Begonia and its care. Begonia: flower description, characteristics and photos
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}} species.
Name
The genus is named after the governor of Haiti M. Begon (1638-1710).
Botanical description
Begonia flower
Among begonias there are annual and perennial herbs, shrubs (occasionally climbing) or subshrubs with a creeping or tuberous thickened rhizome, sometimes with a tuber. The leaves are usually asymmetrical, often beautifully colored (especially in cultivated species). Flowers are irregular, unisexual, monoecious. Tepals are unequal, brightly colored; fruit - capsule.
Reproduction
Care
The most favorable temperature for begonias is 13-22 °C, but it is necessary to maintain a stable level of air humidity - at least 60%. Features of seasonal maintenance are determined by the nature of each species. Bushy and herbaceous begonias with above-ground or underground rhizomes are dormant from October to February. Tuberous begonias are put into a dormant state by reducing watering and cutting off wilted shoots. You can store the tubers of these plants in the dark at a temperature of 10-12 °C for about two months. Begonias grow and develop better in partial shade. These plants are watered only after the surface of the earthen ball has completely dried. To ensure the required humidity, it is recommended to place the pot in damp peat or on a tray with water, but so that the pot is not in water. To do this, pebbles are poured onto a tray or the pot is placed on an inverted saucer. If overwatered, begonias will rot. On hot days, the air around the begonia is sprayed, trying not to get on the leaves. The plant is replanted only if necessary.
Origin and geographical distribution
The genus Begonia is the largest and most famous in the Begoniaceae family, numbering over 1000 species. Begonias are widespread in tropical rainforests, as well as in mountains at an altitude of 3000-4000 m above sea level, less often in dry habitats of tropical and subtropical regions.
The largest number of begonia species is in South America, whose range in the north reaches Mexico. In Asia, begonias grow in the Eastern Himalayas, mountainous regions of India, South India, the Malay Archipelago and the island of Sri Lanka. In Africa, begonias gravitate towards its wettest western part. Research data have shown that there are family ties between species living in Africa and America. There is even an opinion that Africa was the continent from where in the distant past begonias spread to Asia and America. In terms of the number of begonia species growing, Africa ranks third in the world.
Use in ornamental gardening
History of garden culture
Begonias were first discovered and described by the French botanist and monk Charles Plumier, who took part in a scientific expedition organized in 1687 by Michel Begon to the Antilles to collect plants. While making a scientific expedition to the West Indies, C. Plumier found six species of plants that could not be attributed to any genus known at that time. In 1690, C. Plumier named the new genus Begonia - in honor of his patron and friend Michel Begon. After returning from the expedition, based on the material obtained, Charles Plumier published the book “Description of the Plants of America with Their Drawings.”
In ornamental gardening, about 125 species and their hybrids have become widespread as deciduous, ornamental and beautifully flowering plants. The assortment was enriched by significant work on hybridization and selection of begonia, which began in the second half of the 19th century.
In 1856, in Assam (India) the royal begonia (Begonia rex) was found ((#if: Putz.| Putz.))))) with magnificent silver-brown leaves. In the mountains of South America (Andes), naturalists discovered tuberous begonias - in 1864, Bolivian begonia (Begonia boliviensis ((#if: DC.| ((#invoke:Taxonomy/latin|author|DC.))))) (Bolivia), in 1866 - Veitch's begonia (Begonia veitchii ((#if: Hook. f.| ))) (Peru), in 1866 - Pearce's begonia (Begonia pearcei ((#if: Hook. f.| ((#invoke:Taxonomy/latin|author|Hook. f.))))) (Peru, Bolivia). The introduction of tuberous begonias into culture and their use in subsequent hybridization work led to the production of a large group of large-flowering begonias.
Today there are thousands of hybrid forms and varieties of begonias. The most famous varieties are those bred in Belgium.
Decorative use
Begonia is one of the most popular decorative flowering and decorative foliage plants. In floriculture, begonias are used with equal success in open and protected ground. Most begonias are used as decorative foliage and flowering plants for landscaping residential premises when creating compositions and as single indoor plants. They are also used in hanging indoor plants, winter gardens in hanging baskets, and flowerpots. Begonia convolvulaceae ((#if: A.DC. | ((#invoke:Taxonomy/latin|author|A.DC. ))))) can be used to decorate trellises, walls, windows and as a ground cover plant. Begonias have always been used when decorating interiors in a romantic style. Great office plants.
Two species are used as open ground annuals: Begonia semperflorens ((#if: Link & Otto | ((#invoke:Taxonomy/latin|author|Link & Otto ))))) and tuberous begonia (Begonia × tuberhybrida ((#if: Voss | ((#invoke:Taxonomy/latin|author|Voss )))) syn. Begonia tuberosa ((#if: hort. | ((#invoke:Taxonomy/latin|author|hort. ))))). Begonia everblooming is used in all types of flower beds, including carpets. Tuberous begonia is used for landscaping balconies, in containers on verandas and enclosed courtyards, as well as in flower beds.
Diseases
Pests
Garden classification
In ornamental gardening there is not yet an established generally accepted classification of begonias. Therefore, in the specialized literature one can find various conditional options for dividing them into groups. Thus, some experts distinguish only two main garden groups of forms and varieties of begonias based on their biological characteristics and methods of use - deciduous and ornamental and beautifully flowering. Others divide begonias into three groups depending on the nature of the underground part: rhizomatous, tuberous and with fibrous roots (or with a superficial root system). There is also another name for these three groups: decorative deciduous, tuberous and bushy.
Recently, depending on the morphological characteristics of the shoots and the nature of plant growth, 4 groups have been distinguished among begonias Shakhov V.V. Begonias. M: Storehouse of books, 2006:
- bushy begonias with erect bamboo-like shoots;
- species of begonias with thick rhizomatous shoots lying on the ground (or lodging);
- begonias with creeping or drooping thin flexible shoots;
- Begonia species are the ancestors of hybrid beautifully flowering forms.
In the popular book by Professor, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences V.V. Vorontsov “Houseplants. New care guide" provides the following conditional classification of begonias Vorontsov V.V. Indoor plants. New care guide. - M.: ZAO “Fiton+”, 2007. p. 69:
- tuberous;
- shrubby;
- beautifully flowering (with abundant bright flowers);
- decorative deciduous (with beautifully colored leaves).
According to the method of using begonias in indoor floriculture, there is a special classification Hessayon D. G. All about indoor plants. M.: - Kladez-Books, 2005. p. 74-79:
- decorative flowering potted begonias;
- decorative foliage indoor begonias;
- decorative flowering indoor begonias
Botanical classification
Main article : Species of the genus Begonia The genus includes about 1600 species.
Some of them:
- Wintering begonia ( Begonia hiemalis)
In astronomy
The asteroid (943) Begonia, discovered in 1920, is named after the begonia.
Notes
Unknown extension tag "references"
Literature
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Links
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There are a huge number of begonia varieties. Some bloom magnificently, others charm with their painted leaves. We can safely say that begonias are plants for all occasions. Some species and varieties are well adapted to open ground conditions. There are begonias that are traditionally grown indoors. And many plants are universal: they are suitable for both the garden and the home.
Latin -, folk - Napoleon's ear.
Among begonias there are annual and perennial herbs, (occasionally climbing) either with a creeping or tuberous thickened rhizome, sometimes with a tuber. The leaves are usually asymmetrical, often beautifully colored (especially in cultivated species). The flowers are irregular, unisexual, monoecious. Tepals are unequal, brightly colored; fruit - capsule.
The genus Begonia is the largest and most famous in the Begoniaceae family, numbering over 1000 species. Begonias are widespread in tropical rainforests, as well as in mountains at an altitude of 3000-4000 m above sea level, and less often in dry habitats of tropical and subtropical regions.
The largest number of begonia species is in South America, whose range in the north reaches Mexico. In Asia, begonias grow in the Eastern Himalayas, mountainous regions of India, South India, the Malay Archipelago and the island of Sri Lanka. In Africa, begonias gravitate towards its wettest western part. Research data have shown that there are family ties between species living in Africa and America. There is even an opinion that it was the continent from which, in the distant past, begonias spread to both Asia and America. In terms of the number of growing begonia species, it ranks third in the world.
Requirements for cultivation and care
The soil: 2-3 parts of leaf soil, 1 part each of sand, peat and humus.
Lighting light, but not direct sunlight.
Watering abundant in summer, moderate in winter or after flowering. Regular spraying of leaves is recommended.
Top dressing: from spring to autumn after 1-2 weeks with liquid fertilizers.
pruning After flowering, trim the stems.
Transfer in the spring.
Reproduction: Leaf cuttings root or tuber easily.
Care
Begonias are quite unpretentious, disease-resistant plants, but for good development and beautiful appearance they need proper care. First of all, this concerns air humidity. All begonias require high humidity. To ensure the required humidity, it is recommended to place the pot in damp peat or on a tray with water, but so that the pot is not in water. To do this, pebbles are poured onto a tray or the pot is placed on an inverted saucer.
It is advisable to spray the air around the begonia, but at the same time make sure that the drops do not fall on the leaves.. Moderation is the main requirement of a flower like begonia. Caring for it implies a moderate temperature - preferably about +20 degrees in summer, not lower than +15 in winter; bright diffused light, but not direct sunlight.
In winter, begonia can be placed in a sunlit place for several hours in the morning and evening.. The exception is evergreen begonia. It tolerates both shade and bright sunlight well. Watering should also be moderate. The soil should be moist but not wet. From spring to autumn, during the period of growth and flowering, it is necessary to water as the earthen clod dries out, and in winter, watering should be reduced.
During the growing season, it is advisable to feed the plant at least twice with complete mineral fertilizers.. To extend the flowering period of begonias (especially tuberous ones), it is necessary to remove female flowers at the very beginning of their development. (Female flowers are not double with a 3-lobed seed capsule under the sepals). To improve the formation of tubers in tuberous begonias, in September it is necessary to cut off new buds so that the plant does not waste energy on flowering.
Reproduction
All begonias reproduce well by stem or leaf cuttings, dividing the bush. Begonias reproduce by tubers or seeds. Begonia propagation by tubers is carried out as follows: in the fall, the tubers are taken out of the ground, the stems are cut off, the soil is cleared and stored in sand or peat so that the tubers do not dry out, at a temperature of 10 degrees.
Tubers are planted in pots from February to May, depending on when they want to get a flowering plant. To germinate, they are planted in small pots with sandy soil, into which the tubers are only half-deepened. You need to water very sparingly. Germination proceeds slowly (up to several weeks). First the roots appear and only then the shoots. As soon as shoots appear, the tubers should be sprinkled with soil and moved to a bright, warm windowsill.
Propagation by seeds is quite troublesome. The best sowing time is from December to March. Sow in bowls with leaf soil, a mixture of such soil with peat and sand, or directly into peat. The seeds of begonias are very small, so they do not need to be buried, but only lightly pressed down. Shoots appear in two weeks. They need to be dived 2-3 times.
Grown up begonias are planted with a lump of earth in small pots. In July-August, such plants bloom, and by winter they manage to form tubers. Leaf begonias are easily propagated by leaf cuttings or by dividing the bush when replanting.
For leaf cuttings, take a leaf from the base of the plant.. The length of the cutting is desirable to be at least 5 cm. Rooting will work better if you use phytohormones. The cuttings are buried so that the leaf does not touch the soil.
The soil is moistened and pressed around the cutting. Stem cuttings are rooted in the same way as leaf cuttings, but the stem cutting must be at least 7 cm in length. The cuttings need to be planted in the ground as quickly as possible, without allowing the cut to dry out. The best time for cuttings is spring, early summer.
Diseases and pests
If care is not taken care of, begonia may shed leaves and buds. The reason for this is most likely a lack of moisture in the soil and air humidity around the plant. In this case, the tips of the leaves first turn brown and, if watering is not adjusted, begin to fall off.
Pale leaf color indicates insufficient lighting. With excessive humidity, especially at low temperatures, begonia can be affected by gray rot. In this case, light mold appears on the leaves, which is caused by a fungus. The affected parts of the plant must be removed and the remaining part treated with a fungicide. Powdery mildew is also a fungal disease. With this disease, the leaves become covered with a white coating.
Distribution contributes to dry air, sudden temperature fluctuations and drafts ki. The affected plant is pollinated with ground sulfur or sprayed with colloidal sulfur diluted in water. Solution 1% concentration. The plant must be processed outdoors. The air temperature should be no lower than +25 degrees. The plant can also be treated with a fungicide.
The most common pests that settle on begonias are (red spider) and (very small insect). Both mites and aphids live on the underside of the leaf and feed on its juices. The mite is destroyed by spraying and washing the underside of the leaves with a weak soap solution of tobacco or a soap solution of Dalmatian chamomile. You can treat the plant with preparations containing pyrethrum or an insecticide. The mite spreads quickly in dry air at high temperatures. Aphids are also destroyed by preparations containing pyrethrum. The treatment must be repeated until the pests are destroyed.
Family: begoniaceae (Begoniaceae).
Motherland
Various varieties of wild begonia are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions of South and North America, Africa and Asia.
Form: perennial herbaceous plant.
Description
Begonia is the name of a genus of perennial herbaceous plants, shrubs, subshrubs and vines with a creeping rhizome or tuber. The stem of begonia is branched. Begonia leaves are usually asymmetrical. There are species with decorative leaf coloring. The flowers are irregular in shape and varied in color. Deciduous begonias - species with variegated leaves are used only as indoor plants. These are species such as Rex begonia, or royal begonia, Mason begonia, Bauer begonia, cuff begonia, hogweed begonia, tiger begonia, Cleopatra begonia, metallic begonia, spotted begonia, blood begonia, credner begonia, collared begonia. Begonias, which bloom in autumn and winter, are used exclusively in indoor floriculture. These are Elatior begonia, Lorrain begonia, coral begonia, alfalfa begonia. In garden floriculture, only three species are mainly used.
(B. tubergybrida) is the combined name for garden hybrid forms and varieties of perennial herbaceous tuberous plants with fleshy, succulent branching stems up to 25-30 centimeters high. The pubescent leaves are obliquely heart-shaped, dark green on the underside and reddish or green on the top. The edge of the leaf blade is unevenly toothed. Dioecious begonia flowers, depending on the variety, can be simple, semi-double or double. The fruit is a winged capsule. Begonia flowering begins in June and continues until September. Depending on the size of the flowers, there are tuberous large-flowered begonias (flower diameter reaches from 7 to 20 centimeters), medium-flowered (up to 7 centimeters) and small-flowered (begonia multiflora) with flowers up to 4 centimeters in diameter.
Begonia pendula (B. tubergybrida pendula) - subspecies, tuberous hanging begonia.
Begonia everblooming (B. semperflorens) is the general name for hybrid forms and varieties of plants about 15 centimeters high, with a highly branched stem forming small ornamental bushes. The leaves of evergreen begonia are green, smooth, and shiny. Single or double flowers are collected in small shields located at the top of the stem. Flowering continues from early summer until the first frost. Begonia everblooming flowers can be red, pink, white or flesh-colored.
Begonia graceful , or Viennese begonia (B. gracilis) is a perennial tuberous herbaceous plant with an erect stem up to 60 centimeters high. The leaves of Begonia gracilis are rich green in color, round or lanceolate in shape. The edge of the leaf blade is serrated. The flowers are single, white, pink or red.
Growing conditions
The begonia plant belongs to the group. It develops equally well in both open and shaded areas, but with sufficient light it blooms more profusely. Begonia is very thermophilic and does not tolerate frost at all. The soil for begonia needs to be rich, well, with a slightly acidic reaction.
Application
The begonia flower in the garden can be used in flower beds and in group plantings. An interesting solution is the ever-blooming begonia. Ampelous begonia looks great in hanging baskets and flower pots. Tuberous begonia is used both in and as a potted and container crop.
Care
Begonias require abundant watering during the growing season and moderate watering during the flowering period. During the summer, fertilizing with organic and mineral fertilizers is required. In autumn, at the first frost, begonia tubers should be dug up. Begonia is stored in winter in a dark, dry and cool place (air temperature - 3-5 degrees). In February-March, tubers begin to germinate in pots again. Planting begonias in open ground is possible only at the end of May - beginning of June, when warm weather finally sets in. Begonia everblooming in garden floriculture is most often grown as an annual plant. If desired, it is possible to transplant begonias into pots for the winter. Begonia of the house is kept on the south-west and south-east windows. Watering in winter is somewhat limited. In general, growing begonias is not a very complicated process and is accessible to most gardeners.
Reproduction
Begonia can reproduce by seeds, dividing tubers (for tuberous begonia). Propagation by seeds is very effective. Begonia from seeds blooms in the first year. Sowing can be done from late December to early March. For tuberous begonia, the optimal sowing time is January, for ever-flowering begonia - February. Begonia seeds are very small, so it is advisable to mix them with sand before sowing so that the plantings are not overly thickened. A soil mixture of leaf soil + peat + sand is used (ratio 2:1:1). The seeds are not planted. Crops should be covered with glass or film. Watering is done through a tray. Picking can be done at the stage of 2-3 true leaves. Begonia seedlings are planted in open ground in early summer.
To propagate begonia from cuttings, germination of mother tubers begins in January. In February, the emerging sprouts are carefully broken out. It is enough to leave 2-3 buds on the tuber. The broken areas should be sprinkled with crushed charcoal. The cuttings are treated with a growth stimulator and planted in the same soil mixture as for seed propagation. Rooting usually occurs within a month.
Begonia tubers are also divided in the spring. The tubers are pre-germinated. Then they are cut into 2-3 parts with buds, the cut sites are treated with charcoal powder. Then the tubers are planted as usual.
Perhaps the easiest to grow is tuberous begonia. Begonia tubers are planted in spring in open ground after the threat of frost has passed. How to plant begonia? The tubers are planted so that the concave parts with the eyes are facing upward with a slight slope - so that water does not linger in the recess. Planting depth is about 2-3 centimeters. For earlier flowering, tubers can be planted in pots from the end of February.
You can learn more about how to grow begonia from the special one.
Diseases and pests
If begonia agricultural technology is followed correctly, the plant is quite susceptible to disease.
Begonia can be affected by aphids, false scale insects, whiteflies, thrips, root-knot nematodes, and leaf nematodes. Most often, begonias are affected by pests in greenhouses and conservatories.
Begonia diseases - gray rot, powdery mildew, ring spot, bacterial spot. To combat pests and various diseases, begonia is treated with appropriate chemicals, sucking insects and weeds are removed. It is advisable to separate plants affected by diseases from other begonias.
Begonia dries out when there is insufficient light or excess moisture in the soil.
Popular varieties
Varieties of tuberous begonia
‘Kelblutrot’- large-flowered variety with bright scarlet flowers.
‘Golden Ball’- large-flowered yellow begonia.
'Fire ball'- decorative flowering begonia with large red flowers.
‘Orange’- large-flowered variety, orange flowers.
'Rhinewise'- large-flowered begonia with snow-white flowers.
'Gelb'- medium-flowered double begonia with lemon-yellow flowers.
‘Cupferorange’- reddish-orange flowers up to 7 centimeters in diameter.
'Rose'- medium-flowered pink begonia.
'Mouth'- medium-flowered begonia with dark red flowers.
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The Begoniaceae family has over 1000 species. The number of hybrids and varieties has currently exceeded 12 thousand. For better guidance for amateur gardeners, all cultivated begonias are divided into 3 groups: begonias with decorative flowers, begonias with decorative leaves and bushy begonias. Although such systematization is not accurate, since it does not exclude the possibility of including the same plant in different groups, it makes it easier to select the right begonia and recommendations for its care. Tuberous begonias are mainly used for landscaping balconies or planted in flower beds.
Begonias with decorative flowers:
This group of begonias is divided into 3 subgroups: the first includes begonias of the type "Lorrain", which appeared at the end of the 19th century and under the name "Gloire de Lorraine" dominated the market for a long time. This begonia variety blooms in winter with white or pink flowers. Nowadays it is rarely found in flower shops.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, begonia was bred from tuberous begonias in England. "Elatior", which blooms all year round with white, red, pink, yellow flowers. In their mass they are larger and brighter than the similar flowers of the "Lorraine" hybrids. In the group of begonias "Ellatior", the most popular are Rieger's begonias, named after the breeder.
The third subgroup includes very popular hybrids that bloom all year round. "Semferflorens", which tolerate the sun better than the varieties listed above. These begonias mainly grow in gardens and squares, on flower beds and lawns. They can also be grown in pots, especially begonias with decorative flowers.
Temperature: Preferably 13-21C for winter-flowering species. In tuberous begonias, which die back for the winter, the tubers should be protected from frost.
Air humidity: High humidity is beneficial, but not particularly important.
Lighting: Good, but keep out of direct sun. In winter, provide as much light as possible.
Watering and fertilizing: Abundant watering during the flowering period, and, if necessary, the rest of the time. Gradually reduce watering for those that have a dormant period once the leaves begin to yellow. Begonias are sensitive to both under- and over-watering. During budding and flowering, feed with a weak fertilizer.
Care: Many species of begonias are prone to mildew. Spray at the first sign of disease and keep in a well-ventilated area. Remove affected leaves. When growing large-flowered tuberous begonias as potted plants, regularly cut out the small female flowers that appear next to the large, showy male flowers. Constantly pick old flowers (with the exception of small-flowered species). Tuberous begonias can be preserved by allowing them to overwinter in a frost-free location, but other types are usually eliminated after flowering.
Reproduction: B.semperflorens is grown from seeds. Tuberous begonias can be grown in the spring from cuttings or propagated by dividing old tubers (some can also be grown from seeds). Winter-flowering hybrids from the "Lorraine" and "Elatior" groups can be propagated by cuttings from leaves or stem tips.
Begonia x cheimantha(Begonia winterflower) or Begonia lorraine(Begonia Lorena) Obtained as a result of crossing B.socotrana And B.dregei hybrid B x cheimantha Blooms in winter and produces clusters of small pink or white flowers. "Gloire de Lorraine" with pink flowers is one of the best known varieties. |
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Hybrids Begonia elatior(Begonia tall) Begonia x hiemalis(wintering begonia) Single or double flowers in a wide range of shades, mainly red, pink, yellow, orange and white. They came from crossing B.socotrana and tuberous begonias from South America. |
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Begonia semperflorens (Ever-blooming Begonia) A low, mound-forming plant, covered with small flowers all summer. The flowers are in red, pink and white tones, some have leaves with a bronze tint. There are many varieties. |
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| Begonia sutherlandii(Sutherland Begonia) An ampelous plant with small lanceolate leaves and an abundance of simple orange flowers in a loose inflorescence in the summer. |
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| Begonia x tuberhybrida(Tuberous begonia) This group includes begonias with large, double flowers, used as potted plants and flower bed plants. Many varieties are known, including ampelous B.x t.pendula(B. tuberous pendula) with simple and double flowers, used for hanging baskets; B.x t.multiflora(B. tuberous multiflorum) with a mass of simple, semi-double and double flowers. Flowers in red, orange, pink and yellow tones. They all bloom during the summer months. |
Begonias with decorative leaves:
Temperature: Winter minimum 16C.
Air humidity: Provide high humidity, but avoid dripping water on the leaves.
Lighting: Intense, but avoid direct sun.
Watering and fertilizing: Abundant watering from spring to autumn, moderate in winter.
Transfer: Annual replanting in spring.
Reproduction: By division; leaf cuttings.
 | Begonia bowerae(Bauer's Begonia) B.boweri A compact plant about 15-23cm with small bright green leaves with a brown edge, slightly incised and pubescent along the edges. The plant has a creeping rhizome. In winter it produces single white or slightly pinkish flowers. Among the hybrids, the variety "Tiger" with bronze-green spotted leaves is attractive. |
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 | Begonia listada(Begonia striped) Lobed, dark green, softly pubescent leaves with bright emerald green speckles. It produces a few white flowers in autumn and winter. |
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 | Begonia masoniana(Mason's Begonia) Very memorable large bright green wrinkled leaves with a brown cross in the center (variety "Iron Cross"). The flowers are unremarkable. |
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 | Begonia rex(Begonia royal) Hybrids of this famous species are now widely cultivated. There are varieties with special names, but the plants are usually sold as hybrids or without a name at all. The asymmetrical leaves are about 23cm long and feature a vibrant pattern of spots of green, silver, brown, red, pink and purple. |
Bush begonias:
Compared to other begonias, they are less capricious. Although these are mostly upright plants, some of their species have drooping shoots, so they look good in a vertical composition. They have showy flowers and leaves. Some begonias bloom all year round, but reach 2 meters in height, making them difficult to grow indoors.
Location: Light, but not sunny, slightly shaded; plants should not be taken out into the fresh air; you should not rearrange the pots (you must make a “light mark”); In winter we keep it at a temperature not lower than 15C.
Watering: From spring to autumn we keep the soil moist, avoiding either excess water in the pot or drying out of the earthen ball; high air humidity is necessary, you can spray water around, but you cannot spray leaves and flowers; Only soft, cool water should be used.
Feeding: From March to September we apply fertilizer weekly, in winter - occasionally.
Reproduction: In spring and summer, leaf or apical cuttings are rooted under a film that prevents evaporation.
Note: Bush begonias can be lightly pruned in spring. Plants grow well hydroponically.
Begonia corallina(Begonia coral) Silver leaves and pink flowers that last a long time. This species grows up to 2 meters in height. |
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Begonia limmingheana(Limming's Begonia) Red or pink flowers and drooping shoots. |
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 | Begonia metallica(Begonia metallic) Bushy, highly branched plant up to 1.5 m high, with reddish, whitish-pubescent stems. Leaves are 10-15 cm long, 5-8 cm wide, ovate, unevenly toothed, pubescent, olive-green above with bright red veins and a metallic sheen, purple below, on long (up to 15 cm) petioles. The flowers are pink, with bright pubescence. Homeland - Brazil. Grows in tropical rainforests. |
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Begonia maculata (Begonia dotted) Long shoots, silver dotted leaves and pink flowers. |
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 | Begonia cuffed The stem is thick, often curved. The leaves are large, angular-toothed, with cilia. In the upper part, the petioles have a peculiar cuff of wide red hairs at the base of the leaf. The leaves are bright green, shiny, hairless on the upper side, reddish underneath along the veins. The flowers are pink, collected in a spreading inflorescence that rises above the leaves. Tolerates light shade. |
A few important points when planting begonias:
When planting begonias in the next largest pot, it provides good drainage for the free flow of water. For this purpose, broken shards, expanded clay, and fragments of red brick are used. The next layer after drainage is necessarily charcoal, which acts as a preventative against rotting. A thin layer of substrate is poured over the drainage and coal.
The plant itself is prepared for transplantation. The bowl in the upper part is tapped evenly along its entire diameter, the plant is tilted at an acute angle, and by the time it is knocked out of the pot with the entire earthen lump, the begonia leaves are passed between the fingers so that the plant does not suddenly fall out of the bowl.
Old soil and shards woven between the roots and pieces of charcoal are carefully cleaned from the roots with a pointed stick. If necessary, remove old roots.
The prepared plant is carefully lowered in the center into a new pot, and the voids are filled with pre-prepared soil mixture, not forgetting to slightly compact it as you add it.
The plant should be planted so that there is 1-1.5 cm left to the edge of the pot (this space is necessary for watering).
After planting, begonias are watered abundantly (until the water comes out into the pan). At the same time, they check the operation of the drainage. Under no circumstances should you bury a growing point or points; when watering, you should try to prevent water from getting into these places.
Special difficulties:
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In the Begoniaceae family there are 5 genera and at least 1000 species, widespread in tropical countries. There are no Begonievs in Polynesia or Australia.
Genus Hillebrandia- endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, only 1 species.
Hillebrandia sandwicensis:
Hillebrandia got its name in honor of the German physician William Hillebrand. Hillebrand has lived in Hawaii for more than 20 years. In addition to medical practice, he was engaged in botany. He is the author of the book "Flora of the Hawaiian Islands", published in 1888.
From a morphological point of view, Hillebrandia sandwicensis is very close to begonias. Only certain differences in the structure of the flower, the morphology of pollen and fruits make it possible to distribute these plants into two different genera - Hillebrandia and Begonia.
The plant is monoecious.There are tubers. Hillebrandia appears in January and blooms from February to June.After fruiting in the summer, the above-ground part of Hillebrandia dies off. The seeds are very small.
It grows in damp forest ravines at an altitude of 900-1800 meters above sea level. Currently grows only on the islandsMaui, Molokai and Kauai.
Genus Semibegoniella, 2 species) - endemic to Ecuador.
Genus Begoniella (Begoniella, 5 species) - grows in Colombia.
Genus Symbegonia (Symbegonia, 12 (according to some sources 13) species) - in New Guinea.
Symbegonia fulvo-villosa (=Begonia fulvovillosa ):
Begonia U012 (Symbegonia sp.):
Symbegonia sanguinea:
Symbegonia mooreana:
A great richness of begonia species is observedin tropical South America— here they prefer shady, humid forests, settling in mountain valleys and on mountain slopes; some species reach as far north as Mexico.
In second place in the abundance of species are the tropics of Asia , especially the Eastern Himalayas, mountainous regions of India, the Malay Archipelago; Begonias also enter South India, the Sri Lanka Peninsula, and China; 40" N latitude (Beijing latitude) is the northernmost point of distribution of begonias.
East Africarich in endemic species, but humid West Africa has a higher number of species compared to East Africa; however, there are related connections between some African and American species.
The appearance of begonias is extremely diverse. There are perennial herbs sometimes only 3-4 cm high with creeping or tuberous thickened rhizomes, shrubs with woody erect stems; forms completely devoid of a stem, in which the leaves extend directly from the tuber hidden underground; plants climbing on the ground.
Epiphytes settle in the humus of cracks in the bark of tropical forest trees. Lianas with flattened stems climb tall trees with the help of their roots, hanging down in a rich array of thin branches with oblique leaves and multi-flowered inflorescences.
In the Philippine Islands, begonias sometimes grow on limestone cliffs very close to the sea, noticeably not suffering from periodic wetting by salty sea spray. In the Peruvian Andes and the Himalayas, begonias, settling in rock crevices, rise to a height of 4000 m.
In arid habitats, such as rocky mountain slopes, succulent forms grow that store water in large tubers and extremely thick leaves, under the weight of which their branches bend. Some species shed their leaves during the dry season of the year or the entire above-ground part of the plant dies off.
The leaves of begonias amaze with their richness of shape and color. Their large stipules, sometimes up to 80 cm long, fall off early. Some stemless begonias have only one single leaf.
There are begonias with completely round, heart-shaped leaves at the base, but in most the central vein divides the leaf into two very unequal parts. These leaves are shaped like elephant ears. The asymmetry of begonia leaves is not accidental. Locatedin mosaic order, they do not shade each other, making the most of the scarce light penetrating through the dense canopy of the rainforest trees.
The edges of the leaves can be not only whole, but also jagged, deeply dissected; then the leaves are similar to the leaves of maples, palm trees, horse chestnuts and other plants known to us.
Various leaf colors . Green leaves of different shades often have a lower surface of red, dark purple, or brown. The leaves of many begonias are covered with intricate patterns of silver-white, red and yellow spots - large and small, round and blurry, like strokes and splashes, randomly scattered and arranged in rows along the veins.
The exotic outfit of begonia leaves is complemented by their bright pubescence . Thanks to red, green, brown, white hairs, the leaves appear velvety or touched by frosty frost. Long hairs, collected in bunches, can be located not only on the leaves, but also on the petioles and stems of the plant. Some begonias are densely covered with unusual forked or star-shaped hairs. Sometimes the hairs are located on the flowers, hiding the true color of the perianth.
Typically, zygomorphic unisexual and monoecious flowers of begoniaceae are collected in axillary inflorescences. The perianth consists of 2-5 and only in some species in female flowers - of 6-8 leaflets; a larger number of leaves is observed only in culture.
In Hillebrandia and Begonella very small petals can be distinguished, which alternate with sepals.
Most Begoniaceae do not have a clear division of the perianth into a calyx and corolla.
The perianth is free, but begonellas and symbegonias , and in male flowers
semibegonella The tepals grow together into a tube.
Begonia flowers are as varied in color as their leaves. Fiery red and snow-white, pink of the most delicate and deep shades, greenish, rarely yellow and orange - they are clearly visible in the twilight of the tropical forest.
Male flowers bloom in the inflorescence earlier than female ones. Their perianth consists of 2-4 leaflets, and if there are 4 leaflets, they are arranged in pairs, with the outer pair always larger than the inner one.
There are no rudiments of the ovary in the flowers; there are many stamens, and they are arranged in several circles.
Only Begonella has 4 stamens, fused in pairs.
The stamens grow together into a column or are arranged freely. When the pollen ripens, the 2-locular anthers of the stamens open with a longitudinal slit, and in some species sometimes, through which the pollen spills out.
The male flowers in the inflorescence fade and the female flowers open. The different flowering times of male and female flowers are achieved by their different localization within the inflorescence. The tepals in female flowers are directed upward. The lower ovary is formed in many species 3, in some 2-5 by fused carpels and looks winged from the outside.
Only Hillebrandia has a semi-inferior ovary. There are no rudiments of stamens in female flowers, and only Hillebrandia has small glands in the flower surrounding the ovary, which are considered to be rudiments of stamens.
Gynoecium of 3, rarely 2-5(6) carpels; columns free or usually sometimes fused at the base, usually deeply bipartite; The stigma tissue is a spirally twisted ribbon. In the ovary nests there are numerous ovules; they develop into very small seeds; in many species, 75,000 seeds weigh only 1 g!
The bright color of the perianth, the pleasant smell characteristic of some species and the zygomorphism of the flower ensure pollination by insects. And many small insects, bees, bumblebees, butterflies, willingly visit begonia flowers.
The dioeciousness of flowers favors cross-pollination, and the shedding of male flowers in the inflorescence before the opening of the female ones practically eliminates pollination of the plant with its own pollen.
After the seeds ripen begonia fruit - wing-shaped capsule- cracks longitudinally, but does not come off the plant: the wings help it sway in the wind and thereby disperse the seeds. Small, almost dusty seeds are transported over short distances by wind and torrents of rainfall. The rough upper surface of the fruits helps them stick to the beaks of birds, their legs, and claws - this is how the seeds get to more distant islands. Only some begonias have a berry, but it is not a particularly juicy and inedible berry.
Medicinal plants are found among begonias, and tropical residents use their sour leaves to make salads. But this is not what begonias are famous for.
Even the first Europeans who came to tropical countries were amazed by begonias with their exotic beauty. Shade tolerance, ease of vegetative propagation, variety of forms, abundant and long flowering - all this has made begonias since the 18th century. favorite indoor ornamental plants. During this time, amateur gardeners, and today professional breeders, have created thousands of new forms with a wide variety of combinations of characteristics. In culture, begonias are most often propagated not by seeds, but vegetatively- cuttings, pieces of leaves. In terms of their ability to reproduce vegetatively, begonias are superior to almost all plants known to us. This ability is so developed that a begonia leaf placed on moist soil, cut repeatedly across its veins, produces roots in the wounded areas, lays stem buds, and soon a large number of new plants are formed. In laboratories, it is possible to obtain new begonia plants from tiny pieces of leaves containing only a few dozen cells.