Houseplants make us happy create a feeling of comfort and harmony in the house. Even using only the decorative and deciduous representatives of the flora, you can create a beautiful and cozy place to rest in the room. Begonias are distinguished by their special beauty, the variety of their variegated leaves never ceases to amaze, and their form and size make it possible to collect entire collections.
Care for decorative begonias at home
Landing
All plant manipulation is desirable. carry out in early springwhen it is just starting to get up. The fact is that planting and transplanting slow down development for some time, because begonia is under stress from changed conditions. It is important to take this into account and bring a new plant from the store to the house or office. Begonia shop was grown in greenhouse conditions in compliance with all the rules, and at home she has to adapt in a new way.
Priming
Soil used slightly acid or closer to neutral. It should be loose and fertile. The leaf earth and humus is taken, they are previously disinfected. Add sand to this mixture. Also to improve the quality of the soil is recommended to add perlite or vermiculite.
Pot
Capacity for deciduous begonias take a wide, but not deep. Good plastic pots will do, it is easy to remove the plant from them when the need for transplanting arises. At the bottom of the pot must be made holes - this provides additional air access to the roots and the outflow of excess water
Watering
For watering, defend the water or boil. Water only when the top layer of the earth is dry. The need for watering specialists determine and change the weight of the pot. You can gradually pour water from the pallet until the upper layer darkens.
In the summer, frequent ingress of moisture is required, in winter less often and necessarily after drying of the top layer of the soil to a depth of at least 1 cm.
Air humidity
Prefers moderate humidity. If the air is too dry, it is more likely thatthe appearance of spider mites, and at high humidity - there is a risk of decay of the roots and leaves.
Spraying begonia is not recommended. To increase the humidity of the air, next to the pot, containers with water are placed or begonia is placed on a wide pan, in which wetted clay is poured.
Temperature
Prefers a moderate temperature of 18 to 25 degrees. It is undesirable to put the plant next to cold drafts and radiators. Summer put in a cool place.
Location
Light begonia loves, but it must be scattered. Bright sun will burn the leaves and make them pale or increase the amount of green pigment, reducing the variegated spots. Lack of coverage will affect growth and reduce foliage diversity.
Begonias do not like a sharp change in location, however, in order for the foliage to grow evenly, the plant can be slowly rotated relative to the light source.
Fertilizers
After transplantation, fertilizing begins no earlier than in a month. Alternate organic and mineral fertilizers, while using them once every two weeks. The stores sell special dressings with the inscription "Begonia", but it is permissible to apply universal for decorative leafy plants, as well as for azaleas.
Pruning
Usually cut in the spring before transplanting or at the same time. Remove the old and stretched stems, while leaving a small stump. Cuttings and leaves are allowed to root.
Breeding
Most types of homemade begonias easily reproduce. A small stalk is taken about 5 cm long, set in a glass of clean water. The best time for this is spring. Instead of cuttings, leaves are used, they are cut with a sharp knife, and the sections are disinfected with charcoal. Reproduction and parts of the lamina are available, cutting it so that there is a central vein on each piece. After that, the pieces are laid on loose soil, sand or perlite, pressed against them, and the top covered with a package or a can.
Cuttings after rooting planted in small pots or plastic cups. Immediately put in a large container can not be - the soil in such a pot dries out for a long time, which can lead to the death of the young specimen.
Transfer
Every year in spring the earth is renewed, and the plant is transplanted. If it has grown heavily, and the roots become cramped, then take the pot a little wider than before. A drainage layer is poured at the bottom., for which take expanded clay or brick crumb. The roots are cleaned of the old soil, set the plant in a new pot and gently sprinkled with earth, sometimes tapping the pot, so that the soil lies evenly. After that, the begonia must be watered, and the excess water from the pallet removed.
Lifespan
After 3-4 years, begonia loses its decorative qualities, the trunk becomes bare. Usually, cardinal pruning is performed or a new specimen is grown from leaves or cuttings.
Features care in the winter
In winter, most plants are in a dormant period. Watering is reduced.
Protect the plant from exposure to cold air and radiators. Carefully monitor the mode of irrigation, its excess of hello to the decay of the root system.
Diseases and pests
Too humid air and excess watering during the winter period will lead to the appearance of powdery mildew: a raid appears on the leaves and they die off.
In dry air, the edges of the leaves dry out and turn brown. With a lack of lighting, the leaves are drawn out, become small and pale.
In summer, begonia can be attacked by aphid, which was accidentally brought from the street. The spider mite is also likely to appear - it likes dry air. To remove pests apply drug Actellic, which is sprayed plant.
Begonia - It is almost the perfect plant for keeping at home or in the office. It looks great in green corners and winter gardens.
Deciduous begonia cleans the indoor air and helps fight dangerous bacteria.
A photo
Below you will see a photo for the care of ornamental deciduous begonia at home:
