Plant one pot of this flower, and when it blooms, it is the whole of spring

Tuberous begonia, also known as camellia begonia, has large and brilliantly colored flowers, combining the posture, color and fragrance of famous flowers such as Chinese rose, camellia, peony and carnation. It is charming and moving when used to decorate living rooms and display windows, and moreover, this tuberous begonia, as soon as it blooms, makes you feel that the whole of spring has arrived.

Tuberous begonia likes a warm, humid and semi-shaded environment. It is not tolerant of high temperatures; when the temperature exceeds 30°C, the stems and leaves wither and drop off, and the tubers may even rot. It is suitable for growing in fertile, loose and well-drained slightly acidic potting soil, generally with an optimal pH value of 5.5-6.5.

Tuberous begonia likes water and fertilizer. Generally, the potting soil needs to be kept moist often, and once it dries out, it should be watered to replenish moisture. To maintain soil fertility, sufficient base fertilizer can be applied before planting, or a special compound granular fertilizer for flowers can be applied once a week, or a dilute liquid fertilizer can be watered on once a week. After the Start of Autumn, watering can be reduced and fertilizing stopped, so that it gradually enters a dormant state.

Tuberous begonia is a shallow-rooted flower, so the potting medium must have good drainage. Water less during the budding period and keep the potting soil slightly dry; the optimum growing temperature is 16-21°C. In summer, in addition to watering, foliar spraying should also be carried out. During the flowering period, watering should be appropriately reduced, and heavy rain washing should be strictly avoided, and an organic liquid fertilizer for flowers should be applied 1-2 times additionally. In November, the aboveground stems and leaves gradually turn yellow and drop off; the tubers can be dug out and, after drying, stored indoors at 10°C

Tuberous begonia is commonly propagated by sowing and cuttings. For sowing, indoor pot sowing can be used; the optimum germination temperature is 20-22°C, and germination occurs 14-21 days after sowing. From sowing to flowering, potted varieties take 150-160 days. For cuttings, in June-July, choose robust branches with terminal buds, 10 cm in length; after cutting, they heal and root in 20-24 days, and can bloom in the same year.

When caring for tuberous begonia, if hot and rainy weather is encountered, stem rot and root rot are very likely to occur. Flower friends should control the room temperature and watering, and spray with 25% carbendazim wettable powder at 250 times dilution for prevention and control.