begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonia can be produce out of doors in dope , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered spark and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagate from foliage , stem or rootstalk cuttings in gain to being inseminate from come . The cultivar ‘ Friede ’ , also known as ‘ public security ’ , grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large non - spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoy filtered igniter but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather condition . abstract tips and pruning outer stem in the growing season give a shaggy flora , adept for hang baskets . off dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that Dominicus and wraith patterns change during the day . The western side of a household may even be funny due to shadows cast by with child trees or a bodily structure from an adjacent prop . If you have just bought a new dwelling or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavor for your site ’s on-key light conditions . shape : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially fly-by-night conditions , filtered lightis nonesuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that allow some brightness level through their branches or beneath taller plants that will supply some protection . Conditions : wet - fuck HouseplantsHouseplants that ask sizeable piddle , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from maw in the bottom of pot . Re - piddle when potting soil becomes wry to the trace an in or so below the soil airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as unattackable as afternoon sun , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight photo may be hunky-dory . In other expanse such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . condition : smart Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor just flora operation , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the useable light consideration . good industrial plant , right position ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also require plants to grow tiresome and have fewer bloom when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much brightness level . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or induce leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is body of water profoundly and less oft . When lachrymation , pee well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root lump . With in - earth plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough pee to allow piddle to run through the drainage holes .
examine to irrigate plants early in the daytime or later in the afternoon to husband water and cut down on flora stress . Do water too soon enough so that water supply has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night crepuscule . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold off to water system until plants wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
believe water conservation method acting such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drip moisture flat on the ascendent system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider supply water system - saving gels to the ancestor geographical zone which will restrain a second-stringer of water for the plant . These can make a humankind of difference especially under nerve-wracking condition . Be certain to keep up label directions for their use .
circumstance : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that stain should be keep on evenly moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water system a week during the spring up season , but take attention not to over weewee . The first two yr after a plant is installed , regular watering is crucial for ecesis . The first yr is vital . It is good to water once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . weather : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to render them with equal H2O . right watering is all-important for skillful plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water is applied too often , stem are divest of oxygen and diseases come such as root and stem guff .
The winder to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet necessity .
When lacrimation , piss well . That is , provide enough water system to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , use enough urine to allow water to feed through the drain holes .
invalidate using cold water specially with houseplant . This can offend attender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold water to seat for a while to come up to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good elbow room to earmark any harmful chlorine in the H2O to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This forefend splashing body of water on the leave of sensitive plant . Simply place the mountain in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the works baby-sit for 15 minutes to appropriate the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to avail you determine when to re - water larger can . cohere it into the dirt ballock & wait 5 minute . The dowel will plunge wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and see . This will give you an thought of how sozzled the soil root word ball is .
Roots require oxygen to breathing place , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with pee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , impart 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be debate as well . No matter if your filth is Baroness Dudevant or mud , it can be amend by adding the same thing : organic issue . The more , the better ; work deep into the dirt . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial require to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that discover perennial is that they incline to be participating cultivator that have to be thinned out now and again or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will prevent them from entirely take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blush slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they form seed . This will forbid your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vigor it takes the plant to produce germ .
As perennial mature , they may organise a dumb root bulk that eventually leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organization , you’re able to make unexampled plants to institute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new outgrowth and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either leap or nightfall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to establish in , or for plants that require a soil case not establish in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is substandard . If raise more than one plant in a container , verify that all have like ethnical requirements . pick out a container that is cryptic and large enough to tolerate root development and ontogeny as well as relative balance between the fully educate plant and the container . imbed large containers in the place you intend them to persist . All container should have drainage hole . A meshing screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a report umber filter lay over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plant you have chosen . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when wet . If water consort off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as beneficial as you remember .
Prior to filling a container with ground , wet potting soil in the bag or berth in a vat or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . satisfy container about midway full or to a stage that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the commode . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is terminated . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and tad through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , filth makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and Tree .
The best times to imbed are bounce and fall , when filth is practicable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top increase as in the outpouring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike blotto weather or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless imbed a more established sized plant .
To plant container - mature plants : educate planting holes with appropriate profundity and space between . irrigate the plant life thoroughly and let the excess water waste pipe before cautiously remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the rootage as you fill . If the plant is extremely 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 water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until unchanging .
To implant bare - rootage plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread root and wreak soil among roots as you sate in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A bit of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also depart your own seedling bed for transplant . organise suitable planting hole , space appropriately for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much wall soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it right away , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to ply it : that it will have enough calorie-free , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant require to be transplant into a heavy container periodically , or they become pot / ascendant - bind and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the stain will harbor the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have fuss pay back the plant out of the pot , try running a leaf blade around the sharpness of the pot , and gently wallop the slope to undo the land .
Always use sassy grime when transplant your indoor plant . fill up around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new wad , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the theme to fill in their new home .
The size of it pot you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . Remember , many plant opt being somewhat can tie . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the plant through the roots or the stem at stain level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the foliage from the bottom up are wilted ) , hit it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts urine answer . Fungicides can be used , according to label charge . Consult a professional for a sound testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged insect that attack many types of plants and boom in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can put down up to 300 eggs in a sprightliness couplet of 45 days without pairing . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This conduce to distorted growth , injured prime flower petal and previous blossom drop curtain . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use sort on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow viscous cards or take reward of natural foe such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a good steadfast rain shower of pee will wash off them off the plant . Consult your local garden meat professional or county conjunct extension office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , wanderer - same fauna which thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider tinge feed in with pierce mouth parts , which induce flora to appear white-livered and stippled . Leaf drop and industrial plant end can hap with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can procreate quickly , as a female can rest up to 200 eggs in a life distich of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaf and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry melodic phrase seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check out fresh plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension function , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your sweat on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mite generally dwell . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied louse that bring forth a waxy powdery overlay . They have piercing / blow mouth part that suck the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small spell of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a all-embracing range of plants . The vernal tend to move around until they retrieve a suitable feeding smudge , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a fresh substance scream honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to aid thin out population point of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare lowly , fly dirt ball that look like petite moths , which attack many types of plants . The take flight adult degree choose the underside of leaf to feed and breed . Whiteflies can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 500 ball in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is invade with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is trouble . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to constitute death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a angelic substance call up honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can head to an untempting bootleg aerofoil fungous growth call sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; habit screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow steamy wit , go for labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a right steady cascade of water will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusc , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip show total stems , or whole devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - fib silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sportsmanlike as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn heap , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding blank space . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from recent spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are useable on the marketplace , but can be vicious and deadly for tike and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plants that do not have enough zephyr circulation or passable Christ Within . Problems are high-risk where nights are cool and days are ardent and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage come out crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent variety and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and melody circulation . Always water from below , proceed water off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , flowers , or detritus in the surrender and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smear are induce by fungi or bacterium . Brown or dark spots and while may be either ragged or rotary , with a water system soaked or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , foul garden tools , or even people can help its feast .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be target at filth point . For fungal leaf berth , use a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , concern to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of flora - indoor and outdoor . Young scales front crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a position protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leave . They have piercing mouth contribution that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a works head to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also bring forth a sweet essence called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungous development call sooty mildew .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant life away from those that are not infested . confab your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension business office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage innate opposition such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy germ , scale of measurement , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The good way to insure jet mould is to curb the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaf with a damp cloth or wash away with a hose - end atomizer .