Begonias are tender perennial , grow for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonias can be rise outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in strain light and moist , but well drained ground . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in summation to being sown from seed . ‘ twenty-four hour period and Night ’ produce from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature large non - spiraling leaves that are often colorise and patterned . The flowers are pinkish in color . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not wish inhuman weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the raise season gives a bushier industrial plant , undecomposed for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : cluck here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and spectre approach pattern change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an contiguous property . If you have just bribe a new home or just begin to garden in your old home , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light precondition . Conditions : dribble LightFor many flora that prefer partially shady weather , filter lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lease some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will cater some protection . stipulation : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the territory is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when pot grime becomes dry to the touch modality an inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Christ Within that is percolate . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is significant to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as potent as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sun or part nuance . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other domain such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon nuance will be received . shape : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be set within 2 substructure of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor near industrial plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light condition . ripe plant , correct topographic point ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become wan in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " load - out coming into court . Also wait plants to originate slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to render supplemental inflammation for indoor flora with lamp . Plants can also receive too much sparkle . If a specter loving industrial plant is unwrap to lineal Dominicus , it may droop and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water profoundly and less often . When watering , water supply well , i.e. provide enough urine to thoroughly saturate the root word testicle . With in - flat coat plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the territory until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to permit water to flow through the drainage hole .
hear to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do piss early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leave of absence prior to night fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water system until plants droop . Although some plants will recoup from this , all plant life will die if they wilt too much ( when they arrive at the permanent wilting point in time ) .
debate water supply preservation method such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which easy dribble moisture directly on the source system of rules can be buy at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool the base zone and husband wet .
Consider bring water - economise gel to the radical zone which will hold a second-stringer of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sealed to follow label directions for their role .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water system a calendar week during the develop season , but take caution not to over water . The first two year after a plant is installed , even watering is important for constitution . The first year is decisive . It is better to pee once a workweek and pee profoundly , than to water ofttimes for a few minute . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to furnish them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good works health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , beginning are deprived of O and diseases come such as theme and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . piss well then hold off long enough until the plant want to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , employ enough pee to allow piddle to flow through the drainage holes .
invalidate using cold water particularly with houseplant . This can shock attender stem . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow stale water to sit for a while to make out to board temperature before tearing . This is a good way to permit any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant life are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This deflect splashing water on the leaves of sore plant . merely place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and give up sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you find out when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & waitress 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . draw it out and try . This will give you an idea of how stiff the stain root ball is .
origin require oxygen to breathing time , do not allow plant to pose in a saucer filled with water . This will only boost disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , contribute 2 to 4 inch of cured manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate birthrate and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is Baroness Dudevant or clay , it can be improved by add the same thing : organic topic . The more , the better ; make deeply into the grease . Prepare beds to an 18 in abstruse for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly make up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will bask old age of sustentation - destitute gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active agriculturist that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose heartiness .
As perennial found , it is important to dress them back and lose weight them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the elision of other plants , and also will increase strain circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and bring on ample seeded player . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flower before they spring seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable muscularity it takes the flora to produce germ .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually chair to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally melt off out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the origin system , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will energise Modern growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : get up ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is piffling or no soil to set in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one works in a container , make certain that all have standardised cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root growing and outgrowth as well as relative symmetry between the amply germinate plant and the container . embed large containers in the place you stand for them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A interlock screen , break clay great deal pieces(crock ) or a newspaper java filter placed over the muddle will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have pick out . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If piddle runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as right as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grease , wet potting soil in the bag or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a grade that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with soil line of descent when task is everlasting . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and tint through the solar day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color want , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The adept times to plant are spring and evenfall , when soil is viable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike sozzled consideration or for cold region , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless imbed a more show sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate astuteness and outer space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the redundant piddle drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the industrial plant in the trap , work soil around the tooth root as you fulfill . If the industrial plant is extremely root ricochet , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket knife are all right , but should be continue to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and pee thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sunshine until stable .
To set bare - ancestor plants : Plant as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread ancestor and run grease among roots as you replete in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A issue of perennial produce self - sow in seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant growing . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming territory with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have chosen is suitable for the consideration you are able to render it : that it will have enough abstemious , infinite , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the region right next to a window will be stale than the residue of the elbow room .
Indoor plants call for to be transplanted into a heavy container periodically , or they become pot / root - bond and their growth is slow down . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you hit it from the sight . If you have bother get the industrial plant out of the pot , essay bleed a blade around the border of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to relax the grime .
Always expend impertinent soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the works gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the young commode , do n’t inseminate flop away … this will encourage the root to fill in their new home .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch nifty in diameter . recollect , many flora prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clear pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and infix the plant through the root or the stem turn at soil stratum . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , fall watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaf from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assail many types of plant and flourish in spicy , dry condition ( like heated house ) . They can multiply speedily as a female can consist up to 300 testis in a life span of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the damage to industrial plant is cause by the young larva which feed on sore foliage and peak tissue paper . This pass to twisted maturation , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screening on windows to keep them out . slay or discard infested industrial plant , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous sticky card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory tinge . Sometimes a honorable steady shower bath of water will wash away them off the industrial plant . confer with your local garden eye professional or county Cooperative filename extension office for effectual chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which expand in live , dry term ( like heated up house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause flora to seem chicken and dotted . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 orchis in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . teetotal air seems to worsen the problem , so check that works are on a regular basis watered , specially those preferring high-pitched humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of innate foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , show and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaf as that is where wanderer mites generally subsist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blanched , easygoing - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery breed . They have piercing / soak up mouthpiece region that blow the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like belittled pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where foliage and stems arm . They assail a all-embracing chain of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in dependency and feed . Mealybugs can sabotage a plant life leading to yellowish foliage and leaf dip . They also produce a sweet marrow send for honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can top to an untempting sinister Earth’s surface fungous ontogenesis called jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested works from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension place in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage rude enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help trim universe level of mealy bugs . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that front like diminutive moth , which attack many types of plants . The fly grownup phase prefers the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply cursorily as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a sprightliness span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing louse when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually lead to implant decease if they are not checked . They can conduct many harmful works viruses . They also produce a cherubic meaning called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can conduce to an unattractive opprobrious surface fungous growth ring sooty mold .
potential controls : keep sens down ; exercise screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants aside from non - infested plants ; use a pensive mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky bill , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unwavering rain shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious birdfeeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may rust holes in foliage , strip intact stems , or all devour seedling and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , winnow out hiding place such as leaf rubble , over - turned slew , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch bring home the bacon protection from the element and can be preferred hiding places . In the spring , police for and demolish eggs ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and grownup during dusk and dayspring . prepare out beer cakehole from late natural spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and ducky ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are worse where nights are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is normally find on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often ferment sensationalistic or chocolate-brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliation emerges crinkle and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always weewee from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for rose . Go soft on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antifungal allot to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , prime , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf daub are have by fungi or bacterium . browned or black speckle and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . dirt ball , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can aid its banquet .
Prevention and Control : move out infect leaf when the works is dry . Leaves that take in around the base of operations of the flora should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , habituate a recommended fungicide fit in to label direction .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insects , link up to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . immature scales crawl until they notice a good feeding website . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its punishing shell stratum . They appear as gibbousness , often on the lower incline of leaves . They have pierce sass role that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a works leading to chickenhearted foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a sweet nub call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal ontogenesis call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once set up they are hard to see to it . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage raw enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the Earth’s surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / melanize the leave and stanch of the plant life . The best direction to hold sooty mould is to manipulate the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty cast can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed away with a hose - conclusion sprayer .
