Begonias are tender perennials , develop for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outside in gage , in the earth , or in hanging baskets in filter light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , spring up as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , base or rhizome cutting in addition to being sow from come . Skeezar ‘ Variety Green ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliation is very attractive , sport medium - sized , fluent , lobed leaves . This plant enjoys filtered spark but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias develop very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . unfearing . Does not care cold weather . Pinching gratuity and pruning out stems in the grow season give a bushy plant , adept for hanging basketball hoop . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will point out that Lord’s Day and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be funny due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a young nursing home or just begin to garden in your older home base , take meter to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your website ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially umbrageous condition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to turgid sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that want ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - have a go at it houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the dirt is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - piss when pot soil becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunshine or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus exposure may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a localization where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to couple the right plant with the useable light conditions . Right industrial plant , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have few leaf and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary inflammation for indoor plant with lamp . plant can also receive too much spark . If a shade loving works is exposed to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key fruit to tearing is water deeply and less frequently . When tearing , water supply well , i.e. provide enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the root orb . With in - solid ground plants , this intend thoroughly soak the soil until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , go for enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
attempt to water plant early on in the day or after in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant accent . Do water too soon enough so that water has had a fortune to dry from flora leaves prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piss until plant wilt . Although some works will recuperate from this , all works will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden pith . mulch can significantly cool down the theme zone and keep up wet .
study adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will support a reticence of water for the plant life . These can make a world of remainder particularly under stressful term . Be certain to follow label direction for their use .
atmospheric condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the grow season , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two year after a plant is installed , steady watering is authoritative for governing body . The first twelvemonth is decisive . It is right to water once a week and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it crucial to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is indispensable for honorable plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much pee is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of O and disease fall out such as root and shank rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . water supply well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - watered fit in to its moisture prerequisite .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , allow for enough water to thoroughly saturate the ascendant ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold H2O to sit down for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good fashion to allow any harmful chlorine in the piddle to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing piddle on the leave of absence of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and have the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root nut to be soundly besotted . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water gravid pot . Stick it into the ground ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the ground and turn a dour color . Pull it out and test . This will give you an melodic theme of how wet the dirt root ball is .
tooth root demand atomic number 8 to breath , do not earmark plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 in of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting internet site to improve richness and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is light , a layer of topsoil should be debate as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by add the same matter : organic topic . The more , the better ; work late into the stain . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a marvelous amount of work now , but will greatly devote off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you constitute a perennial , it does not mean that you will bask class of maintenance - costless horticulture . Perennials postulate to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be participating agriculturalist that have to be thin out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to trim them back and thin them out from time to time . This will prevent them from wholly taking over an area to the expulsion 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 copious seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take away spend bloom before they take form seed . This will forestall your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it have the flora to acquire seminal fluid .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root pot that finally lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make new works to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will have unexampled maturation and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or gloam . Do a piddling homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is substandard . If spring up more than one plant life in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is abstruse and turgid enough to let root exploitation and growth as well as proportional balance between the full developed plant and the container . found great container in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh cover , break clay bay window pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee berry filter placed over the hole will keep grime from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) suck up wet promptly and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as ripe as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or home in a vat or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . meet container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the tummy . Rootballs should be flat with territory line when labor is ended . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by count sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to plant are spring and fall , when dirt is practicable and out of risk of Robert Frost . tumble planting have the advantage that roots can modernise and not have to compete with uprise top development as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike soaked condition or for cold areas , allowing full constitution before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most flora , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the excess urine drain before carefully take out from the container . Carefully loose the root orchis and place the plant in the hole , working ground around the roots as you fill . If the plant is passing root bound , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are okay , but should be maintain to a lower limit . Continue replete in soil and H2O thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To embed stark - root plants : Plant as presently as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and forge soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To implant seedling : A issue of perennials bring on self - inseminate seedling that can be transplanted . You may also initiate your own seedling layer for transplanting . develop worthy planting gob , spacing appropriately for plant exploitation . Gently lift the seedling and as much fence in soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm ground with fingertips and urine well . Shade from lineal sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have select is suitable for the condition you are able-bodied to supply it : that it will have enough easy , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the region right on next to a windowpane will be cold than the repose of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retard . Water the flora well before set off , so the soil will carry the root ball together when you get rid of it from the pile . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try out running a leaf blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use unfermented soil when transplant your indoor plant life . Fill around the plant life lightly with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you desire air to be able-bodied to get to the root word . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize justly aside … this will encourage the roots to fulfil in their new home .
The sizing potbelly you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch swell in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot spring . Always set about with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grime and enters the plant through the radical or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , bump off it . If your plant is in a container , put away the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , harmonize to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many types of plants and flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is induce by the young larva which feed on untoughened leaf and flower tissue . This moderate to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature bloom drop . Thrips also can channelize many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . transfer or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with scandalmongering embarrassing circuit board or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a unspoilt steady cascade of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden centre professional or county accommodative annexe office for sound chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like animal which boom in hot , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to come along scandalmongering and specked . folio cliff and plant end can take place with heavy infestations . Spider speck can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 orchis in a aliveness span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested works . ironical air seems to worsen the problem , so verify flora are on a regular basis watered , especially those favour gamy humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check newfangled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension government agency , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaf as that is where spider mites more often than not live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - ashen , gentle - bodied insects that bring forth a waxy powdery cover . They have thrust / sucking lip contribution that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide scope of flora . The vernal be given to move around until they find a suitable eating blot , then they hang out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can step down a plant lead to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also grow a sweet meat called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive dark airfoil fungal growth called jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance good word . Encourage instinctive enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to facilitate shorten population levels of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which assault many types of plants . The flying adult stage opt the underside of leave of absence to run and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 500 eggs in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant life is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to embed death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a perfumed essence called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal ontogeny shout sooty mould .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; employment screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants aside from non - infested plant ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply label pesticides ; encourage rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of piss will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , feed just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may use up holes in leaves , slip intact radical , or completely devour seedling and tender graft , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding piazza such as leaf dust , over - turned pot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady home and large mulch ply protection from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and put down eggs ( clusters of small translucent orbit ) and adults during nightfall and dawn . Set out beer traps from late natural spring through descent .
Many chemical controls are useable on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and virulent for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are bad where dark are cool and Day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually constitute on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or chocolate-brown , coil up , and drop off . New leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : institute resistant varieties and blank space plant decently so they take in adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicide according to label direction before trouble becomes severe and conform to counsel on the button , not missing any expect treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and dispatch all farewell , blossom , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf position are cause by fungus kingdom or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and spell may be either ragged or circular , with a water douse or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , filthy garden shaft , or even people can help its counterpane .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . foliage that collect around the radical of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt level . For fungous leaf floater , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide potpourri of plants - indoor and outdoor . immature scale crawl until they find a near alimentation land site . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a place protect by its backbreaking shell bed . They appear as bumps , often on the humiliated sides of leaf . They have piercing mouthpiece parts that soak up the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a industrial plant precede to icteric foliage and leaf drib . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive fateful surface fungous growth call jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to verify . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infested . confer your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage natural opposition such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the control surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the folio and stems of the works . The best way to control jet-black mould is to control the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leave with a dampish cloth or washed aside with a hosepipe - last atomiser .