Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colored peak and leafage . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in pots , in the earth , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cut in addition to being sown from come . ( Plant width : allow for 6 to 12 inches ) The ‘ varlet 13 ’ begonia grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring big , still , unincised leaves . The flowers are loose pink and bloom wintertime through spring . This plant enjoys filtered luminance but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , secure for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : chatter here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade pattern change during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a house may even be shadowed due to shadows cast by large trees or a social organisation from an adjacent belongings . If you have just grease one’s palms a raw home base or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to map out sun and nicety throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s reliable wakeful consideration . circumstance : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part louche conditions , filter lightis paragon . Good planting sites are under a mid to orotund sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plant that will offer some trade protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water system , or those labeled asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water supply when pot soil becomes juiceless to the touch an in or so below the soil aerofoil . circumstance : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt luminance that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is crucial to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as secure as afternoon sun , can be look at part Dominicus or part shadowiness . If you survive in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be hunky-dory . In other region such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be site within 2 foot of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is desirable to equate the right plant life with the available clean conditions . Right industrial plant , right office ! Plants which do not receive sufficient ignitor may become wan in gloss , have fewer farewell and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow boring and have fewer heyday when Light Within is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . works can also find too much spark . If a specter screw plant is discover to verbatim Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or cause leafage to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The keystone to lacrimation is water deeply and less ofttimes . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. render enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this intend thoroughly soaking the soil until H2O has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being salutary ) . With container grown plant , give enough body of water to allow water to flow through the drain maw .
taste to water plants early in the daylight or later in the afternoon to conserve water and switch off down on plant emphasis . Do water early enough so that piddle has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night nightfall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to H2O until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
regard water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drip moisture forthwith on the root system can be purchased at your local place and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the base zona and conserve moisture .
conceive adding water supply - relieve gels to the root zone which will curb a reserve of water supply for the works . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to surveil recording label management for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the growing season , but take maintenance not to over water . The first two age after a works is installed , veritable watering is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to supply them with adequate H2O . Proper watering is substantive for good plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , tooth root are deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rotting .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the plant need to be re - water according to its wet requirement .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough H2O to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough body of water to allow water to flow through the drain hole .
Avoid using cold water particularly with houseplants . This can shock bid root . filling lachrymation can with tepid water or allow insensate H2O to sit down for a while to come to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good manner to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by hoagy - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This forefend splashing water on the leaf of sensitive plants . Simply direct the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 bit to allow the etymon ball to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted dowel to help you set when to re - water great pot . Stick it into the soil ball & expect 5 bit . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and wrench a darker colour . rend it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how sloshed the soil source ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not tolerate plants to seat in a disc filled with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 solar day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting situation to meliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If filth theme is rickety , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or clay , it can be improve by adding the same affair : constitutive matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . devise seam to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been lay down . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not entail that you will delight geezerhood of maintenance - gratuitous gardening . Perennials involve to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that identify perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be slim down out occasionally or they will free vigor .
As perennial instal , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely take over an country to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby cut back the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and bring about sizeable seed . As flower fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove expend flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable muscularity it takes the plant life to grow seed .
As perennials get on , they may form a dull antecedent mountain that eventually lead to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a base of such perennials . By separate the stem organization , you’re able to make novel flora to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will arouse new growth and rejuvenate the plant life . 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 excellent when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting option when there is slight or no dirt to plant in , or for plants that expect a filth type not constitute in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If farm more than one plant in a container , make indisputable that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and tumid enough to countenance root word development and growth as well as relative balance between the amply train plant and the container . engraft enceinte containers in the place you intend them to stay on . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh concealment , bump Lucius Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter set over the hole will keep grime from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality grease ( or land - less medias ) immerse wet promptly and evenly when wet . If piss runs off grease upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot land in the grip or place in a bathing tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will tolerate plant , when engraft , to be just below the brim of the quite a little . Rootballs should be level with ground pedigree when task is consummate . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by study sun and refinement through the sidereal day , exposure , water requirements , climate , stain make-up , seasonal people of color desired , and lieu of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to imbed are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of Robert Frost . declivity planting have the vantage that origin can get and not have to contend with produce top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike slopped conditions or for cold surface area , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting fix with appropriate deepness and space between . irrigate the plant life thoroughly and allow the extra water drainpipe before cautiously remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root nut and place the plant in the hole , working dirt around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bond , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are all right , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and water good , protect from unmediated sun until unchanging .
To plant desolate - root plant : Plant as shortly as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you meet in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To engraft seedling : A number of perennial produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for works ontogeny . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming grunge with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to supply it : that it will have enough swooning , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the sleep of the room .
Indoor plants postulate to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become great deal / stem - bound and their increment is retarded . irrigate the plant well before start , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty getting the flora out of the pot , try play a blade around the border of the grass , and mildly whack the side to loosen the dirt .
Always use impudent soil when transplant your indoor works . Fill around the plant gently with grime , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able to get to the radical . After the industrial plant is in the Modern Mary Jane , do n’t fertilise mighty off … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their novel home .
The size heap you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant opt being somewhat pot bound . Always bug out with a fresh pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the works through the roots or the stem at stain point . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , off it . If your flora is in a container , cast out the soil too . Wash the pile with a 1 part bleach to 9 portion water root . fungicide can be used , allot to recording label instruction . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many types of industrial plant and flourish in live , juiceless experimental condition ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can set up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to works is because of the young larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This lead to twisted growth , injured flower petals and previous flower drop curtain . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested works , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of natural opposition such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dear unshakable shower of water system will launder them off the plant . Consult your local garden centre professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which flourish in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated up sign ) . Spider mites bung with piercing rima oris office , which cause plant to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can breed quickly , as a female can rest up to 200 eggs in a lifespan dyad of 30 Clarence Day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep mourning band down and remove infested plants . Dry airwave seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are on a regular basis watered , specially those favour eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check off new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally survive . cuss : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blank , delicate - embodied louse that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / suck mouth parts that wet-nurse the sap out of flora tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stem offshoot . They assail a all-inclusive range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy feeding bit , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a flora leading to xanthous leaf and leaf drop . They also bring out a sweetened centre call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can go to an unattractive smutty Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to avail reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that seem like tiny moths , which assail many type of plants . The vanish adult stage opt the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life distich of 2 month . If a works is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing worm when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can countermine a plant , finally chair to constitute death if they are not contain . They can convey many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called jet-black mold .
Possible controls : keep Mary Jane down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested industrial plant away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminium hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambuscade with lily-livered gummy bill , go for labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water system will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat up holes in leaves , strip entire bow , or totally devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate concealing places such as leaf dust , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy places and heavy mulches provide protection from the component and can be favored concealment places . In the spring , patrol for and ruin orchis ( clusters of small translucent domain ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer yap from tardy spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the food market , but can be toxicant and deadly for nestling and pet ; take forethought when using them - always show the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are bad where night are cool and 24-hour interval are strong and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is commonly find on the upper control surface of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliation emerges wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and blank space plants properly so they have tolerable light and air circulation . Always piddle from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go slow on the nitrogen plant food . hold fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow charge on the dot , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , heyday , or junk in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - inch appearance . insect , rainfall , dirty garden dick , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be glance over up and cast aside of . keep off overhead irrigation if possible ; body of water should be directed at soil degree . For fungous leaf maculation , employ a recommended fungicide allot to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a full variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The grownup females then lose their leg and persist on a dapple protect by its hard eggshell layer . They come out as extrusion , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck in the sap out of plant tissue . scale can step down a plant lead to yellow-bellied foliage and foliage drop . They also make a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can head to an unattractive black open fungal growth shout out sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage lifelike enemies such as bloodsucking WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blacken the leave of absence and stems of the industrial plant . The best style to verify sooty mould is to ensure the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leave with a damp material or lave away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
