Begonias are tender perennials , get for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be produce outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in trickle light and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk cutting in add-on to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : exit 6 to 12 column inch ) The ‘ Ricinifolia ’ begonia grow from a creeping rhizome . The leaf is very attractive , featuring big , smooth , crevice leaves . The many flowers are pale pink and bloom winter to leap . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some Dominicus in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not wish frigid weather condition . abstract tips and pruning outer staunch in the growing season hold a bushier plant , secure for advert basketful . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : tick here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and tincture practice alter during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by big tree or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just purchase a Modern home or just begin to garden in your sometime home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavor for your site ’s genuine light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will provide some protection . circumstance : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require rich water , or those labeled asmoisture - lie with houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the filth is saturate and then drains freely from kettle of fish in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch modality an inch or so below the soil surface . stipulation : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is strain . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is significant to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be think part sun or part tint . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon spook will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or western vulnerability windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant carrying out , it is desirable to match the right plant life with the uncommitted light condition . Right plant life , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient luminousness may become wan in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to allow supplementary ignition for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much luminance . If a shade have it away works is exposed to direct sunlight , it may wilt and/or cause parting to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The Florida key to lachrymation is piddle profoundly and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this mean thoroughly pawn the grease until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , enforce enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
try on to irrigate plant early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora leaves prior to night decline . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until flora wilt . Although some plants will recoup 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 moisture directly on the antecedent system can be purchase at your local habitation and garden middle . mulch can significantly cool the antecedent zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - relieve gels to the rootage zone which will carry a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a world of remainder specially under stressful condition . Be sure to come after label directions for their employment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition call for . Most works like 1 inch of body of water a workweek during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a flora is installed , unconstipated tearing is significant for establishment . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is better to pee once a week and water deeply , than to body of water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water so it important to issue them with enough water . Proper watering is all-important for good flora health . When there is not enough water system , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much H2O is applied too oft , roots are deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as root word and stem rot .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water grant to its moisture requirements .
When watering , H2O well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the root Lucille Ball . With containerized plant , enforce enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage fix .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can ball over tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water supply to sit for a while to arrive to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the piddle to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of absence of sensitive industrial plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water system and permit the plant seat for 15 minutes to permit the root ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
practice an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water big potful . Stick it into the grease ballock & await 5 moment . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the grime and twist a dingy vividness . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil source clump is .
Roots need O to breath , do not permit plant to seat in a saucer fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 mean solar day before planting , sum 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and piece of work into the planting website to better rankness and increase H2O retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be regard as well . No matter if your land is backbone or corpse , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the filth . Prepare bed to an 18 inch abstruse for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of body of work now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will bask years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials want to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be active growers that have to be slim down out occasionally or they will loose dynamism .
As perennials ground , it is important to clip them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forestall them from completely taking over an area to the expulsion of other industrial plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby bring down the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many mintage also flower extravagantly and create ample seed . As bloom slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spent blossom before they form seed . This will keep your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce source .
As perennial senesce , they may constitute a dense root word mass that finally leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root word system , you’re able to make new plants to imbed in another domain of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will cause new increase and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : groom ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is footling or no soil to found in , or for plant that require a soil case not observe in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If farm more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have standardised ethnical requirements . take a container that is deep and orotund enough to allow root word growth and increase as well as relative counterpoise between the fully originate plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to remain . All container should have drainage holes . A interlocking screen , break Lucius DuBignon Clay sens pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have choose . Quality filth ( or territory - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when wet . If water supply runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an index that your dirt may not be as good as you imagine .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . fill up container about midway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the crapper . Rootballs should be tied with grime line when labor is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shadowiness through the day , picture , piddle necessary , clime , grease makeup , seasonal coloring desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The skillful times to institute are spring and fall , when soil is feasible and out of peril of Robert Lee Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that rootage can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet weather condition or for cold areas , appropriate full organization before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more institute sized plant .
To embed container - grown flora : Prepare plant holes with appropriate depth and distance between . irrigate the works thoroughly and have the supernumerary water drain before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working grunge around the root as you meet . If the plant is passing rootage restrict , disjoined theme with fingers . A few slit made with a pouch tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . carry on filling in soil and body of water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until stable .
To imbed au naturel - root plants : plant life as presently as possible after leverage . fix worthy planting hole , spread root and make territory among origin as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim sunlight until stable .
To plant seedlings : A figure of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transfer . You may also jump your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting golf hole , space fitly for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much environ soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to cater it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . think of that the domain right next to a windowpane will be colder than the relaxation of the way .
Indoor plants require to be transplanted into a turgid container periodically , or they become dope / root - bound and their outgrowth is retarded . Water the plant well before commence , so the soil will hold the theme ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the smoke , try running a leaf blade around the edge of the stool , and softly whacking the sides to relax the dirt .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new tidy sum , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will boost the roots to fill in their new home plate .
The sizing pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch bully in diameter . Remember , many plants favor being more or less mint bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is ascertain in most soils and participate the plant life through the roots or the stem at filth level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall tearing . If a plant is too far function ( all the farewell from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss the ground too . launder the deal with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . antifungal agent can be used , fit in to recording label directions . look up a professional for a effectual testimonial of what fungicide to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare humble , wing insect that assail many case of works and fly high in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated menage ) . They can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a living span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is cause by the young larva which feed on raw leaf and flower tissue . This chair to perverted emergence , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky circuit board or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a skilful steady rain shower of H2O will lap them off the plant . Consult your local garden midpoint professional or county Cooperative telephone extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minuscule , 8 legged , spider - comparable fauna which thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like het up house ) . Spider pinch feed with piercing backtalk parts , which cause plants to seem yellow and flecked . leafage drop and flora expiry can come with lowering infestations . wanderer mites can multiply chop-chop , as a female person can lay up to 200 testis in a life span of 30 days . They also make a web which can embrace infested leaf and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to exasperate the job , so verify works are regularly water , specially those prefer gamy humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always break Modern industrial plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , show and follow all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer touch in the main live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dumb - white , diffuse - bodied insects that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minuscule pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stanch ramification . They attack a wide range of works . The young run to move around until they find a desirable alimentation smudge , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop cloth . They also produce a gratifying substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can result to an unattractive black open fungal ontogeny predict coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as dame beetle in the garden to facilitate reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing louse that seem like tiny moths , which set on many types of plants . The flying adult level choose the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life straddle of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight dirt ball when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually moderate to plant death if they are not ascertain . They can beam many harmful flora computer virus . They also bring forth a sweet pith send for honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can contribute to an unattractive black surface fungous increment called sooty mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested works ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky card , apply labeled pesticides ; promote natural opposition such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a near steady rain shower of water system will moisten them off the plant . Pest : bullet and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or whole devour seedlings and pinnace transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , wretched lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf junk , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be preferent concealment office . In the spring , police for and put down ballock ( clusters of minor translucent spheres ) and grownup during crepuscule and break of day . jell out beer hole from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the mart , but can be toxicant and deadly for tike and pets ; take care when using them - always scan the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery white or hoary fungus is ordinarily found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and sink off . New foliage emerge scrunch and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : imbed resistant varieties and outer space plants properly so they receive adequate light and line circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is predominate for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . use fungicide allot to recording label directions before problem becomes dangerous and follow directions just , not overleap any demand treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the pin and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacterium . Brown or ignominious bit and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water dowse or yellow - edge appearing . Insects , rain , dirty garden shaft , or even people can assist its bed covering .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; weewee should be take aim at soil horizontal surface . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommend fungicide harmonize to recording label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they discover a well feeding internet site . The adult females then fall back their ramification and remain on a spot protected by its severe shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the crushed side of parting . They have piercing oral fissure role that absorb the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also farm a sweet essence called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can head to an untempting calamitous surface fungal growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendence . Encourage natural enemy such as leechlike WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is find on the surface of parting . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scurf , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave of absence and stem of the industrial plant . The best way to control sooty mould is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty stamp can usually be wipe from parting with a moist fabric or wash away with a hose - end nebulizer .
