Begonias in their chic variety - the true decoration of window sills around the world. Fans of home flora have long appreciated these exotic flowers originally from the tropics.
One of the most popular and familiar to each type of begonia is begonia hogshevikolistnaya. This indoor plant is grown by many, but visually it is familiar, probably, to everyone. With all this - it does not bother and remains loved by the people.
The botanical name “borshevikolistnaya” emphasizes the main feature of its structure - the shape of large leaf blades resembling hogweed leaves - a very common and surviving plant of temperate Eurasia.
Botanical description
Begonia heracleifolia - hornberry-begonia colony - a plant of the Begonia family. Originally from the tropics of South America. It is a herbaceous plant with a thick stem lying on the ground. The leaves are on succulent long petioles, the shape, as the name implies, resembles the leaves of a Sorsovskian hogweed or the palm with spread fingers. Green leaves with lighter streaks on them and reddish cuttings are the main advantage of this begonia, it is they who provide its decorative effect. The underside of the leaves is pubescent, pale green or brownish-red. You will learn about all types of decorative leafy begonias in a separate article.
Begonia borschavikolistnaya blooms pinkish flowers, gathered in a brush on a high peduncle. Flowering - from February to April. Flowers are pleasant in appearance, but some experts recommend removing flower stalks - so as not to take away the vitality from beautiful large leaves. Plant height reaches 40 cm, and in the volume of the bush - up to 60-70 cm.
There is also a variation of this begonia - black-leaved borschikolistnaya (Begonia heracleifolia var, nigricans). It has very dark leaves with light green veins. Also a very interesting decorative variation.
A photo
See how it looks in the photo this beautiful plant with large leaves.
Where is it better to plant a houseplant?
Begonias are quite light-loving plants. But - with a reservation: direct sunlight damages and burns their tender leaves. Open shadow, diffused lighting - these are the best options for them. The east or west window is the right place to place the plant.
Suitable soil
Picking up the soil, you can go two ways. The first is to buy a special primer for begonias in a flower shop. The second is to make a soil mix by yourself. For example, according to this recipe: part of the sod land, part of the sheet and part of the river sand, plus vermiculite and perlite.
Home care
Try to protect your begonia from solid temperature drops. The plant is still from southern latitudes, so the best option is to maintain a warm, but not hot temperature. In spring and summer - from 17 to 22 degrees, in winter - 15-17 heat, but not lower.
Hogweed begonia is a plant that loves moisture. But this also needs moderation. Dry soil is bad, and a “flooded” plant is no better. The roots can rot, and the plant will disappear. Therefore, take care to maintain the normal soil moisture, before the next watering its top layer should dry out. The soil should be loose, with good drainage. In winter, watering must be reduced.
Another tip for creating a wet microclimate for begonias. You can put small pebbles or expanded clay in the pan under the begonia container and periodically moisten it well. When the plant blooms, it will be good to feed it with special liquid fertilizers for decorative flora. Make the feeding you need three or four times during the flowering begonias.
Transfer
It is necessary to take into account several nuances.
First, you need a suitable pot: not as deep as wide. After all, the root system of begonias does not go deep, but develops on the surface. Besides, need free space for the planting stalk. Therefore, you need to select the appropriate capacity.
When transplanting pay attention: the growth point of the begonia on the stem should be on the surface. To transplant begonias borschavikolistnye optimal in late winter - early spring.
Young specimens are transplanted into a larger pot annually, adults - about once every two years.
Diseases and pests
- Mealy dew. Fungal disease. White scurf appears on the leaves and other parts of the plant - it is the mycelium of the fungus. Ways of struggle - removal of the affected parts of begonia and treatment with antifungal drugs (fungicides).
- Gray rot. Also a fungal disease, dry light brown spots are formed on the plant. Antifungal preparations will also help here.
- Root and leaf rot. May also arise from the "Gulf" of the plant and too low temperature, unsuitable for begonias. It is necessary to optimize the conditions. If the plant is too spoiled - it is better to get rid of him, pre-rooting cuttings or leaves. Make sure they are cut from shoots that are not affected by adversity.
- The most common parasites of the begonia are the mealybug and whitefly. You can use insecticides from the store, and you can try to handle home remedies. That is, to treat the plant with a solution of household soap. This tool can be used against powdery mildew.
Breeding
The reproduction of begonia borschivikolistnoy - an easy process. Leaves (and even parts of them), cuttings, seeds, and the division of a bush can be used as well.
The division of the bush can be made at the next transplant. Carefully separate the large bush with a sharp knife into several separate parts with roots and plant in different containers.
Leaf cuttings are also a very popular and easy way. The cut leaf with the handle is placed in a glass of water. After the appearance of the roots - planted in the ground (you will need to add more sand) and cover with foil. It creates a kind of greenhouse, which is regularly opened for watering and ventilation of a small plant. After the leaf has taken root and new shoots have appeared, begonia is transplanted into a container with usual soil.
Not everyone knows about reproduction by parts of leaves, but this is a very interesting way. The cut leaf with a blade starting from the middle is cut into triangular sectors, each of which must contain one or two vascular streaks. Leaf slices are placed on moist soil (the lower part can be lightly sprinkled with soil), and a greenhouse is made from above. Periodically we air and moisten. A month or so later, a piece of leaf will give leaves, and a new plant will be born before your eyes.
Can say that Borschavikolistnaya is one of the most undemanding to care in a large family of homemade begonias. If you like begonias and you are thinking about building a rich collection, then it is best to start with the honeyspheric begonia. A little "practice" on this begonia, you will get the necessary experience in the maintenance of such plants and be able to move to more capricious species.
