Begonia NONSTOP ® 'PICOTEE' MIXED

Begonia NONSTOP® 'PICOTEE MIXED' x tuberhybrida - Tuberous hybrid begonia, picotee double flower mix.

Begonia is a genus of plants in the begonia family (Begoniaceae), comprising over 1600-1800 species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. The greatest diversity is observed in humid forests and montane areas, where the plants inhabit the shade of trees, rocky slopes, and moist crevices. The genus is distinguished by exceptional morphological variety and high ornamental appeal.

Members of the genus can be herbaceous, shrubby, subshrubby, tuberous, or rhizomatous. Shoots may be erect, creeping, or trailing (pendulous). The leaves are mostly asymmetric, with distinct nodes and internodes on the stem, and are frequently more ornamental than the flowers. Leaf coloration ranges from green to deep burgundy or almost black, with silvery, pink, or contrasting patterns.

The flowers are unisexual, gathered into compound paniculate inflorescences. Flower size and form vary: from minute to large cultivated forms with diameters up to 20 cm (7.9 in). The perianth is vividly colored, occurring in white, pink, red, and orange shades. The fruit is a capsule containing exceptionally tiny, dust-like seeds.

Begonia NONSTOP® 'PICOTEE MIXED' is a tuberous begonia with stunning large bicolored blooms bearing double rows of petals. It grows up to 35 cm (14 in) in height. It blooms throughout the entire summer and early autumn (from June to October).

Seeds are dust-like, measuring less than 1 mm (0.04 in) in length, light brown, forming in dry capsules. Germination typically ranges between 40-70% and depends significantly on germination conditions.

Sowing is performed on the surface without burying, onto a sterile fine-particulate substrate based on peat and perlite. Seeds are evenly spread across the surface and lightly pressed in. The sowing is misted with a spray bottle, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with film or a transparent lid, and situated in a warm spot at 22-25 °C (72-77 °F) in bright filtered light. Daily venting is required; moisture is added only via spray bottle or bottom watering.

Seedlings emerge within 10-20 days; the minimum period is about 7 days, while the maximum possible may exceed 35 days. After germination, the temperature is reduced to 16-18 °C (61-64 °F). Prick-potting is conducted in several stages as seedlings gain strength, since young plants are very fragile: after 5-6 weeks, seedlings are pricked out into individual small pots, and after another 5 weeks, the plants are potted into larger pots and containers. After pricking out, steady humidity and gentle lighting are maintained to foster even growth.

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Begonia is grown in bright filtered light; direct midday sun is restricted to avoid leaf burn. Placement on east or northeast-facing windows is preferred; in case of light deficit, gentle supplemental illumination is applied. Under inadequate lighting, leaves become smaller and lose their decorative beauty.

During active growth, temperatures are maintained at 20-26 °C (68-79 °F). Cooling below 16 °C (61 °F) is undesirable. In the autumn-winter season as daylight shortens, temperature can be reduced to 10-15 °C (50-59 °F) with gradual scaling back of watering. If overwintered warm, supplementary light is provided. Watering is regular and moderate; the substrate is kept lightly moist, but without water stagnation. The soil must be allowed to dry slightly between waterings.

Air humidity is kept moderately elevated - a humidity tray with moist pebbles or expanded clay is used. Misting is acceptable in the morning or evening, avoiding direct sunlight. A loose, airy substrate based on leaf mold with additions of peat and perlite is utilized. A wide, shallow pot is selected. Repotting is carried out as the plant expands, usually once every 1-2 years, with mandatory drainage.

Fertilizers are applied only during active growth, 2-3 times per season or once every 2-3 weeks with a dilute solution of foliage plant fertilizer. Pruning is done 1-2 times a year to encourage a bushier crown, removing dried leaves and weak stems.