The begonias are rich in variety and all plants are beautiful in their own way. Only here the royal (imperial) begonia or rex begonia of all flowers is more beautiful and attractive, it is loved by all flower growers. This flower with gorgeous leaves of various shapes and colors has become an honored guest of almost every windowsill.
Begonia can have oval or round leaves, elongated, and can resemble a heart or maple leaf. The surface can be either smooth or scaly. Such a flower is generally appreciated not for the palette of its colors, but for its decorative effect.
Royal begonia does not require special attention to itself and it is quite easy and simple to care for it.
Home begonia care
Location and lighting. Any plant, varieties of decorative begonia, has a bright saturated color, which means that the flower needs enough light. If the lighting is faded, the leaves will lose their brightness and become pale. But the direct rays of the sun of begonias are categorically contraindicated. In this case, the leaves will begin to curl and get burned. In summer, the plant can be slightly protected from the sun, but in winter it is better to put a window on the windowsill that faces south. The most favorable place for begonias is partial shade.
Temperature. Under natural conditions, royal begonia lives in warm regions - subtropics and tropics. This means that the plant is thermophilic. The flower grows and develops best at a temperature of 16-22 degrees. Begonia is very fond of fresh air. In summer, you can give her such pleasure, you just need to be careful about dry air and drafts. During winter, the plant can be placed on an insulated balcony or loggia with an air temperature of 16 degrees. During this period, it is necessary to monitor watering more carefully. The delicate roots of begonia can quickly die from both aridity and excess moisture. A flower that has received a large amount of water in the winter period will instantly lose its foliage.
It is important when the weather is frosty outside the window so that the begonia is kept away from the glass. Otherwise, the plant will suffer greatly, its roots will not be able to warm up, and the leaves, on the contrary, receive heat from the heating battery. Begonia will take on a sloppy look, the leaves will curl and dry. After such stress, the plant bounces back for a long time.
Watering. In summer, especially in extreme heat, the plant needs abundant watering. The soil should be moistened evenly, only when the top layer dries out. Begonia prefers humid air around it, but it is undesirable to spray the flower, the leaves may suffer. You can simply put a container of water next to it, as the liquid evaporates, the air will be humid. If the plant has large leaves, then dust will accumulate on them. Here you just need a regular cleansing procedure. It is enough to wipe the leaves with a piece of dry cloth once every two weeks, thereby shaking off the dust and the flower will be clean again.
The process of watering and the moment of fertilization must be carried out with extreme caution, because the royal begonia has very fragile stems and leaves.
Top dressing. If you systematically feed begonia once a month mineral fertilizers (complex), then the plant will develop and grow well. Only before feeding the flower must be watered so as not to damage the roots. Organics are also great for fertilizing. Can be diluted with water, 1: 5, horse or cow dung, which has already fermented.
Transfer. It is necessary to carry out a flower transplant every year. After 3-4 years of life, begonias are renewed by planting young cuttings instead of old ones. A special begonia mixture that you can buy is suitable for transplanting. There is an option for self-preparation of the soil mixture. This is peat and coarse river sand in equal parts and sod land, with the addition of leaf humus, vermiculite and pieces of pine bark. Such a composition will improve the penetration of air into the soil. It is better to plant in a wide, but shallow container (due to the structure of the roots), drainage is imperative.
Alternatively, placing several varieties of begonias in one pot - you get an excellent composition of ornamental plants.
Reproduction. Begonia propagates in different ways quite simply: by cuttings of the stem and leaves, by dividing the roots, by seeds. Cuttings can first be placed in water for rooting. But the roots will also start growing well in light soil with the use of rooting stimulants. Only you need a greenhouse effect, the cuttings will need to be covered with foil.
Parts of the leaves are also a good breeding method for begonias. You need to take a piece of paper and put it on the glass. Then, with a sharp knife or blade, cut into equal triangles so that each has a vein at the top. After that, the pieces of leaves must be put on the ground, pressed well and covered with foil. The film must be lifted every day for airing. In a month, shoots will appear on such leaves. You should wait a little for them to get stronger and then carefully plant them for further independent growth.
The roots can also be used to propagate a flower. In the process of transplanting, carefully divide the root system and plant in light, loose soil. A little time will pass and new shoots can be seen on the surface.
Interesting information
If you turn to the astrology of flowers, then you can find out that the royal begonia is ideal for the living room. This flower in a room like this creates a welcoming environment. The thing is that indoor begonia is able to cleanse the premises of accumulated energy. After all, when guests gather in the house, their energy can be different. Someone is full of positive, while someone is in a bad mood or a long-standing resentment. Where there are a lot of people and there is a royal begonia - the atmosphere will always be friendly and calm.
In addition, the leaves of such a plant are under the influence of Mars. This planet of the solar system activates determination and courage in a person. Having a royal begonia in a room has a positive effect on people. It helps those who are in a long, painful meditation, promotes the adoption of the right decision and conclusions that are beyond doubt. This flower also actively influences the formation of a person's oratorical abilities. For those who teach, lecture, work in journalism and politics, begonia is perfect.
People suffering from diseases such as bronchial asthma simply need to have begonia in the house. Smokers are also advised to acquire this wonderful flower. Because royal begonia is not only able to cure various diseases of the bronchial system, but also prevent its occurrence and further development.
It turns out that this imperial begonia has no negative sides at all. It has a beautiful appearance, it is easy to care for it, and it benefits a person. Those growers who at least once have already had the opportunity to encounter this amazing flower no longer have the strength to part with it.
