Types of begonias that can be kept at home and their photos

Description of the plant and its types

Begonia is a plant of the humid tropics of both hemispheres. Its species are very diverse, among them there are shrubs, subshrubs and herbaceous plants, annuals and perennials.

A distinctive feature of begonia is the presence of succulent, fleshy shoots, erect or creeping, depending on the species.

They bear large asymmetrical leaves on long petioles . Their shape can be round or elongated with a jagged edge. In many species, the leaf blade has a velvety surface. All types of begonias bloom at home.

But decorative flowering varieties have bright, large flowers. Deciduous species have inconspicuous flowering. Begonia flowers open in 2-3 pieces. on peduncles emerging from the leaf axils.

There are about 1,000 species of begonias in the wild. They are divided into the following groups: decorative flowering and decorative deciduous. The following species are widely known from the group of ornamental flowering plants:

Begonia everblooming is a species characterized by almost continuous flowering throughout the year. In natural species, the flowers are small, bright, and of regular shape, while in varietal species they are double and large;

Begonia Elatior - considered an indoor species, but in fact it is a hybrid of tuberous begonia. The species is distinguished by upright, thick shoots and very large flowers, similar in shape to roses;
Tuberous begonia - has a characteristic thickening at the bottom of the trunk, similar to a tuber. The species is distinguished by large double flowers of various colors.

See the photo below for what an indoor begonia flower looks like in a pot:

Everblooming

Elatior

Tuberous

Popular decorative foliage varieties are represented by the following types:

Royal begonia is a species with a short thick stem and many large leaves with a dissected edge. The color of the leaf blade is very diverse depending on the variety;
Bauer's begonia is a compact species with creeping shoots and small round leaves. The color of the leaves is variegated, dark veins are visible on the light leaf;
Begonia metallica is a large, tall plant with a branching stem. Its leaves reach a length of 20 cm, they have a jagged edge and a pointed tip. The surface of the sheet has an intense metallic luster;
Mason's Begonia is a very compact species with variegated leaves. On the light green background of the leaf blade there is a cross-shaped pattern of dark brown color.

Royal

Variety of species

The begonia family has about 900 species. Flowers grown at home are divided into the following groups: flowering and decorative foliage. The most popular of them include:

Royal . A plant with decorative large leaves up to 30 cm long. Leaf plates can resemble a snail's spiral or have a heart shape. Their color is brown, dark green, and red.

Tuberous begonia . It differs in the shape of the flowers, which are similar to peony, carnation, and rose. Each of the buds grows from 5 to 15 cm. They can be orange, bright red, yellow, pink or white. The petals are framed with a border or can be two-colored.

Elatior . The tuber hybrid is grown only at home. It is distinguished by round glossy leaves with a diameter of 5 cm and red thin shoots that need support. Flowering occurs in autumn-winter. Inflorescences can be orange, red, yellow and white.

Ampelnaya . Shoots of this species hang from flowerpots like garlands and can have a length of 25 to 50 cm. The bush blooms throughout the entire growing season with yellow, orange, crimson or white flowers.

Ever-blooming . The most popular among gardeners is begonia, which can be grown both indoors and in open ground. The plant has glossy leaves in green and red tones. At home, this species blooms with white, pink or red small flowers throughout the year.

Care and cultivation of indoor begonia at home

All types of plants bloom indoors. But decorative flowers are distinguished by particularly long flowering. Its time depends on the type of plant. Tuberous varieties bloom in late May and end in mid-autumn.

Hybrid begonia Elatior most often blooms from late autumn throughout the winter. The ever-blooming species produces buds throughout the year, but in winter the flowering intensity decreases. Decorative deciduous varieties bloom in the warm season. Their flowering is short-lived.

With good care, begonias bloom very readily. Large, overgrown plants do not need to be stimulated; they grow buds themselves.

Young specimens of 1-2 years of age may bloom sparingly, but over time their flowering will become regular and abundant. Care and maintenance of indoor begonias at home includes:

Regular watering;
Intense lighting;
Fertilizer feeding.

Water the plant generously so that the soil in the pot does not dry out. Only the top layer of soil should dry out. Drying out a clod of earth can not only affect flowering, but also kill the entire plant.

Lack of lighting often leads to the plant dropping buds and flowers. The plant needs bright but diffused light. During flowering, begonia must be fed with fertilizers for flowering species. There are also specialized compositions for indoor flowers.

Lighting and temperature conditions

Begonia is very light-loving. It requires bright light. But she cannot stand direct sunlight. In the sun, its leaves quickly become burned. Lack of light leads to weakening of the plant.

Its shoots and leaf petioles elongate and become thin. The leaf blades themselves become smaller. There are no buds on thin weakened shoots. The flower needs bright lighting throughout the year. The plant especially needs it in winter, when there is not enough light.

To maintain a beautiful appearance, it is recommended to move the flower to the most illuminated place or illuminate it with phytolamps.

The temperature for growing begonia in summer is between 20-25ºС. The plant can hardly tolerate higher temperatures. To prevent its leaves from drying out, it is necessary to increase air humidity and water more often.

In winter, the air temperature can be reduced slightly. At the same time, the plant will reduce its growth, which is very useful in insufficient lighting and short daylight hours.

The air temperature in winter should be between 15-18ºС. The temperature should not be reduced below 15ºС. In this case, the life of the plant slows down so much that shoots and leaves may die. Begonia is also afraid of sudden changes in temperature and cold drafts.

Watering and spraying

Begonia is quite moisture-loving. It needs regular watering. You need to water so that the earthen ball dries out as little as possible. Drying the soil to a great depth will damage the roots and cause the death of the plant.

But begonia does not like stagnation of water in the soil. Therefore, the soil in the pot should always be moist, but not wet. Excess water should go into the pan. Between waterings, only the top layer of soil dries out.

In the warm season, begonia is watered 2 times a week. In the summer heat, you can increase the frequency of watering. In winter, when the air temperature is lower, they usually water once a week.

Indoor begonia is a plant of the humid tropics. It grows well in high humidity. Typically, in apartment conditions, air humidity is increased by spraying. But it is not recommended to spray begonia. Water leaves white spots on its leaves. Also, water getting on shoots and flowers contributes to their rotting.

Air humidity is increased by placing the pot with begonia in a deep tray with a moistened substrate.

Here they use expanded clay or moss. Water, evaporating, humidifies the air near the plant. Humidify the air only during warm periods. This cannot be done in winter. At low temperatures, high humidity promotes the development of fungal diseases.

Soil and fertilizing

For planting plants, a special soil mixture is used. It is sold in flower shops. You can also use universal primer. You need to pay attention to its composition. It is desirable that the soil contains peat.

If it is not possible to purchase a suitable soil composition, you can mix the soil yourself. The soil mixture for begonias should include the following components:

Leaf soil - 2 parts;
Garden soil – 1 part;
Peat – 1 part;
Sand – 1 part.

When planting begonias, drainage at the bottom of the pot is required.

Feeding begonias differs for flowering and deciduous species. Flowering begonias begin to be fed only after the formation of buds begins. The soil is fertilized with compounds for ornamental flowering species. Feed every 2 weeks with fertilizers diluted with water according to the instructions.

You can start feeding deciduous begonias in mid-April. The soil is fertilized with compounds for decorative foliage plants every 2 weeks.

At home, it is convenient to use complex liquid fertilizers for various purposes. They are diluted with water for irrigation and the plant is watered. But this is done a few hours after the main watering, so that the roots better absorb the fertilizer. Feed all plants until mid-autumn. At the end of autumn and in winter, fertilizing is not carried out.

Begonia houseplant

Home Health Indoor plants Indoor plant begonia

The houseplant begonia has great beneficial properties: volatile substances (phytoncides) released by begonias are active against a number of microorganisms and molds. It was found that in a room with begonias, the total number of bacteria after a week is reduced by 70-80%, including: staphylococcus - by 60%, mold fungi - by 30%. Therefore, this plant can be recommended for landscaping a wide variety of rooms: bedrooms and playrooms in kindergartens, classrooms and corridors in schools, living rooms and bedrooms in apartments. Begonias are indicated for rooms located on the first floors of old houses, where, as a rule, there is little light and quite damp, and the content of microscopic mold fungi in the air is high. Especially recommended in the bedroom of elderly people and for various diseases. In addition, the cells of these plants secrete biologically active substances that improve the air environment, which has a positive effect on the human body. By creating “clean air,” plants help improve performance, overcome stress, and normalize sleep.

Begonia is useful for those in whose homes there live extremely emotional people who are ready to cry over any trifle. With it, the atmosphere becomes balanced; with this plant, every resident or guest of the house feels “at ease.” Royal begonia can cleanse the energy of the home. It will be useful for those who often have guests, especially if the house is not huge. Concentrated energy emanates from the plant's trunk in the form of a fountain, then descends and rises again. It is believed that healthy plants form a cycle of energy. They not only transform negative vibrations, but also absorb them, bringing the atmosphere in the room to harmony and balance. Begonias were discovered by the monk Charles Plushier in the 18th century during an expedition to the island. Haiti. After his return, Plushier published a book, “Description of Plants of America with Their Drawings.” Plushier named one of the plants he discovered in honor of Michel Begon, the French governor of Santo Domingo, begonia. The first begonias to be grown in Europe were brought to England from the West Indies. In 1777, Begonia minor was brought from Jamaica, and in 1798, Begonia acutifolia. After this, other species began to arrive. In 1856, Rex begonia (Begonia rex) was found in Assam (India), and tuberous begonias (Bolivian begonia (Begonia boliviensis), Veitch's begonia (Begonia veitchii) were discovered in the mountains of South America (Andes). In the middle of the 19th century, from A huge number of ornamental plants were delivered to the West Indies, Mexico, South America and other areas, especially for the collections of large firms in England and Belgium. Among them were more than 15 species of begonias, which began to quickly spread throughout European gardens. In the middle of the 19th century, begonias in They were brought to Europe in huge quantities, of which more than 15 species became especially popular.

The Begoniaceae family includes more than a thousand different plant species, comprising three large groups:

rhizomatous;
with fibrous roots;
tuberous.

All types and varieties of begonias are conventionally divided into beautifully flowering and decorative foliage:

Ever-flowering begonia (Begonia semperflorens), elatior begonia (Begonia elatior), tuberous begonia (Begonia x tuberhybrida);
The remaining species and variety groups, the most popular of them are royal begonia (Begonia Rex) with its numerous varieties and varieties, metal begonia (Begonia metallica), Mason's begonia (Begonia masoniana), coral begonia (Begonia corallina), etc.

All plants of the Begoniaceae family have a number of common characteristics. The leaves are arranged alternately and have an asymmetrical shape. The flowers are unisexual, located on the tops of branches or in racemes. The group of rhizomatous begonias is cultivated for the beauty of its leaves, which take on a wide variety of colors. Tuberous begonias bloom in the summer months with large double or single flowers. Tuberous begonias are one of the most luxurious decorations in flower beds. These begonias are great for decorating your balcony; for this it is advisable to choose hanging varieties. From some types of begonia you can create beautiful bonsai that will become a real decoration for your home. Begonias are so diverse that you can choose a plant for almost any conditions. For example, blood red and hogweed begonias are among the most unpretentious plants and can live almost anywhere - from a greenhouse and winter garden to a poorly lit office or room in the yard.

Begonias are also good in home interiors, where their flowering will last 2–3 months longer. Begonias can be successfully used to create groups and compositions with other types of plants. The principle of contrast works here. Bush begonias with brightly colored leaves go well with tall plants and dark green foliage (dracaenas, ficus, philodendrons, fatsias). Begonias with green leaves, on the contrary, require brighter “neighbors”. In all compositions you can use creeping polyfolia begonia with small green leaves - it is elegant and looks great next to other plants. The most common among rhizomes are Mason's Begonia with purple stripes on dark green pubescent leaves, Royal Begonia with multi-colored leaves (variety Helen Lewis, leaves which have a red-purple color with soft green veins and isolated areas of silver and pink. Tuberous begonia species are hybrids of South American varieties. These plants are distinguished by bright flowers, usually red or pale pink. The most typical representatives of Begonia clarkei, Begonia pearcei, Begonia socotrana, hybrid varieties of the Lorraine group. Among plants with fibrous roots, we can name such species as Begonia incana, which is a succulent, Begonia metallica with leaves that have a metallic tint. The optimal temperature for the growth of most varieties of begonias is 15 degrees. Begonia loves good light, but the plants must be protected from direct sunlight. Watering is moderate but frequent, at least twice a week. To feed begonias during the growth period, liquid potassium-based fertilizers are used. Indoor flowers are replanted in the spring; the soil should contain up to fifty percent peat. It is very important to pick off wilted flowers and leaves in a timely manner, otherwise they can rot and destroy healthy leaves. When spraying, you must ensure that water does not get on the flowers. Begonias are used as foliage plants for bright and warm rooms. Almost all types require high air humidity, within 60%. The temperature in winter should be +12...+14 °C for subtropical species, +18...+20 °C for tropical species. Decorative leaf forms require shading from direct sun. Flowering species need more lighting, but direct sun is also poorly tolerated. Watering in summer is plentiful, in winter - moderate. If kept excessively damp and cold, begonia is affected by root-knot nematodes, powdery mildew and root rot.

Fertilizing is carried out in the spring-summer period once every 2 weeks; if possible, mineral fertilizers are alternated with organic ones. Additional lighting in the winter months has a positive effect on the development of plants; most species benefit from regular spraying with a fine spray. Large drops of water falling on the leaves cause them to become spotted. After flowering ends, the plant is prepared for dormancy by reducing watering and removing old leaves and inflorescences. Long, weakly leafy shoots of begonias are shortened. This can be done throughout the year, but it is better in the spring, when plants quickly restore their decorative properties due to the intensive formation of new foliage. Transplantation is carried out in the spring every 1 - 2 years. Use a soil mixture consisting of leaf soil, peat, compost, turf soil and sand (1:1:1:0.5:1). Possible problems: brown plaques on the surface of leaves and stems - scale insects. These pests suck out cell sap. The leaves lose color, dry out and fall off. For mechanical cleaning of pests, the leaves are wiped with a soapy sponge. Then the plant is sprayed with a 0.15% Actellik solution (1–2 ml per liter of water); the appearance on the leaves of non-translucent spots from light green to yellow of different shapes and sizes is a physiological burn that forms when direct sunlight (in summer) or cold air (in winter) hits a wet leaf; leaf curling, wrinkling, interveinal chlorosis - sudden effects of cold; old leaves lack magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, young leaves lack molybdenum, boron, copper, manganese; yellowing of old leaves - in summer this is a lack of macroelements, drying out of plants, in autumn and winter this is a lack of light, high air temperature, especially at night; buds are not formed or there are few of them - non-compliance with the conditions for the dormant period: unfavorable ratio of light, heat and nutrients; insufficient air humidity; yellowing of the edges, dry ends of the leaves - dry air, the initial stage of poisoning with chlorine, tobacco smoke, potassium starvation.

In indoor conditions, the easiest way to propagate begonias is from stem cuttings. Segments of shoots take root easily even if you just put them in water. Rooted cuttings are planted in pots filled with a mixture of leaf soil, peat and sand (1:1:2). If you couldn’t get a stem cutting, you can get by with a leaf or even part of it. The leaf can also be rooted in water. When propagating part of a leaf, it is cut into lobes, each of which must have a large vein. Such cuttings are susceptible to rot, so you need to use clean tools and utensils. Some species can be propagated by seeds.

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Possible diseases and pests due to improper care

This is a demanding flower, and if you do not properly care for indoor begonia at home, it can get sick or even die. There are several common problems with improper care of this plant. Root rot - occurs due to improper watering and stagnation of water in the soil.

The leaves of the plant turn yellow and die en masse. At the onset of the disease, you can transplant the plant into new soil. But when the root system is already badly damaged, the begonia cannot be saved. You can only cut off and root the healthy tips of the shoots.

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that develops at high humidity and low temperature. A whitish coating forms on the leaves of the plant. To save the flower, you need to remove all diseased parts and treat it with a fungicide.

For prevention in winter, you need to ventilate the room more often and drain excess water from the pan.

Gray rot is a fungal infection that develops when water gets on leaves and shoots. Diseased areas become covered with gray mold. The fight against the disease is the same as for powdery mildew infection.

Preventive measures - careful watering so that water does not fall on the plant. Spraying is not allowed.

Sunburn on leaves appears as dry, irregularly shaped areas. They are formed when direct sun hits the leaves. If burns are found, it is necessary to move the plant to a less lit place.

Another feature of the indoor plant is its sensitivity to combustion products. If there is a gas stove in the kitchen, you cannot keep begonia there. Soon its leaves will droop and it will stop growing.

Begonia is affected by some pests of indoor plants:

Spider mite;
Whitefly;
Thrips;
Greenhouse aphid;
Nematodes.

When insects appear, it is necessary to treat the plant with an insecticide.

If ticks have settled on the begonia, treatment with an acaricide is required - a remedy for harmful arachnids. Complex preparations for controlling insects and mites are also available for sale.

Nematodes are small roundworms that infect the roots and shoots of a plant, penetrating through its root system. The affected plant is destroyed, since control of the nematode has not been developed. As a preventative measure, it is necessary to heat treat (85ºС for 30-40 minutes) the newly acquired soil.

Growing and propagating begonias - possible difficulties

Flower growers, especially beginners, may experience some difficulties when growing plants. Some possible questions can be answered below.

Why do begonia leaves turn yellow?

Yellowing of the leaves can result from:

lack of nutrients;
lack or excess of moisture;
pests in the soil.

If there are insects in the soil, it is best to replace it with a new one. The roots should be treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Why does begonia dry out?

Begonia leaves can dry out for the following reasons:

Pests. If the leaves begin to dry out and turn yellow, they must be carefully examined, especially on the underside. If pests are detected, it is recommended to treat the flower with insecticidal preparations.
Dry air. Delicate begonia leaves can be damaged by dry indoor air. First of all, the tips of the leaves begin to dry on the plant. Most often, indoor plants suffer from dry air in winter, when heating radiators are turned on. Increasing air humidity will prevent foliage from drying out.
Drafts and cold air. Growing flowers in a draft and cold air from open windows can be another reason for dry leaves on a flower.
Lack of fertilizers. Begonia can dry out due to a lack of fertilizers in the soil, which must be applied regularly from spring to autumn.

Why do begonia buds fall off?

On a weakened bush, the flowers do not have enough strength to open. This may be due to a lack of minerals or improper watering.

Why doesn't indoor begonia bloom?

There can be many reasons for this:

drafts;
lack of rest period;
watering with hard water;
excess fertilizer;
unsuitable temperature conditions;
low humidity;
lack of lighting.

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Having studied all the rules for caring for a flower, you need to observe it. It is possible that the plant needs to be rejuvenated or transplanted into new soil.

Reproduction and transplantation

Begonia reproduces very easily in indoor culture. There are many ways to reproduce it:

Sowing seeds;
Cuttings;
Dividing the bush;
Reproduction by leaf blade;
Propagation by tubers.

Indoor begonias are propagated by seeds extremely rarely. This method is long and very labor-intensive. It is much easier and faster to obtain a decorative plant using vegetative propagation methods.

For propagation of all types of plants, cuttings are used. Apical and stem cuttings take root and grow equally well. They do not require treatment with root growth stimulants.

It is only important that the cuttings are at least 7 cm long and have 3-4 leaves.

Root cuttings in water and soil. For rooting in the ground, use a flower pot with a moistened substrate. The cutting is covered with a glass jar and opened daily for ventilation.

For rooting in water, use boiled water at room temperature. After the formation of roots about 5 cm long, the cuttings are planted in the ground.

The division of the bush is carried out when transplanting overgrown specimens. They are divided into 2-3 parts. Each division should have several shoots and part of the root system. Delenki are planted in separate pots.

Begonia propagates very easily by leaf. Both the leaf with the petiole and the leaf blade are used. A leaf with a petiole is rooted in the same way as a cutting. After the roots appear on the cut petiole, children are formed, from which young plants develop.

When propagating with a leaf blade, it is laid on the ground, cutting the veins in several places. The pot is covered with film or a jar. In the places of cuts, roots are formed first, and then children and young plants.

Only tuberous begonia varieties are propagated by tubers. For propagation, large tubers are divided into parts.

Replanting an indoor flower is carried out as necessary if the root system has grown too large or the soil has become very depleted. Young plants are replanted every 1-2 years, adults - every 3-4 years.

Transplantation is carried out in early spring before growth begins. Begonias are not specially pruned. If overgrown bushes have lost their decorative shape, it is recommended to trim long shoots.