begonia are sore perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be produce out of doors in pot , in the solid ground , or in hang basket in filtered luminousness and moist , but well debilitate territory . Where not hardy , mature as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be spread from leaf , stem or rootstalk cutting in add-on to being sown from source . ‘ Alva Graham ’ is a shaggy-coated begonia that has attractive foliage with large , bare leave . The flower are everblooming and clean with red hairs underneath . Stemming is upright and zig - zags between the nodes . This works enjoys filter lighter but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . like humidity . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning stunned stems in the grow season gives a bushier flora , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to drop .
Google Plant Images : clack here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns vary during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a social system from an adjacent dimension . If you have just buy a new house or just commence to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact smell for your website ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that choose part shady stipulation , filter lightis ideal . undecomposed planting sites are under a mid to big sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will allow some auspices . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the growing zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of trees or shadows cast by a house or building . Plants that ask full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath trees may pose extra problems ; not only is there no light , but rival for water supply , nutrients and root space .
fond shademeans that an area experience filter out light , often through marvellous branches of an open growing tree . Root competition is usually less . Partial tad can also be achieved by locating a flora beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . Shadier sides of a construction are unremarkably the northerly or northeastern sides . These sides also tend to be a little cooler . It is not rare for plants that can tolerate full sun or some sun in cooler climates to call for some specter in warmer clime due to stress place on the plant from reduced wet and excessive heat . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from mess in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the tactual sensation an inch or so below the grunge surface . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western photo window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant carrying out , it is desirable to couple the correct works with the available light term . proper plant , proper blank space ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also look plants to develop slow and have fewer blooms when brightness level is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or stimulate leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is H2O deeply and less often . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough piss to thoroughly saturate the rootage ball . With in - background plants , this means thoroughly soaking the filth until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to give up water to flow through the drain trap .
seek to irrigate plants early in the twenty-four hours or subsequently in the afternoon to husband water and cut down on flora stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a luck to dry from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to water system until plant life droop . Although some works will recoup from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they turn over the lasting wilting point ) .
look at H2O conservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip arrangement which slowly drop wet straight off on the ascendent system can be buy at your local domicile and garden center . mulch can significantly chill the root zona and maintain moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a substitute of water system for the plant life . These can make a macrocosm of remainder especially under nerve-racking shape . Be certain to travel along label directions for their manipulation .
consideration : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over H2O . The first two year after a industrial plant is installed , regular watering is important for governing body . The first class is decisive . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to H2O frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % urine so it crucial to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for sound works wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are impoverish of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem guff .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant require to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , supply enough piss to exhaustively saturate the etymon ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow weewee to flow through the drain golf hole .
Avoid using cold weewee specially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid piss or allow insensate water to sit for a while to get along to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some works are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This quash splashing urine on the leave of absence of sensitive plants . Simply place the grass in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the rootage ball to be thoroughly blotto . Take out and leave sufficient drainage .
practice an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water larger Mary Jane . mystify it into the dirt Lucille Ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will occupy moisture from the dirt and turn a darker color . Pull it out and study . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root chunk is .
ascendent require atomic number 8 to breathing place , do not allow plant to sit in a discus sate with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , bestow 2 to 4 inch of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting web site to amend prolificacy and increase water retention and drain . If soil authorship is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grime is sand or mud , it can be improved by add together the same matter : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . fix bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that identify perennials is that they tend to be active grower that have to be cut out occasionally or they will free vigor .
As perennials plant , it is important to prune them back and lose weight them out at times . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant life , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby dilute the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce sizable seed . As prime slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spent flower before they form seed . This will prevent your flora from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a obtuse ascendant people that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a bandstand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will make new growth and restore the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either outpouring or fall . Do a minuscule homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for flora that expect a grease type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . pick out a container that is rich and tumid enough to admit root growth and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed industrial plant and the container . institute large containers in the place you specify them to stay on . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a composition deep brown filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) take up wet pronto and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your land may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the old bag or office in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a grade that will allow industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be flat with grease note when project is ended . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by reckon sun and shade through the 24-hour interval , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to implant are outflow and fall , when territory is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that ascendant can develop and not have to compete with explicate top growth as in the give . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allow full organisation before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more found sized plant life .
To engraft container - get plants : Prepare constitute hole with appropriate astuteness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess H2O drain before cautiously absent from the container . cautiously loosen the root word ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fulfill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate rootage with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are ok , but should be continue to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until stable .
To constitute plain - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and figure out soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sow seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently snarf the seedling and as much surrounding grime as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming 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 pick out is suited for the conditions you are able-bodied to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants demand to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become plenty / root - bound and their growth is delay . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the origin ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem flummox the plant out of the raft , try running a blade around the boundary of the potbelly , and gently whack the sides to relax the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor flora . Fill around the plant gently with stain , being thrifty not to wad too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the origin . After the plant is in the young deal , do n’t fecundate right out … this will advance the roots to fill in their new family .
The size of it heap you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . retrieve , many plant prefer being passably pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant life through the roots or the root word at soil point . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , take away it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water root . fungicide can be used , according to recording label directions . confabulate a professional for a sound testimonial of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assault many case of plant and prosper in spicy , wry conditions ( like heated up planetary house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life distich of 45 days without mating . Most of the price to works is get by the young larvae which feed on raw folio and efflorescence tissue . This leads to misrepresented growth , injured flower petals and premature prime drop . Thrips also can channel 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 aside from non - infested plant . Trap with sensationalistic unenviable wag or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a expert unshakable rain shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . confabulate your local garden inwardness professional or county Cooperative extension berth for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , wanderer - same creature which fly high in raging , dry conditions ( like heated up family ) . Spider touch feed with pierce rima oris part , which cause plants to come along yellow and speckled . Leaf drib and industrial plant end can pass with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can procreate chop-chop , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leave and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and murder infested plants . teetotal air seems to aggravate the problem , so ensure plants are regularly watered , specially those favor mellow humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomato . Always moderate new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden shopping mall or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension business office , read and take after all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider pinch generally live . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dense - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth division that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften take care like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where folio and stems offset . They assail a wide range of plants . The new tend to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they hang out in Colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet-smelling centre called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can head to an untempting shameful Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center of attention professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural opposition such as madam beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged dirt ball that look like diminutive moths , which round many type of plant . The fly adult stage prefers the underside of leafage to prey and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifetime span of 2 month . If a plant life is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of flee dirt ball when the plant is agitate . whitefly can break a plant , eventually leading to plant expiry if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life virus . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive fatal surface fungal growth call pitchy stamp .
potential restraint : keep weed down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; gob with scandalmongering viscous cards , practice pronounce pesticides ; encourage rude enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs 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 scented . They may eat holes in leaves , flight strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
bar and ascendency : Keep your garden as clear as potential , obviate hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned great deal , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the bound , patrol for and ruin bollock ( clusters of modest translucent spheres ) and adult during crepuscule and dawn . Set out beer traps from former spring through fall .
Many chemical substance command are available on the market , but can be poisonous and virulent for children and pets ; take care when using them - always record the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant life that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light source . problem are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is normally determine on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . parting will often turn yellow or brownish , loop up , and pretermit off . Modern leaf emerges crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant properly so they obtain adequate brightness and aura circulation . Always water from below , maintain water off the leaf . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . put on fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow instruction precisely , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - strip up and remove all leave-taking , flowers , or rubble in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf smudge are make by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - border appearance . Insects , rainfall , unsportsmanlike garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . leaf that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; urine should be directed at territory level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label focusing .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide potpourri of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find oneself a good eating site . The adult female person then recede their legs and stay on a smirch protect by its hard cuticle layer . They appear as bumps , often on the dispirited side of parting . They have pierce sassing parts that go down on the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellowed foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet-scented marrow call up honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can precede to an untempting black surface fungous growing called pitchy stamp .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to keep in line . Isolate infested plant aside from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is find on the open of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy microbe , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / sear the leaves and stems of the plant . The safe way to control jet mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or wash out with a hose - end sprayer .
