The Begoniev family has more than a thousand different species and varieties. Of all the variety, flower growers fell in love with coral begonia, which is popular not only because of its bright, attractive appearance, but also because of the ease of care.
Description of the plant begonia coral (Begonia corallina)
This variety is self-growing. Its maximum height at home is 1 m, diameter - 0.5 m. Coral begonia can grow in the garden, then it stretches up to 2.5 m in height.
Close-up showing coral begonia leaves
The stem is bare, oval rugged leaves are elongated, light silver specks are scattered on a green background. In summer, the lower part of the leaf turns red. Thanks to the foliage, begonia has decorative properties not only during flowering, but all year round.
The inflorescences of the plant are large, have a red-coral hue, the flowering period is in the spring, however, observing all growing conditions, you can achieve year-round opening of buds. Inflorescences from branches hang in clusters.
How to ensure proper home care
Coral begonia is one of those decorative and deciduous plants that require a minimum of care for themselves. It is enough to create the necessary conditions for growth, after which no special measures will be required.
Soil selection and top dressing
The flower loves a nutritious, porous soil in which moisture will be easily absorbed. Begonia will respond well to universal soil, soil for indoor or flowering plants, a mixture of violets is ideal.
For your information! You can independently make a substrate based on leafy earth, in which peat, sand and perlite are added. The second option is a mixture of fertile garden soil with dry peat, sand and compost.
The bottom of the pot is equipped with holes, it is also important not to forget about the drainage layer. The soil should not contribute to stagnation of water, as this can lead to decay of the root system and adversely affect the flowering process.
The plant is actively fed in the spring and summer, liquid fertilizers are applied every 2 weeks. In winter, the soil is fertilized once every 1-1.5 months. The flower responds positively to solutions with a high potassium content.
Important! The pot changes as the plant grows, but it is recommended that the soil be changed every year.
How to plant in a pot
Plant transplantation is carried out in spring or summer. If the flower was bought earlier, then the necessary conditions are provided for it at any time. The pot is selected so that there is not much unused land left, as this is fraught with the formation of putrefactive processes. Transplantation is carried out by the method of transshipment.
Flowering begonia
Rules for watering and maintaining humidity
Begonia loves moderate watering, so both waterlogging and drought will be unacceptable to him. If this does not affect the beauty of the leaves, then for flowering a violation of the irrigation regime is fraught with negative consequences. Watering is carried out as the topsoil dries. During flowering, begonia is watered more often, the soil should be constantly moist.
A flower loves moist air, but direct spraying will spoil the beauty of the leaves. If the air in the room is dry and there is no humidifier, you can put a vessel with water on the windowsill.
Temperature and lighting
Coral begonia loves the light, but the scorching sun can burn its leaves. For cultivation, a windowsill is suitable on any side, except for the south.
The optimum temperature for growing is from 14 ° C to 24 ° C. In summer, flower pots can be taken out to the balcony or loggia, to the garden plot, but it is worth protecting the shoots and inflorescences from burns. You can use a transparent tulle, canopy, etc., the plant tolerates shading more easily than the bright sun.
Note! When the air temperature in the street is lower than 13 ° C, the plant is brought into the house. Begonia painfully reacts to drafts and cold air.
Pruning
Pruning is not a prerequisite for the existence of begonias. The procedure is necessary not only for the rejuvenation of the plant, but for the formation of a bush. To grow the plant in breadth, and not up, pinch the upper shoots.
The shoot is cut off after about the third internode, it can be further if the shape and size of the bush require it. The first pruning is carried out when the bush reaches a height of 12 cm.
After the begonia fades, drying brushes are also cut off. This is to ensure that nutrients are not wasted.
Trimming Rules:
- use a clean sharp knife;
- thick shoots are not cut, but only shortened;
- after pruning, actively care for the plant: fertilize, provide humidity and a stable temperature.
How and under what conditions blooms
If the plant does not hurt, it will bloom in spring. Peduncles not only look beautiful, but also emit a pleasant aroma.
Coral begonia is an unpretentious plant, if you choose the right place for growing, ensure optimal air temperature and apply fertilizers on time, then inflorescences can appear all year round.
Why can begonia not bloom? Often the cause is a lack of nutrients.
Home breeding guidelines
At home, begonia is most convenient and fastest to propagate by cuttings. Manipulation can be carried out at any time of the year, except winter. The shoots break off and put into a vessel with purified water or wet sand. A few days later, roots will appear, after which the sprout can be transplanted into the ground.
Young sprout of begonia
For better growth, the sprout is created in greenhouse conditions, that is, covered with a film or glass (jar), watered when the topsoil is dried.
Note! So that the sprout does not hit the fungus the black leg, the place where the stem touches the ground is dusted with wood ash.
Another easy way to propagate begonia is to divide the rhizome. Manipulation is carried out during transplantation. Thus, two can be obtained from one plant.
Coral begonia - an amazingly beautiful flower that will delight the eye of even the most lazy grower. A bright room and warm air are all that a plant needs for a full life.
