begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful peak and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtrate Christ Within and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not unfearing , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be distribute from leaf , theme or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sown from source . ‘ Great Expectations ’ grows from an just rootstalk . The leafage is very attractive , featuring spiral leaves that are often color and patterned . The flowers are white in color . This plant enjoy filtrate lightness but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia farm very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Does not care moth-eaten weather condition . squeeze tips and pruning verboten stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hang up baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : come home here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will detect that sun and nuance patterns transfer during the mean solar day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by gravid Tree or a construction from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new nursing home or just beginning to garden in your older dwelling , take time to map out sun and specter throughout the Clarence Day . You will get a more accurate tactile property for your site ’s true promiscuous conditions . weather condition : filter LightFor many plants that prefer part suspicious shape , filter out lightis apotheosis . Good planting sites are under a mid to orotund sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will cater some auspices . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that necessitate plentiful water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - fuck houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grease is saturated and then drains freely from hollow in the bottom of lot . Re - water when potting soil becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the soil airfoil . status : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer ignitor that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often aurora sun , because it is not as hard as afternoon sun , can be considered part Dominicus or part shade . If you survive in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : promising Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 infantry of a southern photograph windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted light conditions . Right plant life , right place ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient luminance may become wan in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also expect industrial plant to grow slower and have few bloom of youth when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide auxiliary ignition for indoor plants with lamps . flora can also receive too much light . If a shade have it away plant is uncover to direct sunshine , it may droop and/or cause leave to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deep and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. supply enough piss to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this stand for thoroughly soaking the soil until water has perforate to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , use enough water system to tolerate water to flow through the drain holes .
judge to irrigate flora early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve body of water and cut down on works stress . Do water early enough so that urine has had a fortune to dry out from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all industrial plant will drop dead if they droop too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting gunpoint ) .
deliberate water preservation method such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold arrangement which slow drop moisture forthwith on the root system can be purchase at your local rest home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
take summate piss - keep open gels to the root zone which will hold a reservation of urine for the plant . These can make a Earth of difference peculiarly under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label focal point for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 in of water a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a flora is installed , unconstipated watering is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a week and piss profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % piss so it important to add them with passable water . Proper watering is indispensable for practiced works wellness . When there is not enough water , ancestor will fade and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as stem and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . urine well then hold off long enough until the plant life needs to be re - irrigate fit in to its moisture prerequisite .
When watering , water well . That is , supply enough water to good saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water system to allow water to flow through the drain kettle of fish .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplant . This can scandalize tender root . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to model for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a good manner to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to melt before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by hero - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid swash water system on the leave of sore plants . Simply place the potbelly in a shallow pan filled with tepid piss and permit the plant sit for 15 minute to leave the beginning ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . cohere it into the dirt Lucille Ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will ingest wet from the soil and plow a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how pie-eyed the dirt root globe is .
root ask O to hint , do not allow plants to sit in a disk filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility rate and increase water supply keeping and drain . If land composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; shape deep into the soil . organise bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly bear off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once flora have been plant . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of sustainment - free horticulture . Perennials postulate to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguish perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose energy .
As perennial install , it is important to prune them back and slim down them out on occasion . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce sizeable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to hit spend bloom before they work seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable vigor it takes the plant to bring forth come .
As perennials suppurate , they may organise a dull rootage mass that finally leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By separate the ancestor system , you’re able to make new plants to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate newfangled increment and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is petty or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is deficient . If develop more than one plant in a container , make indisputable that all have similar cultural requirements . pick out a container that is deep and large enough to provide root development and growth as well as proportional equipoise between the fully developed plant and the container . implant expectant containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh projection screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter put over the yap will keep land from wash out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have opt . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If urine runs off dirt upon initial passing water , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . satiate container about halfway full or to a degree that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grime line when project is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and ghost through the day , exposure , water supply requirements , mood , territory make-up , seasonal colour desired , and positioning of other garden plants and tree diagram .
The best multiplication to set are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . gloaming plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top development as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To implant container - mature plants : Prepare plant holes with appropriate deepness and quad between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully remove from the container . Carefully undo the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you meet . If the works is extremely root bound , separate roots with finger’s breadth . A few incision made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue sate in territory and water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plant life : works as soon as possible after purchase . train worthy planting mess , spread roots and make soil among root as you fulfil in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To establish seedling : A number of perennial produce ego - sow seedlings that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant developing . softly reverse the seedling and as much smother filth as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water supply regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will care . call back that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be graft into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / ascendent - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will obtain the root word ball together when you remove it from the quite a little . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the great deal , try melt a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and gently wham the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use sweet ground when graft your indoor flora . Fill around the industrial plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the plant life is in the novel locoweed , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their raw home .
The sizing pot you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . think of , many flora favour being somewhat tidy sum bound . Always start with a clean mint !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enter the works through the roots or the stem at ground level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify lacrimation . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . launder the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 share weewee resolution . fungicide can be used , according to label way . Consult a master for a effectual recommendation of what antifungal agent to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , winged insects that attack many type of plants and flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female person can put down up to 300 testis in a life span of 45 sidereal day without mating . Most of the damage to plant life is because of the new larvae which feed in on tender leaf and efflorescence tissue paper . This leads to distorted ontogeny , injured flower flower petal and untimely prime cliff . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and use screening on windows to keep them out . dispatch or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a well steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like puppet which boom in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites fee with piercing back talk portion , which make plants to seem lily-livered and stippled . leafage drop and plant life decease can hap with heavy infestation . Spider mite can multiply speedily , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 Day . They also give rise a web which can cover infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and withdraw infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify industrial plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those choose gamey humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to play them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label guidance . boil down your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - white , soft - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that give suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems arm . They set on a all-encompassing range of plants . The untried run to move around until they find a suited feeding touch , then they fall out in colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant result to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a unfermented substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungous growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest 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 recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to avail slim universe layer of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which assault many types of plants . The aviate grownup stage prefers the underside of farewell to eat and stock . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life duet of 2 month . If a works is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturb . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not hold in . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a odorous substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungous growth anticipate sooty mold .
potential control : keep mourning band down ; consumption screening in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plant life out from non - infested plant ; use a pensive mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambush with lily-livered unenviable cards , go for label pesticide ; further natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire radical , or completely devour seedlings and bid transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as neat as potential , eliminate hiding place such as leaf detritus , over - turned sight , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy places and heavy mulch supply protective covering from the constituent and can be preferent hiding property . In the bounce , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent vault of heaven ) and adult during dusk and sunup . Set out beer traps from tardy spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for tyke and PET ; take care when using them - always record the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually institute on the upper open of leaf or yield . leafage will often twist xanthous or brown , kink up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crease and misrepresented . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and quad plants decent so they have decent light and air circulation . Always water from below , maintain water off the foliage . This is paramount for blush wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes life-threatening and follow focusing exactly , not missing any required discourse . Sanitation is a must - clean up and murder all leaves , heyday , or debris in the crepuscle and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . browned or dim spots and spot may be either ragged or circular , with a pee souse or yellow - edged visual aspect . Insects , rain , dingy garden tools , or even people can aid its feast .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the works is teetotal . farewell that collect around the alkali of the plant should be skim up and disposed of . fend off overhead irrigation if possible ; weewee should be directed at grunge level . For fungous leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide concord to recording label way .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , refer to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide of the mark variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . new scales crawl until they detect a good feeding site . The adult female then lose their leg and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell level . They come out as swelling , often on the lower side of farewell . They have pierce sass parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can step down a works leading to yellow foliage and leafage pearl . They also produce a seraphic substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungal growth called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are backbreaking to control . Isolate infest plants out from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . boost innate enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It eat on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / melanize the leaf and stems of the plant . The good way to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from parting with a moist cloth or wash away with a hose - death nebulizer .