1. Begonia Plants
Cultivation and Care of Begonias
Water and fertilizer management are key to successful four-season begonia cultivation.
Watering requirements emphasize “two more, two less.” Spring and autumn are the growing and flowering seasons.
Water appropriately, and keep the soil slightly moist. During summer and winter, when four-season begonias experience semi-dormant or dormant periods, water can be reduced, allowing the soil to dry out slightly. Winter watering is especially important, and the soil should be kept slightly dry.
Watering timing also varies depending on the season. In winter, water in the sun around noon. In summer, water in the morning or evening, minimizing the temperature difference between the air and the soil, which is beneficial for plant growth.
The principle of watering is “don’t water unless the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when it’s dry.” During the growing season, begonias should be fertilized every 10 to 15 days with a 20% fermented soybean cake solution, rapeseed cake solution, chicken or pigeon manure solution, or human feces and urine. When fertilizing, adhere to the principle of “small amounts of fertilizer, frequent applications.” Overly concentrated fertilizer or incompletely fermented raw fertilizer can cause fertilizer damage, ranging from leaf scorch to plant death. After fertilizing, spray the plant with water to prevent fertilizer from sticking to the leaves and causing yellowing. During the slow growth periods of summer and winter, reduce or eliminate fertilization to prevent rot caused by tender stems and leaves and reduced resistance to heat and cold. Another key aspect of begonia care is pinching. Like jasmine and roses, pinching the remaining flowers after they fade will encourage more branching and flowering.
If pinching and pruning are neglected, the plant will easily grow slender, with an unattractive shape and fewer flowers.
After Qingming Festival, potted plants can be moved outdoors under a shade shed for maintenance.
In East China, they should be maintained under full-day shade from April to October, but it is best to have some sunlight in the morning and evening. If the leaves are found to be curled and scorched, this is a symptom of sunburn.
After the Frost Descent, they must be moved indoors to protect them from freezing and keep warm, otherwise they will freeze to death if exposed to frost. Indoor furnishings should be placed in a sunny location.
If the room temperature remains above 15°C and topdressing is applied, it will continue to bloom.
Key points for cultivation and propagation methods: Propagation methods vary depending on the type, including sowing, cuttings, dividing tubers, and dividing rhizomes. It prefers shade and humidity and avoids high temperatures in summer. Growth is poor when temperatures exceed 32°C. Topdressing should be applied before flowering, and watering should be gradually increased. Watering should be reduced after flowering. Begonias, which have fibrous roots, should be pruned after flowering to promote further flowering. A Brief History of Cultivation and Flower Culture: Begonias are native to Brazil in South America. The original species of Begonia was discovered in the soil of plants imported from Brazil to the Berlin Botanical Garden in 1821. It was introduced to Europe in 1828, and in 1878, breeders successfully hybridized the species, giving rise to the distinctive characteristics of modern Begonias. This resulted in the multi-source hybridization of Begonias. Begonias are found worldwide, from tropical to subtropical regions, with the exception of Australia. Common propagation methods include sowing and cuttings. Seeding: In East China, the most suitable seasons are generally April and May in spring and August and September in autumn.
The seeds should be evenly spread on the fine mud in the pot (no need to cover with soil).
Then use the bottom of the pot to absorb enough water, then cover it with a piece of glass and place it in a semi-shaded place. It will germinate after 10 days.
Seedlings sown in spring will bloom in the autumn of the same year.
Cutting method: It can be carried out all year round, but the branches are relatively few after the seedlings are established. Except for double-petal varieties, this method is generally not used for propagation.
(4) Uses: Four-season begonia has a long flowering period, a variety of flower colors, and rich variations. It is a flower with beautiful flowers and leaves.
It is suitable for outdoor cultivation in gardens, flower beds, etc., and is also a good choice for decoration of indoor desks, coffee tables, desks and shop windows.
① Fertilizer.
During the spring and autumn growing seasons, it is necessary to follow the principle of applying thin fertilizers frequently, mainly applying decomposed and odorless organic thin fertilizer water or inorganic fertilizer soaked liquid.
Apply more nitrogen fertilizer during the seedling growth stage to promote branch and leaf growth. Apply more phosphorus fertilizer during the bud and flowering stages to encourage more buds and brighter flowers. Lack of fertilizer will cause the plant to wither or even die.
② Water.
During the peak growth period in spring and autumn, the soil needs to contain more moisture. Water regularly to keep it moist.
③ Summer and winter management.
Due to the influence of temperature, growth is slow in summer and winter, so intensive fertilizer and water management is required.
During the hot summer months, avoid direct sunlight and maintain a low temperature environment below 30°C. Maintain the soil in the pot at the right moisture level. Excessive moisture can cause root rot, while excessive dryness can cause leaf wilt. Just slightly moist is sufficient. Excessive fertilizer application during this period can cause stem and leaf tenderness or rot.
As long as the winter temperature remains above 10°C, the plant can safely overwinter.
During summer and winter care, if the temperature is kept below 30°C and above 10°C, watering is done at the right temperature, and fertilization is appropriate, the plant will thrive and bloom continuously year-round.
The Four-Season Begonia, also known as Begonia or Melon Seed Begonia, is native to Brazil and is now cultivated throughout my country.
It is a perennial herbaceous plant with fibrous roots in the Begoniaceae family.
It is a beautiful potted ornamental plant with a delicate and graceful figure, delicate and bright leaves, and clusters of flowers that bloom year-round, creating a unique and charming elegance.
The Four-Season Begonia prefers warm, humid, and semi-shady environments. It is sensitive to both dryness and waterlogging, and is both sensitive to high temperatures and cold.
It requires humus-rich, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic sandy loam.
Pots are best planted in spring and autumn. As the plant grows, pinch off the top when 5-6 true leaves appear to promote branching.
The four-season begonia has a well-developed root system and vigorous growth, requiring a high amount of water during its growing season. It thrives best in a semi-shaded, warm environment with a relative humidity above 80%.
Cultivation.
The key to caring for the four-season begonia is to maintain a high humidity level without allowing the soil to become overly wet. Maintaining a high relative humidity is recommended, and the leaves and the area around the pot can be misted frequently with water. Watering should ensure the soil is moistened and dry. Be especially careful not to allow the soil to become waterlogged. Chronically overly wet soil can cause root rot and even the death of the plant.
The four-season begonia pot can be placed in a semi-shaded area on a balcony or patio, ensuring shade and avoiding direct sunlight. During the hot summer months, the plant enters a dormant state. Watering should be limited, and the plant should be placed in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Apply well-rotted fertilizer and water to the begonia two weeks after potting. Apply light fertilizer and water every 20-30 days during the growing season. After the initial blooms, reduce nitrogen fertilizer and increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. After flowering, except for seed plants, the plants should be topped and pinched to control their shape and promote branching. Water them regularly, and apply topdressing after new branches emerge. Move them indoors for the winter and overwinter in a sunny location. The minimum temperature should not drop below 1… How to Grow Begonias, Begonia Cultivation Methods and Precautions 1. Soil: Begonias require humus-rich, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic sandy loam. 2. Watering: When watering begonias, maintain a high humidity level while avoiding excessive moisture in the soil. To maintain high humidity, spray the leaves and the area around the pot with a mist of water frequently. Water only when the soil is dry and avoid waterlogging. Chronically overly wet soil can cause root rot and even the death of the plant. 3. Sunlight: Begonias prefer a warm, humid environment and are sensitive to direct sunlight. They prefer semi-shaded areas. They are best in warmer months with diffused light, while they require ample sunlight in winter. Flowering in bulbous begonias is inhibited in short-day conditions, while long-day conditions promote flowering. 4. Pruning: Pinch the tops of begonias when they are 6 cm tall to promote branching and enhance the overall plant’s ornamental value. Light pruning should be performed approximately 45 days before flowering to encourage early flowering. Pruning after the plant is established can delay flowering.
After flowering, promptly cut off the remaining flowers and the section of tender stem connecting the remaining flowers to promote the germination of axillary buds on the lower branches. About 10 days after cutting, the tender branches will bud and bloom.
5. Fertilization: Begonias need more watering and fertilizer during their growth period.
Half a month after potting, apply a well-rotted cake fertilizer solution once. In the following growth period, apply a light fertilizer solution every 20-30 days. After the initial flowers appear, reduce the nitrogen fertilizer and increase the phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.
6. Pests: Common pests and diseases of begonias are leaf rollers. The larvae of this insect feed on tender leaves and flowers, directly affecting the growth and flowering of the plant.
When a small amount of infestation occurs, it can be captured manually; in severe cases, it can be sprayed with a diluted solution of dimethoate for prevention and control.
How to grow large-leaf begonias? Growing a large-leaf begonia: A cultivated variety of the four-season begonia, the large-leaf begonia thrives in sunlight. With constant sunlight, its leaves will turn from emerald green to deep red. However, if placed in semi-shade, the leaves will remain emerald green. If you prefer a deep red foliage, place it on a windowsill with constant sunlight. If you prefer emerald green leaves, place it in a living room with diffused light. Large-leaf begonias are not tolerant to severe cold and frost. When placed outdoors, ensure they are kept warm and moved indoors as soon as possible. The low temperatures of late autumn can easily cause the leaves to dry out and fall off. The dry climate of spring and summer means that large-leaf begonias experience a high rate of water evaporation from their leaves. During this period, it is important to ensure a sufficient supply of water. Lack of water can cause leaf scorching and leaf drop. Even in northern regions with heating, even in dry winters, keep the soil moist. When watering, ensure good soil drainage and avoid waterlogging in the pot.
Make sure to regularly spray the leaves with water. This not only increases humidity but also cleanses the leaves, keeping the entire plant looking vibrant and full of life.
Large-leaf crabapples bloom year-round and require a large amount of fertilizer. During their growth period, it’s important to replenish fertilizer and water. It’s best to topdress the roots with homemade organic fertilizer about once a month.
Large-leaf crabapples grow very quickly if properly cared for.
I once saw a large-leaf crabapple that reached the roof of a friend’s house. He used sticks to support and tie the branches, resulting in a majestic tree that took up half the balcony.
This care method isn’t suitable for those with smaller indoor spaces who want to grow more flowers and plants.
It’s best to pinch the crabapple plant when it reaches about 30 cm to encourage side branches and form a fuller plant. This way, each branch will bloom, creating a profusion of flowers that is also very beautiful.
In addition, the branches of the large-leafed begonia are very fragile. Once they reach a certain height, they must be supported by a trellis, otherwise they will easily break.
The large-leafed begonia is very resilient and easy to propagate.
Cut a branch with leaves, place it in a vase, and soak it with clean water. New roots will sprout in a few days.
Then plant in loose, fertile, well-drained sandy soil (add an appropriate amount of well-rotted base fertilizer), and you’ll have a beautiful large-leafed begonia.
Cultivating the Large-leafed Begonia
The large-leafed begonia prefers sun but tolerates partial shade. It prefers warm, humid conditions and cannot tolerate severe cold or frost.
During the growing season, it can be placed on an east- or south-facing balcony or windowsill. Even in the strong sunlight of early summer, the leaves will not burn or turn red.
During the hottest and most intense summers, appropriate shade and watering should be provided to maintain continuous flowering.
If placed outdoors, bring the plant indoors before the Frost Descent. If placed on a balcony or windowsill, the time can be extended by about half a month.
Once indoors, place the plant in direct sunlight, and keep the room temperature above 5°C.
If a cold snap arrives and the temperature drops due to wind and snow, cover the plant with a plastic bag to prevent freezing and keep it warm.
Bigleaf crabapple thrives in loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam.
Water once or twice daily in spring and autumn, and once in the morning and evening in summer.
Apply liquid fertilizer every 7 to 10 days during the growing season, or compound fertilizer every 20 days or so. Fertilize less frequently and with a lighter concentration in midsummer.
Pinch the top of the plant when it reaches 30 cm in height to encourage lateral branches, develop a fuller plant shape, and promote abundant flowering.
Because the stem is fragile and easily broken, it should be protected by branches when it grows over 40 cm in height.
Like the original four-season begonia, the large-leaf begonia is propagated by sowing and cuttings.
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What are the cultivation methods for the bamboo begonia?
Temperature: It prefers warmth, with an optimum growth temperature of 18-20°C.
It is one of the more cold-tolerant begonias, but it still requires temperatures above 5°C to survive the winter.
At temperatures below 5°C, it loses its leaves. At 2°C, it loses a large number of leaves, and the branches turn yellow and die. However, the plant will still sprout and produce shoots the following spring from the remaining branches that died from the cold.
It is sensitive to extreme heat. When temperatures reach above 30°C, its growth slows and it enters a semi-dormant state.
Leaf drop is likely to occur if not properly cared for. Measures such as shading, foliar watering, and increased ventilation should be adopted to lower the temperature and create a relatively cool microclimate.
Light: This plant prefers ample diffuse light. With appropriate light, it develops strong stems, short internodes, numerous lateral branches, vibrant leaves, and vibrant flowers.
Avoid strong sunlight. Excessive sunlight can cause leaves to yellow, burn, and even fall.
It should also avoid excessive shade, as this will cause the plant to grow tall and thin, with sparse or even no flowering. In severe cases, it may even cause leaf drop.
From May to September, it should be shaded, blocking 50° to 60° of sunlight, or placed in an area with ample diffuse light.
At other times, it should receive ample sunlight. Flower buds are more likely to form in spring and autumn when there is ample sunlight.
Watering: This plant is drought-shy and prefers a moist soil environment. Water it frequently during the growing season, keeping the soil moist and neither too dry nor too wet. These conditions can affect root absorption and cause leaf, bud, and flower drop. Avoid excessive moisture and waterlogging, as this will cause root rot and death. During the high temperatures of summer, although the plant is semi-dormant, due to the high temperatures and large leaf area, watering should still adhere to the principle of “don’t water unless the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when you do,” but avoid waterlogging. In winter, water sparingly, keeping the soil slightly dry. Excessive watering can easily cause root rot and leaf drop. Humidity: Native to humid forests or ditch areas, it prefers a humid environment. The relative humidity should be no less than 50°C, ideally between 65°C and 70°C. When too dry, the leaves will curl up at the edges, turn yellow-brown, and even fall off. During the growing season, spray water on the branches and leaves and surrounding areas to increase the relative humidity. Spraying foliage in summer can also lower the temperature, promoting growth and flowering. Fertilization: Apply fertilizer every 10-15 days from April to June. Nitrogen-based fertilizers should be applied in early to mid-April to promote foliage growth. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be added during the bud formation period to promote bud formation and flowering. Fertilization should be discontinued during the flowering period. Because the plant has numerous and delicate roots, it is sensitive to fertilizer concentration. Apply small amounts frequently to avoid overly concentrated fertilizers. Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves when applying fertilizer, as this will burn them. Fertilization should be discontinued during summer semi-dormant periods. Autumn is another period of vigorous growth. Apply nitrogen-based fertilizers every 10-15 days, but discontinue nitrogen fertilizers after October. Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers twice to improve the plant’s cold tolerance. Fertilization should be discontinued in winter when temperatures fall below 10°C. Pruning: Pinching should be done during the seedling stage to promote branching and develop a fuller plant shape. Pruning should be performed in spring in conjunction with repotting. If the plant is too tall and affects its aesthetic shape, excessively tall branches can be pruned back to encourage new growth and control plant height. Since inflorescences form on new branches, pruning old branches when they reach an appropriate height will encourage plant renewal and promote future flowering. If the plant is tall and has many inflorescences, a support should be installed to prevent the branches from bending under weight. After the flowers fade, remove any remaining flowers and spent branches immediately to encourage new growth, ensuring more buds and more frequent flowering. Repotting: Repot once a year, preferably after the spring heat or in September.
Prefers a loose, organic-rich environment.
2. Herbaceous Begonia
The herbaceous begonia is actually called the Four Seasons Begonia, also known as the Four Seasons Begonia. It is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Begoniaceae family. It prefers sun, tolerates some shade, and is sensitive to cold. It prefers warm, slightly humid environments and moist soil, but is sensitive to heat and waterlogging. In summer, provide shade and ensure good ventilation and drainage. It primarily propagates by seed, supplemented by cuttings. Cuttings are propagated from August to December.
3. Common Begonias
There are thirteen species of begonia, the most common of which include the Western Begonia, the Stem-Stemmed Begonia, the Weeping Begonia, the Hubei Begonia, and the Papaya Begonia.
1. The Western Begonia is named after the ancient region where it grew. It is drought-tolerant, cold-resistant, and vulnerable to waterlogging, making it well-suited to northern China. Therefore, it is widely cultivated in northern China, including Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Gansu.
2. The flower stalks of the “sticky crabapple” are very short, or even absent, and its flowers often cling directly to the branches, hence the name. It is highly adaptable and can be grown anywhere, but it is more commonly cultivated in the south because it prefers the sun, which is abundant.
3. The flower stalks of the “weeping crabapple” are thin and long, and they point downward, hence its name. It prefers the sun and is neither cold nor drought tolerant, making it suitable for cultivation in the south. Cultivated in the north, temperature control is required to avoid winter frostbite.
4. A mature plant of the “Hubei crabapple” can reach eight meters in height. It possesses the characteristics common to all ornamental plants: drought, cold, and waterlogging tolerance, as well as a certain degree of resistance to pests and diseases. It is named “Hubei crabapple” because it originates from Yichang, Hubei.
4. There are no differences among the various types of crabapple flowers.
The Oriental Brocade, also known as the multi-colored crabapple, is characterized by its multi-color nature. A single plant can simultaneously produce bright red, pink, pure white, alternating red and white, alternating red and pink, or a white or pink background with varying widths of red stripes, lines, or dots. The number of flowers on a single branch varies from year to year, earning it the nickname “chameleon.” The Oriental Brocade’s ability to produce such a diverse array of flowers stems from the fact that it is a chimera, possessing two distinct genes. The Oriental Brocade variety is derived from a budding plant of a cultivar of the Chinese crabapple that only produces pure red flowers. Within this budding plant, only some of the somatic cells undergo a mutation. The new branch that grows from this bud is a chimera composed of the original plant’s unmutated cells and the mutated cells. These two cell types are distributed in a nearly fan-shaped pattern within the plant tissue, giving this chimera its name. Many multi-colored flowers are also chimeras, such as the Eighteen Scholars and the Five-Colored Red Dan among camellias, and the Five-Treasure Green Pearl among azaleas.
5. Begonia Flowers
Begonia, a plant of the genus Malus in the Rosaceae family, is a renowned ornamental plant native to my country. It can be grown as a bonsai for public viewing or planted along city streets for environmental beautification. They are primarily categorized as the Xifu, the tangerine, the weeping, and the papaya varieties. Their vibrant colors and graceful blooms make them highly ornamental. They not only enhance the environment but also enhance landscaping, making them suitable for roadside ornamental plants.
6. Begonia Plant Images
Differences: Different varieties
The Oriental Jin Begonia, also known as the Multi-Colored Begonia, gets its name from the variety of colors its flowers display. A single plant can simultaneously produce bright red, pink, and purple-red.
The Feather Jin Begonia is a member of the genus Chaenomeles in the Rosaceae family. Its flowers are double, with a white corolla striped with red, green filaments, and round, spoon-shaped petals. 7. Crabapple Plants Crabapple is the common name for various species of the genus Malus and several species of the genus Chaenomeles. Both Crabapple and Chaenomeles are shrubs or small trees in the Rosaceae family, renowned ornamental trees in China and cultivated throughout the country. Horticultural varieties include those with double pink and double white petals. Crabapple: A deciduous shrub to small tree, 2-6 meters tall; branches are erect with short thorns; twigs are cylindrical, slightly curved, glabrous, purple-brown, and sparsely covered with light brown lenticels. Leaves are elliptical, lanceolate, or obovate-lanceolate, 5-11 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. Flowers bloom before leaves, borne in clusters of 2-3 on biennial branches. Flowers are 2-4 cm in diameter. The calyx tube is bell-shaped, glabrous or slightly pubescent. The sepals are erect, ovate to elliptical. The petals are obovate or nearly round, 10-15 mm long and 8-15 mm wide, and light pink or white. The fruit is ovoid or nearly cylindrical, with a protuberance at the apex, 8-12 cm long and 6-7 cm wide, yellow with a reddish blush, and fragrant. Flowering occurs from March to May, and fruiting occurs from September to October.
8. Pictures of Crabapple Flowers
Many plants have flowers without fragrance. Flowering is necessary for reproduction. After flowering, pollination by wind and insects allows for fertilization, and fruiting occurs.
Plants that require insect pollination generally have brightly colored flowers, fragrance, or nectar glands to attract insects. Crabapple flowers already have bright colors and nectar glands, so fragrance is unnecessary, and therefore lack fragrance.
Some species rely on wind pollination, resulting in small flowers that often lack fragrance and are not vibrantly colored.
9. Viewing Crabapples
First, the crabapple’s most striking attribute is its “smiling charm.” my country is a land of flowers, boasting numerous renowned flowers, each with its own unique beauty and characteristics. However, only the crabapple can evoke a smile. Ancient poets, in their poetry, wrote of the crabapple: “A charming smile nestles among the bamboos, while the peach and plum trees teeming on the hills seem unremarkable.” This is why the flower motto of giving a crabapple to a friend has become a symbol of “I wish you happiness.”
Second, crabapples are robust and long-lived. In the Crabapple Garden in Yixing, Jiangsu, stands a nearly thousand-year-old crabapple. Legend has it that Su Dongpo, a renowned Northern Song Dynasty scholar and scholar who adored crabapples, personally planted it during the Yuanfeng period of the Northern Song Dynasty. Despite its thousand-year history, it continues to thrive and bloom unfading.
Third, crabapples are highly adaptable and require relatively minimal care. Their flowers are simple yet undemanding, and their soil requirements are relaxed. They tolerate both extreme heat and severe cold, and can overwinter outdoors in large areas south of Beijing and Tianjin. They can be grown in the ground or in pots, making them excellent bonsai.
Fourth, crabapples offer year-round beauty and a wide range of uses. Their blooms in spring resemble a rosy glow, and their beauty is particularly striking when their buds are about to bloom, their beauty radiant with rouge.
10. Are crabapples herbaceous?
There are two main categories of plants with the word “begonia” in their names. One category includes begonias of the Begoniaceae family, such as the four-season begonia and the toad-leaf begonia. These are herbaceous plants often grown in pots.
The other category includes crabapples of the Rosaceae family, such as the weeping crabapple, the western crabapple, and the crabapple flower, as well as the papaya and the Japanese crabapple, all of which are woody plants.