Begonia Elatior is the most popular hybrid of all plants of this species. It is distinguished by the duration of flowering, a huge variety of shades and colors. A flowering plant looks like a finished bouquet, which allows it to be used as a gift.
Description
There are more than 1000 species in the begonia family, and the genus begonia is the most famous and largest. In wildlife, begonia flowers can be seen in tropical rainforests, as well as mountain ranges at an altitude of about 3 thousand meters. Sometimes the flower is found in subtropical dry places.
At home, the plant can bloom throughout the year almost continuously. On one bush, with proper care, you can see up to 80 open flowers. In a variety of colors, only blue tint is missing.
Begonia Elatior: Care
A beautiful plant can only be obtained with proper care. The flower is very photophilous, but it is not able to withstand the direct rays of the sun, so it is best to put flowerpots on balconies or northern windows.
On the sunny side, the plant should be protected using a special covering material - agril. Begonia Elatior is very thermophilic, drafts and temperature jumps are contraindicated for her. The plant must not be placed near the ventilation openings and entrance doors.
The flower also develops beautifully under artificial lighting, for this it is best to use special Flora lamps used for growing flowers.
Usually begonia Elatioris is used as living bouquets, however, under suitable conditions, the plant can delight the hosts with its flowering for several years. Begonia lends itself well to cuttings, so you can get new bushes every year.
For flowers, air- and water-permeable, loose soil is required. The plant does not relate well to waterlogging, so good drainage must necessarily be at the bottom of the pot. In general, it is better to underfill water when moistened than to allow an excess. When planting, it is recommended to add charcoal, which is an antiseptic, to the soil, which protects the roots from decay.
It is not necessary to transplant the newly acquired begonia right away, it is best to do it in a month. The plant should be sprayed daily and watered with warm water only in the pan. The flower needs regular top dressing, which will ensure its abundant long flowering. Additives should be added regularly during the growing season.
The two-year-old begonia Elatior must be rejuvenated. To do this, old leaves and tall shoots need to be trimmed. After a few months, the bushes will become more lush and bloom again. The cuttings remaining after cutting can be rooted, thus obtaining a new plant that will begin to delight in flowering after 7 months.
Interesting Facts
Scientists have found that garden begonia and other varieties secrete volatile substances (volatiles), which are active in the destruction of a number of bacteria and molds. Therefore, plants are perfect for landscaping many residential premises: living rooms, children's rooms, bedrooms.