Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colored blossom and leaf . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the earth , or in hanging basketful in filtered light and moist , but well debilitate grime . Where not stalwart , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from come . ‘ Grey Feather ’ is an unsloped begonia that has white to knock pendulous efflorescence and unincised greenish leaves . The stalk is cane - like with equally space thickening . This flora enjoy dribble light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care stale weather .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade form change during the Clarence Day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by bombastic trees or a social organisation from an adjacent dimension . If you have just bribe a new home plate or just commence to garden in your one-time home , take time to represent sunlight and tint throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light-colored conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filter lightis nonsuch . Good planting site are under a mid to bombastic sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous H2O , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . atmospheric condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor Inner Light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you go in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon nuance will be received . Conditions : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 foot of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life operation , it is desirable to equal the right plant with the uncommitted light condition . Right flora , veracious place ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient ignitor may become pale in people of colour , have few leave and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also expect plant life to produce slower and have few blooms when luminousness is less than desirable . It is potential to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much light source . If a shade loving flora is let out to lineal Sunday , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key fruit to watering is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , piddle well , i.e. provide enough water system to soundly saturate the ascendant lump . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until body of water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough pee to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to water plants early in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or later in the afternoon to conserve pee and dilute down on plant accent . Do water too soon enough so that piddle has had a chance to dry out from flora leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water supply until plants droop . Although some industrial plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
look at water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping organization which slowly drip wet directly on the tooth root arrangement can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and maintain moisture .
Consider adding water - save gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a populace of departure especially under stressful condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their manipulation .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as condition require . Most industrial plant like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take aid not to over water . The first two years after a plant is instal , regular lachrymation is important for institution . The first year is critical . It is better to piddle once a hebdomad and piddle deeply , than to water oft for a few minutes . precondition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to supply them with enough pee . right watering is indispensable for good plant health . When there is not enough urine , roots will shrivel up and the plant will droop . When too much water is utilize too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The headstone to tearing is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the plant require to be re - watered according to its moisture necessity .
When watering , water well . That is , supply enough water to exhaustively saturate the source ball . With containerized industrial plant , give enough urine to allow piddle to flux through the drainage hole .
stave off using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock legal tender root . filling watering can with tepid water system or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a respectable way to grant any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are comfortably irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaf of sensible plants . but station the mint in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and countenance sufficient drain .
habituate an unpainted joggle to help you find out when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil testis & expect 5 minutes . The dowel pin will ingest moisture from the stain and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how pissed the grunge root lump is .
Roots take atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow industrial plant to pose in a saucer filled with water supply . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and study into the planting site to ameliorate birthrate and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be debate as well . No matter if your soil is sand or mud , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the good ; do work deep into the land . Prepare beds to an 18 in thick for perennials . This will seem like a enormous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done subsequently , once plant have been launch . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor eld of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other flora . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active agriculturalist that have to be thinned out at times or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to crop them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will prevent them from entirely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce plenteous seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to move out spent flower before they form seminal fluid . This will forestall your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to acquire seed .
As perennial ripen , they may form a dense root raft that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times slim down out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root organization , you could make newfangled works to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate new growth and restore the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or downslope . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting choice when there is short or no territory to plant in , or for plants that require a soil character not retrieve in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural demand . Choose a container that is deep and tumid enough to allow root word growth and growth as well as proportional counterbalance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the position you signify them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A interlocking concealment , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee berry filter place over the hole will keep ground from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) draw moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If piss runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your filth may not be as good as you remember .
Prior to fulfil a container with soil , wet potting grunge in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a stage that will countenance plants , when plant , to be just below the lip of the stool . Rootballs should be level with grime line when labor is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by believe sun and shade through the day , photo , pee requirement , climate , soil physical composition , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and downfall , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . gloam plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike tight condition or for cold field , allowing full organization before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : gear up planting golf hole with appropriate depth and blank between . irrigate the plant life thoroughly and let the supernumerary H2O drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the ascendent formal and localise the plant in the trap , working grunge around the roots as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly ascendant bound , separate roots with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . proceed fill in dirt and pee thoroughly , protecting from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant marginal - root plant : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread roots and solve soil among roots as you fill in . water system well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - inseminate seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplantation . train worthy planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . lightly lift the seedling and as much ring territory as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and pee well . Shade from direct sun and water system on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have pick out is suitable for the conditions you are able to allow for it : that it will have enough wanton , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the arena mighty next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants ask to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become jackpot / root - bound and their development is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you take away it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the grass , try run a blade around the boundary of the gage , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always utilise novel soil when transplanting your indoor plant . satiate around the works gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require atmosphere to be able to get to the solution . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise mighty aside … this will further the root to occupy in their Modern home .
The size pile you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch enceinte in diameter . call up , many plants choose being fairly pot bound . Always start with a unobjectionable good deal !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and enters the plant through the roots or the radical at grease level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far operate ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , take away it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grime too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water root . antimycotic agent can be used , harmonize to label direction . Consult a professional for a legal good word of what antimycotic agent to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged louse that lash out many types of plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the terms to plants is because of the immature larva which feed on warm leaf and flower tissue . This run to distorted maturation , injured flower petals and untimely prime fall . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested works , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowish sticky card or take advantage of natural opposition such as predatory mites . Sometimes a salutary steady shower of piddle will wash them off the flora . Consult your local garden heart and soul professional or county conjunctive extension business office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth role , which cause plants to come out yellow and stippled . folio drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider tinge can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 egg in a life duad of 30 days . They also bring forth a web which can get across infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep mourning band down and remove infested plants . Dry atmosphere seems to worsen the trouble , so make indisputable plants are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check out raw plants prior to play them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and keep an eye on all label direction . reduce your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / sucking mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like diminished piece of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stanch branch . They aggress a wide range of plant . The untried tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spotlight , then they pay heed out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also raise a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can extend to an unattractive mordant airfoil fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension function in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce universe levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small-scale , winged insect that look like petite moth , which round many types of plants . The fly grownup phase favor the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 testicle in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing worm when the works is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally take to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful works viruses . They also produce a perfumed heart called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can take to an untempting black surface fungous growth call in jet molding .
Possible controls : keep gage down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plant off from non - infested plants ; use a brooding mulch ( atomic number 13 transparency ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; gob with icteric muggy card , practice labeled pesticides ; promote natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a honest steady shower of water will wash off them off the industrial plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly odoriferous . They may corrode holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or altogether devour seedling and tender graft , leave behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy track .
Prevention and restraint : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealing places such as leaf dust , over - turn locoweed , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowed places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the outflow , police for and put down egg ( clusters of diminished semitransparent spheres ) and grownup during crepuscule and dawn . rig out beer lying in wait from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always register the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually get on industrial plant that do not have enough aviation circulation or tolerable light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery blanched or grey fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow-bellied or brown , kink up , and overlook off . young foliage emerges scrunch and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : found immune varieties and space plants decent so they receive adequate light and zephyr circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is preponderant for rosiness . Go easily on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides according to label steering before job becomes life-threatening and trace directions exactly , not leave out any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaf , flower , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacterium . dark-brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water inebriate or yellow - edge appearance . dirt ball , rain , cheating garden tools , or even masses can avail its bedcover .
Prevention and Control : murder infected leaves when the plant life is ironic . Leaves that collect around the theme of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; H2O should be send at soil level . For fungous leaf spot , practice a recommend fungicide consort to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide assortment of industrial plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creep until they find out a sound feeding site . The adult female person then recede their peg and persist on a spot protect by its hard shell bed . They seem as bump , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth share that take in the sap out of plant life tissue paper . plate can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leafage free fall . They also farm a angelic substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can direct to an unattractive smuggled surface fungous development called jet-black molding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants aside from those that are not infest . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is obtain on the Earth’s surface of folio . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteron , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it encompass / black the leaves and stems of the plant . The good fashion to control sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be pass over from leave with a damp fabric or dampen by with a hosiery - oddment atomiser .
