The tuberous Begonias, with their abundant and colorful flowers, need precise care: irrigation and natural fertilizer make the difference between a dull plant and one that rejects with enthusiasm.
The varieties of begonia in tubero are among the most scenographic to be kept in pot or in the garden. But anyone who has tried to cultivate them knows that a stroke of luck is not enough to see them flourish. The secret? It lies in the observation, in small daily gestures and in some precautions that can make miracles. What strikes immediately is their vitality, almost theatrical, which seems to light up suddenly with flowering. Yet it is in moments of pause that they must be understood better. Some gardeners deal with them as small different to look at with patience, and they actually have no wrong.
First of all, a concrete indication is needed: if the leaves begin to lose turgor or show dark spots, it is time to review the way it irrigates. A healthy Begonia shows it alone, even without flowers: fleshy leaves, firm stem and a bright green that leaves no doubt.
How and when to irrigate tuberous begonia
There is no single rule for theirrigation of tuberous begoniabecause many factors come into play: exposure to the sun, type of pot, climate. But there are some basic principles to follow to avoid common errors. It is recommended to water only when the soil on the surface is dry to the touch. Better to do it early in the morning, absolutely avoiding wetting the leaves. Why? The water on the leaves, especially if it stagnates, promotes mushrooms and molds.
During flowering, which generally runs from May to October, the plant needs more water. But be careful: too much irrigation easily leads to the rot of the tuber. A good trick is to use an expanded clay sauce: it maintains constant humidity without drowning the roots. On the hottest days, it could be used to water even every day, but always in moderation. And if the climate is very dry, you can spray the air around the plant (not the leaves!) To increase its humidity.
Natural fertilizer to make the Begonia flourish
The fertilization of tuberous begonia It is essential to stimulate new blooms and maintain the plant healthy over time. Balanced nutrition also helps to prevent fungal diseases. It is not uncommon to see surprising results already after a few weeks. The color of the flowers can also be more intense and brilliant. Natural fertilizers work very well, and are often already at home.
Among the most effective:
- Coffee funds: rich in nitrogen, stimulate the growth of the leaves and improve the soil.
- Crumbled egg shells: excellent for making calcium, useful for the structure of the plant.
- Vegetable cooking water (not salty): contains easily absorbable mineral salts.
- Ripe compost: ideal to reinvigorate the ground and give energy to the plant.
It can be fertilized every 10-15 days during the vegetative phase. But it is good not to overdo it: an excess of nutrients can cause a linger of leaves at the expense of flowers.
Another appreciated remedy is the waste nettleused for centuries to strengthen plants and stimulate flowering. It is prepared by leaving the leaves soaking for about ten days, then filtering the liquid and diluting it with water. The smell is not the best, but the results are surprising.
How to encourage trimmer and prolong beauty
A tuberous begonia trimmed if it finds the right conditions. The irrigation and fertilizer are only two aspects. Also the lucethe pruning and the winter rest they count a lot.
After summer flowering, it is advisable to cut the dried flowers and regularly control the tuber’s status. At the end of the season, it is important to gradually suspend irrigation and let the plant dry, so that the tuber enters rest.
During the winter, the tubers must be removed from the vase, clean and preserved in a cool and dry place, perhaps in a box with dry peat. In the spring, they can be replanted and reproduced with new rich and well -drained soil.
Another often neglected detail is the rotation of the potto prevent the plant from growing wrong looking for light. Just turn it every week to encourage more harmonious development.
Curious how small tricks are enough to have show blooms? With some more attention, even an extinguished plant can return to surprising season after season.
Better then observe it with a careful eye, without haste, and be surprised by his rhythms.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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