They are also called pride, delight with a multitude of colors and varieties. There are over a thousand species on the market, but the most popular are garden, royal and blooming begonia. These are perennial plants, but due to low frost resistance, in our climate they are one -year, although they can be winter.
What conditions does begonia like?
Begons prefer bright but diffused light. Direct sun rays can burn their delicate leaves. An ideal position is the eastern or western window sill, or a place distant from the southern window. Royal begonia, due to their decorative leaves, tolerate even more shaded positions. Begons grow best in a light, permeable ground, which provides good drainage. You can use a ready mixture of soil for begonia or prepare your own, mixing peat, leaf soil and sand in a 2: 1: 1 ratio. It is important that the ground is slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5). Begons do not like drying or pouring. We water them regularly, but moderately, allowing the top layer of the substrate to dry between the watering. It is important to avoid soaking leaves, which can lead to the development of fungal diseases. It is best to water the begonia from below. During the growing season (spring-summer) we water more often, and resting watering (autumn-winter).
Begonia care in spring
Spring is a period of intensive growth and preparation for flowering. For begonias that winter in a cool room, it’s time for slowly getting used to higher temperatures and more light. If begonia grew in the same pot for a long time, spring is the perfect time to transplant to fresh ground. With the appearance of new shoots, increase the watering frequency. Water regularly, but moderately, avoiding shedding that can lead to root rot. In spring, Begonia needs nutrients for intensive growth. You can reach for ready fertilizers for begonia, but it’s also worth trying home remedies. An excellent fertilizer is the infusion of banana cuticles, rich in potassium, which supports flowering. Pour a liter of boiling water from 2-3 bananas and set aside for 24 hours. Then strain and use for watering once every two weeks.
Begonia care in the summer
Summer is the peak of the season for Begonia. The plant blooms intensively, delighting us with its colors. On hot days, begonia requires more frequent watering. Check the moisture of the substrate and water when the top layer dries. Remember to avoid soaking leaves, which can promote the development of fungal diseases. Continue fertilization, alternately using an infusion of banana cuticles with nettles fertilizer. Nettle is rich in nitrogen, which supports the growth of leaves. Pour a kilo of fresh nettles with 10 liters of water and set aside for 2-3 weeks until fermentation ceased. Dilute the fertilizer with water in a 1:10 ratio and use for watering once every two weeks. During flowering, do not forget to remove faded flowers, it stimulates the plant to produce new buds.
Wintering of begonia
Autumn is a time when begonia is slowly preparing for rest. Gradually, reduce the watering frequency, allowing the ground to slightly dry between the watering. Finish fertilization in mid -autumn. If you have a tuber begonia, after flowering and drying the leaves, trench tubers, clean them from the ground and store them in a dry, cool place (about 5-10 degrees C) in sand or peat. You can move blossoming begins to a cooler room (approx. 15-18 degrees C) and reduce watering. Look thoroughly in terms of pests and diseases. Use the appropriate protection measures if necessary.
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