Four-season Begonia cultivation methods and precautions
This article provides you with an introduction to the cultivation of four-season Begonia at home, including its cultivation methods and precautions, as detailed below:
Begonias are among the most popular flowers in China, with many people keeping them at home, especially the four-season Begonia. It is favored for its neat plant shape, abundant and dense flowers, ease of pairing with other garden plants, and long blooming period throughout the year. It comes in single and double petal varieties when blooming. Four-season Begonia thrives in warm and humid environments, dislikes cold, drought, intense heat, and flooding, growing best in semi-shaded, warm, and humid conditions.
Cultivation methods for four-season Begonia
First, potting soil: The ideal potting mix for four-season Begonia consists of river sand, decomposed leaf soil, and snake wood chips. As four-season Begonia dislikes intense heat, it should be placed in a cool place during the summer.
Second, watering: Four-season Begonia prefers warm and humid conditions, so during the growing period, watering should be based on the plant's growth and temperature changes. Water less during the germination stage, keeping the potting soil slightly dry; excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Water once every two days during the growing period, and frequently spray water around the plant to increase air humidity. It is important to note that when watering, avoid pouring directly onto the leaves and stem tips; instead, water along the edge of the pot to prevent stem and leaf rot.
Third, fertilizing: During the growing period, fertilizers should be applied based on the color and growth of the leaves, avoiding excessive fertilization, which can lead to leafy growth and affect blooming. Apply an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers before blooming to improve flower quality.
Fourth, as winter approaches, dig up the corms and hang them in a dry, well-ventilated place, or keep the potted plant in a warm indoor area to overwinter.
Fifth, disease prevention: During hot and dry periods, four-season Begonia is prone to root rot and stem rot. It is important to control watering and spray carbendazim for prevention at the early stage. Continuous use can show therapeutic effects.
Sixth, winter and summer management: Due to temperature influences, growth is relatively slow in winter and summer, requiring enhanced management of fertilization and watering.
Seventh, sunlight: During the hot summer, it is crucial to prevent four-season Begonia from direct sunlight to avoid sunburn.
Eighth, after the flowers fade, be sure to remove the heart and deadheading to promote more vigorous growth.
Ninth, pest control: The common pest for four-season Begonia is the leaf roller caterpillar, which feeds on tender leaves and flowers, directly affecting growth and flowering. For minor infestations, manual removal is recommended; for severe cases, spray with a diluted carbaryl solution.
Tenth, pot placement: The pot should be placed in a semi-shaded area on the balcony or courtyard, avoiding direct sunlight and ensuring proper ventilation. After planting for half a month, apply a decomposed fertilizer solution, and during the growing period, apply a light fertilizer solution every 20-30 days. In winter, move the plant indoors to a sunny area, ensuring the minimum temperature does not drop below 10 degrees Celsius.
Precautions
① Fertilization: During the growing seasons of spring and autumn, follow the principle of applying thin and frequent fertilizers, mainly using decomposed organic fertilizers or inorganic fertilizer soaking solutions. Apply more nitrogenous fertilizers during the seedling stage to promote branch and leaf growth, and more phosphorus fertilizers during the flowering stage to encourage more flower buds, resulting in more and brighter flowers. If the plant lacks fertilizer, it may wither or even die.
② Watering: During the vigorous growth period in spring and autumn, the soil needs to contain more moisture, with timely watering to maintain humidity.
③ Summer and winter management: Due to temperature influences, growth is slow in summer and winter, requiring enhanced management of fertilization and watering. During the hot summer, take measures to avoid direct sunlight and reduce temperatures, creating a small environment below 30 degrees Celsius. Keep the potting soil appropriately moist; too wet can cause root rot, and too dry can lead to leaf wilting. Just keep it slightly moist. If excessive fertilizer is applied during this period, it can cause tender stems or rot. As long as the temperature in winter is maintained above 10 degrees Celsius, the plant can safely overwinter. If the temperature can be controlled between 30 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius, with appropriate watering and moderate fertilization, the plant will be healthy and can bloom continuously throughout the year.
The comprehensive knowledge on the cultivation methods and precautions for four-season Begonia is hoped to be of help to you.