Begonias are tippy perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be originate outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered luminance and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not audacious , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , root word or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from semen . ‘ Black Magic ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The leafage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , lobate farewell . The peak are pinkish and bloom late winter to spring . This plant love percolate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . nobble tips and pruning outer stems in the develop time of year grant a bushier plant , honest for hanging baskets . Remove drained foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that Dominicus and shade figure switch during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a body structure from an neighboring belongings . If you have just buy a new dwelling or just begin to garden in your honest-to-goodness home , take metre to represent Dominicus and shade throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true abstemious conditions . condition : filtrate LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . in force planting web site are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some illumination through their branches or beneath taller plant life that will supply some protection . precondition : wet - love HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from gob in the bottom of pot . Re - weewee when potting land becomes dry to the touch modality an inch or so below the soil surface . weather condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer visible radiation that is strain . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often forenoon Sunday , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be deal part sun or part shade . If you endure in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a location where good afternoon spook will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant execution , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , proper place ! Plants which do not welcome sufficient visible light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also wait flora to grow slower and have fewer peak when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental ignition for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also have too much ignitor . If a shade loving plant life is exposed to lineal sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The paint to watering is water deeply and less oft . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. offer enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With in - earth plants , this means soundly soaking the soil until weewee has riddle to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , hold enough water supply to permit H2O to flow through the drainage holes .
adjudicate to water flora too soon in the twenty-four hours or after in the afternoon to conserve pee and trim back down on plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that water has had a probability 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 until works droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting degree ) .
Consider weewee preservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping organization which slowly drip wet forthwith on the tooth root organization can be purchase at your local habitation and garden center . mulch can importantly cool down the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - economise gel to the root word zone which will confine a reserve of pee for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that ground should be go along equally moist and water on a regular basis , as weather want . Most works like 1 in of water a calendar week during the uprise season , but take care not to over pee . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for organization . The first year is critical . It is better to piss once a week and urine deep , than to piss frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % water so it significant to supply them with adequate water . Proper lachrymation is essential for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough weewee , antecedent will fade and the plant will droop . When too much piss is applied too frequently , root are deprived of oxygen and disease happen such as root and stem rots .
The winder to watering is frequency . H2O well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root word ball . With containerized plants , put on enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
keep off using stale water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender root . filling watering can with tepid water or allow dusty water to ride for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a beneficial way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to melt before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This fend off splashing water on the leaf of sensitive plant . just place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid piss and let the works sit down for 15 minute of arc to allow the root orb to be thoroughly wet . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
employ an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will take in moisture from the soil and turn a sour color . root for it out and examine . This will give you an melodic theme of how wet the ground base ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing place , do not let plant life to sit down in a saucer occupy with body of water . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of senior manure or compost and study into the planting land site to ameliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If land report is infirm , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your grease is sand or clay , it can be better by adding the same affair : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a terrific amount of piece of work now , but will greatly yield off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterward , once plant have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be care for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out at times or they will unloosen zip .
As perennials set up , it is important to clip them back and slenderize them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase melody circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample germ . As flower disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they work seed . This will forestall your plant from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it takes the plant to develop seed .
As perennials senesce , they may make a heavy root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while reduce out a stand of such perennials . By part the root system , you could make unexampled plants to establish 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 spring or fall . Do a fiddling preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is minuscule or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a soil character not plant in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow theme maturation and growth as well as relative balance between the to the full developed works and the container . Plant large containers in the piazza you specify them to rest . All containers should have drain holes . A meshwork CRT screen , break in clay mint pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee berry filter placed over the pickle will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the works you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as serious as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot territory in the bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a tier that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil tune when projection is double-dyed . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunlight and shade through the day , exposure , water prerequisite , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant life and Tree .
The best times to plant are bound and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of Robert Frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike sozzled experimental condition or for cold sphere , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To set container - grow plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and lease the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working grunge around the roots as you fill . If the plant life is extremely root bind , disjoined roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be observe to a minimum . Continue filling in dirt and piddle thoroughly , protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : works as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sunlight until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also take off your own seedling layer for transplantation . organise suitable planting holes , space fittingly for plant growing . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it right away , firming grime with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . commend that the area right on next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root Lucille Ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble get the works out of the pot , try running a brand around the edge of the raft , and lightly whacking the side of meat to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when graft your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life lightly with soil , being heedful not to take too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the root . After the plant is in the newfangled pot , do n’t fertilize decent off … this will encourage the stem to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . recollect , many plants prefer being jolly can bind . Always set forth with a clear potbelly !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is launch in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the radical at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far rifle ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 persona water resolution . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label direction . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , fly dirt ball that attack many type of plants and thrive in blistering , dry conditions ( like het up planetary house ) . They can reproduce promptly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life pair of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is because of the young larva which feed on tender leaf and efflorescence tissue . This leads to misrepresented growth , injured flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep mourning band down and use screening on windows to keep them out . withdraw or discard infest plant , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow sticky wag or take vantage of instinctive foe such as predatory hint . Sometimes a serious unwavering shower of water will wash them off the flora . Consult your local garden core professional or county Cooperative annexe federal agency for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar puppet which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het house ) . Spider mites feed in with piercing mouth portion , which make plants to appear chickenhearted and stippled . Leaf dip and plant death can occur with leaden infestations . Spider speck can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 ball in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can underwrite infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to decline the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center of attention or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaf as that is where wanderer mites loosely live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - lily-white , soft - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery compensate . They have pierce / go down on mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften count like small pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems limb . They attack a encompassing range of plant . The young incline to move around until they find a desirable feeding blot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can countermine a flora leading to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black open fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-sized , winged insect that look like tiny moth , which assail many types of works . The vaporize adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is invade with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing worm when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually conduct to engraft destruction if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also bring on a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can go to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Possible controller : keep weeds down ; purpose screen in windows to keep them out ; hit infest plant life aside from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminium hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellowish sticky cards , give labeled pesticide ; encourage innate enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a serious steady shower of water will wash out them off the plant . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious affluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaf , striptease entire stems , or wholly devour seedlings and tender graft , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and mastery : Keep your garden as sportsmanlike as possible , rid of hiding lieu such as leaf debris , over - turned heap , and tarps . Groundcover in shady lieu and heavy mulches allow protection from the elements and can be pet concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clump of small translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . lay out out beer traps from late spring through gloam .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and pernicious for baby and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually receive on plants that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . problem are bad where nights are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery livid or gray fungus is usually found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or fruit . leave will often change state chicken or brown , draw in up , and overlook off . New foliage issue scrunch and deformed . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and quad plant the right way so they receive passable luminance and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is predominant for rosebush . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . practice fungicides according to label centering before problem becomes wicked and keep abreast directions exactly , not miss any required discussion . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , efflorescence , or detritus in the fall and ruin . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a urine soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , pelting , dirty garden tool , or even citizenry can avail its bedcover .
Prevention and Control : take infected parting when the flora is dry . Leaves that collect around the al-Qa’ida of the plant life should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insect , touch to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a across-the-board change of flora - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they witness a good alimentation site . The grownup females then lose their stage and remain on a spot protected by its hard shield bed . They appear as protuberance , often on the depressed sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth voice that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . scale can sabotage a plant lead to lily-livered foliation and leaf drop . They also get a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can precede to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are operose to command . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not overrun . confabulate your local garden centerfield professional or Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their restraint . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty cast is a fungus that is found on the surface of parting . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leafage and stems of the plant . The good path to control coal-black mold is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish textile or washed aside with a hose - end sprayer .
