Elatior begonia (Begonia x elatior) is the most popular type of home begonia. This species belongs to the number of hybrids, and it was obtained by crossing the Socotran and tuberous begonias. This type of tubers are absent. One of its distinguishing features is its thick stems.
Elatior can reach a height of 40 cm. The unusually picturesque flowers of this begonia, combined with dense rich green foliage, look very impressive. With proper care, elatior blooms for a long time and abundantly. Decorative qualities make it possible to use it not only for home decoration, but also as an original alternative to the usual festive bouquet. The beauty of Elatior flowers can impress and delight almost any hero of the occasion.
Elatior begonia care at home
The begonia elatior flower is quite capricious in its care, but any neat and attentive florist should be able to take care of it. Negative changes in external conditions can negatively affect the state of the plant. Begonia should be protected from stress and create a suitable microclimate for it.
Location and lighting
The quality of growth and the abundance of begonia flowering directly depends on the correct lighting. But the bright light needed by the plant must be diffused. Direct rays can leave burns on the leaves, and the evening is no exception. Excessive brightness can also adversely affect the appearance of flowers. Under such light, they decrease in size, turn pale and lose their terry. In hot weather, they need to be shaded. Daylight hours for begonias do not have to be long; it does not require the use of lamps.
Moderately lit western and eastern windows are considered optimal for growing such begonias. In addition, to maintain the decorative effect of the bush, wilted flowers must be removed regularly.
Optimum temperature
Begonia is a heat-loving plant that does not tolerate frost. A room with a constant temperature of 21-25 degrees is best suited for good flower development. At home, it should be protected from cold drafts and temperature extremes.
Watering rules
Unlike many home flowers, begonia does not need abundant watering. On warm spring and summer days, it is better to do this only after at least half of the earthen coma has dried. In autumn and winter, the already small water dose is reduced. In hot periods, you can additionally spray the leaves of the plant, but this should be done after sunset to avoid burns. You can irrigate not the flower itself, but the area around it. To humidify the air around the pot, you can use a pallet with damp moss, pebbles or expanded clay.
Planting and soil selection
The ideal soil for planting begonias should be good for water and air permeability, as well as be loose and light.To prevent water from stagnating in the soil, a sufficient layer of waterproof drainage is arranged at the bottom of the planting tank, and sand and baking powder are added to the soil itself. Mature plants do not always tolerate transplanting. If it is needed, you should be careful in the process and use the transshipment method. This will protect the vulnerable begonia roots from unwanted damage. Due to their small size, small pots are suitable for a flower. If you are not sure that the plant will take root in a new place, you can cut several cuttings from it in advance.
Fertilization
The choice and dosage of fertilizers can significantly affect the health of begonias. Careful application of mineral supplements will promote the growth and development of the flower. This should be done no more than once a week. Organic dressings, on the other hand, should be avoided. The nitrogen contained in them has a negative effect on the plant. The aerial part becomes watery and brittle, there is a risk of rot development. Another unpleasant result of using organic matter is weak flowering and shrinking of buds.
Resting care
Although the elatior may continue to bloom in winter, a little later, these begonias also enter a dormant period. Taking care of the flower at this time is somewhat different from usual. For a resting plant, an area where the temperature is kept within 20 ° C degrees is suitable. Readings below 18 ° C can lead to death of begonia. Watering at this time is reduced by about three times, and foliage no longer requires spraying. A few weeks before the start of the "vacation" of the flower, you should stop feeding.
So that after winter "hibernation" begonia quickly regains its former decorative effect, its stems can be cut to 7-8 cm. During this period, the bush is watered a little less until new leaves appear. In early March, you can additionally stimulate the growth of the plant by fertilizing it with a specialized preparation - Epin or Zircon. It is permissible to use both, but you should not do it at the same time. The use of such stimulants will help strengthen the plant's immunity.
Breeding methods for begonia elatior
Elatior reproduces in two ways: by seed or cuttings. The first one is optimal for the early spring period. But due to the microscopic size of the seeds, this method is rarely used. In addition, only Charisma is suitable for seed propagation.
Cutting is carried out in mid-spring, during the period of active growth. It helps not only to get layering, but also to rejuvenate the flower itself. Strong and healthy adult shoots at least 7 cm long or large leaves are suitable for this procedure. The cut off stalk for rooting is placed in a glass of water or in a container with perlite or vermiculite. These mixtures allow the cut to be disinfected. You can also use sphagnum moss instead. A plant grown from a cuttings is further formed by pinching. This will turn it into a neat and elegant bush.
Pests and diseases
The main disease that begonia is prone to is powdery mildew. It appears on plants kept in cool and humid environments. Dew spreads quickly, and in order to avoid further infection, it is necessary immediately after the appearance of signs of the disease - round white spots on the leaves - to treat the flower with special fungicides.
Stagnant water at the roots can lead to rotting. As a prophylaxis for such diseases, including black leg, phytosporin is added to the water for irrigation. Timely cleaning of the plant from wilted flowers is also able to prevent the development of putrefactive processes.
Among the pests that can attack domestic begonia are thrips, aphids and spider mites. It is worth examining the leaves and stems of plants more often in order to notice and treat the affected area in time. In advanced cases, the remaining healthy twigs can be cuttings.
