Tuberous Begonia: Detailed Guide to Growing Methods and Precautions

Tuberous begonia (Begonia × tuberhybrida) is a type of begonia, and it is currently distributed in many parts of our country. Tuberous begonia has very high ornamental value and is a very popular variety on the market today, and many people like to buy it and grow it at home. However, if you want it to grow well, understanding its cultivation techniques is a very key step.

How to grow tuberous begonia

1. Light for tuberous begonia: keep it controlled at 20000 to 35000 lux. Although the light is strong, the temperature must not be too high, and in summer a shade net is needed, otherwise diseases are likely to become prevalent.

2. Air humidity for tuberous begonia: during the entire growth period, keeping the air humidity at 60% to 80% is sufficient.

3. Fertilizer and water for tuberous begonia: during the growth period, the N:P:K ratio is 1:1:1; during the flowering-promotion period, the N:P:K ratio is 1:2:2. The fertilizer concentration can be 0.1% to 0.2%, usually fertilizing once every 3 to 4 days. From small seedlings to large seedlings, the EC value should gradually increase from 1.0 to 1.6.

4. Substrate ratio for tuberous begonia: peat soil, perlite, and vermiculite at 3:1:1.

Growing methods for tuberous begonia

1. Soil. To grow tuberous begonia, the soil needs to be fertile, loose and breathable, rich in humus, and can be acidic. Generally, garden soil can be used mixed with river sand and leaf mold, and to increase fertility, some base fertilizer can be added.

2. Light and temperature. Tuberous begonia likes a warm growing environment, with semi-shade being best, and it is relatively afraid of the intense summer heat. The suitable temperature for growth is between 16℃——21℃, and it is not cold-tolerant. Basically, if the temperature exceeds 30℃, it may cause the stems and leaves to wither, and in severe cases it can cause the underground stems to die. A certain temperature must also be maintained in winter, and the overwintering temperature should preferably not be lower than 10℃. Tuberous begonia needs long-day conditions to flower well. In summer, sufficient light should be maintained, but be careful not to let strong direct light hit it in summer and shade it in time. In winter, the sunshine duration is shorter, so sufficient light needs to be ensured.

3. Watering and fertilizing. Tuberous begonia likes water and fertilizer, and the growing environment requires moisture, but there should be no water accumulation, because it is afraid of waterlogging. During the budding period and flowering period of tuberous begonia, watering needs to be reduced. In summer, air humidity needs to be increased by spraying water. In autumn and winter, tuberous begonia gradually enters dormancy, so watering should be reduced. Fertilizing should be done lightly and frequently. During the growth period, some thoroughly decomposed dilute fertilizer water can be applied every 10 [days]. During the flowering period, some fertilizer that promotes flowering needs to be applied. Note that no fertilizing is needed in summer and winter.

Precautions for tuberous begonia

The propagation of tuberous begonia is mainly by seed sowing, cuttings, and cutting the tubers for propagation. Seed propagation can be done in spring or autumn, and cuttings are mainly done in late spring and early summer.

Common pests and diseases of tuberous begonia and their control

1. Powdery mildew. Control method: control the amount of nitrogen fertilizer used. Before the disease occurs, spray once every two weeks or so with a 400-600 times dilution of 60% zineb wettable powder. In the early stage of the disease, spray 70% thiophanate-methyl 1000 times dilution or 15% fenarimol 1000-2000 times dilution for control.

2. Stem rot. Control method: in the early stage of the disease, spray with carbendazim for control, or 65% dexon 600-800 times dilution, etc.

3. Gray mold. Control method: pay attention to ventilation and light transmission, and control humidity. In the early stage of the disease, spraying once every 10 days with 70% thiophanate-methyl 1500 times dilution or 50% amobam 800-1000 times dilution can effectively control it.

4. Common pests include scale insects, aphids, leaf-rolling moths, thrips, and others. For scale insects, 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate 1000 times dilution can be sprayed to kill them; for thrips, 4000 times potassium permanganate can be sprayed; for leaf-rolling moths, 0.1 pyrethrin emulsifiable concentrate and derris extract 2000 times dilution can be sprayed to kill them, etc.

The growing methods for tuberous begonia are actually not difficult. First, do the soil mixing work, then control the temperature and light well, and in summer carry out shading treatment. In the later stage of cultivation, fertilizer and water control also need to be strengthened. Only in this way can its growth be ensured.