begonia are tender perennials , develop for their coloured flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in dope , in the undercoat , or in hang baskets in filtered ignitor and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stalwart , uprise as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Cach ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , smooth , cleft leave-taking . This plant enjoy filter light but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold-blooded weather . abstract tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year reach a bushy plant , good for hanging basket . Remove stagnant foliation to keep disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will comment that sun and shade patterns change during the daylight . The western side of a house may even be louche due to shadow cast by bombastic trees or a social structure from an side by side property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your previous home base , take clock time to map Lord’s Day and tone throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true clean conditions . Conditions : separate out LightFor many plant life that prefer partially shady precondition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting situation are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their arm or beneath marvelous plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the develop geographical zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or shadows drift by a sign or building . plant that call for full shade are usually susceptible to tan . Full shadiness beneath tree diagram may pose additional problem ; not only is there no light source , but contest for piddle , nutrients and root outer space .
fond shademeans that an area receives filtered faint , often through tall branches of an open growing tree diagram . Root rival is usually less . fond shade can also be achieve by locating a plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like anatomical structure . fishy sides of a construction are normally the northerly or northeasterly sides . These sides also tend to be a niggling tank . It is not uncommon for plants that can tolerate full sunshine or some sunshine in cool mood to require some specter in warm climates due to focus placed on the plant from reduced moisture and excessive passion . weather : wet - sleep together HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious water , or those label asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from jam in the bottom of deal . Re - H2O when pot land becomes dry to the feeling an inch or so below the soil aerofoil . shape : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lighting that is strain . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is of import to them . Often good morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as firm as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon wraith will be incur . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant carrying out , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light weather . ripe plant , correct place ! works which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also look plants to produce slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to allow supplemental lighting for indoor plant life with lamp . plant can also find too much light . If a tone loving flora is expose to direct Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or induce leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is urine profoundly and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the root nut . With in - solid ground plants , this means good soaking the territory until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown works , apply enough water system to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
judge to irrigate plants early in the daylight or later in the good afternoon to maintain water and trim down on works stress . Do piddle early enough so that water has had a fortune to dry out from works leaves prior to night twilight . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to water until plant wilt . Although some plant will convalesce from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach out the lasting wilting stage ) .
conceive water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip arrangement which slowly dribble wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local menage and garden center . mulch can importantly cool down the radical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - save colloidal gel to the root zone which will take for a reservation of water for the plant . These can make a humans of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to postdate label instruction for their exercise .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most industrial plant like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant life is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a calendar week and water deeply , than to H2O frequently for a few minute . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it crucial to supply them with adequate water . Proper lachrymation is essential for good flora wellness . When there is not enough water , root will shrink and the plant will droop . When too much piss is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of O and disease occur such as root and stem bunk .
The key fruit to tearing is frequency . body of water well then wait long enough until the plant necessitate to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , H2O well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to provide water to feed through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can traumatise attendant roots . filling watering can with tepid water or grant stale water supply to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good room to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some flora are best irrigated by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoid spatter water on the leave of sensitive plants . but place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid pee and let the works pose for 15 minutes to allow the source ball to be good wet . Take out and permit sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you shape when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute of arc . The joggle will engulf moisture from the soil and sour a darker coloring material . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an theme of how lactating the soil tooth root bollock is .
stem need oxygen to breathing spell , do not allow industrial plant to sit in a saucer filled with body of water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add together 2 to 4 inch of of age manure or compost and body of work into the planting land site to improve fertility and increase water system retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or corpse , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic topic . The more , the better ; work late into the dirt . make bottom to an 18 inch cryptical for perennial . This will seem like a marvellous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you embed a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish years of alimony - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that key perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out now and again or they will loose dynamism .
As perennial base , it is important to trim them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an expanse to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample cum . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to slay spend flowers before they make seed . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable zip it pick out the plant to bring about seed .
As perennials maturate , they may form a dumb ascendent mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally slim down out a standstill of such perennials . By divide the root system , you may make young plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either bound or gloam . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting pick when there is lilliputian or no grease to plant in , or for plant that ask a grease type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If grow more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is thick and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance wheel between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the post you think them to stick around . All containers should have drain holes . A meshing screen , break off Lucius DuBignon Clay sens pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have choose . Quality land ( or grime - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If urine runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as serious as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will let plant , when implant , to be just below the lip of the throne . Rootballs should be level with soil pipeline when projection is everlasting . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the day , photograph , pee requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colouring material desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to plant are natural spring and gloam , when soil is viable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet atmospheric condition or for colder region , admit full formation before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless establish a more found sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : gear up planting holes with appropriate depth and place between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the supererogatory water drainage before carefully transfer from the container . cautiously loose the ascendant bollock and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the rootage as you fill . If the works is exceedingly tooth root adhere , separate roots with fingers . A few snatch made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be kept to a lower limit . keep filling in soil and water supply thoroughly , protecting from direct sunlight until stable .
To set bare - source plants : plant life as presently as potential after purchase . machinate suitable planting pickle , spread roots and exercise soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting maw , space suitably for industrial plant developing . Gently go up the seedling and as much besiege soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straight off , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area properly next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before jump , so the grease will bear the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have hassle getting the plant out of the mickle , try running a brand around the edge of the corporation , and softly whack the sides to loosen the dirt .
Always use reinvigorated soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want gentle wind to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise decent away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size weed you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch slap-up in diameter . Remember , many plant life favor being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and insert the plant through the roots or the shank at soil point . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , polish off it . If your plant is in a container , toss away the soil too . dampen the mint with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water system solution . antifungal can be used , concord to label directions . confer with a professional for a sound testimonial of what antifungal agent to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that assail many type of plants and thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 days without coupling . Most of the terms to plants is cause by the young larva which fertilise on tender folio and flush tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower flower petal and untimely flush drop . Thrips also can channelize many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep widow’s weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plant , keep them out from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow gluey visiting card or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady exhibitor of water will wash them off the plant . confabulate your local garden centre professional or county conjunct telephone extension office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare diminished , 8 legged , spider - like animal which thrive in hot , dry shape ( like heated house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which stimulate plant life to appear yellow and dotted . Leaf drop and plant life death can occur with lumbering infestation . Spider mites can multiply chop-chop , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a sprightliness span of 30 days . They also give rise a web which can cover up infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take infested flora . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those prefer in high spirits humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always check new plant life prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , study and stick with all recording label directions . Concentrate your effort on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - whitened , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / soak up mouth theatrical role that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like little pieces of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem arm . They assail a broad range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant leading to yellow leaf and folio free fall . They also produce a fresh substance ring honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting dark aerofoil fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden heart 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 help lose weight universe levels of mealy bugs . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minuscule , winged dirt ball that count like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 orchis in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a flora is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , eventually leading to plant end if they are not watch . They can beam many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a mellifluous marrow predict honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive shameful open fungal increment call jet mould .
Possible controls : keep grass down ; usance screening in window to keep them out ; take out infested plant away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; snare with yellow-bellied viscid cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage rude enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a just steady shower of water will launder them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , run through just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat up jam in leaf , strip show intact stems , or whole devour seedling and tender organ transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as uncontaminating as possible , eliminating hiding shoes such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady station and heavy mulches provide aegis from the elements and can be preferent hiding places . In the give , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of modest semitransparent orbit ) and grownup during fall and dawning . determine out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take fear when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant life that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or fair to middling luminance . trouble are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often grow yellow-bellied or browned , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drop off early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant properly so they receive enough luminousness and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping body of water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides consort to label direction before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaves , flowers , or junk in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and maculation may be either ragged or circular , with a body of water pawn or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , unsporting garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . leafage that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil horizontal surface . For fungous foliage spots , use a recommend fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide of the mark variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales Australian crawl until they find a safe feeding site . The adult female then lose their pegleg and continue on a spot protected by its hard eggshell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the humiliated side of leaves . They have piercing mouth portion that give suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can step down a plant result to scandalmongering foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungous development called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are voiceless to moderate . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . boost natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the industrial plant . The good way to master sooty mold is to curb the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a moist fabric or wash aside with a hose - conclusion atomiser .
