Royal begonia - amazingly decorative leaves

Today we’ll talk about how to care for royal begonia at home. The beauty of this truly royal flower is breathtaking, and one can talk about the usefulness of the plant for hours. Begonia with large pointed leaves cleanses the air of harmful impurities, attracts well-being into the house, imparts self-confidence, etc.

Begonia royal (Rex)

An incredibly spectacular indoor plant, the royal begonia is often also called the Rex begonia. This ornamental plant is quite popular in indoor culture due to its large leaf plates that have an unusual color and shape. The flower also has the ability to make the air in the room cleaner.

Often you can understand that this flower is truly incredibly beautiful only by seeing it with your own eyes. The fact is that even the highest quality photographs cannot convey all the beauty of the royal begonia.

Begonia Gloire de Lorraine care propagation. Possible difficulties during cultivation

• Direct sun exposure to leaves may cause burns in the form of brown or copper-colored spots.
• Dry leaf edges are caused by too dry air.
• Water getting on leaves can cause fungal diseases.
• Overdrying the soil, especially in hot weather, can contribute to powdery mildew.
• Excess fertilizer causes leaves to curl and change color.
• Overwatering, especially in combination with hypothermia, causes wilting and death of the plant. Rotting of the base of the stem is often observed.
• Lack of light causes elongation of shoots, lack of flowering, and yellowing of leaves.
• Avoid direct cold drafts and do not place the plant near heating appliances, air conditioning or humidifiers.

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Galya, your begonia is simply a miracle!

I saw it last year in your topic and really wanted such beauty for myself. And only very recently, I got rooted cuttings of this begonia. Which makes me incredibly happy.

Begonias of the Lorraine group Begonia x Lorrain (Begonia hybrida Gloire de Lorraine) are a group of hybrids.

Begonia Gloire de Lorraine (B. Gloire de Lorraine), Glory of Lorraine, winter-blooming hybrid of B. socotrana with B. Dregei. in Western countries it is also called Christmas Begonia. It competes with the Christmas flower - poinsettia.

There is not a lot of information, but I found something. ——————————————————“Propagated by stem and leaf cuttings. The mother specimens prepared for cuttings at a temperature of 15-17° C begin to grow already in February-March and produce good shoots at the base of the bush from the lower buds or from the ground. The apical shoots are not taken for cuttings, as they do not produce good growth and tend to bloom prematurely. The cuttings are planted in a scout box in a mixture of peat and river sand. Since rooting occurs more easily in stale air, boxes with cuttings are covered with glass.

The temperature is maintained around 22-25° C

Watering should be done carefully

After rooting, the young plants are planted in 4-centimeter (1 top) pots, which are placed in a warm greenhouse or on the shelves of an exploratory greenhouse.

Plants are selected for queen cells in the fall. They are not allowed to bloom, for which the shoots are cut to 1/3-1/2 of their length. Throughout the winter, flowering shoots are destroyed to encourage vigorous growth.

The best time for propagation by leaf cuttings is August. Well-ripened leaves with a heel are used for cuttings. The leaves are planted at the end of the petiole in the exploration bed at a very shallow depth. The temperature is maintained at 22-25° C. Rooting occurs after 3-4 decades. When young roots appear at the base of the cuttings, the plants are replanted.

The advantage of this propagation is that it produces plants that are more strongly developed and less prone to flowering at a young age than plants bred from stem cuttings. At first, the soil is given in a mixture of peat, leaf and sand, and later - from leaf, light turf and sand. On sunny days, plants need shade and spraying.

There are many new varieties and varieties of begonia Gloire de Lorrain in cultivation, characterized by fast, strong, straight growth, large, lush green leaves, luxurious, large, showy flowers. There are ampelous forms.

Features of Rex begonia

Royal begonia is a member of the Begoniaceae family, which includes more than 1,600 species. Moreover, such a large family received its name in honor of Michel Begon, who was a Frenchman.

The plant has spectacular asymmetrical leaf plates with a carved edge. They can be painted in a variety of shades and their combinations (depending on the variety). Begonia has a fleshy, voluminous rhizome that rises slightly above the surface of the substrate.

During the flowering period, small unsightly flowers appear on the bush. Since they have a nondescript appearance, they do not represent any decorative value. Therefore, Rex begonia is grown as an ornamental foliage plant.

Caring for royal begonia at home

Royal begonia, grown at home, is distinguished by its undemanding and unpretentiousness. However, in order for a flower to look as impressive as possible, it still needs to be provided with proper care and favorable conditions for growth.

Choosing a location and lighting

It is important to take into account that this plant is light-loving. If you place it in a well-lit place, the foliage will be bright and dense. In this case, the light should be bright, but diffused.

Shaded places or northern windows are completely unsuitable for Rex begonia. You should also choose places protected from direct sunlight. The fact is that when exposed to them, burns can form on the foliage, which in turn often causes the leaf blades to die.

Temperature

In the warm season, the plant feels best at a temperature of about 25 degrees. If the room is colder than 15 degrees, this can lead to the leaves flying around and even to the death of the flower. During the winter months, the plant can be kept cool (about 17 degrees). But remember that this is a tropical plant, and therefore it is heat-loving.

Watering

The plant responds well to regular watering (the soil mixture should always be slightly moist). However, do not allow liquid to stagnate in the root system. Water the bush moderately but often (about four times every 7 days). Moisten the substrate only after its top layer has dried.

As for air humidity, it should be high. But it is highly undesirable to spray foliage with a spray bottle. Instead, moisture is sprayed around the plant itself or an open container filled with water is placed next to it.

Since a large amount of dust settles on the surface of the large leaf plates of Rex begonia, which it attracts from the air, they must be systematically wiped. To do this, use a moistened soft cloth. Be extremely careful when doing this, as the plant is extremely fragile and can be easily injured.

Fertilizer

In order for the bush to develop correctly, it should be systematically fed. To do this, it will be enough to apply the mineral complex once every 30 days, while the fertilizer is dissolved in water for irrigation.

Transfer

Begonia needs annual transplantation and rejuvenation every 3-4 years. In other words, every 3-4 years a new cutting is planted, which will subsequently replace the old begonia. When replanting a plant, you can use purchased soil or prepare it yourself, as it is not difficult. The substrate for planting begonias consists of: 2 parts of leaf soil, 1 part of turf soil and 1 part of peat and coarse river sand. You can add coniferous tree bark, vermiculite, leaf or turf humus to the finished substrate. This will allow the soil to breathe. At the same time, you should pay attention to the presence of effective drainage so that the water in the container does not stagnate.

When transplanting, you should choose a wide, but not deep, container. This is due to the structure of the begonia root system.

Alternatively, you can plant several begonias of different varieties in one suitable container. The result can be a very original decorative composition.

Source

Begonia diseases

Begonias cannot be called unpretentious indoor plants. They are quite demanding in care and, often, it is improper care that leads to the occurrence of diseases. Indoor begonia and its other varieties can be affected by the following diseases:

• Gray mold. Caused by excessive humidity and low temperature. The disease can be identified by weeping spots on the leaves and rotting of the stem. When signs of disease appear, damaged fragments are removed, and the plant itself is treated with a fungicide;
• Powdery mildew. It can be recognized by whitish round spots on the surface of the leaf plate. Over time, the spots turn gray, the leaf turns black and dries out. The use of antifungal drugs such as “Fundazol” and “Topsin” at the first signs of appearance will help get rid of the disease in a short time. Read more about fungal plant diseases, in particular powdery mildew, here;
• Black root rot. If your begonia has stopped growing and the leaves are wilting, pay attention to the condition of the roots. Brown or black color indicates root rot. The main reason is overflow. All dead fragments should be removed, the root system should be washed with a weak solution of manganese and treated with Benomyl.

In order to tell everything about begonia, you need to write a dozen articles. This is a truly unique plant, striking in its variety of forms and species. Despite its vagaries and demanding care, many lovers collect entire collections of these brightly flowering and variegated foliage plants. Begonia is a very grateful flower: a little attention, labor and patience, and I’m sure the result will not keep you waiting, it will become a worthy decoration for your windowsill.

Types of begonia

In total there are about a thousand species of begonias. In addition, the work of breeders has bred more than two thousand hybrids, while the number of varieties is constantly growing. The most popular types are: royal begonia, tuberous, ever-blooming, elatior, ampelous and tiger.

Royal begonia

There are varieties with almost black leaves with small scarlet patches. These begonias bloom inconspicuously, with small pink flowers, which I try to remove at the bud stage. Most often, collectors can find the following varieties:

Tuberous begonia

There are also two-color varieties, such as begonia "Marmorata", its double flowers are decorated with streaks and a border on the petals. The most popular are:

Begonia everblooming

The plant is a bush with a fleshy, erect stem and oval, slightly pubescent leaves. The color of the leaf blade can be all shades of green, as well as burgundy or red-brown. Flowering is not very abundant; most often there are from 2 to 4 simple flowers on the peduncle. Color varies from white to red, and there are varieties with edged petals. The flowering of such begonias is long and continuous, until frost. The following varieties are especially popular:

Begonia elatior

Most often, fans can find the following varieties:

Begonia ampelous

The most common hanging begonias are the following varieties:

Begonia tiger

Like other similar species, the flowering of tiger begonia is not particularly attractive; I try to remove flower stalks at the budding stage. Varieties such as “Tiger” and “Cleopatra” will decorate any home collection.

The group of begonias with decorative flowers includes:

Begonias of the "Lorraine" type, which appeared at the end of the 19th century and under the name "Gloire de Lorraine", long dominated the market. This begonia variety blooms in winter with white or pink flowers. Currently, it is quite rare in flower shops.

Begonias of the "Elatior" type, bred in England at the beginning of the 20th century from tuberous begonias. They bloom 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 “Elatior” group of begonias, the most popular are Rieger’s begonias, which were named after the breeder.

Hybrids of evergreen begonia (B. semperflorens) blooming all year round. They tolerate the sun better than the varieties listed above, and mainly grow in gardens and squares, on flower beds and lawns. You can also grow them in pots, especially begonias with decorative flowers.

Tuberous begonias.

Ever-blooming begonia – B. Semperflorens.

For flower lovers, we can offer evergreen begonia. Caring for it is almost the same as for royal begonia and its varieties. The only difference, perhaps, is that the comfortable temperature for her is +18 ºС. Until the beginning of flowering, this variety of begonia needs to be fed monthly with fertilizers, then it will be longer and more lush. AVA fertilizer is well suited for this. To make the plant look better, faded flowers should be removed.

Flowering begonias are perennial and annual. Perennials are bush begonias, and annuals are tuberous. Among the perennials, I would like to mention begonia, which reaches a height of 80 cm, blooms with red or white flowers, and has leaves with silver fluff. Of the annuals, begonia is especially good, blooming mainly in winter with red, white or pink flowers. Among the hybrids, you can opt for begonias with large flowers, simple or double, the color scheme of which can be not only white and pink, but also red and even yellow.

Wintering begonia – B. x hiemalis.

Plants with simple or double flowers in a wide range of shades, mainly red, pink, yellow, orange and white. They are derived from a cross between B. socotrana and tuberous begonias from South America.

Begonia winterflower - B. x cheimantha, or Begonia Lorena - B. Lorraine.

This type of begonia is named for its ability to bloom in winter. The resulting hybrid B. socotrana and B. dregei 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.

These photos show varieties of winter-flowering begonias:

Sutherland's begonia - B. Sutherlandii.

This type of indoor begonia plant is a hanging plant with small lanceolate leaves and an abundance of simple orange flowers in a loose inflorescence in the summer.

There are many varieties of begonia known, including:

Ampelous B. x t. pendula (Tuberous drooping begonia), with single and double flowers, used for hanging baskets

B. x t. multiflora (Tuberous Begonia) with a mass of single, semi-double and double flowers

Flowers in red, orange, pink and yellow tones. They all bloom during the summer months.

Caring for begonia at home

Despite such diversity, care for all types is approximately the same. In order to grow a healthy plant with painted leaves or lush flowering bushes, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

1. Lighting. Begonias do well on bright windowsills, protected from direct sunlight. Some decorative foliage species do well in shaded areas in the back of the room. Decorative flowering varieties require light. My beauty pleases with long-term flowering near an east-facing window;
2. Temperature regime . The optimal level is 18-20 degrees, but in the summer, begonias tolerate higher values. Still, try to adhere to the specified norm. Begonia also does not like sudden changes in temperature, so do not rush to take the flowerpots out into the open air until persistent warm weather sets in;
3. Air humidity. Begonia is native to the tropics, so you should stay as close to a humid climate as possible. The plant tolerates the heating season especially poorly. Spraying is contraindicated for all types of begonias; the problem is solved by installing special humidifiers. If you are not ready to spend money, you can get by with a tray filled with pebbles or moss. Pour water into it, and place a pot with a plant on top;
4. Watering. Begonias cannot tolerate waterlogging; this is the most common cause of death. Watering is necessary if the top layer of soil has dried to a depth of at least 2-3 cm. The optimal method of moistening is watering through a pan. I water my plants once or twice every 7-10 days. I fill the pot with water and immerse the pot in it for 15-20 minutes, take it out and let the excess water drain well. Garden begonias are watered carefully, trying not to get on the above-ground part of the plant;
5. Drafts. A very important point. Begonias love space and fresh air, but they absolutely cannot tolerate drafts and windy balconies and terraces. If you take the flowerpot outside, be sure to install a protective screen.

Growing indoor begonia: how to care for a flower

For winter-flowering species, the optimal temperature is 13–21 °C. High air humidity is favorable for begonias, but not particularly important.

The plant loves light, but keep it away from direct sunlight. In winter, try to provide as much light as possible.

One of the important conditions for growing begonias is abundant watering during the flowering period; the rest of the time, water as needed. Watering should be gradually reduced for species that have a dormant period as soon as the leaves begin to yellow. Begonias are sensitive to both under- and over-watering.

During budding and flowering, fertilizing with a weak fertilizer is required.

When growing and caring for begonias in rooms, keep in mind that they do not like direct sunlight. They require high air humidity; sudden temperature changes and drafts are contraindicated. In summer, it is recommended to place plants on a tray with pebbles filled with water. Most species do not have dormant periods and grow all year round with some slowdown in the autumn-winter period. The optimal temperature in summer is -21-25 °C and in winter 15-18 °C. If it is not possible to reduce the temperature in winter, additional lighting must be provided. The begonia substrate should consist of turf and leaf soil, humus, peat and sand (2: 1: 1: 1: 1). You can use a special Begonia substrate sold in stores.

It is best to keep begonias on window sills; some species do especially well near windows with northern exposure. During the growing season, abundant watering is required in summer, moderate watering in winter. The plant is fed twice a month, in winter - once every 1.5-2 months with flower fertilizer. At the same time, we must remember that it is better to underfeed the plant than to overfeed it. Transplantation is carried out annually in the spring.

Difficulties in breeding begonias include the possibility of gray rot (brown spots appear on the leaves, which are then covered with a gray coating) or powdery mildew (white powdery coating on the leaves).

Yellowing leaves or falling buds indicate a lack of light or a lack or excess of moisture in the soil, thin and poorly leafy stems indicate insufficient light, dry and curled leaves indicate too high an air temperature. The reason for the appearance of leaves with brown tips is too low air humidity.

Plants are sometimes affected by spider mites. This usually means that the indoor air is dry.

The death of a plant can occur for various reasons: rotting of the roots due to waterlogging of the soil, damage by nematodes (pay attention to whether there are swellings on the roots) or weevils (see if the tubers are eaten away)

Begonia propagation

Growing a young plant is quite simple and even novice gardeners can do it. The method of propagation depends on the type of begonia.

Begonia propagation by leaf

This method of vegetative propagation of begonias is suitable for decorative deciduous species. From one healthy leaf blade you can get several plants at once. The step-by-step process looks like this:

1. Using a stationery knife or blade, make small cuts along the prominent veins of the leaf on the inside;
2. Trim the cutting, leaving 1/3 of its length;
3. Fill a bowl or bowl with water and place the leaf on the surface of the water. After 10-15 days, small roots should appear.

You can also use leaf fragments:

1. Using a sharp knife, cut the plate into cone-shaped fragments with a vein;
2. Fill the tray 1/3 full with universal substrate, moisten it;
3. Using a large spoon, make indentations on the surface of the soil, place part of the leaf in it, corner down, carefully sprinkle with soil and compact the mixture;
4. Cover the tray with glass or film and put it in a warm place, protected from direct sunlight. Do not forget to moisten the mixture and ventilate.

Source

Reproduction

Begonia is propagated by vegetative methods (cuttings/leaves or tuber division) and seeds.

Leaves and cuttings

One of the easiest and most popular ways to get a new plant. A cutting or leaf is separated from the mother bush with a sterile knife and placed in a solution of a root formation stimulator.

However, simple settled water is sufficient. Roots appear within a few days and the new plant can be planted in an individual pot.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=W7o1fi2hLRs%2520

Roots and tubers

This method is not suitable for beginners, since to divide the rhizome you need to determine the presence of a growth bud. But experienced gardeners often use this method to propagate begonias.

On a note! Varietal begonias are rarely subjected to root division.

Seeds

This is a very troublesome and time-consuming process. Begonia seeds look like dust and are difficult to distribute evenly on the surface of the substrate.

In addition, they do not have high germination rates. But for work, breeders often use seed propagation.

Royal begonia: types and features of care

Today we’ll talk about how to care for royal begonia at home. The beauty of this truly royal flower is breathtaking, and one can talk about the usefulness of the plant for hours. Begonia with large pointed leaves cleanses the air of harmful impurities, attracts well-being into the house, imparts self-confidence, etc.

Which variety to choose

If begonia should decorate the fence and flower beds, then the bet should be placed on tuberous perennials. This type of begonia is called garden begonia, and the first two signs that distinguish it from other varieties are a large tuber and a height of up to 50 cm.

The last sign of garden begonia can be recognized only after some hour, while the first one has a 6-8 cm diameter even before planting.

But begonia at home is distributed mainly as decorative hybrids:

• "Bud de Rose" - floral;
• “Crispa Marginata” – floral;
• “Dak Red” – floral;
• “Gloire de Lorraine” – floral;
• “Competitor” – floral;
• “Picoti Harlequin” – floral;
• "Rex" ("Royal") - deciduous;
• “Metallica” – deciduous;
• “Tiger” – deciduous;
• "Masona" - deciduous;
• "Cleopatra" - deciduous.

The corresponding list can go on and on. Therefore, to fully familiarize yourself with the varieties of decorative hybrid begonia, it is better to visit recognized online sites for the sale of indoor and garden plants.

Briefly about care

Description of the plant

Royal begonia, also known as Begonia Rex, is a hybrid variety of the Elatior group, bred by crossing Socotrans and tuberous begonias. Perhaps this is the most beautiful and original flower in the world, deservedly called royal. Almost all of its varieties have asymmetrical carved leaves ranging from bronze-chocolate, almost black, to cherry-red with a luxurious silvery sheen.

Royal Begonia Rex

Due to the heart-shaped base and sharp edge of the leaves, the royal begonia is also called “Napoleon’s Ear”, “Elephant Ears”. The surface of the leaf blade is velvety, slightly pimply, covered with short villi. The back side is covered with red veins.

By crossing Rex begonia with other varieties, unusual hybrids with fringed or spiral-shaped foliage were formed.

A rather large, dense creeping rhizome protrudes above the surface of the ground. After the lower leaf plates dry out, marks remain on the rhizome.

In nature, the herbaceous perennial grows in the tropical forests and mountains of Eastern India. We grow it exclusively at home. In order for an exotic beauty to fully develop, she needs to be provided with conditions as close as possible to the humid climate of her historical homeland.

Flowering is sparse, flowers are small and not particularly attractive. They are not the main decoration of the plant, since they are significantly less decorative than the leaves.

Royal begonia blooming

It is impossible to convey all the charm and versatility of Rex begonia from a photo. In fact, the tropical plant is much more beautiful.

Helpful information! The fleecy leaves of the royal begonia purify the indoor air from germs and dust. Therefore, the plant needs regular wet cleaning, at least 2 times a month. Gently wipe each leaf with a damp flannel cloth. Do not forget about the fragility of the tropical guest and that it can break from any careless movement.

Types of decorative deciduous begonias with photos and descriptions

Begonia has quite complex classification systems that divide plant species and varieties into different groups.
Some divide them by the method of use in floriculture, others by the type of root system or method of propagation. We decided to take a simpler approach and conditionally divide begonia varieties into decorative deciduous and decorative flowering. Beautiful flowering begonias.

It is believed that the “evolution” of decorative flowering begonias is significantly inferior to decorative deciduous varieties. If in flowering indoor begonias they mainly change only color variations and improve endurance, then in the process of creating ever new varieties of deciduous beauties, breeders have long surpassed seemingly any expectations. Different textures, effects, colors, variations of patterns are complemented by the ability to choose the sizes and shapes of leaves. And sometimes it seems that new varieties appear every day.

On a note! Begonias can be selected not just according to your taste, but also for interior design, textiles and even accessories. And although the old varieties are still in demand, it is fashionable new items that have returned begonia to the peak of popularity.

Among decorative flowering begonias, the hybrid varieties of tuberous begonia (Begonia x tuberhybrida) can boast the greatest variability. Among them you can sometimes find the most unexpected color variations. But deciduous begonias are dominated by hybrids of Begonia rex, which in catalogs and at exhibitions often appear as varieties of unknown origin, in which purely decorative characteristics are considered the main ones.

Both begonias have something to look at. In this article we will introduce you to the most beautiful types of decorative deciduous begonias, leading in popularity ratings. They are valued for the unusual shape, texture and coloring of their leaves.

Popular varieties and hybrids of royal begonia

Among the variety of varieties and hybrids of royal begonia, you can get confused. Moreover, each individual variety is unique in its own way. We present to your attention the most interesting plants suitable for growing indoors:

Mini Mary Christmas

Begonia "Mini Merry Christmas" (B. Mini Merry Christmas) is the most variegated variety of royal begonia, growing up to 30 cm in length. From the brown center of the leaf blade, bright green spills out, turning into a wide red-crimson border. The entire surface is strewn with bright pearlescent specks. The top of the leaf is velvety, the back is cut with large veins.

Begonia mini merry christmas

Griffon

The tallest and longest lasting royal begonia (B. Griffon) is often used in landscape design. In this case, the shrub is grown as an annual. In the home flower garden, it is a perennial with a height of up to 41 cm. Large white-green leaves with dark veins calmly tolerate dry air (which cannot be said about the parent of the hybrid).

Royal begonia griffon

Escargot

Because of the bizarre shape of its leaves, the Escargot begonia (B. Escargot) is called the “royal snail.” A rather wide bush, 30 cm high, consists of large matte fleecy leaves, twisted at the base into a double spiral. A curved silver stripe runs through the dark olive base of each leaf, separating the center from the edge.

Royal begonia escargot (begonia escargot)

Dollar Down

The neat, no higher than 30 cm bush “Dollar Down” (B. Dollar Down) is unlikely to go unnoticed. Shiny, as if varnished, bright burgundy leaves have a fan-shaped, spiral shape. The veins and border are painted in a contrasting almost black color.

Begonia dollar down

Royal minuet

Begonia (B. Regal Minuet) is distinguished by its thinnest leaves, which, with sufficient lighting, acquire a pronounced burgundy color. If there is not enough light, the leaves turn pale and become pearlescent pinkish. The center and edge of the leaf plate are colored dark chocolate.

Begonia regal minuet

Red Leaf Fista

The compact and low-growing “red-leaved feastii” (B. erythrophylla/feastii) has an easy-going nature. Perhaps this is the most easily accessible variety, most often found on sale than others. The leaves are rounded on top, like geraniums, and painted a rich green color. The color on the back is burgundy. In the photo it is difficult to appreciate all the charm of this royal begonia, and as an indoor flower it requires minimal conditions.

Begonia erythrophylla/feastii

Chocolate cream

The stunningly beautiful begonia “chocolate cream” (B. Chocolate Cream) amazes with its versatility of color. Large, spiral-shaped leaves at the base are the color of an unripe dessert plum with a silver-pink tint; the top is covered with veins and a fringed edging of a rich dark chocolate shade.

Begonia chocolate cream

Evening Glow

The hybrid (B. Evening Glow) has not very large, pearlescent soft green leaves with a juicy crimson center, from which brownish-green rays-veins emanate. A thin crimson border runs along the edge.

Begonia Evening Glow (begonia evening glow)

Black Mamba

Begonia (B. Dark Mamba) is called black mamba because of the unusual color of the leaves. The velvet surface is black and green. The back side is pink-brown. Pale green rays extend from the center of the spiraling, wavy leaves. This plant looks luxurious in a bright interior.

Begonia dark mamba

Varieties

Several varieties are very popular among domestic flower growers for home cultivation.

Red Leaf Begonia Fista

Popular for its unpretentiousness and compact size. The rounded leaf plates are colored red-green. This variety is easy to buy at any flower shop.

Cuff

It is famous among gardeners for its unpretentiousness. On the creeping stem there are beautiful leaf plates of a light green hue with red veins on the inside.

Hogweed

The variety, originally from Brazil, is distinguished by the specific structure of its leaf blades, which most closely resemble the leaves of hogweed. The stem is colored light pink and has slight pubescence along its entire length.

Mini Merry Christmas

The hybrid variety was developed through the efforts of breeders. It belongs to the variegated subspecies and is distinguished by the high decorative characteristics of its leaf blades.

The color varies from the center of the leaf, where it is burgundy with white veins, to dark green, almost black, along the edge.

Escargot

A very beautiful compact flower with unusual foliage. The silver-gray leaves have a clear spiral pattern. The leaves are matte, pubescent with small fibers.

Dollar Down

Carved cherry leaves will not leave anyone indifferent. Pointed leaf plates with black edging. Without exaggeration, this flower will decorate any room.

Griffon

Perhaps this variety is the largest among the hybrids. The bush can reach almost 40 cm. The color of the leaves is light green with large white areas, a clear shape with pointed tips.

Dark Mambo

A very beautiful plant with a unique dark color and small yellow veins. It has an original spiral leaf structure. Looks extremely attractive in bright interiors.

Indian Summer

The leaves of this compact plant are large and almost completely hide the stems underneath. Begonia has an original color in pink and black tones.

Fireworks

The leaves of this begonia really look like the light strokes of fireworks in the dark sky. Their beautiful violet-green pattern and burgundy edging of carved leaves create an unusual appearance of the plant.

Beleaf inca flame

A very beautiful variety with uniformly colored leaves without prominent veins and distinguished by a rich red color.

Helen Lewis

The foliage of this plant beckons you to touch its velvety surface. A very beautiful rich plum-black color is diluted with a silver-green pattern that follows the contour of the leaf plate.

This variety of begonia will appeal to all exotic lovers.

What is important to know before purchasing

In a series of decorative foliage plants, Rex begonia is the queen, which has no competitors in brightness and originality. It is readily grown by experienced gardeners and beginners, captivated by the unpretentiousness of the tropical beauty. If you also want a plant for your home flower garden, first read the following table:

The highly titled plant differs from its “relatives” by its amazing brightness, regardless of flowering. Begonia Rex may not bloom at all and will only benefit from this. The fact is that inconspicuous buds deprive the plant of its vitality and, in order to preserve the decorative appearance of the leaves, experienced gardeners cut off the flowers.

Interesting fact! Begonia Rex is the flower of businessmen. By placing a houseplant in your office, you can rest assured that it will protect you from rash actions and help you find the only right solution.

Begonia borias. Proper care of the luxurious Begonia Elatior

Begonias as a species were discovered in the 17th century and gained enormous popularity among amateur gardeners.

With proper care, Elatior blooms all year round, which is why people like to give it as a gift instead of cut flowers.

A lush head of inflorescences will delight their owner for a long time.

Begonia Elatior is found not only in homes, parks, squares, but also in public places, for example, in hospitals.

It absorbs harmful chemicals and humidifies the air. It is often used in folk medicine due to its antiallergic and antiseptic properties.

Varieties and varieties

Hybrids of begonia elatior are divided into 3 groups: tall - up to 40 cm, medium-sized - up to 30 cm and low-growing plants. The leaves have an asymmetrical shape, resembling the shape of a heart.

Advantages of Elatior:

• Various colors of flowers
• Long flowering (even in winter)

Baladin

A beautiful, abundantly flowering variety. The shades on the inflorescences of one plant can be varied: from white to pink-red. For this feature, they prefer to give Baladin in pots instead of cut flowers. Medium-sized bush with numerous flower stalks.

Borias

This hybrid was bred in England in the 18th century. The most common variety on our windowsills. Belongs to the low-growing group, has a long flowering period, and is unpretentious in care. The inflorescences have double pink flowers with a white edge.

Annabelle

Winter medium-growing variety. The bush is decorated with milky, yellowish double inflorescences. Flowering period from November to July. It is also grown in open ground: in gardens, parks and cottages.

Azothus

Decorative medium-growing course with large pink flowers. Only grown in pots indoors throughout the year.

Bellona

The begonia bush grows up to 40 cm; it is not grown in open ground due to the difficulty of care. Blooms with bright red flowers.

Charisma F1

A low-growing species of begonia. Grown mainly indoors. The colors of the inflorescences range from light pink to orange-red buds. It has 4 varieties that differ in color shades.

Renaissance

A tall plant, the bush reaches 60 cm. It grows on a windowsill; in open ground it is susceptible to diseases. The color of the buds is bright red, the edges of the inflorescences have a wavy edge.

Mix

This is a medium-sized plant. The leaves are serrated, the flowers are arranged in several tiers. Flowers can be completely different - from red to white.

Begonia Elatior: home care

Begonia elatior can hardly be called an unpretentious plant; it is very susceptible to environmental conditions and does not tolerate stressful situations. The plant requires attention; the selection of optimal conditions of maintenance and watering is necessary.

Following a few rules will help you grow a healthy flower.

Lighting

In the warm season, elatior is mainly kept on an eastern or western window. In winter - in the south.

Begonias need a lot of sunlight to bloom abundantly, but direct sunlight causes burns; consider shading part of the glass on the window to maintain a presentable appearance for begonias.

Attention! Direct sunlight causes burns on the leaves. In the shade, begonia fades and stops blooming

A lack of light, as well as its excess, affects the size of the inflorescences: the flowers become smaller, and double flowers have fewer petals

In the shade, the begonia fades and stops blooming. A lack of light, as well as its excess, affects the size of the inflorescences: the flowers become smaller, and double flowers have fewer petals.

Recommendations from an expert: rejuvenate correctly

Royal begonia is replanted every spring. An equally important procedure is plant rejuvenation, which is carried out every 3-4 years. With the right approach, you can significantly increase the life of a plant and grow a young bush from a mother cutting.

No, we will not rewrite information that is repeated many times on various sites. We better use the experience of knowledgeable flower growers Pavel and Elena Enikeev, who have been leading the YouTube channel since 2009.

Rejuvenation of the royal begonia Lilian

The royal variety Lilian is used as an example. The rejuvenation procedure consists of several stages:

1. Removing fresh and old flower stalks. Old ones fall off at the slightest touch, fresh ones are cut off with sterile sharp scissors.
2. Inspecting the plant and soil in the flower pot for dry leaves. Remove them also mercilessly, as they can be carriers of all sorts of diseases.
3. Removing plant leaves with spots and other signs of illness. They should easily lag behind the bush. Such leaves should be thrown away immediately and not used to propagate begonias.
4. Removing low-growing leaves, if any (applies to plants with elongated stems that will have to be buried when transplanting). These leaves can and should even be used to produce young plants.
5. Removing a plant from a flower pot. A healthy begonia has white roots. If the soil is moist, the roots take on a yellowish tint.
6. Preparing a new pot. It should be larger in diameter than before. If the begonia grew in a 12 cm container, it should be transplanted into a 15 cm container.
7. Trimming soil penetrated by the root system. You can simply unscrew and tear off half of the substrate-root mass with your hands. The top layer should be left for better survival of the plant in the new container.
8. Preparation of a soil mixture from leaf soil, turf soil, peat, river sand (2:1:1:1) and a small amount of crushed coniferous tree bark.
9. Planting begonias. Deepen the bush to the level of the lower leaves, fill all the voids with substrate, and tamp lightly. To prevent the plant from staggering, the trunk circle must be pressed with your fingers.

It will take about 4 weeks for the begonia to adapt to the new substrate. But after three months the plant will get stronger and become more beautiful than before.

Note! Despite its love for light, Rex begonia does not tolerate direct sunlight. Therefore, a southern window sill is not the best place for a flower to live.

Fertilizer application

Do you love homemade begonia flowers? Every owner wants to know how to care for it (we show you the photo). Let's start with suitable soil. To plant begonias, it is better to use soil mixtures. They can add coniferous, leaf soil, sand, charcoal. But no matter how rich the soil composition is, over time it is necessary to apply fertilizers

It is very important to feed the plant correctly

The beauty of this tropical plant is demonstrated by a photo of a begonia flower. We continue to consider in detail how to care for it. The plant urgently needs proper feeding. By fertilizing it, you add useful microelements, vitamins, and amino acids to the soil. They promote the growth and development of bushes, as well as flowering.

You don't know how to care for indoor begonia? Feed it once every 10-14 days. When fertilizing a flower, consider the following factors:

1. Fertilizing will be absorbed much better if you create proper lighting and a suitable temperature in the room.
2. Apply fertilizer in the evening.
3. Before starting complementary feeding, moisten the soil well (2-3 hours before the procedure).
4. Make sure that the fertilizer does not come into contact with the flower.
5. Do not overdo it! Excess feeding leads to toxicosis of the flower, and then to death.

We continue to consider how to properly care for begonias. The plant especially needs phosphorus and potassium. To give him these elements, buy a special product “Begonia”. It contains all the micro- and macroelements necessary for the health and growth of bushes. The drug “Bona Forte for violets and begonias” will protect the flower from the negative effects of the environment. This product has a broad-spectrum formula. It will enrich the soil with nitrogen, humic acids, phosphorus and other useful components.

You can purchase Good Power fertilizer at any flower shop in your city. In addition to vitamins for the healthy growth of begonia, the preparation contains succinic acid. It is considered a regulator of plant development. This remedy is inexpensive but effective. “Good power” also promotes flowering and protects against various diseases. Sometimes you need to feed begonia with ammonium nitrate. If you make every effort to achieve your desire and good mood, then the flower will delight you with its healthy appearance and chic buds.

How to propagate

Reproduction is not as labor-intensive a process as it might seem at first. First of all, decide for yourself which method of obtaining a new bush is right for you, thoroughly study the sequence, features of the technological process and start acting.

Cuttings are the most win-win and popular propagation option for any type of begonia, including royal ones. Cut a piece of the trunk with leaves, place the cut side in water and after 3 weeks plant the young roots in the substrate. The same method is excellent for rejuvenating a plant by separating a large cutting. If you decide to use it, remember that in this case the mother plant will lose its decorative effect.

It is easy to propagate begonia using a leaf. Place the cut leaf in water (the length of the stem is no more than 2 cm). After a couple of weeks, when the roots appear, place the leaf in the substrate and cover with film. As soon as a young sprout appears from the center of the leaf blade, deepen the planting to the growth point. The mother leaf will begin to wither, but you cannot cut it off (it becomes a source of nutrients for the baby).

Some leaves produce babies not only from the center of the convergence of the veins, but also from the leaf stalk-petiole. Young shoots easily pass through loose soil and with a 100% probability quickly grow into a strong young plant.

The bright leaves of the royal begonia have extremely pronounced veins. They can also be used to grow new plants:

• Take a leaf with a stem shortened to 1 cm and place it in warm water.
• Having noticed the first roots, make cuts on the back side of the leaf, where the veins are especially noticeable (1-2 for each vein). Do not cut the vein all the way through, just make a snip.
• Lubricate each cut with cytokinin ointment (100% guarantee of germination).
• Bury the cutting with roots into the substrate at an angle, so that the leaf takes a horizontal position (you can press the plate to the ground with small pebbles).

After some time, children will appear. They will come out from the center of the leaf, petiole, and cut veins. This method allows you to get from 5 to 8 new bushes at the same time. But such children grow too slowly, so most gardeners propagate Rex begonia by leaves and cuttings.

If you want to grow a “queen” with seeds, be prepared for the fact that during the process of flowering and ripening of the seed pods, the mother plant will lose its decorative effect. Moreover, the result of seed propagation of hybrid varieties does not always meet expectations.

Diseases, pests and problems in growing

Royal begonias are extremely sensitive to improper lighting and care. Lack of light always provokes loss of color, stretching, deformation, and excess direct sun - numerous burns. This plant also does not tolerate waterlogging - either stagnation of water, acidification of the soil, or getting wet due to careless watering or spraying. It reacts to drought by partially dying off the leaves and developing dry spots.

Royal begonias are extremely prone to all types of rot, whiteflies, and mealybugs. When plants in a collection become infected, they must be isolated first. And immediately begin preventive treatment with biological products. Infected begonias quickly lose their decorative properties, biological agents act too slowly and it is better to immediately begin treating royal begonias with chemical insecticides or fungicides.

Begonia cuttings root well in water and perlite, sand, and coconut substrate. © growandcare

Expert Advice: Mistakes When Reproducing

The Enikeev couple have been running their family project for more than 10 years - a YouTube channel, where they clearly talk about ways to grow all kinds of plants. Today Pavel and Elena will talk about what mistakes are made when propagating decorative deciduous begonias:

1. Using the wrong substrate. Substrate is the most important thing when growing plants. A common mistake made by novice flower growers who purchase store-bought soil for begonias. If you don’t want to bother with making a soil mixture, preferring to buy ready-made soil, look for a professional mixture. It is sold in large bags of 150, 200 or 300 kg. But some sites offer smaller packages.
2. The blade of the device for cutting cuttings, leaves, or dividing the leaf into fragments is not sharp or thin enough. For some reason, some gardeners use old scissors or serrated knives to work with plants. Such devices crush leaf cells and contribute to their decay.
3. Temperature too high. Don't think that babies need heat. The optimal temperature for the development of young plants is +20+24C. Even +25C is a critical indicator leading to illness and death of begonia. It’s not so scary if the temperature drops to +18C. A little cooler is better than hotter.
4. Insufficient lighting. By placing beautiful adult plants in the most illuminated place, and pushing greenhouses with fragments into shade or partial shade, people doom the sprouts to death. Young plants get their energy from light. Otherwise, roots will not form, and the development of cuttings will freeze.
5. Overwatering. When planting a leaf, the soil does not need to be compacted. Let there be an air cushion between its layers. Watering should be done moderately so that water does not stagnate in the soil. Otherwise, the children will die and the roots will rot.

Each of the above factors is equally detrimental to future begonia. Therefore, it is very important to study possible mistakes and avoid them when growing new plants.

To compile this review, recommendations from real flower growers were used, and not sources from dubious Internet resources. I would like to believe that with our help you will be able to avoid the mistakes inherent in beginners and grow a luxurious Royal Begonia with your own hands.

Wintering of the Royal Begonia

When planting and breeding royal begonia at home, competent care is required, without disturbing the watering regime, lack of lighting or cold drafts. It is equally important to provide the deciduous ornamental plant with a full winter.

Royal begonia does not have a pronounced dormant period and develops equally well in summer and winter. But from mid-autumn, when daylight hours are shortening, you should stop fertilizing and reconsider the watering regime (receiving the summer portion of moisture and not receiving enough light, the bushes will begin to stretch, thin out, and become deformed). Therefore, from mid-October, the growth of the plant must be slowed down by reducing watering and lowering the temperature to 16 C. Water the begonia after the top layer of soil in the pot has dried 3 cm. Otherwise, the roots will rot.

Features of the winter period:

• decrease in temperature and poor watering, otherwise the root system will begin to rot;
• decrease in temperature and wet leaves, otherwise the begonia will be affected by the fungus;
• heat and dry air can cause leaves to dry out;
• winter transplantation will cause the plant to get sick;
• cuttings cut during this period will most likely rot.

Begonia cultivation

Cultivation of begonias of any species includes a number of general conditions:

1. Begonias require moist air, but the plants themselves cannot be sprayed to avoid nematodes and fungal diseases.
2. It is necessary to ensure that the plants do not touch their leaves, for which they are placed at some distance from one another, carefully clearing them of damaged leaves.
3. In autumn, the temperature of the greenhouses is reduced to 14-17° and at the same time the air humidity is reduced. When watering, the leaves are not wetted. To support the shoots of large plants, pegs are inserted into pots.
4. For overstocked plants, it is necessary to remove old flowers in a timely manner. And you can continue cultivating begonia for further implementation.

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