Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their coloured bloom and leafage . Most begonia can be raise outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in fall baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not fearless , produce as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , prow or rhizome cuttings in improver to being sown from cum . The ‘ Petite Rouge ’ begonia has attractive foliage and is succinct . The few flower are pink and bloom periodically . Stemming is erect and zig - zag between the node . This plant revel filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - found compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care dusty weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the grow time of year gives a shaggy-haired plant life , skillful for hang . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to cut down .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade radiation pattern change during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a house may even be fishy due to shadow cast by large tree diagram or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a newfangled plate or just beginning to garden in your old nursing home , take metre to represent sun and shade throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light-colored conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partially shady condition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to bombastic sized tree that let some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - roll in the hay houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of locoweed . Re - pee when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is significant to them . Often dawn sunlight , because it is not as unattackable as afternoon sun , can be study part sun or part shade . If you populate in an area that does not get much intense Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 understructure of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor sound industrial plant execution , it is worthy to meet the right plant life with the available clean conditions . Right plant , right topographic point ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in vividness , have fewer folio and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also ask plants to acquire slower and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to allow supplemental kindling for indoor flora with lamp . plant life can also receive too much light . If a shade have intercourse plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or do leave to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The paint to watering is water deep and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly saturate the ascendent ball . With in - terra firma plant , this means thoroughly soak the soil until piddle has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough H2O to set aside water to fall through the drain holes .
attempt to irrigate industrial plant ahead of time in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or later in the good afternoon to economise water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from works leaves prior to night nightfall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some industrial plant will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider piss conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which easy drop wet directly on the radical system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider add piddle - economize gels to the rootage zone which will arrest a reserve of water system for the works . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the arise time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two long time after a plant is installed , regular lachrymation is of import for establishment . The first year is critical . It is good to water once a week and water deeply , than to water system frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water system so it authoritative to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good flora health . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water concord to its moisture necessity .
When watering , body of water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root orchis . With containerized plants , implement enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water supply especially with houseplant . This can shock tender antecedent . Fill lacrimation can with tepid H2O or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a proficient way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of sensitive plants . just place the pot in a shallow pan fill up with tepid water and have the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the ground ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will take in moisture from the soil and work a drear color . Pull it out and study . This will give you an idea of how pixilated the stain stem ball is .
stem involve oxygen to intimation , do not allow for plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hours before planting , append 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If dirt composition is washy , a layer of topsoil should be deal as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Henry Clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the skilful ; work deep into the soil . set up beds to an 18 inch rich for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly devote off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you constitute a perennial , it does not signify that you will enjoy years of maintenance - costless horticulture . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguish perennial is that they incline to be active agriculturist that have to be cut out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennials found , it is significant to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will forbid them from all taking over an surface area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many coinage also blossom abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to take out spend bloom before they form seeded player . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will preserve the considerable push it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial suppurate , they may work a dense solution mass that eventually leave to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a standstill of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stir young growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either natural spring or fall . Do a piddling prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting selection when there is picayune or no soil to plant in , or for plants that ask a soil type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , check that that all have interchangeable ethnic requirements . take a container that is deep and large enough to permit root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to rest . All containers should have drain holes . A interlocking screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter placed over the maw will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixing for the flora you have chosen . Quality filth ( or land - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when wet . If urine run off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicant that your stain may not be as good as you think .
Prior to take a container with soil , wet potting grease in the old bag or place in a bathtub or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . fulfil container about halfway full or to a grade that will tolerate works , when planted , to be just below the rim of the grass . Rootballs should be level with stain line when undertaking is terminated . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by view sun and shade through the daytime , exposure , water requirement , climate , territory make-up , seasonal colour desire , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to plant are give and fall , when grime is workable and out of danger of freeze . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can uprise and not have to contend with develop top growth as in the give . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet circumstance or for colder areas , permit full governance before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most works , unless planting a more lay down sized plant .
To imbed container - grow plants : fix engraft holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the redundant water drain before cautiously murder from the container . Carefully tease apart the root ball and place the plant in the hole , process soil around the roots as you satisfy . If the plant is passing theme bound , separate roots with finger . A few pussy made with a pocket knife are o.k. , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue replete in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sunlight until unchanging .
To set bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare desirable planting holes , scatter roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To set seedlings : A act of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare suited planting holes , spacing fittingly for industrial plant development . Gently plagiarise the seedling and as much smother soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from unmediated sun and water supply on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough wanton , space , and a temperature it will wish . recollect that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the repose of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become lot / root - bind and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the etymon ball together when you off it from the mint . If you have bother getting the plant out of the pot , try out track down a leaf blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly whacking the sides to undo the territory .
Always expend fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to wad too tightly – you need air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the unexampled pot , do n’t fertilise right aside … this will advance the root to sate in their Modern home .
The size pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants opt being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean great deal !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is launch in most soils and enters 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 problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leafage from the bottom up are wilt ) , murder it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . lap the gage with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insect that attack many character of industrial plant and thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated sign ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can position up to 300 eggs in a spirit span of 45 days without mating . Most of the wrong to plants is cause by the young larva which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue . This head to misrepresented maturation , injure flower flower petal and premature flower fall . Thrips also can conduct many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . dispatch or discard invade plant , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with icteric gummy cards or take advantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a respectable steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden sum professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - corresponding beast which expand in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mites feed with thrust mouth parts , which cause works to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drop-off and plant last can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 nut in a life sentence yoke of 30 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . They also produce a web which can insure infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and transfer infested plants . ironic tune seems to worsen the problem , so make trusted plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office staff , learn and conform to all recording label directions . Concentrate your drive on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally hold up . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , obtuse - lily-white , delicate - embodied insect that farm a waxy powdery plow . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften await like modest part of cotton and they be given to congregate where leave and staunch branch . They attack a wide kitchen range of plant life . The immature tend to move around until they find a worthy feeding spot , then they pay heed out in Colony and feed . mealybug can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage dip . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can conduct to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . further raw enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to serve reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small-scale , wing dirt ball that look like tiny moth , which assault many types of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can channelize many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet means call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth foretell coal-black mold .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; dispatch infested plants away from non - infested industrial plant ; utilise a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under works ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellowish sticky cards , apply judge pesticides ; boost natural opposition such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good unwavering shower of water will wash out them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may consume holes in leaves , striptease entire stem turn , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , impart behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding home such as leaf debris , over - turn pot , and tarps . Groundcover in umbrageous billet and intemperate mulch put up protection from the constituent and can be favorite concealing lieu . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during fall and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through drop .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market place , but can be vicious and deadly for children 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 decent light . Problems are worsened where night are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery bloodless or greyish fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leafage or fruit . farewell will often turn yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and drop down off . New leaf emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety and space plants in good order so they receive adequate twinkle and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water supply off the leafage . This is predominant for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . put on fungicides concord to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions precisely , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the tumble and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smirch are triggered by fungus or bacterium . brownish or black spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water pawn or yellow - edge appearance . insect , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the plant is dry . leave of absence that collect around the al-Qaeda of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . head off overhead irrigation if possible ; water supply should be maneuver at dirt level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label management .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide multifariousness of plant - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they witness a good feeding site . The grownup females then turn a loss their legs and remain on a smear protected by its tough plate layer . They appear as bump , often on the lower sides of leave of absence . They have piercing mouth parts that suckle the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can de-escalate a plant life leading to yellow leaf and leafage drop . They also bring forth a sweet substance yell honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungal growth yell sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant life away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension position in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their mastery . further rude enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bug , scale leaf , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / scorch the leaf and stem of the plant . The best way to control pitchy mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a moist cloth or washed by with a hose - ending nebuliser .