How to grow Rieger begonias on a balcony
As a plant that takes center stage in indoor ornamental gardening, Rieger begonias have captivated countless gardening enthusiasts with their vibrant, colorful, double flowers. However, many people often encounter issues like yellow leaves, withered buds, and rotten roots when caring for them on a balcony. Today, I'll break down the key points to keep Rieger begonias blooming continuously.
Core principles of light management
Golden ratio of diffused light
In autumn, winter, and spring, it is recommended to ensure a combination of 4 hours of direct morning light and 4 hours of diffused light daily, using a gauze curtain to filter out strong midday light. In summer, use a double-layer sunshade net to create a temporary shade shelter to prevent sunburn spots on the leaves.
Winter lighting tricks
In northern enclosed balconies, you can pair LED plant grow lights, supplementing with 2 hours of 4500K warm white light daily, keeping a distance of more than 50cm to prevent burns.
Precise watering system tutorial
Advanced immersion method
Use the "three-finger detection method": Insert your fingers into the second knuckle of the soil to feel the moisture. When the top 3cm is dry, use 25°C sunlight water for a 15-minute immersion, ensuring the water level reaches 2/3 of the pot's height.
Double insurance for air humidity
Place pebble water trays at the bottom of the flower pot, combined with morning and evening leaf misting to maintain 60%-70% environmental humidity, taking care to avoid water accumulating on the hairy leaves.
Nutrition supplement cycle plan
Golden ratio during the growing season
From April to June, use N-P-K=15-15-15 slow-release fertilizer, applying seaweed fertilizer every 20 days. During the budding period, switch to 2000 times liquid potassium dihydrogen phosphate, combined with foliar application of boron fertilizer.
Stopping fertilization during dormancy
When the temperature exceeds 28°C or is below 15°C, immediately stop fertilizing and switch to 3000 times liquid brassinolide to enhance stress resistance.
Temperature control practical experience
Four-season temperature curve
In spring, maintain 18-22°C to promote new buds. In summer, use water curtains to cool and maintain temperatures below 28°C. In autumn, control the temperature difference within 8-10°C to stimulate bud differentiation, and keep the temperature above 12°C at night in winter.
Emergency response plan
In case of sudden temperature drops, use a thermal film to create a temporary greenhouse and place 40°C hot water bags around the flower pots, changing them every hour to maintain heat.
Master these four dimensions of care, along with regularly rotating the flower pot to ensure even light exposure, and your Rieger begonias can bloom for more than 200 days a year. It is recommended to clean the leaf stomata with alcohol wipes monthly, and use yellow and blue sticky pest boards to prevent diseases and pests, turning your balcony into a begonia garden.