Begonia Pikoti yellow-red
Begonia Pikoti is a type of tuberous begonias. Pikoti differs from other representatives of this species in a special, two-color, color of inflorescences. During flowering, which begins in late spring and ends in mid-autumn, the bush is covered with many large yellow flowers. The wavy edges of the petals are colored red. Each inflorescence is up to 20 cm in diameter and does not dry out for about three weeks. In addition, Picoti begonia flowers exude a delicate scent.
The bush itself is rarely large. The maximum plant height is 40 cm, which makes it compact for growing in hanging pots or on a stand on a windowsill. Bright beautiful flowers against the background of juicy dark green leaves make begonia a real living decoration of the house.
Features of planting tuberous begonia Pikoti
Florists who have just purchased begonia tubers should consider that the most optimal time for planting them in a pot is from February to April. To do this, fill the pot with nutritious loose soil and lay the tubers, pressing them into the ground more than half. The tubers are completely covered with earth only after they take root and sprout. Young begonias formed from tubers are transplanted into separate pots.
In open ground tuberous begonia can be planted not earlier than June.
Pikoti tuberous begonia care rules
Begonia Pikoti is yellow-red, like the rest of the tuberous, has a moderately capricious character. To grow a beautiful bush, you should properly care for the plant and create suitable development conditions, namely:
- Lighting. Begonia loves the sun, but the direct rays burn the leaves and contribute to their wilting. In the shade, it is almost impossible to achieve flowering, and the bush itself will stretch and lose leaves. It is better to keep the plant on the east windows or darken the south side in the afternoon.
- Temperature conditions. The optimal values on the thermometer are not higher than 24 degrees Celsius, otherwise the flower may die.
- Watering and moisture levels. Water the begonia in the morning with warm water. During the period of growing green mass - abundantly, and with the beginning of flowering - moderately. The top layer of the soil is kept moist, while preventing stagnation of water in the pot. To maintain the high humidity necessary for lush flowering, a glass of water is placed next to it or the air is sprayed. In this case, water should not get on the plant itself.
- Top dressing. The first time feeding (with nitrogen fertilizers) is done before the planted tubers are covered with soil. Further, begonia is fed with mineral fertilizers: for the first time - with the beginning of the laying of buds. Further, mineral dressing is done once every two weeks. After the end of flowering, a preparation containing potassium is introduced.
Dormant period in yellow-red begonia
With the arrival of autumn, watering the begonias should be reduced to prepare it for the dormant period. If the plant is still producing buds, they are plucked. The green mass is left to dry out on its own, or cut off later (in November).
Outdoor-grown begonias should be brought indoors before the first frost.
After trimming the shoots, remove the tubers, peel them off the ground and place them in a container with peat for storage until spring. The temperature in the room where begonia is stored should be no higher than 8 degrees Celsius.