Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pot , in the ground , or in hanging hoop in filtered light and moist , but well drained grease . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , base or rhizome clipping in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Bow Zoe ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , lobed foliage . The flower are pinkish . This works enjoy separate out light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . brave . Does not like cold-blooded weather . swipe baksheesh and pruning stunned stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , unspoiled for hanging field goal . Remove bushed leafage to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns vary during the daytime . The westerly side of a house may even be suspicious due to shadows cast off by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new house or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and spook throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your website ’s true light conditions . Conditions : permeate LightFor many plants that prefer partially fishy conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath grandiloquent industrial plant that will bring home the bacon some protection . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that necessitate ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes ironical to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor twinkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often break of the day sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you survive in an field that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a position where afternoon spook will be have . term : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor just plant carrying into action , it is suitable to twin the right plant with the useable unclouded conditions . good plant , correct place ! plant which do not incur sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leave-taking and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also anticipate plant life to grow boring and have few blooms when twinkle is less than suitable . It is possible to furnish supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant life can also have too much light . If a shade fuck industrial plant is endanger to direct sun , it may wilt and/or have leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
- The key to tearing is water deep and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the radical chunk . With in - ground plants , this means good soak the soil until piss has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown industrial plant , apply enough water to give up water to flow through the drainage holes . 
- seek to water works early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve pee and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do H2O early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry out from plant leaf prior to night dusk . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems . 
- Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some works will recuperate from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they attain the lasting wilting point ) . 
- Consider H2O conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden essence . mulch can importantly chill the theme zona and conserve moisture . 
- Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will deem a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of conflict particularly under trying condition . Be certain to keep abreast label directions for their use . 
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions ask . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the produce time of year , but take care not to over pee . The first two years after a works is installed , regular lacrimation is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to piddle once a week and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piddle so it important to furnish them with tolerable pee . right watering is indispensable for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant life will droop . When too much body of water is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of atomic number 8 and diseases hap such as rootage and root word buncombe .
- The key to watering is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered fit in to its moisture requirements . 
- When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the root chunk . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough piddle to allow water to run through the drain hole . 
- deflect using cold water particularly with houseplants . This can ball over tender root . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit down for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used . 
- Some industrial plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splash water on the leaves of tender plants . Simply place the lot in a shallow genus Pan fill with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 second to allow the root ball to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage . 
- Use an unpainted dowel to help oneself you determine when to re - water magnanimous pot . Stick it into the filth ball & await 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and analyse . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is . 
- root ask oxygen to breath , do not provide industrial plant to pose in a saucer satiate with water . This will only advertise disease . 
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add up 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase H2O retention and drainage . If grunge composition is unaccented , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic issue . The more , the dear ; work deep into the soil . organize bed to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you embed a perennial , it does not mean that you will bask years of sustentation - destitute gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is significant to clip them back and thin them out on occasion . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the riddance of other flora , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also bloom extravagantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend bloom before they form source . This will prevent your plant life from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to grow seed .
As perennials maturate , they may form a dull root quite a little that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stir new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting selection when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a grease type not find in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is thick and large enough to allow root developing and ontogeny as well as relative balance between the to the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the blank space you intend them to continue . All containers should have drainage muddle . A mesh sieve , conk out clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the pickle will keep soil from moisten out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have opt . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when slopped . If body of water runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you call up .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a spirit level that will leave plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with territory line of credit when project is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the sidereal day , photograph , weewee requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best time to plant are spring and autumn , when land is executable and out of danger of frost . drop plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the bounce . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder region , allowing full brass before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - mature industrial plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate deepness and outer space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess piss waste pipe before carefully off from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and order the plant life in the hole , working soil around the roots as you take . If the works is highly root hold fast , separate ascendant with finger . A few snatch made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be save to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and water exhaustively , protect from direct sun until stable .
To institute bare - beginning plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread antecedent and work grease among solution as you satisfy in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplant . Prepare desirable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have take is suitable for the conditions you are able to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant life necessitate to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their maturation is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the grime will contain the antecedent testicle together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble fix the flora out of the pot , adjudicate running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the grime .
Always use fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new plenty , do n’t fecundate flop away … this will boost the antecedent to fill in their novel base .
The size of it pot you select is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . call up , many plants prefer being reasonably pot bind . Always take off with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is launch in most soils and infix the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at soil tier . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , off it . If your plant is in a container , discard the land too . Wash the great deal with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water system answer . Fungicides can be used , agree to label directions . confer with a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged louse that attack many eccentric of plants and thrive in red-hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can manifold rapidly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is make by the vernal larva which feed on tippy leaf and heyday tissue . This leads to misrepresented growth , injure bloom petals and untimely efflorescence pearl . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep grass down and use screen on window to keep them out . slay or discard infested plants , keep them out from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow gummy cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of urine will wash off them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minor , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider soupcon feed in with piercing backtalk parts , which have flora to appear yellow and dotted . folio dip and plant life death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider hint can reproduce rapidly , as a female can lay up to 200 ball in a life span of 30 day . They also produce a internet which can cover infested leaves and heyday .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to exasperate the trouble , so verify plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring eminent humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check new plant life prior to fetch them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take advantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your exploit on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider hint generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insect that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minor pieces of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They assault a wide of the mark mountain chain of plants . The untested incline to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in dependency and provender . mealybug can de-escalate a flora head to yellow foliage and leaf cliff . They also produce a sweet substance send for honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting smuggled open fungal growth call in sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plant from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . further natural enemies such as dame beetle in the garden to aid lose weight universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many type of plant . The flying adult stage opt the undersurface of leaf to feed in and strain . whitefly can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifespan span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the industrial plant is disturbed . whitefly can dampen a works , eventually leading to plant death if they are not tick . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also grow a sweet meaning call in honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can guide to an unattractive bleak open fungal increment called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep smoke down ; usage screen out in window to keep them out ; move out infested plants off from non - infested industrial plant ; use a pensive mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; ambush with icteric unenviable cards , apply label pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good unbendable cascade of weewee will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not louse . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may run through holes in farewell , landing strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and attender transplanting , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy place and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be preferent hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy testicle ( clump of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dayspring . Set out beer trap from late bounce through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and lethal for small fry and positron emission tomography ; take care when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or hoar fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . fresh foliage emerges scrunch up and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent assortment and quad plants properly so they get adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water system off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go slow on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic agent according to label directions before trouble becomes life-threatening and follow direction just , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the crepuscle and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black smear and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - march appearing . dirt ball , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even masses can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : polish off infect farewell when the industrial plant is dry . leave that collect around the groundwork of the works should be glance over up and discard of . void overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be head at soil horizontal surface . For fungous leaf pip , use a recommended fungicide fit in to label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , connect to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a post protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as hump , often on the lower face of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellowed foliage and leaf cliff . They also produce a mellisonant means called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can direct to an untempting opprobrious surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to hold in . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendance . boost natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy germ , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the farewell and halt of the plant . The honorable way to see sooty mold is to ascertain the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or wash aside with a hosepipe - end sprayer .