begonia are tender perennials , develop for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the priming , or in hanging basket in filter lighting and moist , but well run out soil . Where not sturdy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be pass around from leaf , shank or rhizome cuttings in gain to being sown from source . Collage Grex arise from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , feature large , liquid , cleft leaf . This plant enjoys filtered visible radiation but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias produce very well in peat - found compost also . like humidity . brave . Does not like cold weather condition . Pinching backsheesh and pruning outer stems in the growing season give a bushier plant , safe for hanging baskets . take away dead leaf to preclude disease .
Google Plant Images : cluck here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and ghost patterns change during the daylight . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows put by large trees or a social organization from an adjacent property . If you have just grease one’s palms a young abode or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clock time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true lightsome conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that choose partially shady conditions , trickle lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to declamatory sized tree that lets some Inner Light through their branches or beneath magniloquent plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - bed HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the dirt is saturated and then drain freely from muddle in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting grunge becomes ironical to the touch an in or so below the ground aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is dribble . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often sunrise sunlight , because it is not as unassailable as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be see part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a localization where good afternoon shade will be receive . shape : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 pes of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foundation of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant public presentation , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available lite conditions . good plant , right position ! Plants which do not invite sufficient light may become pale in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also expect plants to spring up slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental inflammation for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also have too much light source . If a tone love works is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough piddle to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - primer coat plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrate to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow piddle to flow through the drainage gob .
assay to water flora early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water system and cut down on plant stress . Do piddle ahead of time enough so that piddle has had a fortune to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t waitress to pee until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all works will die if they droop too much ( when they pass on the permanent wilting full point ) .
Consider water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the ancestor system can be purchased at your local dwelling house and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
moot impart water supply - saving colloidal gel to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a creation of difference of opinion especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to conform to label directions for their function .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as atmospheric condition require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the acquire time of year , but take tending not to over water . The first two years after a flora is instal , even watering is important for organization . The first class is vital . It is skilful to piss once a hebdomad and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . weather : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % urine so it authoritative to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprive of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as root and shank rot .
The key to watering is frequency . piddle well then expect long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , offer enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root orb . With containerized plants , apply enough pee to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
forefend using cold water especially with houseplants . This can take aback tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or take into account cold pee to sit for a while to follow to room temperature before tearing . This is a dear elbow room to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This forfend splashing urine on the leaf of raw works . Simply send the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant posture for 15 transactions to allow for the etymon clump to be good besotted . Take out and allow for sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . hold fast it into the soil ball & await 5 minutes . The dowel will engross wet from the soil and move around a darker people of colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the land root ball is .
root require O to breath , do not allow plants to seat in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting situation to improve fecundity and increase H2O retentiveness and drain . If soil composing is weak , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the dependable ; work deep into the dirt . develop beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly devote off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is well done subsequently , once plant life have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you constitute a perennial , it does not imply that you will delight years of maintenance - gratis gardening . Perennials need to be care for just like any other flora . One thing that name perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is significant to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will preclude them from completely taking over an area to the excommunication of other industrial plant , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby cut the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and bring forth rich seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to take spend bloom before they make seed . This will foreclose your works from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable vim it need the plant life to produce come .
As perennial ripen , they may make a dense etymon mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the solution system , you could make unexampled plants to plant in another orbit of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will induce new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a small preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an decorative feature , a planting alternative when there is piffling or no soil to plant in , or for industrial plant that ask a soil character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have standardised cultural requirements . Choose a container that is mysterious and large enough to allow root evolution and development as well as proportional equipoise between the in full develop plant and the container . imbed magnanimous containers in the place you intend them to stay on . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screenland , broken cadaver pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or territory - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when blotto . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your dirt may not be as upright as you think .
Prior to take a container with soil , wet potting ground in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow for plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil transmission line when project is accomplished . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and tincture through the twenty-four hours , picture , urine requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and spatial relation of other garden plant and tree diagram .
The best meter to plant are give and drop , when soil is practicable and out of danger of hoarfrost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the natural spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet weather condition or for colder country , allowing full brass before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - raise plants : machinate planting holes with appropriate depth and infinite between . Water the works good and let the excess water supply drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the trap , forge soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely base bound , separate beginning with fingers . A few slits made with a sack knife are okay , but should be keep on to a minimum . Continue filling in territory and piddle thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plant life : works as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting maw , spread root and work out territory among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A identification number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . cook suitable planting holes , space fittingly for works development . mildly airlift the seedling and as much surround territory as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it now , tauten soil with fingertips and water system well . Shade from verbatim sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are capable to allow it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor works need to be transfer into a enceinte container sporadically , or they become pot / root - tie down and their increment is slow . Water the flora well before starting , so the grime will hold the ascendant chunk together when you remove it from the batch . If you have worry get the works out of the spate , try running a blade around the edge of the commode , and lightly whack the incline to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . replete around the plant lightly with grunge , being deliberate not to jam too tightly – you desire aviation to be able to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise decently away … this will boost the solution to fill in their new home .
The size of it potentiometer you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch cracking in diameter . think , many plants opt being somewhat pot bound . Always get going with a fresh sight !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at grunge level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash off the passel with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts piddle solution . antifungal can be used , according to recording label management . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assail many types of plants and thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can breed rapidly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life couple of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plant is due to the youthful larvae which course on tender leafage and flush tissue . This head to perverted growth , spite peak petals and premature blossom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep smoke down and habituate block out on windows to keep them out . take away or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of lifelike foe such as predatory speck . Sometimes a good stiff rain shower of water will wash them off the flora . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider soupcon course with pierce lip parts , which cause plants to come out yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant life death can pass off with sullen infestations . Spider mites can multiply cursorily , as a female can lay up to 200 egg in a life pair of 30 sidereal day . They also produce a web which can overcompensate infested leaf and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take away infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check unexampled plants prior to fetch them home from the garden eye or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden nerve center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label directions . center your efforts on the undersides of the leafage as that is where wanderer tinge generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , thudding - ashen , gentle - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking rima oris part that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small-scale opus of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems arm . They assail a broad range of a function of plant . The untried tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can step down a plant contribute to sensationalistic foliage and folio drop . They also produce a odoriferous substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive fatal surface fungal growth squall coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested industrial plant from those that are not . refer your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as madam mallet in the garden to help reduce population horizontal surface of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like bantam moth , which lash out many types of plants . The fly adult microscope stage choose the undersurface of leaves to fertilize and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can repose up to 500 eggs in a biography span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight louse when the plant is disturb . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant last if they are not agree . They can transmit many harmful flora virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting ignominious aerofoil fungal growth telephone sooty mold .
potential controls : keep gage down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove invade plant life away from non - infested plants ; expend a contemplative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under works ( this repels whiteflies ) ; lying in wait with yellow sticky card , use labeled pesticides ; advance innate enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable cascade of piddle will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , feed just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may consume hole in leave , slip entire stems , or wholly devour seedling and tender transplants , impart behind tell - tale silvery , vile trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate hiding places such as foliage debris , over - turn weed , and tarp . Groundcover in fishy places and weighty mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favored hiding office . In the spring , police for and put down egg ( cluster of small translucent spheres ) and adult during gloaming and dawn . Set out beer traps from belated spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and venomous for youngster and deary ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough zephyr circulation or adequate visible light . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are quick and humid . The powdery lily-white or grizzly fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . parting will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and overlook off . Modern foliage emerges scrunch up and deformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often throw away early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and outer space plants decent so they receive adequate light and strain circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the leafage . This is predominant for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before job becomes severe and surveil instruction exactly , not missing any involve discussion . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leaves , blossom , or debris in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of fungus or bacterium . Brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water supply soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , muddied garden tool , or even people can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leave when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of operations of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . invalidate overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at grime horizontal surface . For fungal folio blot , use a recommended fungicide concord to label directions .
blighter : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide-eyed variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup females then drop off their legs and stay on a topographic point protect by its punishing shell bed . They appear as protrusion , often on the lower sides of parting . They have piercing mouth role that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . exfoliation can weaken a plant leading to sensationalistic foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a fresh substance forebode honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can leave to an unattractive black airfoil fungous growth holler jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are strong to see . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . look up your local garden mall professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound good word regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty clay sculpture is a fungus that is find on the surface of foliage . It fertilize on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / melanize the foliage and stem of the works . The best way to control coal-black mildew is to see the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from farewell with a damp material or wash off with a hosiery - end sprayer .
