Decorative Deciduous Begonia

The number of begonia hybrids ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 species. Many species of begonias have been created and grown as indoor plants. To get our bearings in this huge genus, we need a classification. First of all, all begonias have a few things in common. Their main feature is that they have male and female flowers in their inflorescences. The stems are usually fleshy and the leaves are asymmetrical. Botanists divide begonias into three groups, depending on the underground organs of the plant. A group of rhizomes has thickened stems underground, which are used for reproduction - most often, species of this group are grown for their leaves. The tuberous group has thickened roots that are used for reproduction. This group includes species with large inflorescences. Finally, there is a group with filamentous roots - ordinary roots that are not used for reproduction. This classification is important for botany. But in practice, begonias are better divided into groups depending on their use - blooming with a short-term effect, decorative and long-blooming. The first type of begonia with a short-term effect is plants that provide an abundance of flowers for a short time. There are three main groups.

The most striking begonias with tubers. Flowering occurs in summer and into late autumn. These include species of begonia with creeping stems. In spring, you can "wake up" the tubers by planting them in boxes with moist soil. Keep them at a temperature of 15-21oC, and when the stems appear and reach several centimeters, transfer them to pots with a larger diameter. After flowering, it is necessary to stop watering, cut off the stems, remove the tubers and store them in peat.

The second type is Loren begonias or Haimant hybrids. They bloom in winter, reach a height of 45 cm, and their stems are so weak that they need support. If you peel the tips of a young plant, it will branch. These begonias are from the last century. Their family tree is difficult to trace, it includes B. socotrana and B. dregey. The third species, Elathior hybrids, are the "star" among short-lived begonias.

Cultivation: put begonia in a well-lit place, but not in direct sunlight; in winter, they are pleasant to expose for several hours in the sun. The room should be moderately warm with a minimum temperature of 13 degrees in winter. Avoid temperatures above 21 degrees. While the begonia is in bloom, water it abundantly, but do not constantly soak the soil. Moist air is needed - wrap the pots with moist peat and spray the plant.

Propagation: in tuberous begonias, begonias can be propagated by tubers, and in other groups by cuttings. https://cs2run.gg/