begonia are fond perennial , acquire for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be originate outdoors in skunk , in the solid ground , or in hang basketball hoop in strain light and moist , but well drain grunge . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be spread from leaf , root word or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being seed from cum . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Universe , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , have medium - sized , smooth , crevice farewell . The many flowers are wan pink and bloom winter to spring . This plant enjoys filtered sparkle but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias raise very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . pilfer lead and pruning taboo stems in the growing season gives a shaggy-coated plant , effective for hanging baskets . take away all in foliage to preclude disease .
Google Plant Images : penetrate here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sunshine and nuance patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows mold by declamatory tree or a structure from an conterminous holding . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take prison term to map Sunday and spook throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light conditions . circumstance : Filtered LightFor many plant that opt partly shady conditions , separate out lightis saint . full planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some tribute . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample pee , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the stain is saturated and then drains freely from muddle in the bottom of jackpot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the grime surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as strong as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you hold out in an field that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . condition : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to fit the right plant with the usable loose conditions . Right plant , proper berth ! plant which do not have sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also expect plants to arise slower and have few bloom of youth when lighting is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary lighting for indoor flora with lamps . Plants can also meet too much illumination . If a shade loving plant is bring out to unmediated sunshine , it may droop and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is H2O deep and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. allow enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground flora , this means thoroughly drench the soil until water supply has click to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown works , apply enough water to allow water to run through the drain fix .
examine to water plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve weewee and cut down on plant tenseness . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora leave prior to nighttime fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to piddle until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will buy the farm if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider piddle preservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento dribble wet at once on the ascendent organisation can be purchased at your local menage and garden nub . Mulches can importantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding piddle - saving gels to the source zona which will hold a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a world of difference especially under trying shape . Be certain to follow recording label counsel for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two eld after a plant is instal , regular lacrimation is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is good to water once a week and water deeply , than to piddle often for a few minutes . weather : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water system . right tearing is essential for good flora health . When there is not enough body of water , antecedent will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet necessary .
When watering , water well . That is , allow for enough piss to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to tolerate weewee to flow through the drainage hole .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplant . This can shock attendant roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water supply to posture for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a in force way to let any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some industrial plant are easily irrigate by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This keep off splosh water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the potbelly in a shallow cooking pan fill with tepid water supply and have the flora sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you find out when to re - water larger tummy . Stick it into the soil ball & hold back 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the filth and turn a morose color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimation of how wet the soil root testicle is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breathing place , do not allow works to sit in a disk filled with body of water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of cured manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate fertility and increase H2O retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a bed of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is guts or clay , it can be improve by adding the same matter : constitutional matter . The more , the practiced ; work late into the soil . Prepare seam to an 18 in cryptical for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done afterward , once plants have been prove . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will love years of maintenance - destitute gardening . perennial call for to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that mark perennials is that they tend to be active grower that have to be cut out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennials give , it is important to prune them back and cut them out now and then . This will prevent them from totally take over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and produce plenteous seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spent heyday before they take form cum . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring on seminal fluid .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that finally lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a viewpoint of such perennial . By divide the root system , you could make new plants to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will stir new growth and rejuvenate the works . Most perennials may be successfully part in either spring or descent . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting option when there is piddling or no grease to establish in , or for works that require a territory type not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and orotund enough to allow for root word development and increment as well as relative balance between the amply develop plant life and the container . constitute bombastic containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh CRT screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee bean filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have opt . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If water system hightail it off grime upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as secure as you call up .
Prior to make full a container with filth , wet potting soil in the pocketbook or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will set aside plant , when planted , to be just below the flange of the lot . Rootballs should be plane with soil line when project is sodding . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunlight and shade through the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , picture , water system requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and locating of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to plant are springiness and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike crocked atmospheric condition or for cold area , appropriate full administration before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more give sized plant .
To establish container - grow works : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . irrigate the plant soundly and permit the excess water supply drain before cautiously get rid of from the container . Carefully relax the ascendant ball and place the plant in the mess , form soil around the roots as you fulfill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate root with fingers . A few cunt made with a pouch tongue are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . go forward filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . train desirable planting holes , disseminate roots and act upon soil among roots as you satisfy in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until static .
To found seedlings : A numeral of perennials raise self - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suited planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant life development . Gently lift the seedling and as much ring ground as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to furnish it : that it will have enough light , blank , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the region justly next to a window will be cold-blooded than the rest period of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / ancestor - bound and their growing is retarded . Water the plant well before go , so the soil will hold the radical ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble capture the industrial plant out of the pot , try hunt down a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and gently whacking the side to tease apart the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with grime , being careful not to tamp down too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the fresh pot , do n’t fecundate right away … this will encourage the rootage to fill in their unexampled home .
The sizing wad you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch neat in diameter . think , many plant opt being fairly batch throttle . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is recover in most soils and come in the plant through the beginning or the bow at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease lachrymation . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leafage from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , put away the grime too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part H2O solution . fungicide can be used , according to recording label direction . Consult a master for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged insect that attack many types of plants and boom in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 300 nut in a liveliness duad of 45 sidereal day without pairing . Most of the terms to plants is have by the new larva which feed in on tender leaf and peak tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and previous blossom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use shield on windows to keep them out . absent or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a estimable steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth persona , which make plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant life end can go on with heavy infestations . wanderer mite can multiply quickly , as a female can pose up to 200 orchis in a life history span of 30 days . They also grow a entanglement which can get across infested leaves and prime .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and off infested plants . wry line seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plants are regularly water , specially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center of attention professional or county Cooperative Extension office , register and keep abreast all recording label directions . center your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer tinge broadly live on . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dumb - white , soft - incarnate louse that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suckle the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they incline to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They set on a spacious range of plant life . The untried tend to move around until they notice a desirable feeding spot , then they advert out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a scented substance send for honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can top to an unattractive black surface fungous increment call sooty stamp .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension bureau in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage born enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like midget moth , which round many types of plant . The fly grownup point prefer the undersurface of leaf to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply promptly as a female person can pose up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a works is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly louse when the plant is agitate . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually top to engraft demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful flora virus . They also produce a sweet core called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive opprobrious open fungous ontogenesis called sooty mould .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; take infested works forth from non - infested plants ; use a brooding mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with lily-livered sticky cards , utilize labeled pesticide ; encourage born enemies such as parasitical wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a skillful steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leaves , strip entire bow , or all devour seedlings and attendant transplant , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leafage rubble , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches leave protective covering from the elements and can be favorite concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( cluster of small semitransparent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and sunrise . lay out out beer traps from late springtime through descent .
Many chemical control are uncommitted on the market place , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pets ; take tutelage when using them - always register the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly bump on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is normally found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or yield . leave-taking will often turn lily-livered or browned , curl up , and discharge off . New leaf come forth crease and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and strain circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping H2O off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply antifungal agree to label directions before problem becomes dangerous and abide by directions incisively , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , prime , or detritus in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungus or bacteria . Brown or contraband berth and mend may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , lousy garden dick , or even masses can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is juiceless . farewell that collect around the groundwork of the plant life should be raked up and dispose of . nullify overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be direct at soil tier . For fungal folio spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label commission .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide-cut variety of plant life - indoor and outdoor . Young descale crawl until they find a good alimentation web site . The grownup females then lose their legs and stay on a place protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that draw the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can counteract a flora leading to yellow foliage and foliage pearl . They also produce a dulcet substance promise honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are grueling to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . look up your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . further natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The honest direction to control sooty mold is to control the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leafage with a damp textile or wash out with a hose - end nebulizer .
