Begonia decorative foliage non-blooming: what kind of houseplant is this, the nuances of care and reproduction at home, as well as photos with the names of varieties

How many words have already been said about begonia. It is bright, colorful, extraordinary, spectacular. So many different varieties and species have been bred that it is easy to get lost in this variety.

But as they say, "to taste and color - there are no comrades." Some people like flowering plants, while others, on the contrary, prefer begonias with unusual forms of foliage. But decorative and deciduous varieties of this flower are a great variety.

The story of a houseplant

Begonia has been known all over the world since the distant 18th century.when a researcher in the field of botany, Charles Plumier went in search of previously unknown species of flora. So in one of his travels in South America, Plumye discovered a flower of amazing beauty and named a new plant in honor of his friend Michel Begon. He did this in gratitude for the financial assistance provided to the expedition. This moment is considered a reference point for the further distribution and modification of begonia.

Hardwood Description

A variety of varieties is amazing. Decorative flowering varieties have long been popular, but after years, the fashion for flowers has changed. Now decorative and deciduous plant species are no less in demand.

On a note. Deciduous begonia is a perennial that differs from other subspecies by creeping rhizome.

The foliage of indoor flowers is painted in olive, light green, emerald, burgundy, brown, chocolate shades. On the leaves, you can often see different spots, stripes, stains, differing in color from the main tone.

Depending on the variety of decorative foliage or, as it is also called, leaf begonia, the shapes of the leaves differ in their appearance and are:

round;
pointy;
spiral;
with serrated edges.

Stems and foliage are covered with short hairs. Inflorescences of this species are small, which do not carry any decorative value. The height of the bush reaches 30-40 cm. The most common species is considered Royal or Rex begonia.

How to grow at home?

Location and Lighting

Plants with copious foliage are in dire need of intense light. With a lack of lighting, the leaves turn pale, dry. But direct sunlight is also detrimental. In the summer, during the sultry hours of the day, the plant should be protected from the scorching sun by making a shadow, or rearranging to another, cooler window. In autumn, the indoor flower can be returned to the place, on the south side.

Pay attention to the crown of begonia, it will be one-sided, tilted to the window, if the light enters the plant exclusively from one side. This becomes especially noticeable when daylight hours and flower growth rates increase.

Important! Do not forget to turn the pot every week.

The soil

Soil must be selected slightly acidic, and best of all with a neutral pH. Necessarily saturated with minerals and trace elements. It’s realistic to make such a soil on your own, for this it’s worth connecting the sheet earth, sand, humus.

All components are pre-disinfected. For friable effect, you can add more perlite.

Planting and rejuvenating a leaf plant

Every year, a room flower needs a transplant. Do this in early spring, when the plant begins to slightly resume growth. Transplanting is important, because over time, the flower becomes crowded in the old pot.

First of all, a flowerpot is selected in diameter larger than the previous one, but not deep, so that liquid stagnation does not occur.
We clean the begonia stem from dry, unnecessary leaves.
The roots are inspected for visible damage.
The bottom of the pot should be covered with a drainage layer.
After, carefully place the plant in a pot, sprinkle with soil and slightly moisturize.

An unusual composition will be if you plant several varieties of decorative and deciduous begonias in one flowerpot.

Daily care

Begonia is a tropical beauty that is not easy to be in our conditions. For active growth and attractive appearance, the following parameters should be provided:

Comfortable temperature is considered to be +20 to + 24 ° С. Regular air exchange is required, but do not leave the flower in a draft. Temperature differences can adversely affect its condition.
Begonia does not accept dry indoor air. The greatest need for humidity falls in autumn and winter. Then, when you turn on the radiators, the leaves begin to dry out due to lack of moisture. Humidity in the room varies between 50-70%.
You can maintain these parameters using a spray gun, spraying water near the plant. However, in this case, one should be careful.
Note! Liquid on the leaves can lead to the development of diseases or the formation of ugly spots.
The best way to increase overall humidity is to use a household humidifier.
Moisturizing begonias should be carried out regularly. In the heat it is better to moisturize daily. Overflow can be avoided with good drainage. Use only soft, settled, or filtered water. It is desirable that it be acidified, with the addition of lemon juice.
Leafy begonia should be fed in the summer and spring. The procedure is done once every couple of weeks, preferably with water-soluble fertilizers. They bring them along with watering. Before applying mineral additives, it is first advisable to water the soil, and then to top dress.
This will reduce the risk of chemical burns to the root system from fertilizers. Well-recommended drug for decorative and deciduous plants, "Mr. Color." Dosage: dilute ½ cap in 1 liter of water.
Before the start of the active growth phase, approximately February-March, pinch the tips of the begonia, new shoots are sent to the rhizome. They do this in order to form a beautiful crown shape, stimulating young shoots to develop.
In the winter period, the temperature should maintain at least + 15-18 ° С. High temperature helps reduce indoor humidity. Minimum humidification, to feed, should not be.

Photo

Below are photos with the names of various types of non-flowering leaf begonia.

Begonia royal Rex (lat. Begonia Rex)

Begonia Metallica (lat. Begonia Metallica)

Begonia brindle Bauer (Latin Begonia tiger Paws, Begonia Bowerae)

Begonia Mason (lat. Begonia Masoniana)

Begonia Cleopatra (lat. Begonia Cleopatra)

Common diseases

Deciduous begonia, like other indoor plants, is susceptible to disease. The main reason for this is a violation of the correct indoor climate. High humidity, lack of ventilation can become the causes of the development of powdery mildew.

Important! Excess moisture and lower temperature conditions make it possible for another fungal disease to appear - gray rot. Which initially damages the roots of the plant, and then spreads to leaves, stems.

Fight similar problems with a fungicide solution. And in the future, regularly take preventive measures: loosening the soil, timely proper watering, ventilation, optimal illumination, comfortable humidity and temperature.

Pests

Pest insects enter the house with land, flowers, unwashed fruits, vegetables. In summer, aphids attack begonia. A spider mite feels rather well in dry air. Pest control drugs "Doctor Foley", "Actellik."

As a precaution against bad insects, it is important to wipe the begonia leaves from dust and dirt with a dry cloth. Inspect the plant at least 2 times a month. In case of serious damage to the flower - they are treated with insecticides. For example, the drug "Aktara", dilute 1 g per liter of liquid.

How is reproduction carried out?

The basic principles of begonia breeding are seeds, cuttings, or division of the root system.

Seeds For beginner amateur gardeners, the seed method will seem difficult.
1. Seeds are sown at the end of winter in a tank with drainage.
2. Pots with future seedlings should be in greenhouse conditions.
3. After 3 weeks, the first shoots appear.
4. The first leaves will be green in color, over time they will acquire a color corresponding to the variety.
Vegetative way.
1. For breeding, it is important to take a healthy, strong parent element, it can be a stalk, leaf, part of the leaf.
2. A leaf of about 5 cm will be placed in water or in moist soil, until the roots appear.
3. Especially the process occurs quickly if growth stimulants are used. Preparations such as "Kornevin", "Zircon".
4. It is also important to create a greenhouse effect for plants.
The division of rhizomes is carried out during the period of planting or transplanting a plant.
1. Part of the root is planted in a previously prepared soil mixture.
2. Leave in a room with a temperature of + 20-24 ° C.
3. After 2-3 weeks, young sprouts hatch.

There is an opinion that the decorative and deciduous varieties of begonias absorb all the negative energy in the house. It also works as a cleaner, helping in the fight against bacteria, bad microorganisms in the air. Therefore, plant this plant, it is great for home and office.