Begonia DREGEI

Begonia DREGEI - Drege's begonia, Grape-leaf begonia, Begonia dregei.

Begonia is a genus of plants in the begonia family (Begoniaceae), comprising more than 1600-1800 species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. The greatest diversity is observed in rainforests and mountainous areas, where the plants inhabit the shade of trees, rocky slopes, and moist crevices. The genus is distinguished by exceptional diversity of forms and high ornamental value.

Representatives of the genus can be herbaceous, shrubby, subshrubby, tuberous, or rhizomatous. Shoots can be erect, creeping, or trailing. Leaves are most often asymmetrical, with prominent nodes and internodes on the stem, and are frequently more ornamental than the flowers. Leaf coloration ranges from green to dark burgundy or nearly black, with silvery, pink, or contrasting patterns.

The flowers are unisexual, gathered in compound paniculate inflorescences. The size and shape of flowers are varied: from small to large cultivar forms up to 20 cm (7.9 in) in diameter. The perianth is brightly colored; white, pink, red, and orange shades occur. The fruit is a capsule with extremely fine, dust-like seeds.

Drege's begonia is a highly ornamental perennial subshrub 50-60 cm (20-24 in) in height with a thickened rhizome.

The leaves are small (2-5 cm / 0.8-2.0 in long and up to 3 cm / 1.2 in wide), on petioles up to 5 cm (2.0 in) long, ovate, palmately lobed, cordate at the base. The upper leaf surface is dark green, permeated with reddish veins and covered with white pubescence; the lower is light green with fine short hairs. Flowers are gathered in numerous inflorescences of up to 15 blooms. It flowers for a long period, from early June to September.

This species has a characteristic feature: by early winter all leaves and shoots die back, and in spring, with the end of the dormant period, they regrow from the overwintered rhizome. It loves light, but does not tolerate direct sunlight.

The seeds are dust-like, less than 1 mm (0.04 in) long, light brown, formed in dry capsules. The germination rate is typically 40-70% and depends noticeably on germination conditions.

Sowing is carried out on the surface, without burying, onto a sterile, fine-textured substrate based on peat and perlite. Seeds are evenly distributed across the surface and lightly pressed down. The sowing is moistened from a spray bottle, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with film or a lid, and situated in a warm spot with a temperature of 22-25 °C (72-77 °F) in bright indirect light. Daily airing is mandatory; moistening is done only from a spray bottle or through the drip tray.

Seedlings emerge in 10-20 days; the minimum period is about 7 days, while the maximum possible can exceed 35 days. After seedlings appear, the temperature is lowered to 16-18 °C (61-64 °F). Pricking out is carried out in several stages as the seedlings strengthen, 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 planted out into larger pots and containers. After pricking out, stable humidity and gentle lighting are maintained so that growth remains uniform.

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Begonia is grown in bright indirect light, with direct midday sun restricted to prevent leaf scorch. Placement on eastern or northeastern windows is preferable; in case of insufficient light, gentle supplemental lighting is used. Under weak lighting, leaves become smaller and lose their ornamental appeal.

During the period of active growth, a temperature of 20-26 °C (68-79 °F) is maintained. Cooling below 16 °C (61 °F) is undesirable. In the autumn-winter period with shortening day length, the temperature can be reduced to 10-15 °C (50-59 °F) with gradual reduction of watering. With warm wintering, supplementary lighting is provided. Watering is carried out regularly and moderately, the substrate is kept slightly moist, but without water stagnation. The soil must be allowed to dry out between waterings.

Air humidity is kept moderately high - a tray with wet pebbles or expanded clay is used. Misting is permissible in the morning or evening, avoiding direct sunlight. A loose, breathable substrate based on leaf mold with the addition of peat and perlite is used. A wide, shallow pot is selected. Repotting is performed as the plant grows, 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 weak solution of foliage houseplant fertilizer. Pruning is carried out 1-2 times a year to form a denser crown, removing dried leaves and weakened shoots.