Why begonia doesn’t bloom: what to do at home

• December 28, 2020
• A woman's world
• Kuznetsova Daria

Begonia is a plant native to southern countries: America, Asia, Africa. She was named so in honor of M. Begon, the governor of San Domingo, who adored flowers. This plant has about 1 thousand species. At one time, breeders were faced with a difficult task - to create species that people could enjoy at home, and they did this with great success.

Before purchasing a plant, and then wondering why begonia does not bloom, you should find out what types of it there are and their characteristics. And also carefully study the ways of caring for and healing begonia from diseases.

Recreating the microclimate for begonias

Creating a tropical forest microclimate on a home windowsill is a completely feasible task even for novice gardeners.

It is important to remember the basic requirements, the fulfillment of which contributes to obtaining a harmonious flowering specimen:

• Lighting for begonias;
• Air temperature and humidity;
• Optimal watering regime.

The tropical climate is characterized by constant temperature and humidity. Begonias with pubescent leaves grow in the diffuse shade of tall trees, which prevents water from getting on the leaf blades and flowers. Tropical understory plants are exposed to the rays of the rising and setting sun. In the midday heat, begonia leaves are protected by the shade of trees.

Creating similar conditions at home will not be difficult if you place a flowerpot with a plant on windows facing east or west. Otherwise, the plants are shaded from the burning rays of the sun. Begonias are able to grow on the windowsills of northern windows without entering the flowering phase.

Incorrect lighting of begonias most often leads to:

• Sunburn of leaves:
• Formation of petioles that are too long;
• Lack of plant flowering.

The presence of one of the above symptoms indicates the need to change the lighting regime of the herbaceous bush. The problem is solved by shading the begonia on the south window and organizing artificial lighting in a room with a north orientation.

The optimal air temperature range for begonias is +22+24°C during the period of active growth and +19+22°C during the resting phase. Favorable humidity level is 60-70%

Particular attention should be paid to air humidification during the heating season.

Moisture that gets on the developing buds or flowers causes irreparable harm to the flowering of the indoor plant. Sudden changes in air temperature are a stress factor for begonias, as are destructive drafts.

The flow of cool air leads to hypothermia of the root system and loss of moisture from the leaf plates.

Dry air is moistened by irrigation from a spray bottle near the flowerpot. A container of water placed in close proximity to the begonia also effectively increases humidity. It is recommended to place a damp cloth on radiators during the winter season. Household air humidifiers have also proven themselves well.

Improper watering of a houseplant can result in begonias not blooming at home. The method of watering begonias depends on their type. Tuberous and root begonias require different watering. Tropical crops react extremely negatively to excessive waterlogging of the substrate and overdrying of the soil in the flowerpot

It is extremely important to remove excess water from the pan to avoid acidification of the soil

Water for irrigation requires preliminary preparation. Tap water must be left to stand for three days in an open container to remove the chlorine it contains. Most city water supplies supply hard water with high levels of salts. This water needs to be boiled for five minutes.

It is important to prevent water from getting on the petioles and leaves of the begonia during watering. Violation of the watering regime most often entails:

Violation of the watering regime most often entails:

• Root rot;
• Spots on leaf blades;
• Dropping flowers and buds;
• Lack of flowering;
• Wilting of leaves.

The presence of one of the above symptoms indicates a violation of the watering regime. Understanding the source of the problem allows you to correctly determine what to do to correct agricultural mistakes.

Specialized retail outlets sell a soil mixture for begonias containing an optimal set of microelements. Young specimens are replanted annually after the flowering phase is completed. Fertilizing should be done depending on the vegetative phase.

Begonias are not fertilized during the dormant period. At the beginning of active growth, a complex of mineral fertilizers with a predominant nitrogen content is applied.

The fertilizer mixture is changed after the begonia has grown a sufficient amount of green mass. Flowering species need a potassium-phosphorus complex to awaken flower buds and maintain the flowering process. The application of fertilizers that do not correspond to the vegetative phase causes a lack of flowering and the formation of too lush greenery.

Features of care, problems during cultivation

Traces of disease appear on tuberous begonia most often due to improper care. Not everyone knows how to properly care for this flower, but caring for it includes: proper watering, regular fertilizing, correct location of the bush, moderate soil moisture, spraying, etc. Why do tuberous begonia leaves curl? If such a problem occurs only in the lower leaves, then there is no reason to worry, because this is explained by the natural processes of the death of old foliage. But if the leaves on the entire bush begin to darken, dry out and curl, then this is a cause for concern. Why do begonia leaves curl? Most often this happens due to improper watering regime. Problems with leaves arise both when the soil is over-moistened and when the soil dries out. It is necessary to moisten the soil only after the substrate has dried on top. Due to waterlogging of the soil, the root system begins to rot, which negatively affects the entire plant. In addition, the leaves curl due to non-nutrient soil, so when the leaves lose their rich green color and become dry, you need to fertilize the flower as quickly as possible. Why doesn't begonia bloom? Flowering can only be seen when there are at least five knees on the main stem. Very rarely, flowers on indoor begonia appear earlier. Why does begonia start dropping buds? This can happen for several reasons: water has gotten on the buds, the air in the room is very dry, or the soil moisture is insufficient, or maybe excessive. Also, the buds fall off due to drafts and moving the flower to another room, or to the balcony. This flower likes to be in a room with humid air; increased humidity has a beneficial effect on it. If a variety with smooth leaves is grown, then such a bush can be bathed and safely sprayed with a spray bottle. But if there is a variety with fluffy leaves in the house and it drops buds, then it should not be sprayed; it is advisable to spray water from a spray bottle at some distance from the flower so that drops do not fall on the bush. Why does begonia start dropping flowers? The plant sheds buds and flowers very rarely, and this is always associated with improper care, including regular, moderate watering and fertilizing. Where should you place the flower pot? Begonia is a light-loving plant, but it painfully tolerates direct sunlight on its leaves. Therefore, you need to place the flower on a well-lit windowsill, which is located on the southeast or southwest side of the house. If the only available option is to place the plant on the south side, then you definitely need to create shading for the flower using ordinary tulle. What causes holes and dark spots to appear on leaves? This occurs due to improper watering, when the soil is moistened with hard and cold water. In addition, sometimes holes are the result of burns formed due to the refraction of sunlight by water droplets. Therefore, it is undesirable for direct rays of the sun to fall on the leaves, especially after spraying the bush. Why does a white coating appear on begonias? White, powdery spots on the leaves indicate a disease - powdery mildew or gray mold. It is imperative to remove diseased leaves that have a white coating on them, then you need to treat the bush with a fungicide. With this problem, often ventilate the room. Why do begonia flowers begin to fall off? Sometimes the reason for this is unsuitable soil that does not have enough nutrients. The ideal mixture for this flower is: turf, leaf, coniferous soil, coarse river sand and peat. All these components must be mixed in equal quantities, disinfected in the oven or spilled with a weak manganese solution. Such a substrate will promote good development and beautiful flowering. Why doesn't the bush bloom? Flowers do not appear on begonias for several reasons: the bush does not have enough sunlight, there is insufficient air humidity in the room, the temperature is very low or, on the contrary, high, the plant receives a lot of fertilizers. Also, begonia does not bloom when it is constantly in a draft, near an open window. So, begonia leaves, buds and flowers begin to fall off due to improper care. When a bush looks sick, you first need to adjust watering, air humidity, amount of fertilizer and lighting. In addition, this plant can suffer from gray rot, when white spots appear on the leaves and shoots. This problem needs to be dealt with with a soap-copper mixture or Bordeaux mixture.

Errors in begonia agricultural technology

Often, inexperienced gardeners show excessive enthusiasm when growing indoor plants. One should take into account the fact that flowering itself serves as confirmation of proper care and professionalism of the grower.

Beginning owners of green collections have insufficient knowledge about the agricultural technology of begonias. As a result, plants lose their decorative properties, do not enter the flowering phase, or drop their buds. Further non-compliance with the rules of cultivation and care at home can even lead to the death of the plant.

Successful agricultural technology for begonias consists of the following points:

• Optimal watering regime;
• Planting in an appropriate substrate;
• Correct choice of lighting;
• Maintaining ambient temperature;
• Appropriate humidity level;
• Application of mineral fertilizers.

Deviation from the requirements for cultivating indoor plants entails disruption of the vegetative phases of development, lack of flowering, and death of the specimen. Natives of the tropics and subtropics have low resistance of the root system to pathogenic bacteria. Also, some garden pests can adversely affect the development of begonias.

Air humidity

In their natural habitat, begonias do not suffer from lack of moisture, because... grow in the tropics or subtropics. When growing in an apartment, this should be taken into account and, if possible, ensure that the humidity level is high. However, you should spray the leaves with caution, as drops of water on their surface can cause brown spots to appear.

The best option would be to place a pot with a flower on an inverted pallet, which is installed in another, larger one and filled with expanded clay. Expanded clay is well moistened; the gradual evaporation of water will provide a comfortable humidity environment for the plant.

Reasons why a crop stops blooming

If begonia does not bloom, there may be many reasons. Let's look at them in more detail:

1. Young age. Typically, independent flowering is observed only after at least five rings have formed on the main stem. Therefore, if you received a young plant with an already formed inflorescence, this means that the begonia was forced to bloom artificially at home. To do this, as a rule, specialized preparations are added to the soil to stimulate earlier flower development. However, it should be borne in mind that the period of such flowering will not be long-term, and the next one will repeat only when the flower reaches the required age.

Species mismatch. Depending on the variety of plants planted - flowering or ornamental, producing only leaves, there is no point in expecting flowering from the latter.

Insufficient lighting. Begonia is a light-loving plant; lack of light can be one of the reasons why begonia buds fall off immediately after they appear on the stem. You can correct the situation by moving the flowerpot to a place illuminated to the required degree. But you should not expose the plant to direct sunlight for a long time, as there is a risk of burns. Experienced flower growers recommend placing pots with these flowers on window sills that face southeast or southwest.

Low humidity levels. Too dry air has an adverse effect on the crop. The main sign of a lack of moisture is the drying out of the edges of the begonia leaf blades. What to do: It is recommended to place a small container of water at room temperature next to the pot, and in winter hang a moistened towel or cloth over the radiator. A nearby aquarium would also be a good alternative. But watering should be treated with the utmost attention: the plant can die either with a lack or excess of moisture.

Inappropriate temperature. In the warm season, begonias feel good at temperatures not exceeding 22 degrees. But in winter the temperature range drops to 15-18 degrees. Sudden changes in temperature in the room where the flower is located should be avoided. Otherwise, the stressful state into which it falls may be one of the reasons why the begonia will drop its flowers and will not be able to delight with flowering in the subsequent period.

Failure to comply with the time intervals of vegetative rest. Between active periods, begonia needs rest to gain strength for the next flowering. If you wake up too early, the flower does not have enough strength to fully bloom. The problem is solved by establishing a specific rest schedule. If in the summer the crop bloomed well and luxuriantly, in the winter it must be left to rest for at least three months. To do this, the number of waterings is reduced, the pot is placed in a cool place, and daylight hours are reduced to 7 hours. The plant is brought out of the suspended state in stages: the room temperature rises, watering becomes more frequent and daylight hours increase.

Adviсe

To avoid searching for an answer to the question of why begonia does not bloom, you need to know that it has a capricious character, or rather does not like to be woken up ahead of time. The grower needs to provide all the conditions at the time of dormancy so that in the future the plant will be able to produce colorful buds.

You also need to know that you cannot move a pot with already blooming buds. Watering, air, light and temperature - do not forget about these factors. Only proper care of the plant will bear fruit.

If following the above rules does not help, then you should look deeper for the problem. The main cause of the problem is incorrectly selected soil or soil. The latter should be loose and have nutrients.

Types of begonia

Cultivated begonias have a large number of varieties. Moreover, there are both “pure” and hybrid forms.

Based on their decorative qualities, they are divided into two types:

• Deciduous. Valued for its beautiful color and leaf shape. It blooms with small, inconspicuous flowers collected in a brush, so the flower stalks are often removed.
• Blooming. Flowers of this species can come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes.

• Tuberous. The most popular type. At the base of the stems a tuber is formed, which is an extension of the rhizome. After flowering, this species sheds its ground part and goes into hibernation.
• Rhizomatous. Powerful root system of a perennial plant. Shoots of this species do not die, but the plant requires rest.
• Superficial root system. This root system develops quickly. Begonia is easy to grow from seeds. Plants are also called ever-flowering.

How to care after the begonia has bloomed

The flowering period ends with the onset of the first cold weather. Withered buds, dry leaves, and shoots directed inward are removed. This allows you to rejuvenate the plant. Plants should be trimmed with a clean, sharp knife, and the cut areas should be sprinkled with activated carbon or wood ash.

You can admire the flowering of begonia for a long time, but for the beauty of the plant it needs a little help by providing the right growing conditions. Maiden's beauty, as begonia is also called, is unpretentious, but ignorance of some nuances can negatively affect the growth and number of flowers.

What to do and how to make begonia bloom at home

To make a healthy plant bloom, it is important to review the conditions. If all the rules are met, then the next steps will be:

1. Be sure to inspect the plant and remove overgrown shoots, thus thinning out the green mass. During the rest period, pinch the tops 2-3 times so that the plant stretches into growth, which helps the process of laying buds.
2. In addition, the flower needs to be watered as the soil mixture dries out in the flowerpot to a depth of 1-2 cm, and also provide an influx of fresh air, bright diffused light and air humidity.

Setting up lighting and watering

For abundant flowering of begonias, lighting and watering play an important role.

Therefore, it is important to find a well-lit, draft-free place in the house with diffused rays. The plant does very well on south-east or south-west windows

In spring and autumn, when daylight hours are shortened, it is necessary to pay attention to additional illumination with special lamps

To determine whether the flower has enough moisture to ensure flowering, pay attention to examining the leaves. The main sign of lack of watering will be dried out tips of the leaves.

The plant needs watering. However, you should not immediately flood the begonia. Water must be introduced gradually, in small portions, draining excess liquid from the pan if necessary. The soil should not become soggy or form lumps when it dries out.

The main sign of lack of watering will be dried out tips of the leaves. The plant needs watering. However, you should not immediately flood the begonia. Water must be introduced gradually, in small portions, draining excess liquid from the pan if necessary. The soil should not become soggy or form lumps when it dries out.

In summer, watering is done twice a week, but on very hot days the soil mixture is moistened daily. By autumn, water as the top layer of soil dries out, gradually reducing it to a minimum - once every 2-3 weeks. In spring, the intensity of moisture increases.

It will also be interesting: Coral begonia - caring for a houseplant at home?

Selecting the soil

The soil in which begonia is planted must be loose and allow air to pass through, so that when watering, rotting of the tubers or rhizomes of the flower does not occur.

To plant young plants, ordinary soil and peat are mixed in equal proportions, and for adult flowers, the same soil mixture is suitable, but with the addition of sand. Moreover, before mixing, it is advisable to calcine the soil in the oven in order to get rid of unwanted pathogenic bacteria and pests.

In order not to doubt the quality of the soil for planting begonias, you need to purchase a special substrate at a flower shop, which will begin the powerful development of the root system, green foliage and the formation of flower buds.

We fertilize correctly

To achieve long-term flowering of begonia, it should be properly fertilized.

For feeding, it is important to select high-quality complex mineral fertilizers. For example, “Good Power”, Bona Forte

Before applying complex fertilizers, Begoniaceae are fed with potassium nitrate.

The addition of nutrients prolongs flowering and serves as a good preventive measure against pests and diseases, so you should pay attention to ensure that the fertilizer contains:

• magnesium;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• phosphorus;
• iron.

The plant needs to be fed with such nutritional compounds twice a week.

Prevention

Preventive measures to care for begonias will ensure their normal development and, as a result, the full formation of new flower stalks. Basic preventive rules:

1. To prevent fungal diseases, as well as maintain immunity, watering with a weak solution of potassium manganese or fungicides is used.
2. Shading in the summer and additional lighting in the autumn-winter have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the flower.
3. Compliance with watering rules helps prevent rotting of the root system.
4. Frequent inspection of leaves and new shoots will allow timely detection of the presence of diseases and insects, which will allow timely treatment.

It will also be interesting: Royal begonia - varieties of indoor plants and care at home?

Diseases and pests

During the growing process, begonia often has to be saved from all kinds of fungal infections, the development of which is facilitated by violations of irrigation and temperature regimes. Most often, the fragile beauty suffers from botrytis, downy or ordinary powdery mildew, gray and black root rot. As a treatment, the affected specimens are treated with solutions of Fundazol, Quadris, Skor or another suitable fungicide.

Incurable ailments of begonia include infections of a viral (cucumber mosaic) or bacterial nature (tomato spot, bacterial wilt). In case of infection, the plant should be immediately disposed of along with the soil, and the pot from under it should be boiled so that the disease does not spread to neighboring plants.

Among the pests on indoor begonias, spider mites, aphids and nematodes parasitize. Against aphids, the plant is sprayed 2-3 times with “Karbofos” or “Aktellik”, and the drugs “Decis”, “Akarin” or “Aktara” will help destroy mites. Unfortunately, it is impossible to control nematodes, and the infected flower will have to be destroyed. But preventing the appearance of these microscopic worms is not at all difficult: it is enough to use a high-quality disinfected substrate for planting the plant.

As you can see, caring for begonia does not require supernatural efforts. Surrounded by love and care, your exotic pet will delight you every year with its wonderful blooms, which, by the way, can occur at any time of the year (except for the dormant period).

Date: 12/29/2014.

Growing Begonia from seeds

Growing this plant from seeds is more difficult than from tubers.

You can purchase seeds in the store, or collect them from your Begonia.

Begonia seeds should be sown in February, so that in June-July you can already admire its flowers.

For sowing seeds, it is very important that the soil is disinfected. When sowing, they do not need to be buried in the ground; the seeds must remain on the surface of the soil so that sunlight falls on them; this is a necessary condition for successful germination

When sowing, they do not need to be buried in the ground; the seeds must remain on the surface of the soil so that sunlight falls on them; this is a necessary condition for successful germination.

If there is not enough light in your room, use fluorescent lamps.

Without enough light, Begonia seedlings will begin to stretch out.

You need to sow seeds in containers that have drainage holes at the bottom so that moisture does not remain in the soil.

If you are not sure about the cleanliness of the containers, sterilize them with boiling water.

Seed germination temperature is 20-25 degrees.

Germination time is about 14 days.

Begonia has one interesting feature: its seeds do not germinate well if planted alone and do not germinate well when planted densely.

While the seeds are germinating, it is very important to keep the soil moist. To moisten the soil, it is better to use a sprayer so that the seeds do not bunch up in one place

To moisten the soil, it is better to use a sprayer so that the seeds do not bunch up in one place.

You can also use a napkin or other loose paper to germinate Begonia seeds.

After the seeds germinate on a napkin, they can be transplanted into disinfected soil or into professional peat tablets.

The time has come when the seeds have sprouted in the soil and need to be planted; this can be done immediately when the seedlings appear or you can wait a little when the plant has its first true leaf.

The seedlings will feel more comfortable if you transplant them into the same soil mixture in which the seeds germinated.

Features of planting and transplanting

It is important to plant rooted begonia correctly. Choose a low pot for the flower. For some time, begonia can be grown in an ordinary plastic jar.

When planting tuberous begonias, make a distance of no more than two centimeters from the edge of the container to the tuber. It is important to cover the bottom of the pot with a drainage layer - crushed red brick or large expanded clay.

When planting, do not bury the root collar or the growing area of ​​the cutting. After the planting procedure, it is recommended to spray the plant frequently. During the first three days, while the plant gets used to its new growth location, keep the pot in a shady place.

It is recommended to transplant an overgrown specimen of the plant into a larger pot. Transplantation is carried out in early spring. Buy soil for the flower at a specialty store or make it yourself. Pour sand into the bottom of the selected container. Then fill it halfway with soil, and then with a soil-peat mixture.

Inspect the roots of the plant, remove diseased parts, treat them with a manganese solution. Plant the plant in the prepared pot. When the roots are completely dry, add a little soil, not reaching the top of the pot.

Next, protect the flower from direct sunlight for a month. Make sure it takes root successfully.

Basics of classification

A considerable part of the thousand-plus wild species attracted the attention of connoisseurs and moved into gardens and flowerpots. Many turned out to be capable of hybridization, and at present it is not possible to establish their pedigree

For successful breeding, it is enough for a florist to know the features of the life cycle, requirements for living conditions, methods of reproduction and methods of protection against diseases.

• Tuberous begonias are beautifully flowering plants with a pronounced dormant period. Suitable for both indoor cultivation and for creating flower beds. This includes two close cultivar groups: B. tuberosа and B. tuberhybrida.
• Rhizomatous begonias. A group of decorative deciduous trees, whose variety names speak for themselves: Diadema, Metallica, Coral, Rex... Inconspicuous white or pink flowers appear, as a rule, in winter. Although the latest new products can boast quite rich flowering. They prefer to grow indoors and fit well into an office environment.
• Begonias with fibrous roots. More like decorative deciduous. Because although they bloom all year round, the flowers are small. Begonia sempflorens (ever-blooming) has all the characteristic features.

Proper watering - how to organize it

Begonia loves high humidity, but watering should be organized in such a way that the ground is not too wet - begonias are prone to fungal diseases. As a preventive measure, watering with the addition of fungicides or manganese is used.

The plant experiences a special need for high-quality watering in the summer, on hot days. But we must not forget. that your pet can suffer greatly from stagnant water in the pot; moreover, stagnation of water should not be allowed even in the tray of the pot.

Determining the optimal watering time is not difficult - the soil should dry out by at least one and a half centimeters after the previous moistening.

With the onset of winter, watering is done less frequently; tuber varieties are stopped watering altogether. In winter, they begin a period of hibernation, during which time it is recommended to place them in peat and take them to a cool place.

Home care after this period

During flowering, the plant required a lot of light, water and nutrition, but the energy-consuming process has ended and it is necessary to smoothly transfer the begonia to a dormant state. Gradually it is necessary to reduce the amount and volume of watering, fertilizing and lighting intensity.

What to do with it when it has bloomed depends on the type of root system.

Tuberous

In order to preserve the plant until next year, the tubers must be dug up. You need to do this correctly:

1. As soon as flowering has ended, watering is significantly reduced. Water only so that the soil does not dry out at all.
2. Trim off excess shoots and leaves.
3. The plant is placed in a less lit place. At this time, the root gains strength to form buds.
4. As soon as everything above the ground has dried, the tuber is removed from the ground.
5. Cut off dried shoots.
6. Inspect for rot. If there are rotten areas, it is necessary to cut them down to clean tissue with a sharp knife, sprinkle with crushed coal and dry.
7. Place the tubers in a sealed bag with slightly damp sand or sawdust and place them on the refrigerator door until spring.

How to store begonia tubers in winter:

Varieties with common roots

Non-tuberous begonias can bloom almost until spring. However, it is better to give the plant a rest. To do this, you need to change the conditions of keeping the flower from November-December, as soon as active flowering has subsided:

• Stop fertilizing.
• Reduce watering as much as possible, water only when the top layer of soil becomes completely dry.
• Trim the plant, remove all unnecessary shoots completely, reduce the main ones to 12-15 cm. Sprinkle the cut areas with charcoal powder.
• Spray the air around the flower, or provide normal humidity in another way. You can put a tray with water, but the pot should not be in the water. You can pour pebbles into the tray, on which the pot will stand.

Transplanting everblooming begonia for the winter:

How to wake up?

At the end of February you need to prepare the plant for the next flowering:

1. The tubers are inspected, sprinkled with water and placed in a bag in a bright and warm place at 22-25 degrees.
2. As soon as the sprouts appear, they are planted in a pot with soil (read how to choose a flowerpot and care for begonias in a pot here). To a depth of 2/3 of the length of the tuber.
3. Water little by little and keep in a warm, lighted place. You will learn how and what to water the plant here.
4. When the sprouts become stronger, the soil is filled up to the root collar. This is the place where the root turns into an above-ground shoot.
5. Non-tuberous begonias are simply transferred to a warm, illuminated place and watered more often.
6. When the plant has woken up and started to grow, they begin to feed it. For this purpose, mineral liquid fertilizers are used, which are intended for flowering plants. We wrote about how to feed begonia for abundant flowering here.

The influence of seasonality on the plant

Caring for the Decembrist depends on the changing seasons. Each month corresponds to a specific plant life cycle.

January. At this time, the plant is actively blooming. It needs regular watering to keep the top layer constantly moist. Spraying and feeding the zygocactus with mineral fertilizers will not hurt. It is best to choose preparations specifically for flowering plants. You cannot move the flower from place to place, otherwise the buds may drop. Read more about why the Decembrist sheds its buds here.

February March. The Decembrist is exhausted after flowering and needs rest to recuperate. Dry, faded flowers should be removed

It is also important to move it to a cool room with an air temperature of +13-15°C and a humidity of 50-70%. Water once every 10-14 days.

April

Growing season. Restore the feeding regime. It is better to start with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers once a month. The flower needs to be moistened abundantly. Sunlight should be shaded to avoid thermal burns. At the end of the month, Decembrist can be propagated and replanted. A young flower is replanted annually, and an adult – once every 5 years. If necessary, in April the crown is formed and unnecessary shoots are removed to stimulate further growth. The optimal room temperature for this month is +18-20°C.

May June July August. The warm season has arrived. Schlumbergera can be taken out onto a balcony or open terrace. It is advisable to choose a place in partial shade. Water after the top layer of soil dries out. Feed every two weeks.

September October. The Decembrist is resting before the future flowering. It should be moved to a room with a temperature of +13-15°C. Do not feed and minimize watering.

November. Preparing for future flowering. The room temperature should be raised to +20°C. Now moisten the plant more often, mainly with warm, settled water. This month the buds begin to hatch, so it is not advisable to touch the zygocactus.

December. The time has come for Schlumbergera to bloom.

Decorative deciduous begonias

Anyone who was able to provide proper care for tuberous begonia will easily cope with this task for its decorative deciduous forms.

Rhizomatous and other decorative deciduous begonias do not require a period of rest. They are more shade-tolerant than flowering ones, but more thermophilic. They cannot withstand daily changes that are common in our climate, so they are rarely taken outside the premises.

Since the main decorative effect lies in the leaves, spray them with soft water (hard water will cause white spots to appear). Often they refuse to sprinkle at all: they wipe the leaves with a soft damp cloth, at the same time removing dust.

Rhizomatous begonias require a more spacious “living space”, wide and shallow. Transplantation is needed when the underground part becomes crowded. It will not be needed often: these are slow-growing plants.

Fertilizers are needed mainly nitrogen; it is useful to add well-rotted compost and other organic matter to the soil. The fertilizer application schedule is compared with the growing season - the more intense it is, the more often it is fed.

It is recommended to remove inflorescences if they are small and do not represent aesthetic value. The plant's energies will be directed toward producing larger, more colorful leaves.

Incorrect identification of plant type and too “young” age

As already mentioned, begonias are flowering and decorative. If everything is clear with flowering varieties, then decorative begonias will delight the eye only with unusual leaves. Deciduous varieties are also very beautiful, but if a begonia of a decorative type is included in the collection of flowers, expecting it to bloom is a useless task.

Experienced flower growers have long noticed that begonia blooms on its own only after at least 5 rings have formed on the main stem. When buying a young small plant that already has inflorescences, you can suspect that flowering is caused artificially by introducing special stimulating drugs. This means that it will be short and will not happen again until the begonia reaches the required age.

How to make begonia bloom at home?

Bored roses at home can be replaced with blooming begonia. The name of the plant is “ever-blooming” begonia, but in practice the formation of buds did not occur. Why didn't the begonia bloom?

How to make begonia bloom: place it on south-east or south-west windows. Provide additional light if the sunny day is short.

Begonia was not watered well

You can determine that the plant did not have enough moisture to bloom by examining the leaves. If they begin to dry out at the ends, there are clear signs of lack of moisture on the face.

How to make begonia bloom: introduce a constant in small portions. Drain excess water from the pan. Make sure that the soil does not become soggy or dry out, forming lumps.

Dry indoor air

Begonia does not bloom in dry air. If there is not enough moisture and soil mixture in the pot, you can say goodbye to the flower.

How to make begonia bloom at home: place moistened sphagnum moss or a container of water nearby. Home life hack: hanging a damp towel on the radiator is an ideal option in winter to make begonia bloom. Install a water spray or diffuser without perfume additives at home. Begonia near the aquarium is an ideal solution for room decoration and plant health.

Temperature fluctuations at home

The plant experiences stress during temperature fluctuations. A comfortable environment for begonia is 22°C in spring and summer and 15°C in winter.

How to make begonia bloom: move it to a warm place and shorten the post-stress period. Do not expose to drafts.

Did the begonia have a dormant period?

Then it is not surprising that the plant stopped blooming. During the rest period, begonia lays buds that will bloom in the spring. How to send a begonia to rest: reduce lighting to 7 hours a day, cover the begonia with an opaque towel or cap. Reduce the air temperature to 17° C during the daytime and gradually reduce watering.

How to make begonia bloom after a dormant period: gradually increase the amount of moisture and lighting. Move the begonia to a warm place - raise the air temperature gently.

Pests on begonias

To exclude parasitism, you need to constantly inspect your begonia. If you notice signs or the direct presence of aphids/mites, treat the plant with a fungicide.

Begonia does not bloom - what fertilizers are missing?

You can make begonia bloom by fertilizing it with a complex of minerals. Keep in mind that the soil mixture must have a drainage layer - at the bottom of the pot - and drainage elements mixed with the soil. Begonia does not bloom due to an excess of nitrogen, so it must be excluded during the period of bud formation.

Burnt begonia root system - why?

A burned root system is formed from excessive fertilizing, temperature changes, and exposure to direct sunlight during the dry period. Try to follow the above suggested rules for caring for begonias at home for flowering to keep the plant healthy.

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How to make a flower grow and produce buds abundantly?

Why does it sometimes happen that the Decembrist plant does not grow for a long time, sits still, how can I make it bloom? The owner worries whether he is doing everything right. First of all, there are a number of reasons for the growth slowdown:

• the flower has not been replanted for more than 5 years;
• planted in unsuitable soil;
• during the transplantation process, the root system was damaged, the plant is now sick, as a result of which it has stopped growing;
• lack of water or nutrients;
• little light.

How to care for the Decembrist so that it fully grows and develops and blooms? The following measures must be taken:

1. remove the Decembrist from the pot, inspect the roots;
2. if there are damaged or dry areas, remove them;
3. treat sections with antiseptic, ground cinnamon or sulfur;
4. transplant the flower into mineral-rich, loose soil for cacti;
5. change the pot if necessary;
6. restore the irrigation system;
7. feed with nitrogen fertilizers;
8. Place the plant in a place with diffused light.

After the measures taken, the Decembrist will certainly grow. However, there is an opposite picture: zygocactus actively grows and develops, but does not bloom for several years.

In this case, experienced flower growers advise applying “prohibition”. Take the flower to a cool room with a temperature of +13-15°C, and do not water it. After 2-3 weeks, return to a warm place, restore the watering and fertilizing regime. After suffering stress, the plant usually produces flower buds. After 2 months it begins to bloom. Thus, the seasonal cycle can be adjusted so that flowering occurs in winter.

The main reasons why begonia does not bloom

1. Type of flower. If it doesn't have flowers, it may be an ornamental foliage variety. Decorative deciduous begonias have beautiful leaves. They can be large or small, with an unusual shape or pattern. Often the stem of such a plant is creeping, and the leaves rise high on long cuttings.
2. Plant age. Begonia blooms only when there are 5-6 rings on the main stem. Earlier flowering occurs rarely or under the influence of stimulating drugs.

Incorrect lighting for an indoor flower
Lack of light. Flowering begonias need sun, but do not like direct sunlight. If the pot is in the shade, it will not bloom. The solution to this problem is to move the plant to a more illuminated window sill. South-west or south-east windows would be the best option. Dry air. If the air is not humid enough, begonia may refuse to bloom. In order to humidify the air in the room, you can use special steam generators, containers with water or wet rags on batteries. An uncovered aquarium and spraying water from a spray bottle help to humidify the air. The main sign of too dry air is the drying out of the edges of the flower leaves. Uncomfortable temperature. The temperature norm for begonia is 20-23ºС in summer. Deviations from this norm or sudden changes in temperature can cause stress in the plant, under which it will not bloom. The solution to this problem is to move the plant to a place with a constant climate that is comfortable for it. No or short period of rest. A period of rest or hibernation is important for all types of flowering begonias. Its absence or awakening too early is the reason for the lack of strength for flowering. Problems can be solved. It is necessary to set a schedule for when the begonia will rest. For example, if flowering is preferable in winter, then dormancy should be done in summer. To do this, reduce watering of the plants and place them in a cool, shady place. The air temperature in it should be 15-17ºС. Daylight hours are about 7 hours, after which the plant is covered or the lights are turned off. The dormant period lasts about 3 months, then the begonia is gradually removed from it, increasing daylight hours, temperature and frequency of watering. Drafts. Begonia really loves cold air currents. A draft causes stress and failure of flowering and growth. It is necessary to protect heat-loving begonia from cold air. Lack of nutrients. Begonia requires a lot of energy and nutrients to bloom. The best option would be to transplant the plant in the spring into fresh soil special for begonias. If the plant has not been replanted, and the old soil has become poor, then you can feed the begonia with fertilizer for beautifully flowering indoor plants.

Consequences of improper plant maintenance

Lack or excess of watering. Begonia has a hard time surviving both drought and waterlogging. Stagnation of water can cause rotting of the root system or diseases (for example, powdery mildew). Lack of moisture leads to drying out of the earthen clod and death of the roots. If the root system cannot be saved, it is necessary to cut off the begonia stems with a sharp knife and place them in water. They will sprout roots pretty quickly. Excess fertilizer. Overdoing it with fertilizing can cause burns to the roots or cause vigorous growth of green mass. Pest infestation. Flower pests can be brought into the house from the garden, with soil or with other plants. Main pests: aphids, spider mites, weevils. Their detection requires immediate treatment of the plant with insecticides. Pests suck the juices out of the plant and it does not have enough strength to bloom.

Spider mite

Dying or rotting of buds may be due to spraying the plant with water or inaccurate watering. A flower can lose its buds if it is moved or turned over. This should not be done even within the same window sill, not to mention moving it to another room. Removing the female flowers (with the “seed”) will ensure more abundant blooms of beautiful male flowers.

Features of growing a lush indoor flower

Following simple rules for caring for begonias will allow you to admire beautiful flowers every year. A variety of color variations, as well as shapes of leaves and stems, makes it possible to beautifully decorate balconies, loggias, borders, flower beds and create a cozy atmosphere at home.

Begonia pruning, pinching and basic methods of propagation

Whatever type of begonia you have, home care includes the formation of a growing specimen - this requires regular pruning, which is also carried out for rejuvenation and health. When the begonia has grown to 8 cm in height, it needs to be pruned for the first time - the tops of the side shoots that have reached 12 cm are cut off, and they branch, the flower is formed into a lush bush. Even if it was not cut on time, and it has stretched out, losing its decorative effect, you can try to restore its former beauty by pinching the top and side shoots.

For different types of begonias, there are specifics for pruning - the Royal one does not need this procedure at all, and thick-trunked varieties are pruned infrequently, as the shoots grow. Bush begonias are shortened regularly and quite strongly by cutting above the outer bud. Some gardeners believe that it is necessary to often pinch out the ampelous begonia, others recommend not to be zealous, but simply place it higher so that the shoots hang down. Experts recommend pruning tuberous begonia for the winter so that the plant can rest.

After pruning, you need to reduce watering of the begonia until shoot growth activates, then you can resume feeding. But the propagation of begonias is organized in the following ways:

• Cuttings;
• Parts of a leaf;
• Seeds;
• By dividing the rhizome of a tuber or bush.

Not everyone knows how to take a shoot from a begonia - cut a ten-centimeter cutting, remove the leaves at the bottom, shorten the rest by half, then root the cuttings in a begonia substrate, adding sand to it, and cover with glass or film. For a month, maintaining high humidity in the greenhouse, wait for new leaves. Then the greenhouse is opened briefly every day, gradually increasing these periods - after three months the young plant will bloom.

Elatior and Mason begonias are propagated by leaves, since they do not have stems - several young plants can be developed from one leaf. Cut the leaf into triangles, each of which has veins, stick the pieces into wet sand or simply spread them over its surface, set up a greenhouse and proceed in the same way as when cutting.

Tuberous begonias can be propagated by cutting the tuber and planting it in a container with drainage under cover - then proceed as usual.

Flowering begonias are often propagated by seeds - seedlings that appear in a mini-greenhouse are placed closer to the light, the shelter is gradually removed, and when real leaves appear, they are planted in separate cups. Begonia sown in winter, cared for at home according to all the rules, will bloom by mid-summer.

Begonias in the form of a bush are easy to propagate by division - in the spring the bush is dissected with a sharp instrument, making sure that each part has a sprout or bud, the sections are dusted with charcoal powder. The roots can be planted in new pots after treatment with a growth stimulator.

Features of the flowering period

The duration and characteristics of flowering at home depend on how the owner cares for the green pet. You will learn about proper cultivation of begonia at home in a separate article.

When does it start and how long does it last?

Experienced flower growers can enjoy begonia flowering for six months to a year. After prolonged flowering, it needs rest, after which the plant is gradually awakened and soon enjoys bright buds.

Many people plant the plant in mid-February so that the first buds form at the end of April and bloom in May. In this case, it pleases with an abundance of buds until October.

With proper care, begonia blooms all year round, but this does not happen if the grower does not prune it. Read about proper pruning of begonias here.

How does this happen at home?

Begonia blooms profusely and brightly. Its flowers are luxurious, similar to the buds of peonies, roses or carnations. They can be terry or simple, large or small. They gather in racemose axillary inflorescences that form at the tips of the shoots. The perianth is formed by 2-5, and sometimes 6-8 petals.

Flowering process:

1. At the beginning of development, all female flowers are cut off and fed three times a month.
2. Flowering begins immediately after the possibility of pollination appears in a developed flower, i.e. its parts become accessible and free to influence pollination factors.
3. Soon a yellow, red or orange flower will bloom (it can be single or multi-colored). The duration, as well as the flowering period itself, depends on how the grower cares for the begonia and whether pollination occurs.
4. As the flowers fade, seed pods form.

For long-term flowering, feed the flower once a week with complex mineral fertilizers (Good Power, Bona Forte). Before adding them, feed it with a weak solution of potassium nitrate. Read more about how to feed a plant for abundant flowering in this article.

Not all begonias have fragrant flowers. Bauman's begonia smells. It has a unique smell, and besides, it has healing properties. It cleanses the bronchi and increases the vitality of the respiratory tract. Read about the beneficial and harmful properties of this plant here, and we talked about whether it can be kept at home and why it is needed in this material.

Read on to see photos of blooming begonia maculata and other varieties, as well as what the plant looks like without flowers.

Begonia maculata:

Begonia Volumia:

Begonia Baby Wing:

Begonia Bada Boom:

Begonia Ray:

Basic Rules

Caring for indoor begonias in winter is quite simple. At the same time, experts still recommend preparing in advance for winter. So, it is recommended to replant the plant (if required) before the onset of cold weather. This will protect the plant’s root system from damage and will not interfere with its further good growth.

Proper care of this plant depends on its variety. There are quite a few varieties of this flower. For example, tuberous begonia varieties can be grown both on your own windowsill and in open ground. It is recommended to dig garden tuberous plants out of the soil at the end of November. In this case, be sure to trim off the remaining shoots. It is recommended to do this in such a way that the remainder of the cut shoot is no more than 1.5-2.5 cm.

After the begonia tubers are processed in this way, the remaining soil substrate must be removed from them. After this, they should be stored. It is recommended to store dug tubers in a room with good ventilation. This is necessary to prevent rot from appearing on them. The time for such thorough drying should be 2 weeks. After this, the dried begonia tubers can be transferred to a box for further storage. In the room where they are located, the humidity should be 75-80%, and the temperature should be +10-12 degrees Celsius.

What to do next with wilted buds?

Even during the period of active flowering, all faded buds are removed. Some carefully cut, others twist. This way you will gradually remove the entire flowering part, and by the end of flowering the question will disappear by itself. Why do this? During flowering in this way, you save the plant's energy for more luxuriant flowering. At the end of this period, you also help the plant get rid of unnecessary things in order to prepare for dormancy. And in the end, wilted flowers are not aesthetically pleasing; they spoil the appearance of the begonia, making it sloppy and unkempt.

For this purpose, the largest and healthiest fruits are left, the rest are cut off. 20-25 days after flowering ends, the capsule ripens. It is opened and the seeds are taken away. From these seeds you can grow new young plants using seedlings.

Growing conditions

Most decorative deciduous begonias are very grateful plants and it is enough to create the necessary conditions for them - and further care will be minimal.

For planting, a mixture of ordinary garden soil, compost, dry peat and coarse sand (2:1:1:1) or leaf soil, humus and coarse sand (2:2:1) is suitable, or you can purchase a ready-made soil mixture for violets. At the bottom of the planting container there must be holes for the drainage of excess water and a drainage layer of 1.5-2 cm. For this, gravel, pieces of broken brick or polystyrene foam, and even pieces of padding polyester are usually used.

It is strictly not recommended to place flowerpots with begonias on window sills, loggias and in the fresh air in direct sunlight. Under such conditions, plants often get burns on their leaves, which negatively affects both their appearance and development. Coral begonia prefers diffused light and can safely tolerate even shade.

Coral begonia prefers diffused light and can safely tolerate even shade

• Humidity

Water only after waiting for the top 2 cm layer of soil to dry. It has been noticed that the plant will tolerate it more easily if you forget to water it than if there is stagnation of water at the roots.

The optimal temperature will be around 17-25 ⁰С, as in normal home conditions. Cold temperatures below 13⁰C are dangerous. Drafts have a particularly negative effect on the development of begonias when flowerpots with plants are placed near the door or near an opening window.

If the soil in the flowerpot is renewed annually and the begonias receive the necessary care, they have enough nutrition. But when watering, you can add a solution of fertilizers containing potassium, for example Potassium Humate, to the water 2-3 times a month.

They try to replant young plants annually, in spring or early summer. In this case, a new container is chosen with a diameter 1.5-2 cm larger than the previous one, so that there is not a large volume of unused soil left, since it is in it that putrefactive processes often occur. Adult begonias need replanting less often, and it is recommended to do it delicately: by transshipment or simply replacing the top layer of soil.

In addition, caring for begonias also involves the artificial formation of a bush, and if this is not done, then a couple of elongated stems will look unattractive. Pruning of shoots is carried out after the 3rd or 4th internode, which stimulates the development of lateral branches. Also, after each flowering, it is also necessary to trim the drying brush, otherwise the plant loses strength and nutrients.

Video about coral begonia

When does flowering occur and how long does this period last?

Blooming begonia cannot go unnoticed due to the large number of inflorescences. The most common types of this plant bloom on average from May to November, but in general the duration and time of flowering depend on:

1. Plant varieties. Terry large-flowered species bloom less than others.
2. Growing method. In open ground, the flowering period is limited due to weather conditions and the need to transplant indoors. At the same time, there are species that, after transplanting into a pot, bloom until spring.
3. Care. It is necessary to create comfortable conditions and provide proper care, otherwise flowering will be short-lived or not at all.
4. Time to wake up. If you start awakening the plant from dormancy at the end of February, flowers will appear in April-May.
5. Type of root system. Begonia with a tuberous root system blooms in the summer-autumn period, with a regular one - almost all year round.

Reference! It is possible to extend the period and increase the intensity of begonia flowering by removing the female flowers from the formation itself, but it will be impossible to obtain seeds.

Problems with roots

Problems with the root system most often arise for two reasons - improper watering and disease. If a flower begins to rot, saving it is extremely problematic. In most cases he dies. But if the root system has just begun to rot, then it is quite possible to cure it.

What to do if the roots rot from overwatering:

• remove the flower from the pot;
• cut off the rotten part of the roots;
• plant in new soil;
• It is important not to over-water the plant again.

Rotten roots

Diseases

Most often, when growing begonias, you can encounter diseases such as gray rot (mold), black root rot, bacterial wilt, and powdery mildew.

Gray rot

At the initial stage, gray rot is characterized by sticky light gray spots on the leaves and stems, gradually darkening to brown. A little later, the shoots begin to fall off, and holes appear on the foliage. Excessive watering and high air humidity lead to this disease.

To save the plant, you need to change its location to a more suitable one. After this, the affected areas are destroyed, and the remaining above-ground part of the plant is treated with euparene, foundationazole, and Bordeaux mixture.

Signs of disease on begonia leaves

Black root rot

Having noticed blackening and rotting of the roots, you can confidently diagnose black root rot in the plant. It can be cured by spraying with benomyl. In the future, to prevent the disease from returning, you need to reduce watering.

Bacterial wilt

The cause of bud drop in begonias is usually bacterial wilt. Other signs of the disease are small spots on the leaves in the form of bubbles, which quickly increase in size and turn black. In this case, the plant must be sprayed with a fungicide.

Powdery mildew

Often the leaves and shoots of the plant suffer from powdery mildew, which covers them with a whitish coating. Gradually the leaves dry out and fall off. Such a flower is quarantined, separated from other plants, to stop the spread of the disease. At the initial stage, the plant is treated with Alirin-B or Fitosporin-M, but if almost the entire flower is affected, then it is better to use Strobin or Topaz.

Important! It is necessary to study the signs of diseases in order to notice them in time and have time to save the plant.

Folk methods of struggle

Traditional treatment methods help if the problem (disease or pests) is not yet in an advanced state. What to do if begonia does not grow:

• Treating powdery mildew with wood ash infusion helps. To prepare it, you need to pour 200 g of ash into 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 2 days. Then dilute 2 g of soap in a small amount of water and add to the infusion. Two treatments will be required, one week apart.
• You can destroy spider mites with garlic broth. Grate a large head of garlic and pour the pulp into 10 liters of water. Leave for a day, then strain. Treat the foliage until the insect disappears. The infusion is not intended for long-term storage.
• An infusion of wood ash will help cope with gray rot. A decoction of tomato tops, onion and garlic is also effective. These infusions need to treat the surface of the soil in the pot.
• The most effective method of preventing the appearance of nematodes is to water the soil the day before planting with boiling water. After watering, cover the soil with a bag so that it cools as slowly as possible.

Note! For more effective pest or disease control, it is best to combine chemicals with traditional methods.

With proper care, begonia will delight you with abundant and beautiful flowering for a long time. Most often, it is because of violations of maintenance conditions that problems arise with the flower.

Pest Control

Ever-blooming begonia may begin to wither due to the fact that pests have settled on it. You can (and should!) fight insects, but first it is important to recognize who has settled on the flower.

• Whitefly. If the leaves suddenly turn pale and begin to quickly dry out, the begonia has probably become a favorite of a whitefly. She loves high humidity, so all you have to do is water the plant - the whitefly is right there. It's not difficult to fight her. Use a mild soap solution to clean and spray the leaf dome - the begonia will literally change before your eyes. Proceed carefully, making sure that the soap solution does not get on the roots.
• Nematode (root-knot, leaf). If growths and swellings appear on the stems and leaves of the begonia, the flower is affected by a root-knot nematode. When brown spots and swellings are visible only at the “top” of the plant, this is a leaf nematode. Insects need to be fought, otherwise the begonia will stop growing and may begin to rot. It is imperative to remove the affected areas. A sick plant is watered with 100 ml of Heterophos solution.
• Scale insect and false scale insect. The scale insect first stops the growth of the begonia, and then completely leads to the drying out of the plant. If brown, poorly detachable scales appear on the leaves, a scale insect has settled on the plant. A false scale insect infestation can be identified by brown sticky spots on the leaves and stems. Insects must be removed manually by treating the stems with a soft toothbrush dipped in a soapy solution. In case of severe damage, specialized chemicals are used (Actellik, Fosbecid).
• Spider mite. The fact that the parasite has chosen begonia as its home can be recognized by the cobwebs on the leaves. It is thin and barely noticeable, so you need to carefully inspect the plant. Gradually, the cobwebs become larger, the leaves of the plant turn yellow and fall off. To treat the affected “pet”, experienced flower growers recommend using the drug “Decis”. It is important to remember that the parasite especially likes to settle on the lower leaves on the reverse side. They need to be processed especially carefully. The favorable climate for spider mites is warm and plenty of moisture, so try not to overwater the begonia.
• Aphid. The main sign of aphid infestation is yellowed, curled leaves and falling buds. If you suspect the presence of “dirty men,” you need to take emergency measures. The aphid feeds on the sap of the plant, which quickly kills the flower. A sooty fungus settles on insect excrement. The drugs Fufanon and Actellik are effective in the fight against the scourge.
• Thrips. Thrips is a fairly large insect. If you regularly inspect your begonia, it is impossible to miss the problem. The affected plant stops growing and its leaves become discolored. The best conditions for insects are high air humidity combined with high temperature: this is exactly the microclimate created for ever-flowering begonias. You can remove insects with a soap solution: treat the affected areas with it.

Inspect your “pet” regularly: this will allow you to see insects before they cause significant harm. When bringing new flowers into the house, do not place them near the begonia: wait through the quarantine period, make sure that the plants are not infected, and only then move your neighbors to the tropical beauty on the windowsill.

Ever-blooming begonia can not only decorate the interior, but also create a positive atmosphere in the house. It is believed that the plant “filters” negative energy that enters the apartment. In a house where begonia blooms, you can breathe easier and more freely.