How to Prune the Branches and Leaves of Begonia Flowers and Solutions for Yellowing Leaves

Many people are probably quite familiar with the begonia plant, which is known along with plum blossom, peony and orchid as the “Four Great Spring Flowers of China”. This plant has something rather unusual about it: it has no heavy fragrance, yet it catches the eye with its brilliant blooms. However, if you want your begonia to look even more beautiful, you must pay attention to proper pruning during the growing process.

How to Prune the Branches and Leaves of Begonia Flowers

1. Spring pruning

In spring, the begonia begins to sprout new buds. This is when the begonia needs a large amount of nutrients, so you should cut away the dead branches, weak branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, crossing branches, stacked branches and overextended branches to encourage the begonia to put out new buds and promote the growth of new shoots.

2. Pruning after the flowers fade

Different varieties of begonia have different growth periods, so according to the different flowering periods of the begonia, prune the branches and leaves two weeks after the flowers fade. Cut away crowded branches and protruding branches. Long branches can be shortened, keeping 3 to 4 buds from the base. This helps increase the short branches that form flower buds.

3. Pruning after leaf drop

After the begonia loses its leaves, for better growth the following year and to preserve nutrients through the winter, you should, just as in spring, cut away the dead branches, weak branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, crossing branches, stacked branches and overextended branches. At the same time, be careful to maintain the begonia's overall shape.

What to Do When Begonia Leaves Turn Yellow

1. Control the amount of watering

If the tender leaves on the begonia turn yellow along with the older leaves, it is mostly because too much water is being given, or because rain has made the flowerpot too wet. In this case, keep the flowerpot well drained, control the amount of watering, and try not to let too much water accumulate in the pot.

2. Increase light exposure

If the begonia is kept in a cool, shaded place indoors for a long time, the lack of sunlight will very easily cause the leaves to turn yellow. Normally it should be placed where it gets sunlight, and be careful not to let it be exposed to too strong direct sunlight.

3. Replenish water in time

When the lower leaves of the begonia become dry and yellow, it is generally caused by a lack of water, so replenish the water in time. When watering, control the amount well; under normal conditions, keeping the begonia's pot soil moist is enough.

4. Change the soil

Unsuitable soil can also cause begonia leaves to turn yellow. Alkaline soil is not suitable for growing begonia, so replace it with acidic soil.

5. Fertilize appropriately

Fertilizer is the source of nutrition for plants. If there is not enough nutrition, the begonia leaves will turn yellow, so during cultivation you can fertilize appropriately, but be careful not to apply too much fertilizer.

Why Begonia Flowers Do Not Bloom

1. Poor light

Begonia flowers like an environment with plenty of sunlight. If a potted begonia is kept in a dark, dim place indoors for a long time, it will not bloom. This is because the begonia will not produce flower buds in a semi-shaded or shaded environment, so it will not bloom.

2. Poor ventilation

Begonia flowers like a humid environment, but when indoor ventilation is not very good, the moisture in the soil cannot evaporate quickly. When too much water is given, the soil humidity cannot be regulated, which causes the begonia to get too much water, and in this way it will also fail to bloom.

3. Too much or too little watering

Begonia flowers growing in a humid environment need the pot soil kept on the wet side. If you water too little, the begonia's growth needs cannot be met, and it will not bloom. If you water too much, water damage will make it hard for the begonia to bloom.

4. Single or excessive nutrients

A begonia failing to bloom is very likely because fertilization is too one-sided and the begonia lacks phosphorus and potassium fertilizer; too much fertilizer, especially too much nitrogen fertilizer, will cause the begonia to grow excessive branches and leaves. Be sure to remember to fertilize when the begonia sprouts in early spring and when it drops its leaves in autumn.

How to Water Begonia Flowers

1. Spring

Spring is relatively dry. If the begonia's soil turns white, you should water it right away, but also pay attention to watering reasonably. Too much will cause bacteria to breed and is actually harmful to the plant's growth. Generally, watering about once every two days is enough.

2. Summer

Summer temperatures are high, and begonia flowers do not like heat, so their growth activity is restrained. At this time the watering frequency should be reduced; watering roughly once every three to five days is enough. But to prevent the plant from sunburn or overheating, remember to spray some water on the leaves.

3. Autumn

After entering autumn, the weather turns cooler and the begonia begins a new round of growth. At this time it needs sufficient water replenishment to keep the soil moist; it is best to water once a day.

4. Winter

In winter, temperatures drop completely, and the begonia is very likely to enter a dormant state at this stage. At this time, the amount of water needs to be reduced. It is only appropriate to water once the soil has become dry, white and hard. In winter, it is best to water at the time when the sunlight is strongest.

Although begonia flowers are not as dazzling as some other flowers, their unique charm has attracted quite a few people. If you want to grow begonia flowers well, besides proper pruning, you also need to understand their related habits and cultivate them reasonably.