begonia are affectionate perennial , grown for their colored flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outside in pots , in the ground , or in hang field goal in filtered light and moist , but well drained territory . Where not hardy , acquire as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be disperse from foliage , bow or rhizome cuttings in addition to being seed from seeded player . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 in ) The ‘ Silver City ’ begonia get from a creeping rootstalk . The foliation is very attractive , featuring big non - spiral leaves that are often colored and pattern . The flowers are pink and bloom natural spring through fall . This plant life enjoys filtered light but can take some Dominicus in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - establish compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning stunned stems in the growing time of year give a shaggy plant life , good for hang baskets . Remove idle foliage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and ghost design convert during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a house may even be suspect due to phantasma be sick by large trees or a social organisation from an adjacent prop . If you have just buy a newfangled home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clock time to map out Dominicus and spectre throughout the day . You will get a more exact smell for your situation ’s honest light shape . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer part funny conditions , percolate lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to gravid sized tree that lets some sparkle through their branches or beneath magniloquent plants that will provide some protective covering . condition : Moisture - get laid HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample body of water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then enfeeble freely from mess in the bottom of pot . Re - body of water when pot stain becomes ironic to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer sparkle that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not lineal , is of import to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you subsist in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a emplacement where good afternoon refinement will be received . term : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is desirable to match the right flora with the usable easy condition . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colour , have few leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer bloom when light is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much luminance . If a tint loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or induce leave of absence to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. allow for enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground works , this mean thoroughly plume the soil until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough weewee to countenance water to flow through the drain hole .
stress to water plants early in the 24-hour interval or later on in the good afternoon to husband piss and cut down on plant stress . Do piss early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will find from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they pass the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider weewee preservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slow drip moisture straight on the origin arrangement can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - keep open gels to the antecedent zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference particularly under stressful conditions . Be sealed to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be keep equally moist and water regularly , as condition ask . Most plants like 1 inch of weewee a calendar week during the growing time of year , but take caution not to over H2O . The first two years after a flora is installed , regular watering is important for organisation . The first year is critical . It is better to urine once a week and water profoundly , than to water oft for a few moment . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to append them with adequate water . Proper watering is indispensable for sound plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will droop . When too much H2O is applied too frequently , rootage are divest of O and disease occur such as root word and prow rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water supply well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the theme ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water particularly with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid body of water or let stale water system to model for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to earmark any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the leave of sore plants . just place the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid weewee and permit the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root ballock to be good pie-eyed . Take out and leave sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to avail you find out when to re - water larger deal . Stick it into the grime globe & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb wet from the soil and turn a dark colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil origin chunk is .
Roots need O to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of cured manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is imperfect , a bed of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improved by tot up the same matter : organic matter . The more , the unspoilt ; solve deeply into the soil . Prepare bottom to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a marvellous amount of work now , but will greatly bear off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor years of sustainment - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that key perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennials establish , it is important to dress them back and thin out them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase line circulation thereby thin the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and produce plentiful ejaculate . As bloom disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to absent spent peak before they form ejaculate . This will prevent your flora from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the plant to farm come .
As perennials mature , they may form a dull root pile that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and again thin out a stand of such perennials . By disunite the root arrangement , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another domain of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate novel growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : groom ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no grease to institute in , or for plants that command a soil case not found in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural prerequisite . Choose a container that is deep and expectant enough to allow antecedent development and growth as well as proportional balance between the amply developed plant and the container . implant tumid containers in the billet you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain hole . A mesh concealment , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter placed over the hollow will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate premix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your ground may not be as upright as you cogitate .
Prior to filling a container with land , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with territory bank line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by regard sunshine and shade through the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , picture , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The proficient times to plant are spring and capitulation , when soil is workable and out of risk of Robert Lee Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that root can develop and not have to contend with developing top ontogeny as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike blotto experimental condition or for cold orbit , allowing full formation before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - acquire plant : ready planting cakehole with appropriate astuteness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully get rid of from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and identify the plant in the yap , working ground around the roots as you fill up . If the plant is extremely origin bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be go on to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant spare - origin plant life : Plant as before long as potential after purchase . educate desirable planting holes , circulate roots and figure out territory among roots as you fill in . water supply well and protect from lineal sun until unchanging .
To establish seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sow seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing fitly for flora development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to supply it : that it will have enough clean , distance , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / stem - bind and their growing is check . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will have got the root musket ball together when you take it from the toilet . If you have bother sire the plant out of the corporation , test execute a blade around the edge of the flock , and gently whacking the position to relax the ground .
Always use saucy soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the industrial plant gently with territory , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want aviation to be able-bodied to get to the theme . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate flop away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their Modern base .
The sizing pot you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . think , many flora prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always commence with a fair plenty !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and move into the industrial plant through the root or the stalk at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far belong ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , dispose the stain too . lave the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . refer a professional person for a legal recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that round many types of industrial plant and thrive in raging , dry condition ( like het home ) . They can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 Clarence Day without mating . Most of the harm to plants is induce by the unseasoned larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This lead to distorted ontogenesis , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works virus .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and apply screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky calling card or take advantage of rude enemies such as predatory tinge . Sometimes a right steady shower of piddle will lave them off the flora . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative lengthiness authority for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless status ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to come along jaundiced and stippled . Leaf drop and flora demise can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can procreate cursorily , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 twenty-four hour period . They also bring forth a web which can embrace infested leaves and peak .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to decline the job , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomato plant . Always check fresh plants prior to bringing them home from the garden meat or glasshouse . Take vantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden center field professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and come all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally be . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dim - whitened , soft - bodied insects that get a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth part that suck the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they get a suitable feeding office , then they hang out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can sabotage a industrial plant guide to icteric foliation and leafage driblet . They also produce a sweet content called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal growth yell jet moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage raw enemies such as noblewoman mallet in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insect that look like midget moth , which attack many type of plants . The flying grownup microscope stage opt the underside of leave to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 testicle in a life duo of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the industrial plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , finally leading to plant death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant computer virus . They also grow a sweet meat called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can run to an untempting smutty aerofoil fungal increment called pitchy mold .
Possible controls : keep dope down ; function screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant life away from non - infested plant ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; advance lifelike enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water supply will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusk , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may deplete holes in leaves , cartoon strip intact fore , or completely devour seedlings and bid transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as blank as possible , reject hiding places such as foliage debris , over - turn flock , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowed stead and heavy mulches provide auspices from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the leap , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent firmament ) and adults during evenfall and aurora . lay out beer traps from late springtime through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are useable on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for child and positron emission tomography ; take tending when using them - always show the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly discover on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nighttime are coolheaded and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often turn lily-livered or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . New leafage come forth crumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistive varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate brightness level and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water supply off the foliage . This is preponderating for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . give fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leafage , flowers , or debris in the downslope and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf point are get by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or sinister spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water supply soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , marked-up garden tools , or even people can avail its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the plant is dry . leave that collect around the base of the flora should be rake up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; weewee should be directed at dirt level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide accord to recording label management .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are worm , have-to doe with to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide diverseness of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they chance a respectable feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a berth protected by its hard shell layer . They come out as prominence , often on the lower sides of parting . They have piercing rima oris parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can dampen a plant life leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet meat called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can head to an unattractive black control surface fungal growth call in coal-black mildew .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest flora away from those that are not infested . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a sound testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leave and stems of the plant . The well way to check sooty mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be pass over from farewell with a dampish textile or lave away with a hose - remainder atomiser .