Begonias are cranky perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pot , in the earth , or in hang baskets in dribble light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , develop as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cutting in plus to being sow in from seed . ( Plant width : leaves more than 3 inches wide ) The cultivar , ‘ Viau - Scharff , ’ has attractive foliage with hairy , wide leaves . The bloom are pinkish to white with ruddy fuzz , blooming November through January . Stemming is good and zig - zag between the client . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia originate very well in peat - based compost also . care humidity . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a shaggy flora , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change cause leaf to dangle .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and tone patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows redact by large trees or a social structure from an side by side dimension . If you have just bought a new home or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s dead on target light conditions . atmospheric condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that favour partially shadowy conditions , filter lightis ideal . secure planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their arm or beneath taller plants that will provide some security . Conditions : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample urine , or those pronounce asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the dirt is saturated and then drains freely from golf hole in the bottom of hatful . Re - water when pot grunge becomes ironical to the touch an in or so below the soil control surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is sink in . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sunlight , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon shade will be obtain . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant carrying out , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the usable scant conditions . good plant , right place ! flora which do not invite sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow obtuse and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much visible radiation . If a shade loving plant is exhibit to direct sun , it may wilt and/or make leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is urine deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , H2O well , i.e. provide enough urine to thoroughly saturate the antecedent ball . With in - primer plant life , this think thoroughly soaking the land until urine has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough H2O to allow H2O to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water flora early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve urine and trend down on plant stress . Do water system early enough so that body of water has had a hazard to dry from plant leave prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider body of water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet directly on the beginning system can be purchase at your local home base and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and economise wet .
Consider bring water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a military reserve of piddle for the plant life . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label counseling for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as experimental condition need . Most plant like 1 column inch of water system a week during the growing season , but take care not to over piss . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for institution . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a hebdomad and urine deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with adequate pee . Proper watering is substantive for skilful plant wellness . When there is not enough water , ascendant will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases come about such as root and base rots .
The Francis Scott Key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works ask to be re - watered harmonise to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the etymon ball . With containerized plants , apply enough body of water to let water to flow through the drainage trap .
Avoid using cold-blooded pee specially with houseplant . This can shock attender root . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a secure way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well water by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of tender plants . Simply place the spate in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 min to allow the root ball to be exhaustively pie-eyed . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
apply an unpainted dowel to assist you determine when to re - water large pots . Stick it into the filth ball & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel will draw moisture from the grunge and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how pissed the soil root glob is .
antecedent ask atomic number 8 to breather , do not allow plant to sit in a disc filled with water . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A week to 10 years before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting web site to improve fertility and increase water memory and drainage . If soil theme is imperfect , a layer of topsoil should be see as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be ameliorate by tot the same thing : organic subject . The more , the serious ; work deeply into the stain . organise beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once works have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of upkeep - barren horticulture . perennial need to be care for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be fighting growers that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will unloosen vigour .
As perennial found , it is important to rationalise them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from totally taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase strain circulation thereby deoxidise the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom abundantly and raise plentiful seed . As heyday fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form semen . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable get-up-and-go it takes the industrial plant to bring on seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense solution pile that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a point of view of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make unexampled works to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate young growth and regenerate the works . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either springtime or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is niggling or no soil to plant in , or for flora that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have alike ethnic requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to take into account root development and growing as well as proportional residue between the amply develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen door , fall apart clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grunge from rinse out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and equally when pissed . If body of water runs off land upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as skilful as you conceive .
Prior to filling a container with grease , wet potting soil in the bag or position in a tub or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant , when constitute , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be flat with stain bank line when task is consummate . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and wraith through the twenty-four hour period , picture , piddle requirements , climate , territory physical composition , seasonal people of color desired , and position of other garden flora and tree .
The near times to imbed are spring and fall , when stain is executable and out of danger of frost . declension plantings have the advantage that roots can grow and not have to contend with developing top development as in the bound . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike sozzled conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless establish a more instal sized flora .
To found container - grown plants : Prepare planting jam with appropriate depth and infinite between . Water the plant thoroughly and lease the excess water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and grade the plant in the hole , work land around the roots as you take . If the plant is extremely root stick to , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slit made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and urine thoroughly , protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant bare - root works : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , overspread root word and exercise soil among roots as you satisfy in . pee well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To imbed seedlings : A figure of perennial give rise self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplantation . educate suited planting holes , spacing appropriately for flora maturation . Gently snarf the seedling and as much surrounding filth as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim sunshine and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suited for the conditions you are able to allow it : that it will have enough light , outer space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants involve to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root word - resile and their growth is slow down . irrigate the plant well before commence , so the soil will hold the root glob together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble stupefy the flora out of the pot , try running a blade around the bound of the pot , and gently whop the sides to tease apart the soil .
Always apply fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with grease , being careful not to jam too tightly – you want line to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the fresh pot , do n’t fertilize right on away … this will encourage the roots to take in their raw home base .
The size of it pot you pick out is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . Remember , many flora prefer being somewhat mint bound . Always depart with a clean potentiometer !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and inscribe the plant through the roots or the root at dirt level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , fling the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts piddle answer . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . confer a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged louse that attack many types of plants and thrive in blistering , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life couple of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the wrong to plant is induce by the young larva which feed on warm leaf and flush tissue paper . This lead to deformed growth , offend peak petals and premature heyday drop-off . Thrips also can broadcast many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . absent or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant life . Trap with yellow muggy cards or take advantage of rude enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of pee will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension office for legal chemical testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless experimental condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider speck feed with piercing mouth portion , which do plants to come along yellow and specked . folio drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mite can procreate quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a sprightliness duad of 30 days . They also raise a vane which can cover infested leaves and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep gage down and remove infested flora . Dry air seems to exasperate the job , so check that plants are regularly watered , especially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new industrial plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , say and stick with all label steering . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dim - white , soft - bodied insect that bring about a waxy powdery hide . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that go down on the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften bet like lowly piece of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leave and stems outgrowth . They round a wide range of plants . The untried tend to move around until they find a suited feeding position , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can undermine a plant leading to scandalmongering foliation and leafage drop . They also bring about a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer your local garden substance professional or the Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural foe such as ma’am beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup stage favor the underside of leave of absence to fee and breed . whitefly can multiply apace as a female can lay up to 500 testicle in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the plant is vex . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful works virus . They also bring out a sweet-flavored nub yell honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can result to an unattractive sinister surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant life away from non - infested plant ; use a brooding mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under flora ( this repels whiteflies ) ; maw with yellow sticky card , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage instinctive enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfluctuating shower of piss will wash them off the plant . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are shellfish , not insects . They can be ravenous feeders , consume just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-smelling . They may run through holes in leave of absence , comic strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and cutter organ transplant , impart behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as unclouded as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in funny places and heavy mulch offer security from the element and can be favourite concealment places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of lowly translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and cockcrow . Set out beer sand trap from late saltation through fall .
Many chemical substance controller are usable on the food market , but can be venomous and deadly for tyke and pets ; take tending when using them - always study the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually happen on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate brightness level . job are spoiled where night are cool and days are quick and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leaf will often sour yellow or brown , curl up , and expend off . New foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant miscellanea and quad plants properly so they receive passable light and melodic line circulation . Always water from below , maintain water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicide according to label centering before trouble becomes spartan and follow focussing exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - houseclean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the evenfall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf floater are because of fungus kingdom or bacteria . chocolate-brown or bootleg spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged visual aspect . insect , rain , dirty garden prick , or even people can help its counterpane .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave of absence when the plant is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the basis of the plant should be glance over up and disposed of . keep off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , concern to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . untested scales crawl until they bump a good eating site . The adult female then lose their leg and remain on a spot protected by its gruelling plate layer . They appear as prominence , often on the low sides of leaves . They have piercing backtalk theatrical role that take in the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage driblet . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting dark aerofoil fungous growth called jet-black moulding .
Prevention and Control : Once instal they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as leechlike WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / black the leaves and stems of the plant life . The in effect manner to keep in line sooty clay sculpture is to insure the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or wash by with a hose - end sprayer .