How to Care for Newly Purchased Rieger Begonias
Beginner gardeners are often attracted to the brilliant double-petaled flowers of Rieger begonias, but are unsure of how to properly care for them. This temperate ornamental flower has high requirements for its growing environment. Mastering key techniques such as soil mixture ratio and temperature and humidity control is essential to keep it blooming all year round.
Ⅰ. Key Elements of Root System Cultivation
1.1 Soil Matrix Mixing
Rieger begonias prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH value of 5.5-6.5. It is recommended to use a golden ratio of garden soil: pine needle soil: perlite = 3:4:3. Pine needle soil can adjust the pH value and increase the humus content. If pine needle soil is not available, you can use a 1% ferrous sulfate solution to water and adjust monthly.
1.2 Potting Tips
Newly purchased plants should be acclimated for 7 days before repotting, and it's best to choose a ceramic pot 5cm larger than the original. Keep 1/3 of the original soil to protect the roots when repotting, and lay 3cm of ceramic stones at the bottom to enhance drainage, which can prevent root rot.
Ⅱ. Accurate Control of Growing Environment
2.1 Temperature and Light Management System
Maintain an ideal temperature of 18-25°C in spring and autumn, shade 50% in summer and keep it ventilated, and do not let it drop below 8°C in winter. Ensure 4 hours of scattered light every day, and rotate the pot to evenly expose the plant to light.
2.2 Humidity Adjustment Techniques
Use a humidifier to maintain 60%-70% air humidity, or use the immersion pot method: place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and add water to half the height of the stones. Be careful to avoid waterlogging on the leaves that can cause gray mold disease.
Ⅲ. Water and Fertilizer Management
3.1 Scientific Watering Schedule
Water thoroughly every 5-7 days in spring and autumn, once every 3 days in summer (in the morning), and extend to every 10-15 days in winter. You can use the bamboo stake test: insert it into the soil for 2 minutes, and if there's no sticky soil when pulled out, it's time to water.
3.2 Nutrition Supplement Plan
Use "Flower More No. 1" (NPK 20-20-20) diluted 1500 times during the growing period, applied every half month. During the budding period, switch to monopotassium phosphate (1:1000), combined with EM bacteria solution to enhance absorption efficiency.
Ⅳ. Secrets to Prolonging Blooming Period
4.1 Post-Blooming Pruning Tips
After flowering, prune to keep 2-3 nodes at the base and apply wood ash or carbendazim to the cut. Removing the withered flowers in time can reduce nutrient consumption, promote the differentiation of lateral buds, and achieve 3-4 blooming periods throughout the year.
4.2 Summer and Winter Protection
Stop fertilizing and control watering during the high summer temperatures, and move it to a north-facing windowsill for care. In winter, use a simple greenhouse made of insulation film and cover with a bag at night to effectively prevent frost damage.
By systematically mastering the key points of caring for Rieger begonias, even gardening beginners can cultivate lush and flowering plants. It is recommended to keep a care log to record temperature and humidity changes and the plant's condition, gradually accumulating personalized care experience.