Begonia TROPICAL MIX

Begonia 'TROPICAL MIX' - Begonia 'Tropical Mix', basically in the bowl a random mix of at least 10 different tropical ornamental begonias. The number of variations in a specific package portioned for 10 seeds is unknown.

Begonia is a genus of plants in the Begoniaceae family, comprising over 1600-1800 species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. The greatest diversity is observed in humid forests and mountainous areas, where 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, semi-shrubby, tuberous, or rhizomatous. Shoots can be erect, creeping, or trailing. Leaves are more often asymmetrical, with pronounced nodes and internodes on the stem, often more decorative than flowers. Leaf coloration varies from green to dark burgundy or nearly black, with silvery, pink, or contrasting patterns.

Flowers are unisexual, gathered in complex 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 are found. The fruit is a capsule with extremely fine, dust-like seeds.

Seeds are dust-like, less than 1 mm (0.04 in) in length, light brown, forming in dry capsules. Germination rate is usually 40-70% and depends noticeably on germination conditions.

Sowing is carried out superficially, without burying, on a sterile finely dispersed substrate based on peat and perlite. Seeds are evenly distributed over the surface and pressed lightly. The sowing is moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a greenhouse or covered with film or a lid, and located in a warm spot with a temperature of 22-25 °C (72-77 °F) under bright diffused light. Daily ventilation is mandatory; moistening is carried out only from a spray bottle or through the tray.

Sprouts appear in 10-20 days; the minimum period is about 7 days, and the maximum possible can exceed 35 days. After sprouts appear, the temperature is lowered to 16-18 °C (61-64 °F). Pricking out is carried out in several stages as seedlings strengthen, since young plants are very fragile: after 5-6 weeks seedlings are pricked out into individual pots, and after another 5 weeks, plants are planted into larger pots and containers. After pricking out, stable humidity and soft lighting are maintained so that growth is uniform.

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Begonia is grown under bright diffused lighting, limiting direct midday rays to prevent leaf scorch. Placement on eastern or northeastern windows is preferred; in case of insufficient light, gentle supplemental lighting is applied. In weak light, leaves become smaller and lose ornamental quality.

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

Air humidity is maintained moderately elevated - a tray with moist pebbles or expanded clay is used. Misting is permissible in the morning or evening, avoiding direct sun. A loose, air-permeable substrate based on leaf soil with addition of peat and perlite is used. The pot is chosen wide and low. Repotting is carried out as the plant grows, usually once every 1-2 years, with mandatory drainage.

Feeding is applied only during active growth 2-3 times per season or once every 2-3 weeks with a weak solution of fertilizer for ornamental foliage plants. Pruning is carried out 1-2 times a year to form a denser crown, removing withered leaves and weakened shoots.