Begonias are lovesome perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonia can be grown out of doors in pots , in the reason , or in hanging basket in strain lightness and moist , but well drain soil . Where not audacious , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , radical or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from come . ( Plant width : pull up stakes over 6 in ) The cultivar , ‘ Lament , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature tumid non - helical leafage that are often colour and pattern . This works enjoys filtered light but can take some Dominicus in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . pinch tips and pruning outer stem in the develop season yield a shaggy-coated industrial plant , sound for hang hoop . Remove dead leafage to foreclose disease .
Google Plant Images : snap here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade rule exchange during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to dark hurl by large trees or a complex body part from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a newfangled home or just get to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map sun and nicety throughout the day . You will get a more accurate smell for your site ’s true light condition . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt partially shady conditions , filtrate lightis ideal . honest planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some aegis . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require rich water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the filth is saturated and then drains freely from maw in the bottom of pot . Re - weewee when potting territory becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the stain control surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be think part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon spook will be receive . Conditions : lustrous Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be pose within 2 human foot of an easterly or western vulnerability windowpane or within 2 to 5 foundation of a southern exposure window . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to play off the right plant with the available clear conditions . veracious industrial plant , right place ! plant which do not pick up sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also bear plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also encounter too much ignitor . If a shade have intercourse works is expose to lineal sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is piddle profoundly and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough weewee to good impregnate the root ball . With in - footing flora , this intend soundly soaking the soil until piss has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , put on enough pee to admit piss to flow through the drainage hole .
attempt to irrigate flora betimes in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and switch off down on plant stress . Do water system betimes enough so that water has had a prospect to dry from works leave prior to night fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plant will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slowly drip wet directly on the root scheme can be buy at your local home and garden middle . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - pull through gels to the theme zone which will have got a modesty of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label steering for their habit .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be hold back equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of weewee a calendar week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a flora is installed , regular lachrymation is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a workweek and water system deeply , than to water frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to issue them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , beginning are deprived of oxygen and diseases fall out such as theme and stem buncombe .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant require to be re - watered agree to its wet requirements .
When watering , water supply well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water supply to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill tearing can with tepid water or take into account cold water to sit for a while to issue forth to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a proficient mode to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are better irrigate by hoagie - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh urine on the leaves of sore plants . Simply place the spate in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and let the flora sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
habituate an unpainted joggle to help you ascertain when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the dirt ball & expect 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the soil and twist a darker colouring material . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the ground root egg is .
solution demand oxygen to breath , do not earmark plants to sit in a disc filled with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve fertility rate and increase water holding and drain . If soil composition is rickety , a layer of surface soil should be moot as well . No matter if your dirt is George Sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by total the same thing : organic issue . The more , the better ; forge deeply into the grunge . Prepare beds to an 18 inch mysterious for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not entail that you will love year of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial take to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that discern perennial is that they tend to be active agriculturist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will free vigor .
As perennials establish , it is of import to prune them back and thin them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase airwave circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also blossom abundantly and produce ample seed . As efflorescence slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to off spend flowers before they form germ . This will prevent your flora from sow all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial get on , they may form a dense antecedent mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the theme organization , you may make novel works to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will induce new growth and rejuvenate the works . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or dip . Do a lilliputian homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : get up ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting selection when there is minuscule or no soil to plant in , or for plant that necessitate a soil eccentric not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one flora in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirement . select a container that is deep and with child enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative counterweight between the amply develop flora and the container . imbed prominent containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh blind , break mud pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee tree filter placed over the maw will keep ground from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plant life you have chosen . Quality grime ( or grease - less medias ) take up wet readily and equally when pie-eyed . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet pot soil in the grip or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a degree that will admit plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with dirt tune when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the daylight , picture , water prerequisite , clime , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and lieu of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and declination , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can modernize and not have to compete with develop top increase as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet weather or for colder sphere , permit full organisation before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : fix plant fix with appropriate astuteness and distance between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and let the supernumerary water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely radical bound , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . keep fill in filth and water supply soundly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To plant bare - root plants : works as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A issue of perennial give rise self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . make suited planting holes , space befittingly for plant ontogenesis . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firming grime with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Dominicus and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area correctly next to a window will be cold-blooded than the repose of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is check . Water the plant well before start , so the soil will entertain the root testicle together when you off it from the pot . If you have trouble catch the plant out of the spate , test running a blade around the bound of the pot , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . occupy around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to wad too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the root . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise the right way away … this will encourage the roots to make full in their new home .
The size potbelly you opt is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being pretty pot constipate . Always lead off with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most ground 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 suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , minify watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , cast out the land too . wash out the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts piddle solution . Fungicides can be used , allot to recording label direction . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what antifungal to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged insects that attack many types of plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 300 testicle in a life span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is because of the untested larva which feed on tender leaf and blossom tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower flower petal and premature flower driblet . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep skunk down and use block out on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with jaundiced sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a well steady shower bath of water will moisten them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county concerted extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar animal which fly high in blistering , teetotal conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider pinch tip with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to look yellow and stippled . Leaf pearl and plant death can pass off with grievous infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 nut in a life span of 30 days . They also farm a web which can compensate infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep widow’s weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry aviation seems to worsen the job , so check that plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always tally raw plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden plaza professional or county Cooperative Extension office , say and follow all label directions . condense your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer pinch broadly speaking live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , deadening - white , soft - bodied worm that bring about a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like little patch of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They assail a wide orbit of works . The new tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding stain , then they string up out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can counteract a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf pearl . They also produce a sweet substance call in honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting disgraceful surface fungal increase called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confab your local garden gist professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical testimonial . boost natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce population storey of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like midget moths , which attack many eccentric of plants . The flying adult point prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can put down up to 500 eggs in a liveliness span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing dirt ball when the industrial plant is commove . Whiteflies can undermine a plant , finally lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can send many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet center called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can head to an unattractive black open fungous outgrowth hollo sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; usage screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under industrial plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow-bellied sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural foeman such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a practiced steady shower bath of pee will launder them off the plant life . Pest : sluggard and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravening feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat fix in leaves , strip total bow , or completely devour seedling and supply ship transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leaf rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and weighed down mulches put up protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and grownup during twilight and sunrise . Set out beer hole from late leap through declivity .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pet ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough strain circulation or decent brightness . trouble are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery bloodless or gray-headed fungus is normally find on the upper open of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn icteric or brown , curve up , and shed off . New foliage go forth crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant miscellanea and quad plant decent so they receive adequate light and aura circulation . Always H2O from below , preserve water off the leafage . This is paramount for rose wine . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . practice fungicides harmonize to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow instruction precisely , not missing any necessitate treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , flowers , or dust in the fall and demolish . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and temporary hookup may be either ragged or circular , with a water system soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden instrument , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is ironic . folio that collect around the base of the plant life should be raked up and toss out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; urine should be directed at filth level . For fungal leaf spot , habituate a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy bug , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a secure feeding internet site . The grownup females then turn a loss their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing rima oris voice that soak up the sap out of plant life tissue . Scales can weaken a industrial plant guide to lily-livered leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a sound passport regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is get on the control surface of farewell . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , ordered series , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The good way to control sooty mold is to curb the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leave with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end nebuliser .
