Begonia Cleopatra: description and care

Begonia is a very popular indoor flower, and there is an explanation for this. She has very beautiful leaves and flowers, because of this, the people called her "maiden beauty." For those who appreciate charm in houseplants, we advise you to have begonia. And in particular this applies to the begonia of Cleopatra - one of the subspecies of this family. In this article we will tell you about the intricacies of growing a beautiful begonia at home, about diseases and pests that can adversely affect the plant. After all, if you are informed, it means that you will be able to cope with the problem in time, if any.

Begonia Cleopatra: description

Begonia Cleopatra is a plant with erect branching stems. Leaves are finger-shaped, torn, about 12 cm. Has two names - Begonia and Klenovoloknaya begonia. The second was received because of the similarity of the shape of the leaves with maple. Above, the leaves are claret-colored. The lower part is covered by a white puff. Begonia Cleopatra (see photo in the article) - this decorative flower comes from Africa, Asia, America.

Botanical characteristics

The plant represents the Begoniev family, one of the largest, which includes a large variety of amazing varieties. It is also a common ornamental flowering plant in a home interior. As a rule, they use offices, schools, kindergartens, libraries, apartment windows in greening .

This amazing and colorful flower grows up to half a meter in height. The leaves are on a thin stem and grow from the root rosette. Leaflets palchate-lobed with dark green color. Under different lighting angle, different color shades with a predominant green color are adopted. On the surface of the leaves is a layer of small white and gray hairs. It is this feature that distinguishes Cleopatra from other similar plants.

Begonia Cleopatra home care

The plant prefers bright diffuse illumination. In summer, you need a little shade to protect yourself from direct sunlight. Perfectly suitable for a stable shaded habitat or area with diffuse lightening. Open or direct rays of the sun for begonias are dangerous. Therefore, at home, choose places in the western or eastern part of the apartment.

Planting a flower in a pot

When planting it is better to give preference to shallow plastic pots with a wide diameter. Clay will not work, as the roots can grow into a rough surface of such a container. At the bottom you need to put any drainage: you can use pebbles, expanded clay, shards. From the top of the drain sprinkles the soil 1/3. Then we plant the plant and sprinkle with the rest of the soil. Next, pour the land with warm water. The soil during planting should be loose, slightly acidic. Only under such conditions our beauty will be able to shoot and become a majestic flower, living in a beautiful pot.

Temperature

Like most species of begonia, Cleopatra is resistant to high and low temperature changes, but only for a short time. The average and more comfortable t for year-round maintenance is 18-25 ° C, considering the habitat, humidity and watering. The lowest temperature that can be used is considered to be 12-14 ° C. It is better not to allow sharp jumps, especially during the flowering period. Such a violation can shift the normal, natural process of flowering and the development of the plant itself.

It is important to remember that it is necessary to avoid placing the indoor flower near the batteries during the heating season. Begonia does not like drafts, so it should always be in a secluded place.

Watering

Watering should be moderate and worth remembering that stagnant water in the soil is unacceptable. Due to the drainage layer, excess water can drain into the pan and not stagnate in the ground. Sometimes you can use a warm shower, which positively affects the active growth of the flower and creates space around it. At home, do not allow overdried earth lumps.

Reproduction

What are the differences from other subspecies of begonia of Cleopatra? Reproduction is unusual, cuttings, sheets (part of leaves) and seeds.

• When dividing the cuttings, cut them 5-7 cm and put them in water until the roots germinate. After the sprouts can be transplanted into pots and wait for their strengthening.
• When leaf propagation is cut off a leaf with a petiole, it can be immediately planted in the ground. But before planting in the ground, cut the sections with "Kornevin", a special remedy that is sold in any store. Once we have planted the young plants in the pot, you can feed fertilizers, but not more than once every two weeks.
• When multiplying by seeds, the process will be a bit complicated, but extremely interesting. We begin to sow the seeds on the surface of already loosened soil seeds, gently pressing them. After that, the land is sprinkled a little, covering our crop with a film and putting it in a warm place. After a while, when the sprouts a little rise, it is necessary to give them the opportunity to adapt to dry indoor air, gradually opening the protective film. Seed reproduction, as a rule, is carried out from the middle of March to May.

3-4 years, depending on the conditions, the begonia of Cleopatra lives. Care must be correct and thorough. After a certain time, the plant is removed again by cuttings.

Fertilizer and transplantation

You need to feed the flower in spring and summer. At this time, the plant particularly badly needs vitamins and minerals. Podkarmlivayut, as a rule, mineral, organic fertilizers twice a month. For this process there are special fertilizers, created specifically for begonias. If the plant needs a transplant, then it is better to do it in the spring and preferably not more than once a year. The pot is selected this time with a larger diameter than the previous flower.

Diseases

If only the lower part of the plant is curled and dries, this may indicate a natural process of withering of the old leaves. Well, if they are dark and dry, then it's worth starting to worry. Begonia Cleopatra, unfortunately, is prone to such a disease characteristic for most species, as a fungal lesion. It appears as rotten spots on the leaves.

If it so happens that your plant is sick, then the infected areas need to be removed, and the remaining part can be quickly treated with a fungicidal drug. To prevent fungal damage, you must observe the correct temperature regime, and then the plant will not get sick. What else is difficult to grow begonia, consider below:

• With abundant watering and dry air, the leaves of the plant quickly turn yellow.
• The appearance of brown spots means a lack of nutrients.
• The flower grows poorly and does not blossom - hence, there is a lack of potassium and phosphorus.

But if you will exercise good care of the plant and adhere to the rules of growing a flower, then begonia will please you with abundant flowering and leaf density.

Pests

Begonia Cleopatra is quite resistant to pests and diseases. Yet the plant is sometimes affected by slugs that eat leaves. The main enemy is powdery mildew. It originates on the surface of the affected organ of the plant, creating a fungal raid. It should be remembered that powdery mildew appears due to the high humidity of the air. Also, the begonia is attacked with scutes, thrips and spider mite. You can fight them with special chemicals.