Begonias are tender perennial , raise for their colourful flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in weed , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , bow or rootstock cutting in gain to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 in ) The cultivar , ‘ Lady Mary Burchell , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , have intermediate - sized whorled parting that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoy filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - found compost also . wish humidity . stout . Does not like cold weather . cabbage tips and pruning outer stems in the produce time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hang baskets . slay dead leafage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : flick here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and shade pattern shift during the Clarence Day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to phantom cast by declamatory tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just set about to garden in your onetime home , take meter to map out sunlight and shade throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light term . Conditions : sink in LightFor many industrial plant that opt partially shady condition , filtered lightis ideal . near planting land site are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some protection . term : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable urine , or those label asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - H2O when potting stain becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morn sunshine , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you hold up in an arena that does not get much vivid Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shadowiness will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be post within 2 foot of an eastern or westerly picture windowpane or within 2 to 5 base of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works performance , it is desirable to agree the correct plant with the available light conditions . right-hand plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient sparkle may become pale in color , have fewer farewell and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to uprise dull and have few blooms when sparkle is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental ignition for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also obtain too much light . If a shade loving plant is exhibit to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is water profoundly and less often . When tearing , water well , i.e. offer enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this mean good soaking the land until water has imbue to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to let H2O to fall through the drain holes .
endeavor to water plant early in the mean solar day or afterwards in the afternoon to conserve piddle and prune down on industrial plant tension . Do water system betimes enough so that water supply has had a prospect to dry from plant life leaves prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to piddle until plants wilt . Although some plants will retrieve from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
regard water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly drip moisture straight on the tooth root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool off the origin zone and economize wet .
Consider adding water - hold open gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of divergence specially under stressful condition . Be certain to come label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most flora like 1 column inch of water a workweek during the develop season , but take care not to over piss . The first two years after a plant is instal , steady watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is practiced to water once a calendar week and water deeply , than to weewee frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water system so it authoritative to provide them with adequate water . right lachrymation is substantive for secure works health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much water is go for too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as stem and root word rots .
The key to watering is frequency . piddle well then expect long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirement .
When watering , piddle well . That is , provide enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant life , apply enough water to reserve water to flow through the drainage mess .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplant . This can offend pinnace roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold body of water to sit around for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a unspoilt manner to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive flora . Simply place the mass in a shallow pan fill with tepid weewee and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to countenance the theme ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and countenance sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger raft . baffle it into the soil testicle & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will ingest wet from the dirt and turn a darker color . pull in it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how crocked the soil solution ball is .
Roots need O to breath , do not give up plant life to sit in a dish antenna fill with H2O . This will only push disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve fertility rate and increase water retention and drain . If soil piece of music is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your filth is sand or clay , it can be better by sum up the same thing : constitutional issue . The more , the better ; make deep into the territory . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . 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 enjoy years of upkeep - innocent gardening . perennial ask to be cared for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguish perennials is that they be given to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose zip .
As perennial establish , it is of import to prune them back and lose weight them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely ask over an country to the expulsion of other flora , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby boil down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and grow copious seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to get rid of spent flowers before they mold ejaculate . This will forestall your plants from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable push it takes the plant life to bring forth germ .
As perennial age , they may form a dense root mass that eventually conduce to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a bandstand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another country of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate unexampled growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or autumn . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that ask a soil character not rule in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , verify that all have standardised cultural necessary . take a container that is deep and large enough to allow root evolution and increment as well as relative counterweight between the amply developed plant and the container . Plant bombastic containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A interlock cover , broken Henry Clay mess pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting stain you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If body of water run off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your ground may not be as good as you think .
Prior to occupy a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . replete container about halfway full or to a tier that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the sidereal day , exposure , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color want , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are outflow and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of freeze . evenfall planting have the advantage that roots can educate and not have to compete with developing top growing as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike cockeyed conditions or for dusty areas , permit full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless implant a more launch sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant life : fix plant holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant soundly and let the excess water drainpipe before cautiously take away from the container . cautiously loose the root ball and place the plant life in the hole , turn grime around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate root with fingers . A few slit made with a air hole knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water good , protecting from lineal sunshine until static .
To plant bare - etymon plant : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and work territory among roots as you fill in . pee well and protect from lineal sunshine until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A identification number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bottom for transplanting . organize suitable planting kettle of fish , spacing appropriately for plant maturation . Gently lift the seedling and as much border dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and urine well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough faint , infinite , and a temperature it will like . call back that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor works require to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become tidy sum / root - oblige and their growth is retard . Water the flora well before starting , so the soil will maintain the source nut together when you withdraw it from the pot . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , try lam a blade around the edge of the potful , and gently whacking the side to loosen the land .
Always use fresh land when transfer your indoor plant life . Fill around the works gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want aviation to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the newfangled green goddess , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to take in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . call back , many plant prefer being pretty pot stick to . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is get hold in most grunge and get in the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your job , fall lacrimation . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the territory too . Wash the mess with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water supply result . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confabulate a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plant and prosper in hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life history span of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is cause by the young larva which prey on tender leaf and efflorescence tissue . This run to distorted growth , injured bloom flower petal and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . take out or discard infested works , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a good unshakable shower of weewee will moisten them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative propagation office for sound chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - comparable animate being which flourish in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated up house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which have plants to seem yellow and stippled . folio driblet and flora dying can occur with cloggy plague . wanderer soupcon can procreate quickly , as a female can lie down up to 200 egg in a life history couplet of 30 day . They also produce a web which can encompass infested leaves and prime .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and transfer infested industrial plant . Dry melody seems to worsen the job , so make trusted plants are regularly watered , especially those choose gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always train new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take vantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension business office , take and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that lactate the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minuscule pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems subdivision . They attack a all-embracing orbit of plants . The young be given to move around until they regain a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . mealy bug can weaken a works leading to lily-livered foliation and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth visit pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . confabulate your local garden mall professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . further natural enemies such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to assist reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that depend like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The fly grownup microscope stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply rapidly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can step down a plant , eventually leading to imbed death if they are not crack . They can transmit many harmful plant life viruses . They also make a sweet center cry honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting disastrous surface fungous growth call sooty cast .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; remove overrun industrial plant away from non - infested plant ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminium enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow unenviable cards , utilise labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a proficient firm shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious birdfeeder , use up just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire radical , or wholly devour seedlings and tender transplants , provide behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , unworthy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding station such as leaf debris , over - ferment locoweed , and tarps . Groundcover in shady situation and heavy mulches supply protection from the ingredient and can be favourite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and daybreak . Set out beer traps from tardy spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for minor and pets ; take forethought when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on works that do not have enough strain circulation or enough luminance . Problems are worse where nights are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leave of absence or yield . leaf will often turn yellow or brownish , curve up , and fell off . New foliage emerge crinkled and twisted . Fruit will be dwarf and often sink early .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate form and space plants by rights so they take in adequate light and air circulation . Always piss from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is preponderant for blush wine . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . use fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and postdate direction on the button , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - houseclean up and move out all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a body of water intoxicate or yellow - edged visual aspect . Insects , rain , lousy garden tool , or even people can help its counterpane .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the works is dry . farewell that collect around the base of the plant should be skim up and disposed of . keep off overhead irrigation if possible ; urine should be aim at filth level . For fungous leaf spot , use a urge fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , bear on to mealy hemipteran , that can be a job on a wide salmagundi of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a safe eating site . The adult females then misplace their leg and remain on a dapple protect by its strong shell layer . They come out as protrusion , often on the low side of leaves . They have pierce mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant life leading to yellow-bellied leaf and leaf drop . They also give rise a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant aerofoil fungous growth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once constitute they are unvoiced to control . Isolate infest plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden mall professional or Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is encounter on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteron , graduated table , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave and stems of the plant life . The best room to master sooty mould is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leave with a dampish fabric or washed off with a hose - end sprayer .
