Begonia corallina

Family. Begoniaceae.

Homeland of the plant. South America.

Begonia corallina description. These plants look great all year round. Even in the absence of flowering, elegant leaves and cascading stems will attract attention. The leaves are large, glossy, green, often spotted with white, large speckles and a reddish underside. The flowers simply add extra spectacle to this begonia. The flowering time for each variety varies, but most of these plants bloom in the spring. Flower colors vary from soft pink to dark red. These are some of the most spectacular plants in the world and one of the easiest begonias to cultivate. 

Height. Up to 90 cm in height.

Caring at home

Reproduction 

It is very easily propagated by cuttings. When new stems appear in spring, remove 5 - 7 cm of leaf and place it in moist, loose soil. Keep moist and warm until new growth begins. The use of growth hormones will increase the chances of success. Apical or stem cuttings 8 - 10 cm long, taken in spring or early summer, rooted in moist perlite.

When does corallina begonia bloom? 

Flowering time is spring. 

How to care - pruning and shaping 

In winter, they tolerate direct sunlight and look great on a windowsill in a collection of winter-flowering plants. To preserve your collection, propagate begonias by cuttings every spring and discard tall, lanky mature plants. Pruning is necessary to maintain a compact and lush bush shape. Large begonias may require support. Pinch young shoots in a timely manner to form a dense bush.

Diseases and pests 

Yellowing leaves may indicate leaf spot. Caused by bacteria that thrive in damp, cold conditions, it can cause severe damage to the plant. Affected leaves should be removed and air circulation around the plant should be increased. Corallina begonia does not bloom if there is a lack of sunlight or nutrients in the soil. Leaves dry out when there is insufficient ambient humidity. When grown in the shade, the begonia's stems will stretch, and over time it may die.

Of the harmful insects, thrips, scale insects and false scale insects, spider mites, aphids, nematodes and whiteflies pose a certain danger to begonias.

Transplanting corallina begonia 

In the spring, put it in a new, larger pot. The root system of this plant likes fairly cramped pots, so repotting into one that is too large will slow down growth. Replant only if necessary - if the plant is very cramped in the pot and its roots have completely filled the pot and are peeking out of the drainage holes, or if necessary, change the soil to fresh one. Do not replant flowering plants. 

Watering 

Water when the top layer of soil, about 1.5 cm thick, dries out; be sure to drain excess water from the pan. In the winter months, dry the soil to a third of its depth. Begonia is more likely to tolerate a short drought than a flood.

Spraying 

Air humidity should be moderately high. If the air in the room is too dry, place the pot on a tray with damp pebbles or use a humidifier. In any case, the plant must be kept away from drafts. Under no circumstances should a pot with a plant be placed next to heat sources or in rooms with cold drafts. 

Land for cultivation 

The plants grow especially well in potting mixtures intended for Saintpaulias.

How to feed corallina begonia 

Use liquid fertilizer every week at half strength. During flowering in late winter or spring, feed with fertilizers high in phosphorus. 

Lighting

Bright, indirect light all year round. These begonias are not as sensitive to direct light as royal begonias, but in summer they should be shaded from midday rays. Grows well in artificial light. 

Containment temperature

The best temperature range for this type of begonia is from 18 to 24 ° C; they do not tolerate frost at all and are damaged if the temperature drops below 13 ° C. Like all begonias, they do not like drafts.

Note

Begonia is able to purify indoor air from harmful impurities. With age, the plants expose the lower part of the stems - such begonias can be radically pruned and the resulting cuttings can be rooted.