Metallic begonia - interior decoration
Metallic begonia refers to the decorative leafy begonias. The flower got its name due to the shade of the leaves: on the back they are purple, but on the face - green with red veins and a metallic sheen. To prevent begonia leaves from losing their color, they need to pay very little attention, because this flower is not whimsical to care for and grows wonderfully in a shaded part of the house, where other plants lack lighting.
Care features
The begonia grows quite large - it can be more than a meter. The leaves are also large (up to 15 cm in length), covered with fluff and with jagged edges. Begonia stems grow downward and branch strongly, making the flower look very beautiful on a stand.
Despite its decorative effect, in the autumn-summer period the plant blooms with large white flowers with a pinkish tint.
For a good and rapid development of metal begonia, you need to adhere to the following recommendations for care:
- Illumination... The most suitable place for begonias will be the northern and eastern window sills, since direct sunlight will cause burns on the leaves, they will brighten and lose their decorative effect.
- Temperature conditions. Metal begonias need to be kept at a constant temperature. When there are sudden changes in air temperature in the room where the flower is grown, the plant will respond by dropping leaves. If this does happen, to “reanimate” the begonia, pinch the tops of the shoots (to provoke the appearance of a new deciduous mass), spray it and transfer it to a warm place.
- Watering. Water the flower with warm, settled water when the soil dries up by 1.5 cm, preventing the soil from completely drying out, and also avoiding stagnant moisture. The water can be slightly acidified with citric acid. Twice a month, begonia is fed with complex fertilizer. Limit watering in winter.
- Drainage... The pot with begonia must be provided with a drainage layer (it is good to use expanded clay), since the roots of the plant will begin to rot from the stagnant water, and it will die.
Transplantation and reproduction of begonia
In order for the metal begonia to grow in a lush bush, it must be transplanted every year in the spring. Make the soil nutritious and multi-component:
- leaves;
- turf;
- humus;
- sand;
- coniferous land.
Most often, begonia is propagated by cuttings. To do this, plant the cut cuttings in small pots (no more than 8 cm in diameter) with soil consisting of a mixture peat and sand 1: 1. Cover the top with foil to create a mini-greenhouse. After the appearance of young leaves, remove the film and transplant the rooted cuttings to a permanent place in pots of larger diameter.