Reproduction of decorative leafy begonia
Decorative leafy begonia attracts flower growers with its unusual appearance. A gorgeous bush with leaves of various shapes and colors - what more could you want to decorate a windowsill? This kind of begonias also has flowers, but they lose in beauty to the leaves. Moreover, in order for the plant to grow as a large bush, they are recommended to be cut off when the begonia is just beginning to bloom.
Features of cultivation of decorative leafy begonias
In order for begonia to please with its colors and shapes, you need to follow several rules:
- when planting a plant, choose a soil with neutral acidity, for this add peat, sand and humus;
- since begonia grows in width, pick up a shallow flowerpot, but wide enough so that the flower is more stable and does not turn the pot over when it grows;
- water with settled or boiled water as the top layer of the soil dries out, avoiding stagnation of water in the pan;
- exclude spraying of leaves and draft;
- put the pot on a windowsill with indirect sunlight, since a lack or excess of light will lead to the leaves losing their color and variegated color;
- transplant begonias in the spring as the pot is filled with roots, then too long old stems should be cut.
The easiest way to propagate this type of begonias is by deciduous cuttings. A more difficult and time-consuming way is to sow seeds. And when transplanting a flower in the spring, you can divide an old overgrown bush into several new ones.
Propagation of begonias by cuttings
Cut off the formed healthy begonia leaf together with the leg and place in a glass of water until the roots appear. It will take a week or two, and if you "forget" the cutting in water for a month, it will give new leaves.
Plant a rooted leaf in a small pot with mandatory drainage and loose soil so that it grows and gets stronger. When several young leaves appear (after about 2-3 months), transplant the young begonia to a permanent place in a larger pot.
The most favorable time for grafting is April, and for transplanting shoots - October.
How to propagate decorative begonias by seeds
In the month of February, sow begonia seeds in specially prepared soil, while you do not need to cover it with earth from above. It is very convenient to sow such small seeds into peat tablets - one seed in each. Cover with foil on top. The land is not watered from a watering can, a simple spraying is enough. Put the greenhouse on a lighted windowsill.
After the emergence of seedlings, they are hardened, gradually increasing the residence time with the lid open. Remove the film completely over time. When the sprouts have 2-3 young leaves, transplant them into a larger container, while planting the bushes at a distance. After two months, transplant the young begonias into separate flowerpots, and when they grow well and get stronger - to a permanent place.
Using the bush division method
Over time, an ornamental-deciduous begonia grows too thick a crown, as well as a root system.In this case, when transplanting a flower in spring, the bush can be divided: remove it from the flowerpot, carefully disconnect it into parts and immediately plant new bushes in a permanent place.