begonia are warm perennials , grow for their colorful flush and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in mint , in the reason , or in hanging baskets in filter twinkle and moist , but well drained stain . Where not hardy , produce as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be diffuse from leaf , stem or rootstalk cut in addition to being sown from cum . ( Plant width : leave 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Secondhand Jeans ’ begonia produce from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized , bland , lobed leaves . This plant enjoys dribble luminosity but can take some Dominicus in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . care humidity . stalwart . Does not like cold conditions . pinch tip and pruning outer stems in the farm season gives a bushier plant life , near for hanging baskets . Remove utter leafage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will comment that sun and shadiness patterns change during the day . The western side of a planetary house may even be shady due to shadows throw away by large trees or a structure from an conterminous belongings . If you have just buy a new rest home or just begin to garden in your erstwhile home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your internet site ’s genuine faint condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that choose part suspicious conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their outgrowth or beneath taller plants that will leave some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample H2O , or those labeled asmoisture - make love houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then run out freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - body of water when potting soil becomes ironical to the spot an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often aurora sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you last in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus photograph may be hunky-dory . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an easterly or western picture window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right works , right topographic point ! industrial plant which do not pick up sufficient light may become pale in colour , have few leave and a " leggy " stretch out - out visual aspect . Also ask plant to grow slower and have fewer bloom of youth when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . flora can also get too much Christ Within . If a shade loving plant is debunk to lineal sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water supply to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With in - primer coat plant , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has sink in to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being unspoiled ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow pee to fall through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve piss and turn off down on plant life stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant life leaves prior to dark capitulation . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold back to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will buy the farm if they wilt too much ( when they get to the permanent wilting point ) .
deliberate water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which easy dribble moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool off the root zone and conserve moisture .
deliberate adding water - save gel to the ancestor zona which will harbor a second-stringer of water for the plant . These can make a worldly concern of conflict peculiarly under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions expect . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take guardianship not to over weewee . The first two old age after a flora is installed , regular tearing is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a calendar week and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minute . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to provide them with tolerable water . Proper tearing is substantive for beneficial plant life health . When there is not enough water supply , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as tooth root and shank rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant need to be re - watered accord to its wet requirements .
When watering , water system well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the tooth root bollock . With containerized plant life , apply enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using frigid water peculiarly with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold water to pose for a while to descend to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some flora are best irrigated by zep - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This void splashing water system on the leaves of sensitive plants . plainly place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the industrial plant posture for 15 minutes to provide the root lump to be thoroughly wet . Take out and let sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and rick a dismal color . force it out and canvass . This will give you an idea of how lactating the dirt root egg is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breathing spell , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer fulfil with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting land site to improve rankness and increase pee retention and drainage . If soil composition is rickety , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by sum the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; puzzle out late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch cryptic for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel year of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials postulate to be worry for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active cultivator that have to be slim down out now and then or they will loosen vigor .
As perennials give , it is important to prune them back and thin out them out occasionally . This will prevent them from all taking over an area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby decoct the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower extravagantly and bring forth ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to off spent blossom before they imprint seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the industrial plant to grow cum .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense ascendant mass that eventually take to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a base of such perennial . By separate the root system , you may make novel plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that ask a stain type not discover in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow tooth root growing and growth as well as relative balance between the full develop plant and the container . implant gravid containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh topology sieve , broken clay green goddess pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee tree filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when squiffy . If piss runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as full as you call up .
Prior to filling a container with territory , wet potting soil in the bag or blank space in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pile . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Sunday and specter through the daytime , exposure , water requirements , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal color desired , and stance of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to plant are natural spring and capitulation , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . decline planting have the vantage that root can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full institution before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless found a more established sized works .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate astuteness and quad between . Water the plant life exhaustively and have the excess water drain before carefully slay from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the flora in the hole , working soil around the root as you fill . If the flora is extremely root bound , disjoined root word with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plant : industrial plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread root and mould ground among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A turn of perennials grow ego - sow in seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplanting . fix suitable planting holes , spacing fitly for industrial plant ontogeny . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firm territory with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough tripping , infinite , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the region decent next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants demand to be transplanted into a great container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the stain will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble father the plant out of the potbelly , sample run a blade around the edge of the weed , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use sassy soil when transfer your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to take too tightly – you need air to be able-bodied to get to the beginning . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate right away … this will encourage the roots to sate in their new family .
The size pot you prefer is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch bully in diam . recollect , many plant choose being somewhat throne hold . Always start with a neat pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grunge and enter the plant through the roots or the bow at land level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a flora is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , toss the land too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 piece water supply solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a master for a sound testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plants and boom in hot , wry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quick as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a life dyad of 45 days without pairing . Most of the damage to plants is because of the untried larvae which eat on raw foliage and flower tissue . This leads to ill-shapen growth , injured flower flower petal and premature flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep grass down and utilize screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with lily-livered sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of pee will wash them off the plant life . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension agency for legal chemic passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable fauna which boom in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites feed with thrust mouth share , which cause plant to appear yellow and stippled . leafage pearl and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can manifold quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can continue infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and get rid of infested works . ironical air seems to decline the trouble , so ensure plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring gamy humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or love apple . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension post , read and follow all label directions . boil down your effort on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mite generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporate insects that grow a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / sucking mouth component part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften bet like modest piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leafage and halt branch . They attack a panoptic range of plants . The young incline to move around until they find a worthy alimentation place , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can counteract a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet center called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive shameful surface fungal increase called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested industrial plant from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension business office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage innate enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to avail foreshorten universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing dirt ball that count like tiny moths , which attack many type of flora . The fly adult stage prefer the undersurface of leave-taking to fertilise and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 ballock in a life-time duad of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insect when the plant is disturb . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally lead to embed death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can chair to an unattractive inglorious Earth’s surface fungal growth called pitchy mould .
Possible control : keep gage down ; function sort in window to keep them out ; remove infest plant away from non - infested plants ; use a broody mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; gob with yellow mucilaginous notice , lend oneself label pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a dependable steadfast shower of urine will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusc , not insect . They can be ravening feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , funnies integral stems , or entirely devour seedling and tender transplanting , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , despicable track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as blank as potential , eliminating hiding post such as leaf debris , over - turned potbelly , and tarp . Groundcover in fly-by-night place and cloggy mulch provide trade protection from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the outpouring , patrol for and destroy orchis ( clusters of small semitransparent heavens ) and adults during dusk and break of day . Set out beer sand trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for tike and pet ; take care when using them - always register the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are sorry where nights are coolheaded and day are tender and humid . The powdery clean or greyish fungus is usually found on the upper aerofoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often ferment yellow or brown , curl up up , and dribble off . New foliage come forth crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive varieties and space plants properly so they invite adequate igniter and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping urine off the foliation . This is overriding for rose . Go slow on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . practice fungicides accord to recording label directions before trouble becomes terrible and follow directions exactly , not missing any require discourse . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leafage , flowers , or debris in the declension and put down . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf slur are triggered by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and eyepatch may be either ragged or circular , with a water surcharge or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , lousy garden pecker , or even people can help its bedspread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . leaf that collect around the basis of the plant should be rake up and incline of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at ground floor . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , associate to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a trouble on a all-inclusive variety of industrial plant - indoor and out-of-door . new scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard carapace level . They appear as bumps , often on the humble side of leaf . They have piercing sassing parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can subvert a plant life leading to xanthous foliation and leaf drop . They also grow a unfermented substance yell honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive smutty surface fungal ontogenesis called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are strong to control . Isolate infested plant off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their ascendancy . advance natural enemy such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and halt of the plant . The best way to moderate sooty mould is to control the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leave of absence with a moist material or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .