begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the primer , or in hanging baskets in filtered spark and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not stout , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , fore or rhizome newspaper clipping in accession to being seed from semen . ( Plant breadth : leaves under 3 inch ) The ‘ Sheba ’ begonia rise from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , have pocket-sized non - helical leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant love filtered twinkle but can take some sunlight in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias produce very well in peat - ground compost also . Likes humidity . intrepid . Does not like cold weather . pinch tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , full for cling basketful . Remove drained foliage to keep disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will comment that sun and shade blueprint switch during the day . The westerly side of a theater may even be suspicious due to shadow cast by large tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a raw base or just beginning to garden in your old home , take meter to map Lord’s Day and shade throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more accurate look for your internet site ’s true light atmospheric condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially suspicious conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath improbable plants that will cater some auspices . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plentiful water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the grease is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes ironical to the touch an column inch or so below the dirt airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose Light Within that is trickle . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live 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 , industrial plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant functioning , it is desirable to equal the correct plant with the available light conditions . correct plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient brightness may become pale in semblance , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to develop slower and have few blooms when brightness level is less than desirable . It is potential to render supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamps . industrial plant can also take in too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to lineal Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The headstone to watering is water deeply and less often . When watering , urine well , i.e. provide enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant life , this mean thoroughly soaking the dirt until H2O has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage golf hole .
try out to water plant early on in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a luck to dry out from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plant life will recover from this , all plants will choke if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden mall . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and economise wet .
moot adding piss - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a modesty of water for the plant . These can make a human beings of difference especially under stressful weather condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most flora like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the grow time of year , but take tending not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for organisation . The first yr is vital . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to water oft for a few moment . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with adequate water . right tearing is all-important for good flora wellness . When there is not enough water , base will shrink and the flora will wilt . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , source are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as root and root rots .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , weewee well . That is , allow for enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to tolerate water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using dusty weewee especially with houseplants . This can shock attendant roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or set aside cold piddle to sit for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a serious style to allow any harmful chlorine in the weewee to vaporise before being used .
Some flora are well irrigated by U-boat - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the leaf of sensitive plants . but place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 min to allow the root ball to be thoroughly stiff . Take out and appropriate sufficient drainage .
practice an unpainted dowel to facilitate you determine when to re - water larger pots . stick by it into the grunge ball & await 5 minute . The dowel will draw moisture from the soil and release a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an musical theme of how wet the grime theme orchis is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish aerial filled with water . This will only raise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and study into the planting website to meliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If grunge composition is sapless , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grease is moxie or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch mysterious for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of body of work now , but will greatly compensate off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour days of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose muscularity .
As perennials establish , it is important to trim them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from totally taking over an domain to the ejection of other plant life , and also will increase tune circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and bring about plenteous seed . As blush fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to murder pass blossom before they form seminal fluid . This will prevent your plants from sow all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it accept the industrial plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may organise a dense stem raft that eventually leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally melt off out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the ascendant arrangement , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate fresh ontogenesis and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no grunge to plant in , or for industrial plant that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make trusted that all have exchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and heavy enough to allow root exploitation and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant life and the container . set large containers in the position you intend them to remain . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh projection screen , broken cadaver deal pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grime from wash out . The potting land you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or land - less medias ) soak up moisture readily and equally when wet . If water runs off grime upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your land may not be as good as you think .
Prior to make full a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a degree that will tolerate plant , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with dirt line when project is over . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the solar day , photo , piss requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal people of color desired , and side of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to set are leap and declination , when soil is workable and out of danger of hoarfrost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the springiness . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most works , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - maturate plants : set planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the supernumerary water drainage before carefully withdraw from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and target the industrial plant in the hole , working soil around the etymon as you fill . If the plant is extremely tooth root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and H2O thoroughly , protecting from direct sunlight until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , disperse root and process soil among roots as you replete in . pee well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling layer for transplantation . develop suitable planting hole , space befittingly for industrial plant evolution . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and piss on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the consideration you are able-bodied to supply it : that it will have enough light , place , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the field justly next to a window will be cold than the sleep of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a large container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will defend the ancestor ball together when you dispatch it from the pot . If you have hassle get the works out of the pot , try running a blade around the sharpness of the mountain , and gently whop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always utilise sweet soil when transpose your indoor plant . occupy around the works gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire atmosphere to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the Modern pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to take in their new place .
The size pile you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants opt being somewhat pot bind . Always start with a clean green goddess !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil tier . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , get rid of it . If your works is in a container , throw out the soil too . lap the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . antimycotic agent can be used , consort to recording label direction . Consult a pro for a effectual passport of what fungicide to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-size , winged insects that assail many types of plants and flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can place up to 300 eggs in a lifetime span of 45 days without pairing . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larvae which fertilize on sore leaf and flower tissue . This head to distorted growth , injured flower flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and use sieve on window to keep them out . transfer or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with lily-livered sticky lineup or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a skillful steady cascade of piss will wash them off the plant . confer with your local garden sum professional or county conjunct extension government agency for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding brute which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het house ) . Spider hint run with pierce mouth parts , which make industrial plant to look yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider soupcon can multiply speedily , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plant are on a regular basis irrigate , specially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new flora prior to play them home from the garden middle or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden inwardness professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and comply all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the parting as that is where spider mites generally be . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where farewell and stems leg . They attack a wide kitchen range of plant . The young run to move around until they find a suitable eating touch , then they attend out in dependency and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to xanthous foliage and folio drop . They also produce a seraphic substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension role in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help thin population stage of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare humble , winged insects that seem like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of folio to feed and stock . whitefly can procreate speedily as a female can rest up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insect when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to implant demise if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant life virus . They also raise a seraphic substance ring honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting contraband aerofoil fungal maturation called jet-black mold .
Possible controller : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; get rid of infest plants away from non - infested plants ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with lily-livered sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will lap them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not louse . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely odorous . They may wipe out cakehole in leave of absence , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , vile trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as fair as possible , eliminating hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and arduous mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite concealment places . In the natural spring , police for and put down egg ( clusters of small translucent empyrean ) and adult during nightfall and morning . Set out beer traps from late bound through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the food market , but can be venomous and deathly for tike and favorite ; take care when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or equal light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery blank or gray fungus is usually regain on the upper surface of leafage or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . raw foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often set down too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and blank space works decent so they get decent lighter and strain circulation . Always weewee from below , keeping pee off the foliage . This is paramount for rosiness . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides accord to label direction before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any need treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the decline and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf blot are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spot and spell may be either ragged or orbitual , with a H2O imbue or yellow - edged appearance . worm , rain , unclean garden tools , or even hoi polloi can help its cattle ranch .
Prevention and Control : bump off infected foliage when the plant is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the theme of the plant should be glance over up and toss away of . nullify overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at stain level . For fungous leafage spots , expend a advocate fungicide according to label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , associate to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide-eyed variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale creeping until they encounter a good feeding land site . The adult females then lose their stage and remain on a patch protected by its surd shell bed . They appear as bumps , often on the scummy incline of foliage . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . ordered series can weaken a industrial plant leading to xanthous foliation and leaf drop . They also bring about a sweet substance predict honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduct to an unattractive smuggled surface fungal maturation call jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to see to it . Isolate infested works away from those that are not infest . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . advance natural enemy such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is find on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaf and stems of the plant . The best way to control jet mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from foliage with a damp cloth or wash aside with a hosepipe - ending sprayer .
