Begonia transplant and how to divide the plant, and whether it can be done after purchase during flowering: rules for home care

Begonia is an ornamental plant grown at home to create flower arrangements on the balcony or in the garden.

Many varieties of this flower were bred, resulting in species such as flowering, ornamental and deciduous.

An important point in the process of care for begonia is transplantation. It has a number of features, and must be performed in compliance with all the rules.

How to properly prepare the plant for this procedure and what is needed for this, we will describe further.

What kind of flower is this?

Begonia in nature grows in tropical rainforests and mountains., sometimes it can be found in dry areas of the tropics and subtropics. This is a perennial plant, which is characterized by the presence of creeping or tuberous rhizomes, asymmetric leaves (you will learn about perennial and annual species of begonia here). The flowers of the plant are irregular in shape, monoecious and unisexual leaves are asymmetrical around the flowers, they are distinguished by a bright color, the fruits are in the form of a box.

When is it necessary to update the soil?

On a note. No matter how rich the soil in which the flower grows is, it needs to be changed.

This is due to the fact that with prolonged use of soil for growing begonias, it is depleted.

After transplanting the plant into a new substrate, the best conditions for its growth are created. In addition, using a pot larger than the previous one, more space is freed up in the root system and oxygen access to it is improved.

There are several ways to determine if a begonia transplant is necessary:

Those plants whose roots began to come out of the drainage holes are transplanted. Take the begonia in your right hand, cover the ground with your left hand, turn over and lightly hit the pot. So it will be possible to remove the capacity and assess the condition of the earth coma.
If during the inspection it is clear that the roots are covered with a lump, then this is an occasion for transplantation. If the roots do not extend to the surface of the coma, then the plant does not need to be transplanted, it is again placed in a pot.
It is necessary to transplant the flower if there are obvious signs of the disease, yellowing of the leaves, acidic soil. You will find out what to do if the leaves of begonia turn yellow and dry.

When is the best time to do this?

A houseplant is best replanted in the spring, before the onset of active growth. A young plant needs an annual transplant, and an adult can be transplanted every 2-3 years.

Is it possible to transplant during flowering?

In no case do not transplant an already flowering plant. Otherwise, its flowering will stop, and repeated may not occur. What to do if flowering does not occur, you will learn in another article.

Preparation: soil and pot

When choosing a container for begonia, give preference to a plastic cap. This option will prevent rotting of the root system and stagnation of moisture. Ceramic and clay pots with high pallets are great. Thanks to them, excess water during irrigation will not remain in the ground.

Plant young and already rooted cuttings in pots with a diameter of 3 cm, and older plants - 4-5 cm. During transplantation, use a container that will be at least 1/3 larger than the previous one. Place drainage at the bottom of the tank (broken shards, expanded clay, brick fragments). The next layer is charcoal.

For begonia, a loose and breathable substrate is suitable. For transplanting young plants, combine in equal proportions the land and peat, and for adults - soil, peat and sand. In such a substrate, the plant will begin to develop a good root system and a beautiful green mass. Before planting begonias, water the soil mixture with warm water. Read more about choosing a flowerpot and caring for begonia in a pot here.

How to dive at home?

After preparing the container and substrate You can proceed with the transplant, adhering to the following plan:

Remove the plant from the previous container. To do this, evenly tap the entire diameter of the container and tilt it at an acute angle.
Using your fingers, holding the stems and leaves, carefully throw an earthen lump on your hand.
Cut old dried roots. Using a wooden stick, clean the remains of drainage and charcoal from the ground.
If during the shaking of the earth the first signs of decay were found, then completely clean the root system, rinse it in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
When the rotten roots dry out, then sprinkle the places of the slices with activated carbon or charcoal powder.
Place the prepared plant in the center of the new container. Carefully pour the prepared soil into the voids along the edges of the earthen coma, so as not to break the leaves. If necessary, stamp the soil with your fingers.
Pour so much soil into the container so that at least 1-1.5 cm remains to the upper edge. This space will be required for subsequent watering of the begonia.
Moisten the planted flower liberally until the liquid begins to come out of the drainage hole.

What to do after purchase?

Immediately after acquiring a flower, it must be transplanted. This will allow him to quickly grow stronger and activate his growth. The soil should be peat-based. It should include components such as humus, turf, and ordinary earth. Take them in equal amounts. Be sure to lay drainage at the bottom of the tank.

Immediately, the transplant should not be performed, and 2-3 days before it, soak the prepared substrate with water and let it brew.

Important! Make sure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged, otherwise the begonia will not take root.

We wrote more about plant transplantation after purchase and subsequent care in this article.

How to plant a plant?

With the onset of spring begonias that grow bush, it is necessary to plant. To do this, you must:

Remove the plant from the pot.
Remove overgrown stems, peduncles and large castings. Gently wash the root system from the ground with water.
Using a sharp knife, break the bush with the roots into parts so that each individual plant has a bud or sprout.
Sprinkle the place of cut with activated carbon.
Treat the roots with Kornevid, plant the plants in pots and water.

Care

Lighting and watering

Begonia is a photophilous culture. For abundant flowering, diffused light is required. Place the pot after transplanting onto a saucer, the window of which faces east or west.

In winter, you have to take care of additional lighting. Begonia responds positively to watering. To do this, use settled soft water. Drain excess water from the drip tray. Useful tips for winter begonia care can be found in a separate article.

Proper watering requires compliance with the following recommendations:

In the summer, water the flower 2 times a week.
If there is intense heat, then moisten the soil every day.
Since October, water the begonia as the top layer of the earth dries.
In winter, reduce watering to a minimum (1 time in 2 weeks).
Starting in March, increase the hydration rate.

Reference. Tuberous begonia species for the winter go to the dormant stage. For this period, place them in peat, and completely exclude watering.

Humidity

Since begonia is a tropical plant, it makes high demands on moisture. It is not worth spraying the flower, otherwise it will lead to the development of spotting on the leaves.

To increase the humidity in the room, you can use two methods:

Place the container on a saucer with wet peat.
Place pebbles in the water tray onto which to place the flower.

When water evaporates, it will provide the plant with a suitable level of humidity.

Temperature mode

The plant reacts negatively to temperature changes and prefers moderate temperature conditions. In the summer, keep the flower at a temperature of 18-20 degrees. In winter, temperature indicators should not fall below 15 degrees.

Fertilizers

Thanks to the introduction of nutritional compounds, flowering is prolonged, and it also serves as an excellent prevention from pests and diseases. You can buy top dressing in any flower shop. Choose those compounds that are intended for indoor crops.

Please note that the composition includes such components:

magnesium;
potassium;
calcium;
phosphorus;
iron.

Do not use top dressing that contains chlorine. Reduce the dosage by 2 times the one indicated in the instructions. Add nutrient formulations 2 times a week. About how to feed the plant for abundant flowering, you will learn here.

Begonia transplantation is a responsible process on which the further flowering, development and growth of a flower depends. And it is important not only to comply with all the rules of transplantation, but also to carefully prepare the substrate, the pot and choose the right time. For all your efforts, the flower will thank you with colorful, bright and long flowering, as well as high resistance to disease.