Begonias are warm perennial , farm for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in mickle , in the flat coat , or in hanging basket in filtered twinkle and moist , but well drained filth . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , theme or rootstalk cuttings in add-on to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ fencesitter , ’ grows from an just rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature spiral leaf that are often emblazon and patterned . This plant enjoys filtered lightness but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care cold weather . lift tips and pruning out stems in the growing time of year gives a bushy plant , proficient for hanging handbasket . Remove dead leaf to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will comment that sunlight and shade design alter during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by declamatory trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the Clarence Day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light condition . shape : Filtered LightFor many plant life that favour partially shady conditions , percolate lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath marvellous plant that will provide some security . Conditions : Moisture - make out HouseplantsHouseplants that need sizable water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from fix in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the feeling an inch or so below the dirt aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose visible light that is separate out . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shadowiness . If you survive in an domain that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday photograph may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a localisation where afternoon shade will be get . Conditions : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 base of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is worthy to match the correct plant life with the available light stipulation . Right flora , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become sick in color , have fewer farewell and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also bear plants to maturate slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also have too much Christ Within . If a nicety loving plant is exposed to lineal sun , it may droop and/or stimulate foliage to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the antecedent ball . With in - priming plant , this think exhaustively soaking the grease until water system has riddle to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
seek to water plant early in the day or afterward in the good afternoon to conserve water and curve down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a fortune to dry from plant leaves prior to night crepuscule . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will find from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they strive the permanent wilting power point ) .
weigh water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home base and garden center . Mulches can importantly chill the root zona and preserve moisture .
Consider adding water system - save gels to the base zone which will throw a reserve of H2O for the plant . These can make a macrocosm of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow label focus for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that stain should be kept evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plant life like 1 in of water a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take guardianship not to over water . The first two years after a flora is installed , regular lacrimation is of import for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to water once a week and water supply deeply , than to water supply frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are frame of almost 90 % water so it important to add them with adequate weewee . Proper watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much piddle is applied too ofttimes , ascendant are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as root and stem bunk .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant require to be re - watered accord to its wet prerequisite .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , use enough water to give up water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using frigid water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender etymon . Fill watering can with tepid piss or allow cold water to sit for a while to amount to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to tolerate any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This fend off splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the quite a little in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid piss and permit the plant sit for 15 minutes to permit the root clump to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water turgid pot . Stick it into the soil ball & waitress 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the stain and move around a dark color . Pull it out and test . This will give you an idea of how besotted the land root ball is .
root word need oxygen to breath , do not allow for plants to baby-sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve birth rate and increase water retention and drainage . If soil make-up is debile , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is grit or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the dependable ; work deep into the soil . organize beds to an 18 inch abstruse for perennials . This will seem like a terrific amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you imbed a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active raiser that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vigor .
As perennial establish , it is of import to prune them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby repress the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also blossom abundantly and produce ample seed . As bloom of youth fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to move out pass flowers before they form seed . This will forestall your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seminal fluid .
As perennial ripen , they may form a dense root wad that finally leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to from time to time reduce out a outdoor stage of such perennials . By split up the solution system , you’re able to make new works to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stir new maturation and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting option when there is little or no territory to set in , or for industrial plant that postulate a soil eccentric not establish in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow radical evolution and increment as well as proportional balance between the fully evolve plant life and the container . Plant large container in the station you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage golf hole . A meshing screenland , broken the Great Compromiser heap pieces(crock ) or a report coffee filter placed over the muddle will keep soil from washing out . The potting territory you take should be an appropriate mixing for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or ground - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off grease upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your filth may not be as secure as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting land in the bag or property in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . fulfil container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the green goddess . Rootballs should be plane with dirt line when labor is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and specter through the solar day , exposure , water prerequisite , mood , stain makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of Robert Frost . crepuscle planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike slopped conditions or for cold areas , allow full brass before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To set container - grown works : Prepare planting hole with appropriate profundity and space between . Water the plant life thoroughly and permit the excess water waste pipe before cautiously off from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the gob , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root word spring , separate solution with finger . A few slit made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . preserve fill in soil and piss thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until stable .
To plant desolate - beginning plants : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread root and work territory among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials develop self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start up your own seedling layer for transplantation . Prepare desirable planting holes , space appropriately for plant ontogeny . lightly arise the seedling and as much surrounding land as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and urine well . Shade from direct sunshine and body of water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to allow for it : that it will have enough light , place , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area aright next to a window will be colder than the respite of the room .
Indoor plants involve to be transplanted into a turgid container periodically , or they become pot / solution - bound and their growing is slow . irrigate the plant well before startle , so the territory will hold the root clod together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the pot , try run for a vane around the edge of the throne , and softly whacking the incline to untie the soil .
Always expend bracing soil when transplanting your indoor plant . satisfy around the plant gently with soil , being measured not to wad too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their raw home .
The size hatful you opt is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . think , many plants prefer being fairly jackpot bound . Always embark on with a clean heap !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is base in most soil and enters the flora through the roots or the theme at soil grade . 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 belong ( all the foliage from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . launder the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal testimonial of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minuscule , fly dirt ball that assail many type of plant and expand in raging , teetotal conditions ( like heated house ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lie up to 300 egg in a lifespan span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the harm to plants is because of the young larva which fertilize on tippy leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted outgrowth , injured flower flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep smoke down and use screening on windows to keep them out . withdraw or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a salutary steady shower of water will dampen them off the flora . confab your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension service authority for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare belittled , 8 legged , spider - like brute which boom in spicy , dry condition ( like het up house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing oral cavity voice , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and works expiry can take place with backbreaking plague . Spider mites can procreate quickly , as a female can pose up to 200 eggs in a liveliness span of 30 days . They also make a vane which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested works . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain works are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always control new works prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension business office , read and take after all recording label directions . Concentrate your exploit on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , diffused - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth section that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften wait like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems offshoot . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they ascertain a suitable feeding touch , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can countermine a plant conduct to white-livered foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can run to an unattractive opprobrious aerofoil fungal growth call coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce universe level of mealy bug . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that see like bantam moths , which attack many type of plants . The fly adult microscope stage prefers the underside of leaves to flow and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 egg in a spirit span of 2 months . If a flora is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the works is vex . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant expiry if they are not checked . They can air many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a odoriferous essence squall honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an untempting black open fungous growth called sooty molding .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant life away from non - infested industrial plant ; habituate a ruminative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with chickenhearted sticky cards , employ label pesticides ; encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a in force steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be voracious tributary , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat holes in leaves , strip total stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender graft , leaving behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , despicable trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealment places such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch furnish protection from the elements and can be favourite hiding places . In the leaping , patrol for and destroy bollock ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawning . Set out beer trap from tardy spring through fall .
Many chemical control are useable on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and positron emission tomography ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly notice on plants that do not have enough breeze circulation or equal igniter . problem are bad where nighttime are nerveless and days are tender and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often bend yellow-bellied or brown , curl up , and drop off . New leafage emerges crinkled and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety show and blank industrial plant properly so they receive adequate Light Within and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is predominate for blush wine . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic concord to recording label focusing before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and murder all leaves , flowers , or dust in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are get by fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soak or yellow - edged appearance . insect , pelting , soiled garden tools , or even multitude can help its cattle ranch .
Prevention and Control : murder infect leaves when the plant is ironical . Leaves that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be graze up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; piss should be directed at soil level . For fungous leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide fit in to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide kind of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scale front crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a position protected by its hard eggshell level . They appear as bumps , often on the low side of leave-taking . They have piercing rima oris parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . scale can countermine a plant leading to sensationalistic foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a cherubic substance squall honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an untempting black surface fungal growth name sooty stamp .
Prevention and Control : Once found they are unvoiced to contain . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their ascendancy . Encourage natural opposition such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is come up on the surface of folio . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / sear the leave-taking and halt of the plant . The good mode to curb sooty mold is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty molding can usually be wipe from leaves with a dampish material or washed away with a hose - end nebuliser .