With the pruning of the Begonia in view of winter, it takes little to compromise the health of the plant. Find out what are the most common mistakes that risk ruining it and how to avoid them with simple tricks.
For those who love to surround themselves with greenery even in the cold months, begonies are a perfect choice. Resistant but delicate, these plants can transform balconies and window sills into small tropical corners. However, when autumn arrives, it is easy to let yourself take your hand with shears and scissors. And that’s where the problems begin.
Many think that “cutting is always good”. But with the begonies, every gesture must be calibrated. A wrong pruning can mean less flowers, stunted growth or even rot. And it is not a question of green thumb: often it is just a little clear information or generic advice that do not take into account the peculiarities of this plant.
A frequent mistake? To think that all the begons should be pruned in the same way. In reality, ne – From fibrous to rhizomatous – each with precise needs. Understanding which group your own belongs is the first step to avoid trouble.
And then there is timing. There are those who anticipate too much cuts, hoping for ““, And ends up stressing it unnecessarily. Others are waiting too much, cutting when the temperatures have now dropped too much and vegetable fabrics are already fragile.
When and how to prune without damaging the Begonia
The Timing of pruning Play a crucial role. A simple rule? Never before the night temperatures go down under 10 ° C, but not too much further. A climate too cold can make the drums more vulnerable, increasing the risk of fungal infections.
The technique, then, makes the difference. Instead of cutting at random, it is better to carefully observe the plant:
- The They must be removed gently.
- I They can be shortened by a few centimeters.
- Avoid cutting green and healthy stems: they are the vital reconstruction for the spring recovery.
A light and targeted pruning promotes air circulation and limits the risk of mold. After all, it’s a bit like giving a bladder to hair: precision is needed, not in a hurry.
Attention also to tools. The use of uninfected scissors is one of the main causes of transmission of diseases between plants. A few seconds are enough to pass an alcohol ball on the blades and protect the entire balcony.
Another often underestimated aspect is themoisture: Poding on rainy or too humid days can increase the risk of infections. Better to choose dry days, possibly in the morning, so the plant has all day to heal wounds.
The most frequent mistakes that compromise the health of the plant
Despite good intentions, it is easy to stumble into small mistakes that over time turn into real problems. The poorly performed pruning can slow down growth, reduce flowering and make begonia more susceptible to pests and diseases.
One of the most common mistakes? Cut too. It is believed that drastically reducing the plant makes it stronger, but the risk is the opposite effect: a traumatized begonia that takes weeks to recover, if it ever will do it.
Another frequent mistake is ignore the variety. The tuberous begons, for example, must be pruned differently than the rhizomatous or evergreen ones. And confusing the methods can mean the end of the plant.
Also the moment of pruning It is often wrong. Cut after a rain, or in the late afternoon with increasing humidity, exposes the plant to fungal diseases and rot. Not to mention that the open wounds in the evening do not have time to dry out.
Here is a short list of errors to avoid absolutely:
- Use dirty or not sharp tools
- Prune indiscriminately without evaluating the state of the stems
- Intervene too early or too late
- Ignore the weather conditions (humidity, rain, cold)
- Confuse varieties and use wrong techniques
- Eliminate too many healthy leaves thinking of “lightening” the plant
After all, who has never thought that “less is better”? But with the begonies, the less it can really mean too little.
How to protect the pruned Begonia during the winter
Once the pruning has been carried out, the time comes to think about the winter protection. Because yes, even if the plant has been prepared at its best, without the right attention you still risk suffering.
The first step is to understand if the Begonia is inland or outdoors. Those from balcony, for example, must be moved to a repaired but bright environment: a closed veranda, a well -exposed staircase compartment or even an internal windowsill.
However, not all of them tolerate the heating. The dry heat of the radiators can quickly dry the soil and make the environment uncuitable. Better to prefer fresh but not icy areas.
A useful idea is that of mulch Around the base of the plant, especially if it remains outdoors. Cortex, dry leaves or straw can protect the roots from the cold.
Another advice: Reduce watering. After pruning, Begonia enters a sort of vegetative rest. Watering too much could favor mold and rot. Better touch the soil before and check that it is dry at least on the surface.
In some cases, especially with tuberous varieties, it is even better to extract the bulbs, clean them and keep them in a dry place until spring. A simple gesture that can make a difference.
Ultimately, treating begonia well in autumn means guaranteeing a return in splendid form the next spring. It is not enough: attention, delicacy and the right dose of patience.
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