What kind of soil is best for growing Begonia?
This article shares some tips on begonia care, including the best soil for growing begonias and techniques for begonia cultivation. Let's find out together.
Begonia is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Begoniaceae family, distributed in various provinces south of the Yangtze River. It has a history of cultivation in China for nearly a thousand years and is one of the world-famous ornamental flowers, divided into two main categories: flowering and foliage. Flowering begonias have bright colors and unique shapes, making them one of the popular indoor flowers for cultivation.
Propagation methods
1. Stem cutting: For rhizomatous (fibrous-rooted) begonias, stem cutting is the method used. Rhizomatous begonias include varieties such as glass begonia, bamboo joint begonia, hairy leaf begonia, tung oil tree leaf begonia, silver star begonia, and evergreen begonia. Spring cuttings yield the best results, with cuttings about 10 centimeters long, having two or more nodes, retaining 2-3 leaves at the top, and the base of the cutting should be at the leaf axil. Insert the cutting into the substrate (river sand, sieved coal cinder, pearl stone, etc.) by one-third to one-half, water thoroughly, and after 25-30 days, roots can grow.
2. Leaf cutting: For rhizomatous begonias, leaf cutting is used because these begonias have the ability to regenerate adventitious roots and buds. Rhizomatous begonias include varieties such as variegated leaf begonia, horse hoof begonia, emperor begonia, and eyebrow begonia. Leaf cutting is done in summer and autumn. Select mature two-year-old leaves, which can be inserted horizontally or vertically. For horizontal insertion, cut off the petiole, make 4-6 incisions on the back of the main vein, then lay the leaf背面 flat on the cutting soil, press it flat with your hand to make the leaf stick to the substrate, spray water to moisten the substrate, and apply a nutrient solution every 7-10 days. In about a month, the cut areas of the leaf veins will grow roots. For vertical insertion, first remove the thin tissue around the leaf and the petiole, cut the base of the leaf into a wedge shape, insert it into the substrate by half, keep the substrate moist, and after 40-50 days, the base of the leaf can grow adventitious roots and buds.
Cultivation methods
1. Potting: After the cuttings have survived, the young plants should be transplanted into pots with a diameter of 13 centimeters for maintenance. The potting soil should be mixed evenly with half humus soil and half garden soil, then add an appropriate amount of fermented and decomposed manure. Generally, one plant per pot, after transplanting, water the roots, and then place it in a shady place for maintenance. Begonias thrive in neutral and slightly acidic soil and grow poorly in alkaline and clay soil.
2. Water and fertilizer management: During the growing season, apply a dilute fertilizer solution once a week when the potting soil is slightly dry. Young plants are sensitive to chemical fertilizers and must be used with caution. Fertilizing is generally stopped during the hot summer and winter. Keep the potting soil moist during the growing season, especially for foliage begonias, do not spray water on the leaves to avoid rotting leaves and stems, and in severe cases, the whole plant can die. Reduce watering in winter, keeping the potting soil slightly moist.
3. Pinching: After the plant grows larger, pinching is needed to promote branching and more flowers. Perform a strong pruning one month after flowering to promote the growth of lateral branches and make the crown neat and beautiful.
4. Temperature and light management: Begonias enjoy a warm, humid, and diffused light environment, and their leaves can easily be damaged under strong light. From late spring to early autumn, be sure to shade the plants from the strong midday sun, and in summer, they can grow in a shaded area of the greenhouse. The optimal temperature for begonia growth is 20-25°C. They dislike strong direct sunlight in summer and fear waterlogging, as overly wet potting soil can cause root rot. If the temperature exceeds 35°C, measures must be taken to prevent heatstroke and lower the temperature to ensure begonias can safely survive the summer. Begonias are not cold-tolerant, and when the temperature drops to 5°C in winter, they enter a dormant state. Measures must be taken to prevent cold and keep warm. If the temperature drops to about 0°C, the plant will freeze to death.
Have you understood the detailed introduction of the best soil for growing begonias and their cultivation methods and techniques shared in this article?