The birthplace of begonia. Description and species of the plant

Begonia is one of the most popular indoor plants in our country. Some of its varieties are bred because of very beautiful leaves, some due to spectacular flowers. Of course, in order for this plant, planted in a pot on the windowsill, to please the eye, it is necessary to look after it correctly.

Mother-country begonia

The main distribution area of this plant in the wild is the tropics and subtropics of Africa, Asia and America. Most of the varieties of begonia grow in damp, dense forests. However, you can meet her and high in the mountains, and on rocks, and even on other plants. Unfortunately, nothing is known about where it was first found. There is only a legend according to which monk Plushie brought begonia in the 17th century from the island of Haiti. Since this expedition was organized by the famous at that time rare plant collector Governor Begon, a new exotic flower was named in his honor.

So, we will assume that the birthplace of the begonia of the room is the sunny island of Haiti. What are the characteristics of this plant and what are its most popular varieties? Let's look at this in more detail.

Characteristics

The birthplace of begonia, a houseplant loved by many, is the solar and wet regions of the world's largest continents. This determines the diversity of their appearance. However, there are several common features on which it is possible to distinguish exactly begonia. This is primarily a juicy stem with two stipules and asymmetric leaves. The flowers of these houseplants are collected in the inflorescence, and the fruit is a triangular box with many small seeds.

Since the birthplace of begonia is room (photo of this wonderful plant can be seen on this page) - hot countries, its flowers are also rich in colors. There are specimens with terry, camelliform or usual colors - yellow, white, pink, orange, etc. Of course, most modern varieties are artificially derived. However, in the wild, begonia blossoms quite effectively. As already mentioned, some forms of this plant are bred also because of beautiful leaves, the color of which can vary from bright green to bronze or red.

The main varieties

At the moment, in the apartments of fans of flower growers you can find such kinds of begonias :

• With decorative leaves;
• With beautiful flowers;
• Shrubby.

There are also lianas, reaching a length of three meters. However, as indoor plants such forms are used quite rarely.

The most popular varieties and hybrids are:

• Royal Begonia. It is one of the most exotic species with very beautiful colorful leaves.
• Tiger begonia. A plant with large patchy green leaves. The homeland of the begonia of the tiger is also a humid tropical forest. This is a very bright and beautiful variety, hence its popularity.
• Eternally flowering. Also quite spectacular view.
• Coral.

Begonia with beautiful leaves

The homeland of the begonia of this form is damp, dense forests, in which the sunlight on its leaves after the rain falls quite rarely. Therefore, it is necessary to water such begonias only in the morning or in the evening. Otherwise their leaves due to burns very quickly lose their attractive appearance. Virtually all varieties of such begonias need an annual transplant. Plants of this variety multiply by leaf cuttings or division.

Beautifully flowering begonia

Lighting this form requires quite good. However, like all kinds of begonia, beautifully flowering must be covered from direct sunlight. In addition, this form requires abundant watering, especially during the flowering period. There are both common and bulbous varieties. The first often bloom all year round. Bulbous begonias usually have a period of rest. In winter they are transferred to a cool room. The birthplace of begonia (houseplant with beautiful flowers) of this variety is also warm regions of America, Asia or Africa. During flowering, flowering forms should be fed.

Royal Begonia

The birthplace of the begonia of the room of this species is India (Assam). Its large leaves can be painted in a variety of colors. Sometimes they are cut through bright veins, sometimes they are covered with spectacular spots of unusual shapes - pink, silvery, purple, cream-green, silvery, etc. The roots of this begonia are very close to the surface of the earth, and therefore plant this plant in shallow containers . Blooming royal begonia is not too beautiful. Its inflorescences on long stems are experienced lovers of houseplants recommend to remove. This will only increase the decorative value of the plant.

Evergreen Begonia

This is one of the most unpretentious species. Those who do not have time for too thorough and careful care of indoor plants, it will do the best. Homeland of begonia of evergreen - Brazil. In 1821, it was from this country that she was first brought to the Berlin Botanical Garden. In addition to being unpretentious, the main advantage of this variety is the ability to blossom all year round. Hence its name actually went. Until recently, ever-flowering begonia was used mainly to decorate flower beds. However, a lot of hybrids have been developed now, they feel very good in pots in room conditions.

Tiger variety

The homeland of the begonia of the tiger is the tropics, and therefore, like all other species, she loves copious watering and scattered bright sunlight. It represents a hybrid of the famous beauty - beguiny Bauer. Its main distinguishing feature is very large leaves of a saturated green color with effectively located brown or salad spots. Like the royal begonia, flowers of this variety of decorative value do not represent. Therefore, they are recommended for plucking.

Coral begonia

In this variety, both leaves and flowers have decorative value. This is precisely what explains its popularity. Homeland begonias coral, as well as evergreen, - Brazil. This is a direct growing, quite high (up to a meter) variety. Her green leaves with interesting white and silvery specks from below in the summer turn red. This is what determined the name of coral begonia. This species is also considered rather unpretentious. The only thing - owners of coral begonia should not forget about watering.

How to care

So, as you already understood, begonia is a plant not indifferent to good watering and bright scattered light. The motherland of begonia and the composition of the soil - things are also interrelated. Since the soil in the tropical forests is saturated with rotted plant remains, at home, all varieties of these indoor flowers for fertilizers respond very well.

Place Begonia should be in the immediate vicinity of the windows, but so that direct sunlight on their leaves and flowers do not fall. Watering these houseplants in the summer period should be periodically, avoiding the drying of the soil. Too frequent moisturizing for these flowers is also fatal, so do not overdo it. In winter, the frequency of irrigation is slightly reduced.

Fertilize begonia usually only in spring and summer, every two weeks. Very good for them are the usual complex top dressings for decorative flowers. Plant these plants in a loose and nutritious soil. Its composition can be approximately the following: leaf earth and peat (2 parts each), coarse sand (1 part).

As you can see, the plant is quite unpretentious and at the same time it is distinguished by high decorative qualities. It is definitely worth using it for decorating apartments and offices. This applies to both beautifully flowering forms, and varieties with spectacular leaves.