What is indoor plant begonia, and what kind of care does it require?

Hogweed begonia belongs to the genus of plants of the Begoniaceae family, and belongs to one of 1600 species of begonias. It is one of the most common species, it is associated with a very beautiful color, which will not leave anyone indifferent. Although in view of its low price it is often bought to decorate kindergartens, hospitals, schools and so on.

In principle, this is understandable, because externally the plant can cause sympathy, although in terms of care it differs from its more popular relatives. Our guest is less whimsical, and with proper care takes on a chic look.

Houseplant Description

There are both annual and perennial grasses, shrubs or shrubs with creeping or tuber-like thickened rhizomes (read about tuberous begonias here). Leaves are most often asymmetrical, have a pretty beautiful color, especially in domestic species. The flowers are irregular, unisexual, monoecious. The leaves belonging to the perianth are unequal, brightly colored. The fruit, like the other representatives of the species, has the shape of a box. It was first discovered in 1864. Named after a friend of the scientist, Michel Begon.

Photo

Below you can find photos of the begonia beetle.

Landing requirements

To begin with, we will describe everything in general terms. In principle, planting any ornamental plant is troublesome, but when planting our guest, who is also called an “unpretentious foreigner”, strict requirements should be observed. For example, sprouting due to the freezing of tubers may not be a nuisance. When buying, you should pay attention to the presence of rot on the glomerulus. Small roots can be removed from the tuber. It should be processed in a special liquid.

The pot should not be deep, since the roots will not be long in the future. Drain must fit at the bottom of the pot. Drainage should not fill more than 10% of the pot volume.

The earth must be loose, and also have a large amount of air. You can buy such land in specialized stores. Debris such as pebbles or sticks must be removed. It is not necessary to accept the earth, the looser it is, the better. Vermiculite will not be superfluous. The tuber does not need to be deepened much, relatively speaking, the tuber sits “on the shoulders”. Until the begonia has grown stronger, watering is carried out along the edge. Do not cover with dishes to create excess moisture.

Watch the video about the transplantation of hogweed begonia:

Lighting

This begonia loves bright and scattered sun rays, or you can arrange the plant in partial shade. In no case do not allow direct sunlight to fall on begonia, it is fatal to it and can lead to the death of the plant.

The soil

The earth, as for all other begonias, should be loose and enriched with various trace elements. One to one peat and chernozem can be added to the ground. You can buy soil at any flower shop, or mix it yourself.

Adult begonia is not particularly fastidious to the soil, but when planting and germinating, the soil should be loose, have a large supply of oxygen, and should also be enriched with mineral and trace elements. Soil is one of the most important factors affecting the beauty of your begonia.

Home Care

The most favorable is the temperature range from 13 to 22 degrees Celsius, however, do not forget to maintain a stable air humidity. The optimum level of humidity is 60 percent. Since begonia is a herbaceous species, the dormant state lasts from October to February.

To put the plant to rest, watering is reduced and wilted shoots are cut. Some experts advise keeping begonia tubers in the dark at a temperature of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius for up to two months. The best growth properties are manifested when the plant is in partial shade.

Watering is done only after the top layer of the earth has completely dried. To ensure the begonia the humidity necessary for it, the pot should be placed on a tray of water, but so that the pot is not in the water, or placed on wet peat.

In order for the pot not to be in the water, pebbles are poured onto the tray, or the pot itself is set on an inverted saucer. If the humidity level is too high, begonia rots, so do not overdo it.

On hot summer days, the air around the begonia is sprayed, but so that water does not get on the leaves. The room in which begonia is located must be periodically ventilated, but so that the plant itself is not blown by a draft. Transplantation is carried out only in cases of emergency.

Common Diseases and Pests

Begonia is most susceptible to four diseases:

1. Powdery mildew. It is a fungal disease caused by a fungus called Erysiphales. It develops on leaves and on surface shoots, representing a white coating, which due to its location is difficult to detect in the early stages. The disease leads to desiccation, and subsequently to rotting of the leaves. You can destroy the fungus by spraying with special drugs.ATTENTION: The more common name for the fungus is mycelium. If desired, it can be grown independently on bread.
2. Gray rot. Like powdery mildew, begonia is covered with a touch, but this time gray-white or completely gray. This disease can be detected without any problems at any stage. As a therapeutic agent, trichodermin can be used.
3. Bacterial spotting. Blots of brown-red or brown spots appear on the leaves.
4. Ring spotting. The appearance of white spots with a clear shape.

Begonia can be affected by the following parasites: spider mites, white moths, and so on.

The tick is considered the most annoying, the struggle with which is complicated by the fact that it quickly lays larvae. In this regard, the processing will have to be performed 3-4 times a week, approximately within one to two months.

The best solution is powder in ampoules. For example, the biologically active agent "Akarin." It has proven itself very well in the fight against parasites of indoor flowers, especially when considering the price / quality ratio.

Propagation Features

There are many ways to propagate begonias. The method of growing with a nodule was described above, and of the features I would like to add the following: the tuber has two parts, convex and dented. Contrary to popular belief, the tuber should be planted with the convex part down and not up, since the sprouts germinate precisely from the dented side. However, in addition to the tuberous method, there are many others:

1. Vegetative. Includes two subtypes:
• Reproduction by children. For it, it is necessary to cut off the top of the rhizome with a length of not more than 7 and not less than 5 centimeters. Then this process is placed in the ground, after which it is covered with a plastic bag, to create a greenhouse. After 4 weeks, the seedling is required to shoot, which will mean success.
• Tuber division. This method is almost the same as nodule, but for it, the tuber must be divided into parts, each part must have at least one kidney.
2. Propagation by cuttings. Like the vegetative one, it has two subtypes:
• Leaf cuttings. This method is necessary when it is necessary to obtain a large amount of planting material. To begin with, the most healthy leaf is selected. Next, he cut it into small squares.IMPORTANT: Squares should not be more than two centimeters. Further, these pieces are located on a substrate, in which peat and sand are mixed in equal parts.

  Further, everything is covered with a film of polyethylene. Ideally, two or three weeks later, the petioles should be rooted, until this point they can not only be touched, but generally removed the film. After a period of three weeks, in case of rooting, you can open the film and ventilate them, but not longer than 30 minutes, and with each ventilation time is increased.

• Stem cuttings. For reproduction, a stem with 1-2 buds is selected. Next, you need to make a cut under the lower kidney, and above the top at a distance of 50 millimeters from the kidney. If there are leaves on the handle, then they are half cut.

  Further, a shallow hole is made in the substrate, into which the stalk is inserted. Then everything is covered with a plastic film and aired every 2-3 days. Instead of a film, you can use a bottle. Rooting usually occurs between 15 and 30 days.

  In cuttings with the same begonia, the rooting period can be different.

Summing up, we can say that this type of begonia is very beautiful, so all the efforts put into leaving will not go in vain. This begonia is not particularly demanding, so it is suitable for both beginner gardeners and experienced gardeners. Also, many will be interested in growing their hogweed begonia from scratch, or, as it will be more correct to put it, with a nodule.

Watch the video: Indoor Begonia Care Guide . Garden Answer (October 2024).