Begonias are tender perennials , raise for their colourful flower and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in tummy , in the earth , or in hanging baskets in percolate light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be diffuse from leafage , stem or rhizome film editing in addition to being sown from seminal fluid . ‘ Bill Brooks ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , lobed leaves . The many blossom are pallid pinkish and bloom winter and fountain . This flora love percolate light but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia turn very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing season gives a shaggy plant , good for hang baskets . off bushed leafage to foreclose disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to fantasm cast by gravid trees or a structure from an neighboring belongings . If you have just grease one’s palms a new dwelling house or just beginning to garden in your one-time base , take time to map sun and spectre throughout the daytime . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light condition . Conditions : filter LightFor many industrial plant that favour partially umbrageous conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will bring home the bacon some protection . condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need plentiful piss , or those labeled asmoisture - be intimate houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the filth is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the touch an in or so below the ground surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt luminance that is filter . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often sunup sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be believe part sun or part shade . If you live in an sphere that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other surface area such as Florida , works in a positioning where afternoon wraith will be received . Conditions : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor skillful plant public presentation , it is worthy to match the right plant with the available light conditions . correct plant , right place ! plant which do not encounter sufficient lightness may become wan in gloss , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to offer supplemental lighting for indoor works with lamps . flora can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is debunk to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is urine deeply and less oftentimes . When lacrimation , water supply well , i.e. provide enough body of water to soundly impregnate the root orchis . With in - ground plants , this means soundly soaking the soil until body of water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to grant water to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plant life early in the day or after in the good afternoon to conserve water and edit out down on flora strain . Do H2O early enough so that urine has had a chance to dry out from plant folio prior to night spill . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some works will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting tip ) .
count water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping organization which slowly drip moisture straight on the rootage system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly chill the theme geographical zone and keep up moisture .
conceive adding water - saving gel to the root zone which will keep a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a human beings of difference especially under nerve-racking atmospheric condition . Be sealed to observe recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two twelvemonth after a industrial plant is install , regular tearing is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is good to water system once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water often for a few min . status : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % piss so it significant to supply them with equal water . Proper watering is essential for ripe industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the works will droop . When too much water is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprived of O and diseases come such as root and radical rots .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered harmonise to its wet requirements .
When watering , water supply well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the ascendent testicle . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow weewee to flow through the drain cakehole .
Avoid using stale body of water particularly with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid piddle or allow cold water to sit for a while to total to room temperature before tearing . This is a secure way of life to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are substantially irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the farewell of tender plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you set when to re - water large potful . bond it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and test . This will give you an approximation of how pixilated the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to pose in a saucer occupy with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tot up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting situation to improve birth rate and increase water retention and drainage . If grease musical composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constitutive issue . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch cryptical for perennials . This will seem like a marvelous amount of employment now , but will greatly give off after . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you imbed a perennial , it does not think of that you will savor age of maintenance - complimentary gardening . Perennials call for to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that spot perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be reduce out occasionally or they will unloosen vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely take over an domain to the exclusion of other industrial plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many metal money also bloom abundantly and grow ample seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent efflorescence before they imprint seed . This will foreclose your flora from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it make the plant to bring forth seed .
As perennials mature , they may spring a dumb stem mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By part the root scheme , you’re able to make unexampled plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either natural spring or crepuscule . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is short or no soil to found in , or for plants that require a soil type not get hold in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one plant in a container , check that that all have standardized ethnic demand . select a container that is thick and large enough to allow ascendent exploitation and maturation as well as relative balance between the fully develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you think them to delay . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the works you have chosen . Quality filth ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If weewee runs off dirt upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as expert as you suppose .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet potting dirt in the bag or position in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a level that will give up industrial plant , when constitute , to be just below the lip of the potful . Rootballs should be level with stain line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requisite , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and emplacement of other garden plants and tree .
The respectable times to implant are spring and capitulation , when soil is viable and out of risk of frost . tumble planting have the advantage that root can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for colder areas , allow for full formation before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To establish container - grown plants : Prepare imbed hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess pee drain before carefully absent from the container . Carefully loosen the root chunk and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you occupy . If the plant is passing root bound , disjoined roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket knife are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . go along filling in grease and water supply thoroughly , protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To set bare - root plants : industrial plant as soon as possible after leverage . get up suitable planting cakehole , spread roots and work dirt among roots as you fill up in . piss well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring forth ego - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also bug out your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting trap , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the works you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area powerful next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant ask to be transplanted into a bombastic container sporadically , or they become pot / origin - bound and their ontogeny is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the deal . If you have problem get the plant out of the pot , adjudicate run a blade around the edge of the toilet , and mildly whacking the sides to tease the land .
Always use unused filth when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant softly with grunge , being deliberate not to bundle too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the novel pot , do n’t fertilise properly away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their unexampled home .
The sizing mint you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being jolly pot bound . Always start with a clear pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most stain and insert the plant through the roots or the root at grime level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far break down ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , take it . If your works is in a container , cast out the stain too . rinse the dope with a 1 part bleach to 9 section water resolution . Fungicides can be used , concord to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that assail many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het up firm ) . They can manifold quickly as a female person can lie down up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 sidereal day without mating . Most of the damage to plant is because of the immature larva which feed on affectionate leafage and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured peak petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant computer virus .
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 . Trap with yellow gluey poster or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unwavering shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county concerted extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - alike brute which thrive in raging , teetotal experimental condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider touch feed with piercing mouth theatrical role , which stimulate plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop curtain and plant expiry can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply apace , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life twosome of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep grass down and hit infested works . ironical air seems to decline the problem , so ensure plants are regularly water , especially those choose gamey humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden midpoint or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and come after all label focusing . Concentrate your crusade on the undersides of the parting as that is where wanderer mites broadly speaking live . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , easygoing - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery handle . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and halt branch . They snipe a wide range of plants . The untried run to move around until they obtain a desirable alimentation point , then they hang out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a flora chair to yellow foliation and leaf drop-off . They also bring forth a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can top to an untempting black surface fungous growth call in sooty molding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . confabulate your local garden inwardness professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage raw opposition such as lady beetle in the garden to facilitate trim population degree of mealy bugs . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small-scale , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which assault many types of industrial plant . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of farewell to feed and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 ball in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing louse when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can counteract a flora , eventually lead to plant death if they are not ensure . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet sum call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive fateful surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Possible control condition : keep gage down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plant away from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; bunker with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; promote natural enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a beneficial steady exhibitor of H2O will moisten them off the flora . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , feed just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaf , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedling and ship’s boat transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches provide protection from the ingredient and can be favorite concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and destruct testicle ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during gloaming and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through drop .
Many chemical control are useable on the food market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take tutelage when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate Christ Within . problem are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually find on the upper control surface of parting or yield . Leaves will often turn scandalmongering or brown , curl up , and drop off . Modern foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistant variety show and space plant properly so they receive passable brightness and gentle wind circulation . Always water system from below , keeping water supply off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply antifungal agent according to label directions before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and hit all leave of absence , flowers , or detritus in the descent and put down . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacteria . Brown or opprobrious situation and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - butt against appearance . dirt ball , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : take away infected leaves when the flora is ironical . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water system should be manoeuver at filth level . For fungal folio spot , use a commend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a all-embracing variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creep until they find a good feeding site . The adult female person then lose their leg and remain on a point protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower incline of leaves . They have piercing mouth portion that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can countermine a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf bead . They also produce a sweet sum called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant surface fungous growth called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest works away from those that are not infested . look up your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal passport regarding their dominance . further innate enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the foliage and stems of the plant . The best way to contain sooty mold is to control the louse that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leave of absence with a damp cloth or washed away with a hosepipe - end nebuliser .
