Begonia black fung. Royal begonia

On the English website of the Begonia Society it is written that begonia was originally bred under the name “Black Mamba”, but due to political correctness (so that blacks would not be offended) it was renamed “Dark Mamba” (that is the spelling). Here is the photo:

Well, they renamed it, it would seem, okay. This is a compact begonia. The leaf has an arched petiole. Leaf color ranges from dark green to almost black.

But it was not there.

There is still a begonia with the name Begonia "Black Mamba" (=Begonia "Peggy Frost" x Begonia "Dr. Cleo", hybridizer Brad Thompson). One could say that in the USA it is sold under this name, but in Europe, due to the notorious political correctness, it was renamed. But in fact, the begonia from Brad Thompson, although compact (does not fall apart), is powerful, its leaves are larger than European ones.

That is, we have 2 begonias: powerful Begonia "Black Mamba"(up to 45-60 cm in height) from Thompson and the smaller Begonia "Dark Mamba" (apparently it is called on the continent (from the Dutch) Begonia "Dark Mambo") up to 30 cm in height, plant diameter - no more than 45 cm.

The leaf of both "Mambas" (large and small) has an arched notch in the petiole area.

Begonia "Black Fang": There is a description that it has a leaf with a jagged edge, while "Dark Mambo" has an edge morescalloped (like rounded corners). But in the photos of breeding companies and traders, you can see photos of “Black Fang” with both a serrated leaf edge (star-shaped) and a scalloped one. But, by and large, you can see different leaves on the same begonia. In general, we see in these begonias: the same double helix, a light green “star” and a leaf arch near the petiole.

In short, apparently, it’s the same thing, it’s just called differently by different sellers.

Once I came across information that the “Dark Mambo” begonia was bred at Ball Horticultural Growers (but, most likely, they only sold this begonia). The same Kartuz does not write on his website who the hybridizer is, which is strange given his accuracy in such things (but about the large begonia Begonia "Black Mamba" he accurately indicated Thompson as the hybridizer).

If we accept that this is the same begonia, then I would like to note that Asian collectors use the name not “Dark Mambo”, but Begonia “Black Fang”. In the USA and Europe you can find both names.

Personally, I have not yet found clear information about the date of hybridization and the author (only a mention of the company Ball Horticultural Growers).

We can conditionally come to an agreement that if the leaf remains star-shaped - it is Begonia "Black Fang", and if it has a rounded edge of the leaf protrusions (festoons) - Begonia "Dark Mambo".

Well, if your begonia has different leaves, or first one and then another, call it what you like best.

As a result we have:

1. Begonia "Black Mamba" (hybridizer Thompson, the original begonias are known and the date of hybridization is 1993). Powerful begonia 45-60cm. The leaves are star-shaped (toothed).

Begonia "Black Mamba" = Begonia "Peggy Frost" x Begonia "Dr. Cleo"

2. Begonia "Black Fang" = (?) Begonia "Dark Mambo" (in the UK the name Begonia "Dark Mamba" is possible). Begonia up to 30 cm in height.

Escargo variety. Flower growers call this begonia “shell”! Its leaf is really curved with an intricate shell! Depending on age and lighting, a striking black-green center can fill a large space of silver-green leaf. With proper care, this begonia turns into a spectacular plant!

Royal, regal or rex begonia (Begonia rex) is popularly called “Napoleon's ear”. Begonia leaves can reach 15-25 cm in length and up to 30 cm in width. The colors and shades, color combinations of leaf patterns are very attractive, giving begonias a special charm and decorative effect. On the leaves of begonias there are silver-white, pink, bright red, crimson, green, bronze-brown, purple, and almost black patterns. The underside of the leaves is reddish, with clearly visible veins. The thick, pubescent stem of the royal begonia is creeping. Most varieties have small, inconspicuous flowers, so the emerging peduncle is often removed so that the spectacular leaves do not become smaller.

Deciduous begonias are heat-loving and light-loving. They develop well only in warm, bright rooms; they do not tolerate direct bright light. Like true capricious queens, they like greenhouse conditions. Deciduous begonias should not be kept outdoors; They do not tolerate dry air well, so you need to maintain air humidity around these plants. Begonias do not like drafts or spraying (brown spots appear on the leaves).

Watering

In winter, the optimal temperature for keeping begonias is 16-18 ° C with very careful moderate watering; In summer, begonias are watered more, but stagnation of moisture in the soil is unacceptable. For irrigation, only soft water at room temperature is used. Watering should be uniform: begonias do not forgive drying out of the earthen clod, but excess moisture, especially in winter, is harmful to them (the root system of begonias begins to rot, leaf petioles turn black and fall off).

Transfer

Leaf begonias are transplanted in the spring only when the roots of the earthen ball are strongly intertwined; during transplantation, the ball can be reduced. Pots for growing begonias are low and wide. A loose nutrient substrate for begonias is prepared from a mixture of leaf soil with humus, peat and sand in the proportion (2:1:1:1); in the pot provide good drainage. During the active growing season, plants respond well to watering with full mineral fertilizer and diluted mullein; Light feeding of begonias is carried out from March to September twice a month.

Reproduction

Leaf begonias are propagated by stem and leaf cuttings, leaf parts; When transplanting, begonias are also propagated by dividing the rhizomes.

Stem and leaf cuttings of begonias are usually rooted in a light substrate at a temperature of 22-24 0C (the use of a rooting hormone and the installation of a “mini-greenhouse” that provides a suitable microclimate speeds up the process); some begonias take root well in containers of water. When propagating by leaves, large veins on the underside of the leaf are cut slightly above the bifurcation, the cut leaf is placed flat in a box on wet sand and pinned in several places with toothpicks; The box is covered with glass and placed in a warm place (the glass is wiped and turned over daily, the plantings are ventilated). After 3-4 weeks, young plants develop on the begonia leaves; When they reach a height of 3-5 cm, they are separated from the leaf and planted in individual pots with light leaf soil.

Diseases

Deciduous begonias are often affected by numerous pests, which are sometimes very difficult to see on the motley surface: aphids and whiteflies, which provoke the appearance of sooty fungus; mealybug; weevil; in the greenhouse and greenhouse - slugs and snails. Begonias suffer from powdery mildew, root rot and bacterial spotting. Proper care of your leafy begonia beauties can help you avoid these problems.

Varieties of royal begonias

Variety "Black Fang". New this year! Obvious exclusivity! Very dark (almost black) leaves with a hint of olive are curled into a shell and have a deeply cut edge! The center of the leaf is decorated with light rays! “Black fang” is the translation of the name of the variety. Fascinating - isn't it?! Not a very large plant.

Variety "Red Sunset". Very beautiful, very easy to grow! The leaves are painted red - burgundy, the center of the leaf is black, and the edges are painted with a green - black pattern! Doesn't get capricious, doesn't stretch out. Wonderful choice!

Variety "Dena". One of my favorite begonias in the collection! Completely different from others! Reminiscent of a chimera, decorated with a light green satin stripe in the center and slightly along the veins of a dark green to brown, highly wavy shiny leaf! Excellent qualities: easy growth, compact bush and very attractive appearance!

Variety "Satin Shell". Begonia with large, bright, shiny leaves, while maintaining a compact bush. Thanks to the short, strong trunk, which does not have the ability to stretch much, a plant with palm-sized leaves still cannot be called very large!

General provisions

This family contains both annuals and perennials, shrubs of different sizes and buds of all colors of the rainbow (read about how to grow bush begonia and what it is). The largest plant can reach three meters in height, and the smallest - only a few centimeters. Begonias grow on tree roots, in rock crevices, on moist forest soils, and in arid, harsh areas.

Varieties and varieties - description, photo

What types of begonias are there?

Tree-like

Representatives of this species grow as bushes, the height of which reaches 35-45 centimeters. They have filigree leaves and bright flowers. The trunk is quite thick, growing strictly vertically. The leaves are twisted into a spiral, rounded, slightly wavy at the edges. They can be either one-color or two-three-color, with noticeable spots and a contrasting border.

The roots are fibrous. This begonia can be grown both in the shade and in the sun, but it is not recommended to feed it with organic fertilizers or spray it. The contact of drops of water on the leaf plates causes them to rot and the inevitable death of the plant.

Reed

The varieties of reed begonias are as follows:

Lotus-shaped

The leaves are smooth, shiny, rounded. Flowering is rare, the buds are small and light in color.

Wedge-shaped

Leaves are wedge-shaped. The upper part of the plate is silver, the lower part is red. The stem is short and dense. The flowers are white, small, collected in a loose cluster.

Root

The root species include the following:

Everblooming. They have rounded leaves and small height. They bloom all year round. (Luchenets, Scarlett, Terry Storyteller).
. The buds are painted in different shades of red, the flower stalks resemble corals. Very easy to care for. Bush height – 80-90 cm.
Deciduous. The flowers are inconspicuous and small, but the leaves, on the contrary, are very beautiful. Capricious flowers: they love diffused light, high humidity and greenhouse conditions (Rex, Royal, Manikata, Metallica).

Variegated

It unites several varieties of plants, which differ in the shape of the leaf blades and flowers. They are united by a rich range of leaf colors: from silver-green to light pearlescent, from red with a metallic tint to bronze.

To grow and care for variegated begonia at home, you need a corner protected from light and moderate watering.

In autumn and winter there comes a period of rest. The best planting material is stem cuttings. Cut leaves take a very long time to take root.

Speckled (Spotted or Maculata)

It is a spreading tall bush. It has shiny leaves with a smooth surface and white spots, pink and white flowers of unusual shape. They are collected in inflorescences and grow on a thin stalk hanging down. They love moist, soft air and moderate watering. In winter, lighting with fluorescent lamps is mandatory.

Other varieties of Begonia

Pink

Subject to proper temperature and light conditions, they bloom all year round. Periodically lowering the temperature to 5-10 degrees stimulates the process well.

Borias

Belongs to the hybrid begonias Elatior. It is loved for its abundant, long-lasting flowering and compact shape. The flowers are mostly male, the leaves are dense and glossy. The place for growth is chosen to be bright, but protected from direct sunlight. The temperature should not fall below 18 degrees. Watering is moderate and regular. High air humidity should not be allowed, otherwise begonia will suffer from fungal diseases. The rest period is very short - from mid-February to the end of March.

Belleconia

Ampelous begonia with large double flowers. Bud color: white, coral, orange, pink, red, pale yellow. Resistant to pests and diseases. Flowering is abundant, with the formation of long, hanging shoots. Most often it begins in mid-May and ends in late autumn. Flowers appear in the area of the 5-6 leaf node. Each flower lasts on average 10-12 days. When caring for Belleconia orange, the plant must be provided with diffused light and fresh air, and if replanting is necessary, it is best to propagate by cuttings. On hot summer days, it is better to move it to an east or west window.

Caudex (Dregei)

Easily formed into bonsai. Caudex dredge is undemanding to both watering and lighting. It was first discovered in areas of South Africa. The paradox of the content is this: if the owner tries to create ideal conditions for this plant, its caudex will not form. This means that its trunk will remain thin, it will not look like a succulent, and it will not be possible to make a bonsai out of it either. Therefore, its soil should be diluted with perlite and sand, and watering should be minimal.

Gloire de Lorraine (Christmas or Hybrida Gloire de Lorraine)

The first hybrid variety, Lorraine, bred in France in 1893. Compact plant with succulent leaves and luxurious, showy flowers. There are also ampelous forms. It blooms mainly in the autumn and winter months, with annual specimens blooming most profusely.

The color of the buds is red, pink, scarlet, beetroot. The shoots are thin, drooping, with age they grow up to 60 cm. The leaves are round-heart-shaped, medium in size (5-6 cm), very thin and serrated at the edges. Propagated by leaf and stem cuttings.

Comfortable temperature for growing is +22-25 degrees. On sunny days, frequent spraying and shading are necessary. Does not tolerate changing places well and may wither away. Adult plants are replanted every two years. Its low prevalence in culture is due to the fact that the most beautiful specimens in appearance are those that have reached two years of age, while older ones quickly age and degenerate.

Black Prince

The leaves are elongated, obliquely heart-shaped with a serrated edge. The reverse side is pubescent. The color of the plate is almost black, in the sun it casts burgundy. This variety feels comfortable in a shaded place. It should be watered through a tray, and dust from the leaves should be brushed off with a special soft brush.

Black velvet (Bowerae Black Velvet)

The stem is creeping, covered with small hairs, spreading along the ground. The same fluffs grow along the edges of the leaves. The leaf blades are deep purple, the reverse side is green with burgundy splashes. It grows as a bush, which becomes more luxuriant the more it is pruned. The flowers are small, snow-white, and look very impressive on a long peduncle. Unpretentious variety. A wide pot is suitable for growing. The soil should be constantly moderately moist. There is no need to spray the plant, as drops of water leave stains on the leaves.

Black Fang

The leaves are very pleasant to the touch, reminiscent of soft velvet. The edges are jagged. The color is beet-black, with light green-yellow thin veins running down the center. The base of the leaves is twisted into a double “snail”. The more light this flower receives, the darker its leaves will be. Under artificial light, the leaf blade noticeably elongates in length. If the babies were raised in a lack of light, the varietal color does not appear for a long time.

Black Mamba

Compact plant. It reaches a height of 45-60 centimeters. The leaves are wide, with scalloped edges, arched. Color varies from dark green to almost black. Hybrid from Thompson, bred in 1933.

There is probably no person who has not heard of begonia. This overseas guest has long and firmly settled in greenhouses and apartments, parks and gardens, thanks to its unpretentiousness and external beauty. It can be started by both an experienced gardener and a beginner.

Deciduous begonias are one of the most traditional houseplants. Some consider them cold and almost aggressive, others consider them incomparable and noble. But be that as it may, the beauty of the decorative foliage species of these prim aristocrats does not leave anyone indifferent. Offering to admire the unique colors and shades, captivating with the luxury of patterns on the leaves, begonias, with all their diversity, remain very unpretentious plants. Even beginners can grow them, and the ability of these crops to recover is only surprising.

Prim variety of noble colors

Begonias are one of the most diverse genera of houseplants. Tuberous and bushy, ampelous and rhizomatous, beautifully flowering and decorative foliage - there is plenty to choose from. But if flowering begonias are considered modern and fashionable plants, deciduous begonias have long been given the status of “golden classics”. And this is fair: these plants have been used in interiors for a long time, won the hearts of fans, and managed to survive several periods of unpopularity.

But today “grandmother’s” begonias are back in fashion. After all, no one can compare with them in the beauty of textures and colors with metallic effects. And even the fact that most begonias are poisonous plants (substances contained in the leaves cause irritation of mucous membranes and skin), does not in the least prevent them from remaining very popular crops.

Decorative deciduous representatives of the genus Begonia (Begonia) are herbaceous perennials, the bushes of which are limited in height to 20-40 cm. But there are exceptions to this rule. Miniature and medium-sized varieties of begonias are considered more popular than gigantic ones, the height of which is not limited to even 1 m. In begonias developing from rhizomes (see materials on rhizome begonias), thick, fleshy, shortened and most often pubescent shoots form inimitable leaves with a diameter of from 5 to 25 cm.

They can be either relatively simple lanceolate or round, arrow- and heart-shaped and even lobed, like maple leaves. The pointed tip of some begonias is elongated, while in others it is almost invisible. It is not easy to discern the shape of the leaves: the contours of the leaf blades are “hidden” by luxurious large and sharp teeth along the edge, ruffles and edges.

The carved edge was once the reason that begonias were classified as “aggressive” plants, but this reputation has now disappeared like a haze. But the jagged edges of the leaves really add primness and nobility. Thanks to them, begonias look both elegant and like a real proud indoor “aristocrat”. Whatever the shape of the leaves, they are asymmetrical in begonias: a thick vein in the middle divides the leaf blades into two unequal halves. And this imperfection only emphasizes the features of color and texture.

And they are inimitable in begonias: the magnificent velvet or satin of pubescent, matte or glossy leaves surprises with the play of not only color, but also texture. It is in begonias that allusions to luxurious metals are most pronounced: gray patterns seem to be silver, and red patterns appear to be copper or gold.

The color palette of begonias is completely unique: dark brown, green and red colors seem to be real black, and the most diverse noble variations of green, red, purple, white, silver, chocolate, and pink captivate with their unusualness.

The fact that begonias are deciduous does not mean that the plants are unable to bloom. Discreet and modest, incomparable to beautifully flowering species and varieties, cream flowers on plants are most often removed without being admired. Tall deciduous begonias have more beautiful and brighter flowers than low bushy ones.

Types of decorative deciduous begonias

Today it is believed that the number of discovered species of begonias exceeds 1,500 plants, and the number of hybrid forms and varieties has long exceeded the two thousand mark. And a little less than half of the begonias are decorative deciduous. Deciduous begonias are native to South America and Mexico, but some species were first discovered in Asia. In nature, begonias are considered typical inhabitants of tropical forests.

Today, the number of varieties and hybrids of begonias is so large that among the magnificent deciduous queens you can find crops with any colors, leaf shapes, effects and textures. Lovers of the classics will like begonias with color transitions along the contour of the plate; for a modern interior there will be begonias with variegated ripples or strict patterns, and those looking for originality will be surprised by begonias with spirals and stars on the leaves...

And if you remember about the most diverse color combinations, then you can really talk about the variety of begonias endlessly. In a word, there is plenty to choose from.

If we owe such an enviable diversity to any species of begonia, then this is Begonia royal (Begonia rex), which we also often call by the botanical name Rex. This is the most diverse begonia in leaf colors, which has inspired breeders to endless experiments. Their appearance has become the standard for all leafy beauties.

Sometimes in the classifications of begonias, all decorative foliage varieties are divided into two groups - varieties and hybrids of royal begonia and begonia of the diadem group. The latter trace their origins to the begonia species of the same name, which has caused a lot of controversy - Begonia diadema (Begonia diadema). This plant remains controversial today.

Some scientists consider this begonia to be a separate species, while others consider it just a form of royal begonia. Tiaras are easy to distinguish by the similarity of the leaf shape to maple greens: the leaf plates are cut into 7 (or more) pointed lobes.

Begonia diadema ‘Silver Star’. © Kor!An

But don’t forget about other types of begonias.

Begonia Bauer (Begonia bowerae) - the most spotted of all begonias. The pattern on the leaves is always variegated, disordered, cheerful; contrasting spots appear on the leaf plates, evoking associations with the skins of wild cats.

Begonia Mason (Begonia masoniana) - a species with unique black-green colors, the beauty of the veins on the leaves of which can be admired endlessly.

Begonia ringata (Begonia annulata), also known as Griffith's begonia (Begonia griffithi) is memorable both for its velvety dense leaves and clearly defined striped zones of color. Its dark center is combined with the silvery color of the middle part of the leaf and a darker border, and all the “spots” follow the contour of the heart-shaped leaf plate itself with a slightly twisted spiral base.

Mason's begonia (Begonia masoniana). © shadeplants

Begonia bowerae. © Jan Richtr

Ringed begonia (Begonia annulata). © Martin Ogden

Begonia flesh-colored (Begonia incarnata), today we have included in the view the once considered separately Begonia metallic (Begonia metallica) - a species with prominent veins, metallic reflections of the surface and powerful bushes from half a meter to 80 cm in height.

Begonia goeg (Begonia goegoensis) - a rarer species, the velvety leaves of which are most often flat, rounded with a pointed tip, reminiscent of precious stones due to luminous light veins and cobwebs on a dark background.

One of the tallest begonias - Begonia spotted (Begonia maculata), which forms impressive bushes with strong shoots. The leaves are most often heart-shaped, sometimes with a snail-shaped base. Begonia got its name because of the variegated spots on the dark base background of the leaf blades and the contrasting ripple patterns. Unlike lower begonias, it can also boast pretty pink flowers.

Spotted begonia (Begonia maculata). © outlawgarden

But on sale today, species begonias are replaced by hybrids and varieties, each of which has its own memorable features.

Fashionable varieties of incomparable deciduous aristocrats:

Variety “Snail” (Escargot) - a variety with dark gray-green leaves of an almost solid heart-shaped shape, in which the base of the leaf blades seems to twist inward, creating a coil, and the gray-silver light wide stripe along the contour of the plate only emphasizes the snail-spiral;
Variety ‘Rohceart’ - round-leaved begonia with spirally twisted leaves, a unique color and a transition from silver to silver-green to the finest black edge;
Variety ‘Namur’ - a silver-green “snail” variety with the thinnest border and veins in the center;
Variety ‘Lospe-Tu’ - with a snail-like base of bright green leaves, along the edges of which dark veins resemble sewn stitches;
Variety ‘Benitochiba’ is a densely bushy begonia with maple-shaped leaves of silver color, against which purple and green veins glow brightly, emphasized by the pearlescent and pink tint of the carved edges of the leaves;
Variety ‘Maid Marion’ - silver-leaved “snail” variety of medium height with a very rich crimson-green border;
Variety ‘November Frost’ - a silvery variety with a fine network of dark green veins;
Variety ‘Charlotte Chiffon’ is a delicate multi-colored variety in which the leaf blade in the center is pearlescent pink, the edge is silvery pearlescent, and the border, veins and wavy edge are dark green;
Variety “Tiger” is a variety of Bauer begonia with bright lime green, dazzling round spots along the edges of kidney-shaped, almost black leaves;
Variety ‘Pearl de Paris’ - pearlescent silver variety with heart-shaped leaves and a thin dark network along a corrugated surface;
‘Nordic Glacier’ is a highly jagged, pearlescent variety with a dark center and black, radiating veins leading to a thin dark border;
Variety ‘Meisterstuck’ - pearlescent pink striped variety with black veins;
Variety ‘Dewdrops’ - satin begonia with a pearl-gray color, the foliage twisted into a snail at the base flaunts a dark border and cobweb-like dark veins;
Variety ‘Chocolate Cream’ is a classic hybrid with round leaves twisted into a spiral at the base with an elongated tip, a carved edge, decorated with a dark brown border and veins, memorable with a dark center and silver-pink stripes in the middle;
Variety ‘Baby Dress’ is a large-leaved but low begonia with a bright, rich green tone of large leaves with a red-brown “quilted” ruffled edge, leaf bases twisted into a double snail;
Variety ‘Green Gold’ is a round-leaved variety with a wavy surface, bases twisted into a very steep spiral, silver color, unique dark green veins diverging in the center of the leaf and echoing the thinnest border along the edge;
Variety ‘Fireworks’ is a touching variety with heart-shaped leaves, in which the black core of the leaf along the veins diverges into a dark green color with silver spots and a purple border;
Variety ‘Black Fang’ is a miniature velvety black begonia with a carved, pubescent edge, luminous malachite veins in the center and a double snail at the base of the leaf;
Variety ‘Charm’ is an incomparable, austere variety with a spirally twisted base and a pointed tip of a heart-shaped leaf, on which a black ruffle is combined with small silver spots on a dark green background;
Variety ‘Helen Lewis’ is a velvety-leaved begonia with a heart-shaped leaf, which has an almost black border and center of the leaves combined with silver and green stripes between them;
Variety ‘Lillian’ - similar to the previous variety, but with a corrugated edge and a double snail at the base;
Variety ‘Silver Jewel’ - striped begonia with velvety dark leaves and silvery “zebra” veins;
Variety ‘Little Brother Montgomery’ - a maple-leaved variety that plays on the contrast of silver-light green with a dark green center and border;
Variety ‘Hallelujah’ is a very compact variety that curls into a snail with a dark purple color, which is literally made to sparkle by a silver stripe in the center of the leaf blades (visually dividing the leaf into a border and a center);
Variety ‘Dollar Down’ - a unique variety with an almost black border and scarlet leaf color;
Variety ‘Five and Dime’ - pearlescent pink variety with green and black ruffle;
Variety ‘Gryphon’ - a variety with maple-shaped leaves, large, with a glossy metallic sheen of dark leaves with silver streaks between the veins;
The ‘Merry Christmas’ variety is a very beautiful variety, in which the stripes are almost strict and brightly separated from one another - from a black center and pink base to a silver spot in the middle, turning into a rich green edge and a dark thin border;

Begonia ‘Benitochiba’

Caring for decorative deciduous begonias at home

Deciduous begonias are unpretentious and hardy plants. They can react to mistakes in care and various problems by losing leaves and becoming depressed, but as soon as you correct your mistakes, they quickly recover. But still, it is better not to go to extremes in growing deciduous begonias.

If you provide them with regular and attentive care, begonias will reveal all their unprecedented beauty and become a true decoration of the collection. Moreover, it is not at all difficult to adhere to the “norm”: deciduous begonia does not require either a cool winter or measures to humidify the air.

Lighting for deciduous begonias

Due to their undemanding requirements for lighting, begonias allow the use of luxurious variegated leaves to decorate not only window sills, but also the interior (not only in living rooms, but also in bathrooms). Strong shading will affect the beauty of the patterns, the density of the bushes, and the size of the leaves. But in any light or semi-shaded place, begonia will only delight.

The only thing that needs to be given special attention is protection from direct sunlight. Begonia needs diffused light; even the morning sun can leave spots on the leaves and spoil their attractiveness.

Comfortable temperature conditions

Begonias, which have beautiful leaves, thrive in room temperatures. They do not like either cold or heat. The most comfortable environment is limited to 15-20 degrees. The temperature should not fall below 15 degrees even for a short time in winter. Heat negatively affects the beauty of foliage, plants may suffer from drying out tips, but if it is not possible to ensure more restrained indicators, then you can normalize the environment for begonias by simple measures to humidify the air.

Some difficulties in growing decorative deciduous begonias are caused by the plants’ dislike of drafts. But it is enough to place the bushes in a protected place and additionally protect the begonias during ventilation - and no problems will arise. You need to ventilate the room with begonias more often: access to fresh air is necessary for the formation of very beautiful leaves.

Begonias should not be taken out into the open air, placed on balconies in the summer, and especially not in the garden.

Watering and air humidity

These magnificent beauties require a simple approach to watering: for deciduous begonias, do not allow stagnation of water, but maintain uniform, light moisture without letting the soil dry out completely. The winter watering regime is adjusted in accordance with changes in the rate of drying of the substrate, slightly reducing the frequency of procedures and always checking how dry the soil is before the next watering.

Some varieties of begonias require a dormant period, and watering for them needs to be adjusted more significantly (when purchasing, you should check the winter care regime). But most leafy beauties do not need such measures. Plants are watered with water at the same temperature as the air.

When watering deciduous begonias, you need to act very carefully: the plants cannot tolerate water getting on the leaves and stems, even small drops leave behind stains (this is why begonias should not be sprayed).

Begonias with decorative leaves, despite their origin, cannot be called typical moisture-loving tropics, which vitally require high levels of air humidity. But their endurance has its limits: too dry air affects the beauty of the leaves, and extreme dryness during operation of heating devices must be avoided by taking measures to compensate for it. Also, additional measures to increase air humidity will have to be taken if begonias are at a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius.

For begonias, spraying is not an option. You can increase air humidity by simple measures - installing bowls, trays with wet moss, pebbles, expanded clay, decorative soils (playing with textures can be used to emphasize the beauty of begonia leaves).

The function of a humidifier for begonias can be played by moisture-loving neighbors (Russia, Cyperus, and other species that require damp conditions), and indoor fountains, and paludariums, or aquariums. If you only need temporary measures and want to increase the humidity with a simple spray, then spray it from a considerable distance above the plant, using as fine a sprayer as possible.

Feeding for deciduous begonias

Fertilizers for these plants are applied exclusively from March to October. It is advisable to use special mixtures of fertilizers for decorative deciduous plants. But if you manage to find special fertilizers for begonias, then choose them (usually such products are found in the product lines of manufacturers who have fertilizers not only of basic types, but also for certain varieties of indoor plants - palm trees, orchids, etc.) .

Begonia ‘Revelation Maroon’

Transplantation and substrate

Begonias of decorative deciduous type are replanted only as needed, when the plants become too crowded in old containers. Transplantation is carried out by increasing the pots by 2-3 cm compared to the previous one. A wide, flat shape of pots (height less than diameter) is preferred. The optimal dates are February or March.

For begonias, it is necessary to select nutritious, loose substrates. Optimal pH values are 5.8-6.5. You can use ready-made universal soil mixtures. When making your own mixture, use:

a mixture of equal parts of sand, leaf and humus soil with a double part of turf soil;
a mixture of equal parts of leaf, turf, humus soil, peat and sand.

When replanting, the depth level of begonias is kept the same. The plant should be provided with a shaded location for several days after the procedure.

Diseases and pests

Deciduous begonias, unfortunately, cannot be classified as the most resilient indoor plants. They are affected not only by aphids, spider mites or thrips, but also by powdery mildew and gray rot. This is one of the most sensitive indoor crops to soil nematodes. On these plants, the fight should begin with the use of insecticides or fungicides, since treatment in the form of mechanical washing of insects is unacceptable for deciduous begonias.

Common growing problems:

dropping leaves in dry air or when the substrate dries out;
blanching of leaves with brown tips in dry air and with scanty watering;
pulling and shredding leaves under heavy shade.

Propagation of deciduous begonias

Begonias of the non-flowering type allow you to choose different propagation methods to obtain new specimens, and, as a rule, rooting takes place quickly and without problems. But you need to start propagating deciduous begonias during the spring. The best methods for propagating deciduous begonias include:

Dividing rhizomes when transplanting into large parts (you can separate large begonias either by hand or by cutting the trunk, but you must ensure that there is a powerful bunch of roots and one or more buds and shoots in each division).
rooting of cuttings “with a heel” or parts of a leaf (in begonias, you can cut the leaf plates along the main veins, placing the cut site with the bottom side on wet sand and pinning or pressing with pebbles; rooting is carried out with low watering, light humidity and in a bright place).
Separation of apical cuttings with 3-5 leaves (after processing the cuts, they are placed in water or planted in a substrate usual for begonias and, with light soil moisture, they are rooted in a bright place at room temperature).
Rooting leaf parts.

Any cutting method requires one month of rooting. When propagating by parts of a leaf, you need to wait not only for the formation of roots along the cut of the vein, but also for the appearance of strong plants, which, after growing, can be separated from the leaf.