The flower comes from the subtropical and tropical forests of the mountainous parts of Asia, South America and Africa. Received its name in honor of the Governor of the island of Haiti M. Begon. For domestic cultivation, hybrid types - decorative-deciduous and decorative-flowering begonias - are most often used.
Care for the room begonia
Begonia is very disliked when they break their peace. Try not to move the plant from one place to another, do not touch it again. Flowers feel good, being in pots on the windowsills. Optimum - put them on the window, located to the south-east and south-west.
Contain begonias need in a bright room, but it should be protected from direct sunlight. Please note, even a short stay in the open sun causes severe burns to the plant.
In the care of begonias, you must strictly monitor the temperature. This is especially true of the cold season. This flower is very thermophilic. The most optimal temperature for him is 18-20 ° C in spring and summer, and in winter - not below 18 ° C.
In a strong heat, you need to regularly and thoroughly water the plant, and in autumn and winter - moderately. Begonias do not accept too wet soil, so watering is needed when the top layer of the earth is dried by 1-2 cm. Water stagnation, like drying, adversely affects their condition. It is best to use warm and detached water.
Humidity is another important nuance. Begonia is contraindicated in spraying. This causes the appearance of brown spots on the leaves. Therefore, it is important to place vessels next to their pots that can provide optimum moisture. For a hot season it is good to use spacing or boxes with wet peat or moss.
Transplantation
For transplantation, loose, nutritious soil and drainage will be required. Usually this mixture is used: turf, sheet, humus and peat with sand in the ratio: 2: 1: 1: 1: 1/3. Add the finely chopped sphagnum moss to the purchased soil in the store.
It is recommended to transplant once every 2 years. The earth needs to be poured not up to the top of the pot, but so that later, when additional roots grow, it might have been added. Begoniyu put on the window, and it quickly grows into new leaves. Within 40-50 days one can expect the appearance of buds.
Reproduction
Begonia grows, depending on its variety, leaf and stem cuttings, seeds, the division of leaves or rhizomes. For ornamental species is usually characterized by the division of the rhizome. Transplanting begonias, it is necessary to cut the rhizomes with an acute-sharpened knife and leave at least one kidney on each part. Then you need to pour the crushed coal and put in pots with soil. In a month there is an active growth.
Pest Control
Care for begonias involves the destruction of pests. The most common pests that settle in a flower are aphids and spider mites. They live on the back of the sheets and absorb their juices. Fight this with the help of spraying and washing the underside of the leaves with a non-concentrated soap solution of tobacco or chamomile. The products containing pyrethrum or insecticide are also suitable for processing. Spraying should be repeated until the pests are completely destroyed.
For plants to bloom with bright colors, they should be fertilized from time to time. Do this 1-2 times a month when using special solutions. Additives based on nitrogenous components are suitable for fertilizing ornamental begonias. But a blooming specimen of such compositions do not fit, because they interfere with flowering processes.