Among the variety of begonias, which are classified according to several criteria, as decorative-deciduous and decorative-floral, as well as flowering, tuber, shrub and deciduous in total, there are over a thousand different species. Among them are perennial and annual tropical and subtropical plants native to Africa, Southeast Asia, America and the islands of Madagascar.
The abundance of begonias species is amazing; such diversity is difficult to find among any other species. Judge for yourself - only herbaceous plants can be tiny (up to 3-4 cm), and reach impressive size. Simple, double, semi-double flowers admire the unique beauty, and begonia leaves, which have a beveled heart-shaped shape, are completely amazing with an abundance of species, both in color and in shape. Among them there are varieties similar to maple leaves, with serrated-dissected edges of leaf plates, and many others with a color that varies from different shades of green to red, with patterns and spots of silver, red and yellow tones. The arrangement of spots, stripes and patterns can be symmetrical, straight or scattered randomly.
A particularly popular variety is tuberous begonia, which differs from its other "relatives" by the presence of tubers and especially elegant double or non-double flowers, resembling roses, cloves, gardenia, camellia. The size of the flowers reaches 8-10 cm in diameter. Tuberous begonia, cultivation, which requires compliance with some simple rules, however, like all its species, without exception:
- Comfortable temperature is a range from + 15 ° in winter (not lower) and + 20 ° (not higher) in summer.
- Providing abundant, but not excessive watering, but water should not stagnate.
- High humidity is another important condition that tuber begonia loves. Growing it can be combined with a nearby vessel with water, and even better a mini fountain or other piece of furniture. In extreme cases, it is necessary to moisten the air with the help of a spray gun around, but avoiding moisture from entering the plant itself.
- Bright diffused light, but not direct sunlight. In winter, it is extremely favorable for begonia to be in the brightest place for several hours.
How to grow tuberous begonia?
Tuberous begonia can be grown from seeds or by dividing tubers. To obtain plants from tubers, proceed as follows:
- With the onset of the autumn period, the tubers are freed from the ground, the stems are trimmed and stored at a temperature of 8 to 10 ° C in peat or sand, avoiding their drying out.
- Tubers are planted from February to May in pots (taking into account when it is desirable to obtain a flowering plant). For successful germination, they are planted in small-sized pots with sandy soil, half-deepening the tubers. Watering is very moderate. After a few weeks, roots appear, and then shoots.
- After the appearance of the first shoots, the tubers are sprinkled with earth and put on the windowsill in a bright warm place.
Tuberous begonia - growing it from seeds is a rather troublesome affair. Seeds are sown from December to March in small plates with sheet soil, a mixture of such soil with sand and peat, or simply in peat. Seeds (very small) should not be buried deeply, just push a little into the ground. The appearance of the first seedlings can be expected after a couple of weeks, after which they need to be dived two or three times.
The grown young plants are planted in small pots with a lump of earth. And already in July-August, young begonias bloom, before the winter they will have time to form tubers. Here's how to grow begonia properly. Unlike tuberous begonias, leafy ones successfully reproduce by dividing the bush during transplantation or leafy cuttings.
Grown plants are able to decorate any interior indoors or the most shaded corner of the garden, giving it a festive decoration with its bright colors. With proper care, tuber begonia , the cultivation of which was discussed above, will delight with its unsurpassed view from the beginning of summer to autumn in the garden, in the conditions of insulated balconies, loggias and apartments - even longer, until late autumn.