How to prune begonia for lush flowering, can I pinch it and how to properly care after?

Begonia is one of the most common indoor plants dating back to the mid 16th century, when begonia was actually brought to Europe. Since that time, this plant has been very popular among gardeners, used to decorate all kinds of parks, gardens and squares.

The question is often asked: is it worth trimming the begonias, and if it is, how and when to do it correctly. Next will be described in detail about pruning, with a complete analysis of the process.

What you should know about the plant

Begonia is one of the most beautiful beautiful plants, which is often decorated with squares, apartment parks and also gardens. The flower belongs to the Begoniaceae family of perennial flowers. At the moment, this species has 900 natural, as well as 2000 hybrid varieties. Despite the fact that the flower itself was discovered back in 1690, its active use for decoration began only 200 years ago, that is, around 1815-1817. The biologist who discovered this species was called Michel Begon, and his name was called a flower.

It was first found on the Antilles, where it was described by a biologist. All modern varieties originate from the ever-flowering begonia from Brazil, as well as the royal begonia from the Hindustan Peninsula. Today, there are a lot of types of begonias, which are divided into two types: decorative-flowering and decorative-deciduous.

Reference. Tuber begonia boasts the most popularity; it has very bright, colorful flowers, and, most importantly, is unpretentious in leaving.

What is cropping?

What is being done for?

Pruning - the process of partial or complete pruning of stems in order to regulate growth and flowering. Due to the correct pruning, you can not only increase the decorativeness of begonias, but also increase its lifespan. So what to do is not only advised, but rather recommended. This will preserve the decorative properties of begonia, as well as maintain its health.

Pinch

Pinching is the process of cutting the tops of shoots and buds, which are located at the end of the branches. The answer to the question “Can I pinch?” Will be definitely “Yes”. Next, it will be described in detail how and when to do it.

Rules for removing stems and shoots, when and how to do?

Crown formation for lush flowering

Pruning is necessary to maintain and improve the decorativeness of plants. In fact, there are four main features when pruning begonias:

Trimming start. This process must begin to be carried out at the stage of a young flower. As soon as a small plant reaches a length of 6-7 centimeters, the top is cut with scissors.
Thanks to this simple procedure, begonias stimulate the growth of lateral shoots.
Reduced watering. After the first crop, the watering volume is reduced. This is done to increase the growth rate of begonia.
Further pruning. The next pruning is carried out after the length of the lateral stems reaches 10 centimeters.
Shortening must necessarily take place above the kidney, which is located on the outside of the stem.
The end of the cropping. Further, the shortening procedure can be carried out only to remove the most overgrown stems, or else generally dried up. Also, this procedure can be performed to maintain a specific form.

In what cases is it produced?

Trimming in the following situations:

in decorative leaf begonias, flower-bearing shoots are cut off;
when dry or damaged leaves or shoots appear, this is done to avoid the appearance of diseases;
in young plants to obtain decorative properties;
pruning before winter.

When to cut plants for the winter?

Often flower growers ask a similar question. Be sure to cut only tuberous begonias for the winter, all the rest are cut off at the request of the grower.

Attention! The optimal cutoff time is October. With proper pruning, the active development of lateral shoots begins, which will greatly increase the splendor of the begonia itself.

What will happen if you do not produce this process? In the absence of this procedure, leaves and flowers begin to decrease in size, but on the contrary, the stem will begin to thicken, which does not look very beautiful. Therefore, this procedure is mandatory. Important winter care tips for begonia can be found in this article.

How and when to pinch?

The pricking procedure is performed in the fall, or in the spring, or, speaking correctly, either before flowering, or after it. Now about the process itself, which is actually very simple. On the main stem, you need to find the top growth point, and pinch it 1-2 cm. With proper pinching, after 2-3 weeks, an active growth of lateral shoots should begin. Also, this procedure should be carried out only in cases where there is no way to trim the begonia.

How to care after trimming?

After trimming, it’s enough to follow the basic rules of careas before circumcision. We will tell you more about them.

The most favorable is the temperature range from 13 to 22 degrees Celsius, however, do not forget to maintain a stable air humidity. The optimum level of humidity is 60 percent. Since our begonia is a herbaceous species, the dormancy lasts from October to February.

To transfer the plant to this state, watering is reduced and wilted shoots are cut. Some experts advise keeping begonia tubers in the dark at a temperature of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius for up to two months. The best growth properties are manifested when the plant is in partial shade. Watering is done only after the top layer of the earth has completely dried.

To ensure the begonia necessary humidity, the pot should be placed on a tray with water, but so that the pot itself is not in the water, or is placed on wet peat.

On a note. In order for the pot not to be in the water, pebbles are poured onto the tray, or the pot itself is set on an inverted saucer.

If the humidity level is too high, begonia rots, so do not overdo it. On hot summer days, the air around the begonia is sprayed, but so that water does not get on the leaves. The room in which begonia is located must be periodically ventilated, but so that the plant itself is not blown by a draft. Transplantation is carried out only in cases of emergency.

In conclusion, I would like to say that cutting and pinching begonias are very important procedures, which both increase the splendor and decorativeness of begonias, and extend its life. Moreover, these procedures are so simple that they can be produced by any beginner grower who even before was not suitable for begonias.

The process itself will also be useful in the future, when pinching and pruning other plants, because in fact the technology is the same.