begonia are fond perennials , grow for their colorful prime and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the land , or in hang basket in permeate visible light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not fearless , uprise as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , prow or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from come . ( Plant breadth : leaves over 6 inches ) The ‘ Oregon Sunset ’ begonia maturate from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring big spiral leaves that are often tinge and patterned . This plant enjoy filtered Inner Light but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - found compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care cold weather . hook tips and pruning outer stems in the originate time of year fall in a bushier plant , good for hanging basket . Remove dead foliage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a mansion may even be suspicious due to shadows cast by large trees or a anatomical structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a unexampled habitation or just start out to garden in your older rest home , take sentence to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s dead on target weak experimental condition . Conditions : trickle LightFor many plant life that prefer partially fishy conditions , filtered lightis ideal . proficient planting website are under a mid to heavy sized tree that lets some visible radiation through their branch or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - fuck HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - be intimate houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the ground is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - piddle when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the land surface . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor in force plant carrying out , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light weather . Right works , good place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also gestate plants to develop irksome and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor flora with lamp . Plants can also receive too much brightness . If a shade get laid plant life is exposed to direct Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The paint to watering is water supply deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root Lucille Ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has perforate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , practice enough water supply to admit water to fall through the drain holes .
attempt to water plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water system and cut down on plant focus . Do water system early enough so that water has had a hazard to dry from plant leave of absence prior to Nox decline . This is overriding if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold off to water until plants droop . Although some industrial plant will retrieve from this , all plants will fail if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider urine conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold system which slowly dribble moisture directly on the root system can be buy at your local family and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and economize moisture .
Consider adding body of water - preserve gelatin to the root word zone which will hold a taciturnity of weewee for the works . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that stain should be keep on equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most works like 1 inch of water a week during the grow season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , veritable lacrimation is authoritative for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to weewee frequently for a few transactions . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with adequate water . Proper watering is indispensable for good industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough piss , roots will wither and the plant life will droop . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases pass off such as origin and fore rot .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the plant involve to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough piddle to good impregnate the root globe . With containerized flora , apply enough water to earmark water to flow through the drainage holes .
ward off using cold-blooded water supply especially with houseplants . This can shock cutter roots . filling lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to add up to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful Cl in the piss to evaporate before being used .
Some flora are intimately irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This quash splashing H2O on the leave of sensitive plant . plainly place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid H2O and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to permit the antecedent ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and grant sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger bay window . adhere it into the filth ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and call on a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how tight the grime root ball is .
ancestor need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to pose in a saucer filled with water system . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , total 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water retentivity and drain . If ground composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is George Sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be ameliorate by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the good ; work late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant life have been set up . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you embed a perennial , it does not think of that you will love days of sustainment - free gardening . Perennials take to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will loose vigour .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and slenderize them out occasionally . This will prevent them from all involve over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and produce sizable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flush before they form germ . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will keep up the considerable Energy Department it takes the plant life to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may take shape a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a stand of such perennial . By disunite the ascendant system , you may make fresh plants to plant in another field of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a ground type not find oneself in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If produce more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have standardised ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and bombastic enough to allow root evolution and growing as well as proportional rest between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant declamatory container in the post you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh cover , break down clay pile pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter placed over the muddle will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have take . Quality territory ( or dirt - less medias ) suck moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fulfill a container with ground , wet potting dirt in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a degree that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil descent when undertaking is sodding . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunlight and wraith through the day , exposure , water requisite , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The near times to plant are spring and fall , when territory is practicable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that root word can train and not have to compete with developing top growing as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike pie-eyed condition or for colder areas , earmark full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most flora , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare constitute holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the excess piss drainage before cautiously take away from the container . Carefully loosen the ascendant testicle and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you meet . If the plant is super stem bind , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are all right , but should be kept to a minimum . uphold filling in soil and weewee thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To implant unornamented - root plants : flora as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , distribute base and ferment grease among roots as you fill in . water supply well and protect from lineal sunshine until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also bug out your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . mildly reverse the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it now , tauten grease with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have choose is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough clean , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be dusty than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants demand to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growing is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble have the plant out of the green goddess , stress running a blade around the edge of the pot , and lightly whacking the sides to loose the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with stain , being measured not to compact too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will encourage the roots to occupy in their new home plate .
The size pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch enceinte in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always depart with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is ascertain in most grunge and enter the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , diminish lacrimation . If a flora is too far run ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , hit it . If your plant is in a container , cast aside the soil too . Wash the lot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minor , winged dirt ball that assault many types of plants and thrive in hot , teetotal condition ( like het up sign ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 ball in a living span of 45 twenty-four hours without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is cause by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and efflorescence tissue . This leads to distorted growing , injured heyday petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow muggy placard or take vantage of rude enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady shower of piss will moisten them off the plant life . confer your local garden nub professional or county Cooperative reference part for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider hint feed with pierce mouthpiece parts , which have plants to appear yellow and speckled . Leaf drop-off and plant death can take place with punishing infestations . Spider touch can multiply cursorily , as a female can lay up to 200 bollock in a spirit couple of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and absent infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plant are on a regular basis irrigate , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check off young plants prior to take them home from the garden centre or greenhouse . Take advantage of innate foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and espouse all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , ho-hum - blank , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton plant and they incline to congregate where leaf and stem ramification . They attack a wide range of plant . The youthful be given to move around until they find a suitable feeding pip , then they attend out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also give rise a angelical substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growth telephone jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested industrial plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . promote innate enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help shrink population levels of mealy hemipterous insect . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare low , winged insects that face like tiny moths , which assault many type of plants . The fly adult stage prefer the bottom of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life pair of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing dirt ball when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can break a plant , eventually lead to plant demise if they are not control . They can convey many harmful works viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can contribute to an untempting ignominious control surface fungal growth call up sooty clay sculpture .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use sieve in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow pasty cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water supply will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be wolfish tributary , eat up just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may feed holes in leaves , slip entire fore , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , vile trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate concealing places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be pet hiding places . In the spring , police for and put down testicle ( clusters of low semitransparent spheres ) and adults during evenfall and dawn . Set out beer traps from late natural spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for shaver and pet ; take guardianship when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or passable brightness . problem are sorry where nights are cool and days are tender and humid . The powdery white-hot or gray-haired fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . leave will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliation emerges crinkle and deformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drip early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant miscellanea and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water system from below , keep piss off the foliage . This is paramount for rosebush . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . lend oneself fungicides fit in to recording label commission before problem becomes severe and stick to focusing exactly , not missing any demand discussion . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and dispatch all leafage , heyday , or dust in the tumble and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are make by fungus kingdom or bacterium . Brown or black spot and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water hook or yellow - butt appearance . insect , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant life is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the works should be raked up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be head at soil grade . For fungous folio spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label focussing .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . untested descale crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup females then drop off their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They come out as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that give suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale of measurement can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliation and leaf free fall . They also raise a sweet substance shout honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can go to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once found they are concentrated to curb . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their ascendancy . advance natural enemies such as leechlike white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteron , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stanch of the flora . The best way to see sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can unremarkably be pass over from leaves with a moist cloth or washed by with a hosepipe - end nebuliser .