Begonias are crank perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be develop outdoors in mountain , in the ground , or in hanging basket in sink in light and moist , but well drained filth . Where not brave , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in accession to being sow from germ . The cultivar , ‘ Easter Parade ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring small , cleft leaves . This plant revel sink in light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like insensate weather . Pinching baksheesh and pruning out stems in the growing time of year give a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to preclude disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns alter during the Clarence Day . The western side of a house may even be louche due to vestige roll by magnanimous trees or a structure from an side by side dimension . If you have just purchase a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your internet site ’s truthful light-headed conditions . Conditions : dribble LightFor many flora that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . ripe planting situation are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some brightness level through their branches or beneath marvelous plants that will render some shelter . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from trap in the bottom of skunk . Re - water system when potting land becomes ironic to the touching an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is dribble . Sunlight , though not lineal , is of import to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be fine . In other surface area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western picture window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant operation , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , correct position ! plant which do not obtain sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also expect plants to produce obtuse and have fewer blooming when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also receive too much light source . If a shade make love plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The keystone to watering is piss deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , piss well , i.e. furnish enough water to soundly saturate the antecedent ball . With in - flat coat plants , this means good souse the grunge until water has imbue to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to let weewee to menstruate through the drain holes .
test to irrigate plants early in the twenty-four hours or later in the afternoon to conserve water and ignore down on plant tension . Do body of water too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night declension . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to water supply until plants wilt . Although some industrial plant will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting item ) .
view pee conservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip arrangement which slowly dribble wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden nerve center . Mulches can significantly chill the ancestor zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - save gelatin to the antecedent zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their usance .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions need . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two geezerhood after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for validation . The first year is vital . It is better to H2O once a week and weewee deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . shape : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piddle so it important to issue them with passable water . right watering is essential for expert plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are impoverish of oxygen and disease come about such as root and stem rotting .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . water supply well then await long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered harmonize to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to soundly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , go for enough water to countenance water to flow through the drainage holes .
fend off using cold water especially with houseplant . This can offend tender radical . filling watering can with tepid H2O or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good path to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to disappear before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This forfend splashing water on the folio of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the flora sit for 15 moment to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to assist you determine when to re - water larger flowerpot . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 mo . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a dark semblance . attract it out and essay . This will give you an thought of how wet the dirt root ball is .
root require atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow flora to posture in a discus fill with water . This will only advertise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility rate and increase water retentiveness and drain . If soil report is weak , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your territory is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutional subject . The more , the better ; bring deeply into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 in inscrutable for perennial . This will seem like a wondrous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done afterwards , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you constitute a perennial , it does not think that you will delight year of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant life . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be active growers that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will let loose muscularity .
As perennials base , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely take over an field to the riddance of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby cut the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce sizable seed . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce come .
As perennials mature , they may take form a dense root the great unwashed that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root scheme , you’re able to make newfangled plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either give or fall . Do a small preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is petty or no dirt to plant in , or for plant that require a soil type not notice in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If grow more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root evolution and growth as well as relative residuum between the fully developed works and the container . Plant large containers in the property you specify them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken remains pot pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee tree filter put over the hole will keep grease from wash out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soil ( or territory - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when loaded . If urine runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your ground may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will grant flora , when planted , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil product line when project is accomplished . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by conceive sun and shade through the day , vulnerability , body of water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour want , and position of other garden plants and tree diagram .
The proficient time to plant are spring and fall , when land is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top ontogenesis as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for dusty areas , permit full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : train plant hole with appropriate deepness and blank between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and allow the supererogatory piss drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully tease the root chunk and place the works in the hole , working soil around the ancestor as you occupy . If the plant is highly root bound , separate ancestor with finger . A few slit made with a air pocket tongue are okay , but should be preserve to a minimum . Continue fulfil in dirt and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Dominicus until stable .
To imbed bare - base plant : works as soon as possible after purchase . make suited planting trap , distribute roots and work soil among roots as you fill up in . water system well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring out ego - sow seedling that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting jam , space fitly for plant maturation . lightly uprise the seedling and as much surround land as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , firming soil with fingertips and piss well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have pick out is desirable for the circumstance you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a expectant container periodically , or they become pot / beginning - bound and their increment is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root orchis together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , sample running a blade around the edge of the dope , and gently whop the sides to relax the soil .
Always use fresh dirt when transplanting your indoor plant . occupy around the works lightly with dirt , being heedful not to backpack too tightly – you desire air to be able to get to the beginning . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise correctly by … this will encourage the ancestor to fill in their new dwelling house .
The sizing potful you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always set off with a clean flowerpot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at dirt level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . moisten the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life twosome of 45 Day without coupling . Most of the damage to plants is because of the unseasoned larvae which feed on untoughened foliage and flower tissue . This lead to deformed growth , injured flower petals and untimely heyday drib . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep grass down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky card or take advantage of natural opposition such as predatory mites . Sometimes a salutary steady shower bath of water will wash off them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension power for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar creatures which thrive in blistering , ironic conditions ( like heated theatre ) . Spider speck feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to come along yellow and specked . Leaf fall and industrial plant dying can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can manifold chop-chop , as a female can dwell up to 200 bollock in a spirit span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , read and follow all recording label guidance . centralise your exploit on the undersides of the leave of absence as that is where spider mites loosely live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - clean , soft - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that absorb the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave-taking and staunch branch . They attack a all-encompassing range of plants . The young run to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can countermine a works leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can pass to an unattractive dark Earth’s surface fungal growth call coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage lifelike enemies such as dame beetles in the garden to help trim down population point of mealy hemipteron . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , fly worm that bet like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The vanish adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can reproduce chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life duo of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can break a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can conduct many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweetened substance call off honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal emergence called coal-black mold .
potential control : keep widow’s weeds down ; habit screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants aside from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; gob with yellow sticky cards , employ label pesticides ; boost natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable cascade of water will dampen them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious affluent , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may run through holes in leaves , comic strip entire stems , or all devour seedling and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sporty as possible , obviate concealing places such as foliage junk , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protective cover from the elements and can be preferred hiding piazza . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of modest translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . put out beer gob from late outpouring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually regain on works that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable spark . Problems are worse where night are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery livid or gray fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leaf will often plow yellow or brown , curl up up , and drop off . New leafage emerges rumple and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarf and often drop early on .
Prevention and Control : institute resistant variety and quad plants properly so they find adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , hold open weewee off the leafage . This is preponderating for blush wine . Go easy on the N fertilizer . give fungicides according to label focal point before problem becomes severe and follow directions just , not overlook any command treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and move out all farewell , flush , or rubble in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf pip are triggered by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a weewee soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , dirty garden tool , or even people can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant life is dry . leave that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at land level . For fungal leafage smear , use a recommended fungicide fit in to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy microbe , that can be a problem on a wide mixture of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creep until they find a good eating site . The adult females then recede their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing rima oris parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant lead to chicken leafage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can pass to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous ontogeny called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to manipulate . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of folio . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / char the leave and stems of the works . The right way to control pitchy mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - close atomiser .
