Begonia is a very popular indoor flower, and there is an explanation for this. She has very beautiful leaves and flowers, because of this the people nicknamed her "girlish beauty." Those who appreciate the charm in indoor plants are advised to start a begonia. And especially this concerns the begonia of Cleopatra - one of the subspecies of this family. In this article, we will tell you about the intricacies of growing beautiful begonia at home, about diseases and pests that can adversely affect the plant. After all, if you are informed, then you can deal with the problem in time, if any.
Begonia Cleopatra: Description
Begonia Cleopatra is a plant with erect branching stems. Finger-shaped leaves, torn, about 12 cm. It has two names - Beverie begonia and Maple-fiber. The second received due to the similarity of the shape of the leaves with maple. Top leaflets have a burgundy color. The lower part is covered with white fluff. Begonia Cleopatra (see photo in the article) is a decorative flower native to Africa, Asia, America.
Botanical characteristic
The plant represents the Begoniev family, one of the largest, which includes a large variety of amazing varieties. It is also a common decorative flowering plant in the home interior. As a rule, they are used in landscaping of offices, schools, kindergartens, libraries, apartment windows.
This amazing and colorful flower grows up to half a meter in height. The leaves are on a thin stem and grow from a basal rosette. Leaf-palmate leaflets with a dark green color. From different angles of illumination, they take on different color shades with a predominant green color. On the surface of the leaves is a layer of small white and gray hairs. It is this feature that distinguishes Cleopatra from other similar plants.
Begonia Cleopatra home care
The plant prefers bright diffused lighting. In summer, you need a little shade to protect from direct sunlight. A stable shaded habitat or area with diffuse lightening is perfect. Open or direct rays of the sun are dangerous for begonias. Therefore, at home, they choose places in the western or eastern part of the apartment.
Planting a flower in a pot
When planting, it is better to give preference to shallow plastic pots with a wide diameter. Clay will not work, since the roots can grow into the rough surface of such a container. At the bottom you need to put any drainage: you can use pebbles, expanded clay, shards. 1/3 soil is sprinkled from the top of the drain. Then we plant the plant and sprinkle with the rest of the soil. Then pour the earth with warm water. Soil when planting should be loose, slightly acidic. Only under such conditions, our beauty will be able to shoot and become a magnificent flower living in a beautiful pot.
Temperature
Like most varieties of begonia, Cleopatra is resistant to high and low temperature extremes, but only for a short time. The average and more comfortable t for year-round maintenance is 18-25 ° C, taking into account the environment, humidity and watering. The lowest temperature that can be used is considered to be 12-14 ° C. It is better not to allow sudden jumps, especially during the flowering period. Such a violation can shift the normal, natural process of flowering and the development of the plant.
It is important to remember that it is necessary to avoid placing the indoor flower near the batteries during the heating season. Begonia does not like drafts, so it should always be in a secluded place.
Watering
Watering should be moderate and it should be remembered that stagnation of water in the soil is unacceptable. Thanks to the drainage layer, excess water can drain into the sump and not stagnate in the ground. You can sometimes use a warm shower, which positively affects the active growth of the flower and creates a space around it. At home, avoid overdried earthen lumps.
Breeding
What are the differences from other subspecies of Cleopatra begonia? Reproduction is unusual, by cuttings, leaves (partly by leaves) and seeds.
- When dividing by cuttings, it is necessary to cut them 5-7 cm and put in water until the roots sprout. After sprouts, you can transplant into pots and wait for their strengthening.
- When leaf propagation is cut off the leaf with the petiole, it can immediately be planted in the ground. But before planting in the ground, treat the slices with Kornevin, a special tool that is sold in any store. As soon as we planted young plants in a pot, we can feed them with fertilizers, but not more than once every two weeks.
- When propagated by seeds, the process will be a bit complicated, but extremely interesting. We begin to sow the seeds on the surface of the already loosened soil, gently squeezing them. After this, we spray the earth a little, cover our inoculation with a film and put it in a warm place. After a time, when the sprouts sprout a little, it is necessary to give them the opportunity to adapt to dry room air, gradually opening the protective film. Seed propagation, as a rule, is carried out from mid-March to May.
3-4 years, depending on the conditions, Cleopatra begonia lives. Care must be correct and thorough. After some time, the plant is again removed by cuttings.
Fertilizer and transplant
You need to feed the flower in spring and summer. At this time, the plant is in dire need of vitamins and minerals. They are fed, as a rule, with mineral, organic fertilizers twice a month. For this process, there are special fertilizers created specifically for begonias. If a plant needs a transplant, then it is better to do this in the spring and preferably no more than once a year. This time the pot is chosen with a larger diameter than the previous flower.
Disease
If only the lower part of the plant curls and dries, this may indicate a natural process of dying off old leaves. Well, if they have darkened and dried, then you should start to worry. Begonia Cleopatra, unfortunately, is susceptible to such a disease characteristic of most species as fungal infection. It appears in the form of rotten spots on the leaves.
If it happens that your plant is sick, then the infected areas need to be removed, and the remainder quickly treated with a fungicidal preparation. In order to prevent fungal damage, it is necessary to observe the correct temperature regime, and then the plant will not hurt. What else are the difficulties in growing begonias, consider below:
- With abundant watering and dry air, the leaves of the plant quickly turn yellow.
- The appearance of brown spots means a lack of nutrients.
- The flower does not grow well and does not bloom - which means that there is a lack of potassium and phosphorus.
But if you will take good care of the plant and adhere to the rules of growing a flower, then begonia will delight you with abundant flowering and density of leaves.
Pests
Begonia Cleopatra is quite stable against pests and diseases. Nevertheless, the plant is sometimes affected by slugs that eat leaves. The main enemy is powdery mildew. It originates on the surface of the affected organ of the plant, creating a fungal plaque. It must be remembered that powdery mildew appears due to high humidity. Begonia is also affected by scabs, thrips and spider mites. You can deal with them with special chemicals.