In nature, only six species of begonia (Begonia) are known, which are also quite similar to each other. Over time, more than 1000 varied varieties were developed. Among them stands out and begonia elatior (Elatior). This type is especially often chosen for room decor, installed on a windowsill for landscaping. They buy this houseplant due to lush flowering, during this period the bush turns into a real bouquet.
Description of the begonia elatior plant: known varieties and their characteristics
The begonia variety Elator Baladin is also called winter, since the plant is resistant to temperature extremes. In addition, a flower in the winter season does not change its characteristics: castings remain the same green, flowering may even occur.
A kind of begonia
Description of the variety presented:
- begonia Baladin - a hybrid that is a bush with powerful (thick) stems of a red hue;
- the root system is branched and almost symmetrical to the aerial parts of the plant;
- small or medium sized flowers with delicate semicircular petals. The buds are magnificent. Usually the flower is yellow;
- the leaf is dense with jagged edges; it can be smooth or soft to the touch. On one bush there are dark green and light green crown specimens.
The appearance of begonia
Note! Begonia is not just a decoration on the windowsill, but also a powerful tool against microbes. The very presence of a plant reduces the number of microbes in the room by 25-50%.
Many flower growers in terms of external characteristics compare begonia with a mini rose. The advantage of such a plant in comparison with the "queen of flowers" is the duration of flowering, twigs without thorns and ease of care.
How to ensure proper home care
Begonia elator cares well at home. There are several special nuances that should be taken into account in the process of growing a flowering bush:
- closely monitor the watering. You can not fill the flower, but begonia will not tolerate drought normally;
- you need to choose the right window sill, on which the normal degree of lighting and temperature will be formed;
- it is advisable to periodically fertilize the soil and choose the ideal mixture for planting initially.
Additionally, you need to monitor the condition of the bush and flowers, since begonia is subjected to frequent attack by insects and "catches" various diseases.
Soil selection and top dressing
The pot must have a drainage layer at the very bottom. The soil itself is a mixture of moss, deciduous earth and perlite in a ratio of 1: 1: 1. The soil should be disinfected and well drained, acidity is average.
Preparing the soil for planting begonias
Important! To begonia bloomed for a long time, you need to use fertilizers saturated with vitamins and minerals.
To maintain flowering for a long time, and the bush remained lush and strong, you need to feed 1 time in 2 weeks. You can use organic, potash fertilizers or special substrates.
When to transplant after purchase
Begonia does not tolerate the change of the pot very well, so it is advisable to transplant the purchased sprout into another container at the moment when the flower reaches a year old. If there is such an opportunity, then it is better to leave it in the purchased container. Then it remains only to feed the soil.
Rules for watering and maintaining humidity
To care for the flower you need not only correctly, but also on time. You need to set a watering schedule. Approximately carry out the procedure 1 time in 3 days. In general, watering should be done immediately after the soil has dried in a pot.
Plant Care Rules
Do not leave water in the tray under the pot so that the liquid does not stagnate. This can affect the state of the root system of the plant. Do not spray the bush with a spray gun. Next to the flowerpot, it is better to put a container of water to moisten the air near the begonia.
Temperature and lighting
The house is a wonderful shelter for begonias from negative external influences. This mainly concerns direct sunlight, which can cause problems with leaflets. In this case, the flower is better to install on the eastern window sills. It is strictly forbidden to place flowerpots on windows that face north or south.
The degree of illumination for the flower
Begonia is very fond of heat and negatively reacts to low temperatures, but at the same time maintains low thermometer values. The normal temperature is 18-25 ° C.
How and under what conditions blooms
Under standard conditions, flowering will continue for 10 months. But, if you create ideal conditions for growth and development, then begonia will bloom almost all year round. To support this process, wilted buds need to be removed.
Begonia bloom
The plant throws a long stem on which several buds are formed, forming an inflorescence. Each flower begins to blossom after the previous one fades. Thus, the withering of the twigs ends after the buds have completely bloomed.
Home breeding guidelines
Begonia can be propagated in three ways: by cuttings, seeds and leaves:
- if the faded concrete is not removed, then they will dry out later, in the place of the flower a box is formed in which the seeds will be. But this option of reproduction is quite problematic, since it is difficult to germinate the seeds. Begonia does not propagate through the formation of processes from the root;
- a shank is the best option for breeding begonias. You need to wait for the full bloom. It is advisable to cut the process at the end of winter so that its rooting falls in the spring. Next, root formation and planting are performed;
- according to the principle of propagation by leaf propagation.
The choice should be made in accordance with the conditions of the plant and garden skills of the grower.
Cuttings or leaf
In February, cuttings can be made as follows:
- Cut off the top of the twig, on which at least three leaves are located.
- Treat the cut with a special disinfectant.
- Put in a glass of water for several days.
- When the beginnings of the root system appear, plant a twig in a sand pot.
Propagation by Cherenkov method
As for the leaflet, a slightly different scheme is used here:
- Cut off the top large sheet.
- Make incisions in it along the main core.
- Place in a container with soil and cover with half soil.
- Cover the flowerpot with a film, creating a greenhouse.
When the leaf sprouts, you need to start gradually opening the greenhouse to adapt the sprout to the external environment.
Seed propagation
Reproduction by seeds is as follows:
- After the seed box has dried, it must be opened.
- Collect the seeds.
- Make small holes or grooves in the landing container.
- Humidify the earth with a spray gun.
- Put 1-3 seeds.
- Cover the planting material with soil.
Plant propagation
For your information! Often the seeds do not germinate or rot in the soil, so full seedlings should not be expected.
Features of the content in the open ground
Open ground is not suitable for elator. The plant loves constant temperature. At night, you will have to cover the bushes with a hood if they are planted in the garden. Not very fond of the wind, so in windy weather you need to use the protective cap again. The flower constantly needs to be "protected" from pests and insects.
Outdoor Begonia
In open ground, it is more difficult to care for begonia, especially if it is intended for landscaping balconies and window sills. Therefore, even taking out flowerpots with a bush into the garden is not advisable.
Begonia is a beautiful medium-sized bush that blooms lushly almost all year round. To grow a beautiful flower at home, you need to organize full-fledged plant care. Particular attention should be paid to watering, lighting and temperature. Florists believe that in order to grow a chic begonia, you need to not just look after it, but make friends with the flower.
