight hours and the lack of natural light. This is about 4-5 hours a day.

Sowing seeds early (approximately in the first week of January) promotes the formation of large tubers and active flowering already in the first summer season. With late sowing, small tubers are formed (about 1 centimeter in diameter), and flowering does not occur in the same year.

Reproduction by dividing the tuber

The tubers of a mature plant must be cut into several pieces, sprinkled with chopped charcoal, leave to dry, and then germinated in seedling boxes or flower pots.

Propagation by cuttings

At least three leaves should remain on a cut begonia stalk. Places of cuts must be sprinkled with activated carbon (powder). The rooting of the plant takes place within a month at a temperature of at least 20 degrees and good moisture in the soil and air. The location of the flower needs to be shaded.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

Bush begonias are suitable for this method. The bush is divided along with the root part and planted in separate pots. At the time of rooting, begonia should be in a bright and warm room.

Reproduction by dividing the rhizome

This propagation method can be used during the spring transplant of the plant. After separation, each part of the plant should have a shoot with or without a bud and a root. Charcoal is used to cover the cuts in the roots to prevent root rot. All parts of the begonias are planted in separate containers and follow all the rules for caring for an indoor flower.

Diseases and pests

Spider mites, nematodes and aphids cause great harm to begonias. Gray mold can form due to the appearance of a fungus. Pest control measures - pruning of affected parts, treatment with fungicides.

Diseases of home begonia are possible due to violation of the rules of care. The most common diseases:

• Withering and dropping of buds and leaves - due to lack of moisture in the air and soil.
• Drying of the tips of the leaves - improper watering.
• The pallor of the leaf mass is a lack of light.
• Curling and drying of the leaves, the appearance of white bloom (signs of a fungal disease - powdery mildew) - due to an excess of humidity in the room and water condensation on the leaves.

Control measures - regular airing of the room, moderate lighting, timely fertilization.

Types and varieties of begonias with photos and descriptions

A unified classification of numerous species and varieties of begonias has not yet been created. Due to the complexity of the scientific division of plants of this genus, in the thematic literature there are only conditional options for dividing begonias into groups. The classification can be based on both the external characteristics of the plant and the methods of their reproduction.Very often, garden types of these plants are divided into only two main groups - with decorative leaves or flowers. They can also be classified according to the shape of the roots (tubers, rhizomes, superficial or fibrous roots).

A system for dividing plants according to stem types is quite common:

• With erect (bushy);
• Thick, recumbent or drooping;
• With thin drooping or creeping;
• Species-progenitors of flowering hybrids.

At the same time, in home floriculture, it is usually easiest to divide all begonias into plants that have either elegant leaves or beautiful flowers.

For indoor cultivation, hybrid forms of begonias are most suitable. Both flowering and deciduous plant species have decorative qualities. Among the flowering species, there are two categories of plants. Some belong to evergreen representatives, while others to shed foliage. Evergreens do not bloom as effectively as other species, but they delight with luscious green foliage all year round. Those specimens in which foliage dies have a beautiful and lush bloom, but tuber propagation will be required to grow the next generation of flowers.

Types of begonias with decorative leaves

Royal begonia (Begonia rex)

An Indian look that is prized for its superior appearance. In nature, it can grow in mountainous or forest areas. This type of begonia has become the basis for a number of hybrid plants and varieties with spectacular colorful leaves. Royal begonias are distinguished by a thickened rhizome, often protruding above the soil surface, as well as impressive leaves up to 30 cm in length. Their width can be 20 cm. The surface of the leaf blade can be bare or slightly pubescent. Each leaf has an asymmetrical shape, reminiscent of a beveled heart, and has a jagged or small wave edge. In addition to the impressive size, the color of the leaves is also of decorative value. It can be bronze, deep crimson or burgundy purple. Some varieties have specks on the leaves, usually dark purple or light silver. In some hybrids, the leaves have a particularly dark color, complemented by spots and dots of a crimson hue. Royal begonia can also bloom, but its small, most often pink flowers are usually lost against the background of large multi-colored leaves.

The most famous varieties:

• Cartagena - the main tone of the leaf is dark green, in the center there are burgundy-brown blotches, eventually acquiring a plum hue. The edge of the sheet has the same color. In addition, the leaf has many light silvery specks with a pale pink undertone. The leaf itself is oval and wrapped like a shell.
• Silver Greenhart - the leaves are green at the edges, and in the middle they have a large silvery spot and dots of the same shade. The shape of the leaf is an elongated and slightly beveled heart.
• Chocolite Cream - the leaves of the variety are twisted in a spiral. The coloration includes intense plum, red-pink and silvery tones.
• Evening Glow - foliage is of medium size. The main part and border of each are colored crimson, and the center and veins are greenish brown. The rest of the leaf is silvery.
• Hallelujah - large leaves, slightly twisted in a spiral near the petiole. Painted in light lilac. In the center and along the edge, the leaf is dark cherry, while between them there may be a green stripe with a scattering of silvery specks.

Along with these varieties, there are many others. Among the most famous are Benitochiba (cut light leaves with contrasting veins), Black Fang (almost black velvet leaves with light green veins in the center), Dewdrop (leaf plates with light streaks on a muted green background), Lilian (spiral leaves with a brown center , dark edge and light center), November Frost (green leaves covered with frost),Pearl de Paris (light leaf with a dark area along the veins and a pale cherry edge), Regal Minuet (glossy cherry leaves with a slight dark center), Red Tango (the leaf combines shades of cherry and green), Silver Corkscrew (light and dark green foliage with a silvery-cherry sheen), Titica (light greenish-pink leaf with dark veins), Charm (green leaves with dark edges and white specks), etc.

Begonia bowerae

She is maple-leaved, or tiger. Mexican species, rarely found in the natural environment. Forms a compact bush up to 25 cm high. Belongs to varieties with creeping shoots. There is pubescence on the inside of the leaves. The plate itself is colored in shades of green and decorated with large brown spots. Blotches of yellow may also occur. The shape of the plates is slightly beveled and also resembles a heart. There are small teeth along the edges. The veins are light. Inflorescences form discreet light pink flowers, loosely located on peduncles. They usually appear in winter. The species served as the basis for the creation of many varieties, the most famous of them are:

• Tiger - the height of the shoots of the bush is not more than 10 cm. The foliage has a velvety texture and an interesting color: brown stains on a bright green background. The brown color is concentrated along the veins. Petioles are spotted. The flowers are almost white.
• Cleopatra - has dark leaves with a red or burgundy opposite side. The veins are pale. The main feature of the variety: the presence of villi on the leaf blades that change shade depending on the lighting in the room.

Coral begonia (Begonia corallina)

Large Brazilian dwarf shrub. Even when grown in a pot, it can grow up to a meter in height, but there are also more compact varieties. Stems are straight, resembling bamboo. The leaves are slightly oblong and have teeth at the edges. In length, they can reach 20 cm, while their width is about 7 cm. Their outer side has a dark green color, complemented by small silvery specks. From the inside out, each leaf is light green. Small bright pink flowers form racemose inflorescences. The peduncle is also pink. Flowering begins closer to spring. The most popular varieties:

• Alfalfa - has large leaves with denticles along the edge. The underside of the leaf is red, and the outside is green, with pale silvery blotches.
• President Carnot - has foliage in the form of a shield, dissected at the petiole. Rare teeth are located on the edge. The length of each sheet reaches 30 cm (with a 15-cm width). Their color is green with light stains.

Begonia carolineifolia

It is considered one of the most ancient plant species; it grows naturally in the Mexican forests. Has creeping stems up to 4 cm thick. Unlike most other varieties, its foliage has a finger-like structure. The length of each leaf is no more than 35 cm. The leaf blades themselves are dark green, with noticeable veins and a glossy texture, and their petioles are colored brownish green. The pale pink flowers also have a greenish tint. They form cluster inflorescences that appear towards the end of winter.

Along with the listed types of decorative leaf begonias, many others are of great interest among flower growers. Among them:

• Belochechnaya - a shrub with slightly drooping shoots. Oblong green leaves on a short petiole are covered with many small light spots. The flowers are greenish-white.
• Shiny - a tall bush with a large number of bare twigs. The foliage is cordate, dark green above and light on the inside. Has a long flowering period.
• Bover - bush up to 10 cm tall. The foliage is dark green, with lighter blotches.
• Hogweed - its finger-like leaves really resemble hogweed foliage. The dark plates have a light green pattern and a pubescent reddish underside and petioles.
• Yellow - has large oval leaves up to 20 cm long.They are green on the outside and purple on the inside. The size of yellow flowers reaches 4 cm. The species is often used to obtain hybrids.
• Imperial striped - Mexican begonia with lodging stems. The foliage is light, velvety with dark green blotches, red on the seamy side.
• Red-leaved - The leaves are dark green on the outside and dark red on the inside, and are shaped like the rounded foliage of nasturtium.
• Limming - ampelous view with shiny and slightly lopsided foliage of bright light green color. Coral flowers.
• Metal - large pointed leaves on the outside have a metallic sheen and dark veins, on the inside of the leaf there is a reddish pubescence.
• Mason - New Guinean species. It has slightly wrinkled bright green leaves, decorated with a dark brown pattern in the central part.

Types of begonias with decorative flowers

Ever-flowering begonia (Begonia semperflorens)

Forms small bushes up to 60 cm in height. At the same time, the plant at the beginning of its development has straight stems, but as the bush matures, they droop. This allows the view to be used as an ampelous one. The foliage is round, up to 6 cm long, with a small downy along the edge. The color includes shades of green, but some varieties have a faint red tint. The flowers are not very large (up to 2.5 cm), they can be regular or double. The color palette includes white, pink and red. The lifespan of each flower is very short, but due to their quantity, the bush can retain its decorative effect for a long time.

Subject to all the intricacies of care, such begonia can form inflorescences all year round, even in winter. This is how it earned its name. There are over 600 spectacular varieties of such a plant. The main ones are:

• Ambergris - the size of the bush is up to 15 cm.The leaves are brown, the flowers are pink, no wider than 3 cm.
• Bicol - small green-leaved bushes up to 14 cm tall. The petals are two-colored: white in the center and turning pink towards the edge.
• Gustav Knaake - forms bushes with a spreading crown up to 30 cm high. The foliage is green, with a red border. Carmine inflorescences.
• Carmen - a medium-sized bush decorated with burgundy-brown foliage. Abundant flowering, pink flowers.
• Orania - forms small bushes up to 16 cm tall, green foliage with red edges. The petals are orange-red.

Common varieties also include Albert Martin (a dwarf variety with carmine flowers), Bella (foliage with a red border, pink, seven-flowered inflorescences), Ball Red (red flowers), Kate Teikher (foliage with a red border, 15-flower red inflorescences) , Leila (blooms pink), Linda (pink flowers, bright green foliage), Othello (medium-sized bush with scarlet flowers), Scarletta (double flowers of various shades), etc.

Begonia elatior (Begonia x elatior)

One of the most attractive hybrids, which has gained immense fame for the abundance and beauty of its flowers. The bushes have an average height of about 40 cm, they are made up of rather thick branches with leaves in the shape of hearts up to 8 cm long. The edge of the leaves is uneven. On the front side, they are deep green with a glossy sheen, and on the wrong side, they are light and no longer shiny. Peduncles with lush inflorescences are formed on the bushes, sometimes they can appear even in winter. The color of the petals can be varied. Main varieties:

• Louise - has a creamy pink color of flowers.
• Piccor - a miniature bush with double inflorescences painted in hot pink.
• Renaissance - forms a taller bush, on which red flowers with numerous corrugated petals appear.
• rose flower - dark pink double-flowered inflorescences.
• Schwabenland - a tall bush with small flowers of a bright red hue.

The list of especially popular varieties also includes Azotus (large flowers of pink tones), Annebel (milky flowers), Bellona (bright red petals), Berlin (double flowers of a bright pink color), Goldfinger (cream color), Kyoto (large white inflorescences), Cleo (small salmon-colored flowers), Sharlach (reddish-orange shades), etc.

Ampelous begonia (Begonia x tuberhybrida pendula)

This type can be used as a home or garden plant. Usually, baskets or pots are used to grow it. The stalks descending in a cascade are literally strewn with flowers. They can have varying degrees of terry or have only one row of petals. Basic colors include shades of red and orange, yellow, white, and pink. Their combinations are also possible. The size of the flowers can also vary. Flowering lasts from summer to the last weeks of autumn, with each flower lasting up to 10 days. The most famous varieties:

• Gail - has hanging stems up to 30 cm in size. Above them are pointed leaves with teeth along the edge. The size of the flowers is up to 3 cm, they have a pale pink color and are semi-double.
• Kati - differs in fragile stems about 30 cm in length. Flowers are semi-double, medium (about 3.5 cm), have a yellow color.
• Christie - also has fragile stems. Their length reaches 40 cm. Snow-white flowers with several rows of petals in diameter can reach 4 cm.
• Roxanne - a small bush with stems no longer than 40 cm. The size of double flowers is about 4 cm, they have an orange color.

The most famous hybrid varieties of decorative flowering begonias

• Amy Jean Bard - miniature bushes up to 12 cm in size. Leaves are of medium length and green in color. The inflorescences consist of 5 small but double orange flowers.
• Harlequin - a lush bush 25 cm in height with green leaf plates. Very large (up to 12 cm) yellow flowers have numerous petals with a thin red border.
• Gold Dress - semi-spreading bushes up to 25 cm in height. The foliage is pale green. In terms of the degree of doubleness, the yellow flowers are very similar to roses and have an impressive size of up to 20 cm.
• Dayana Vinyard - the size of the bush is up to 20 cm. The leaf plates are painted in a pale green color. The white flowers can grow up to 20 cm and have numerous wavy petals.
• Duck Red - a low bush up to 16 cm in size. The foliage has a rich green tint, double flowers 10 cm in diameter look like peonies. Their color is dark burgundy.
• Camellia Flora - bushes up to 25 cm in height. The leaves are colored green, and the flowers are pinkish-white, their diameter reaches 12 cm.
• Crispa Marginata - forms bushes up to 15 cm in size. The foliage is green, has folds. Flowers up to 12 cm in size. The outer petals are corrugated, their main color is white, but along the edge there is a contrasting bright red border.
• Marmorata - bush height up to 20 cm. Flowers up to 12 cm wide have a scarlet color with light, marble-like blotches of varying intensity.
• Feyerflamme - has bushes no more than 20 cm in size. The foliage is green, but its veins have a raspberry hue. Small flowers have a semi-double structure and an orangey-pink color.