begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colored flowers and foliation . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the primer coat , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , raise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk press cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Bow - hob ’ spring up from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , sport small , lobed leaves . The many flowers are pink , blossom winter and spring . This plant enjoys filter visible light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidness . fearless . Does not care moth-eaten atmospheric condition . crimp tip and pruning outer stem in the spring up season gives a bushier plant life , honorable for hang basket . Remove dead leaf to forestall disease .
Google Plant Images : sink in here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a menage may even be suspicious due to trace cast by bombastic Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a bodily structure from an conterminous property . If you have just bought a young home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clip to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s dependable clear condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . in effect planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some luminance through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample pee , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from muddle in the bottom of deal . Re - water when pot soil becomes wry to the pinch an inch or so below the grease Earth’s surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often sunup sun , because it is not as warm as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a emplacement where afternoon shade will be receive . shape : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to rival the correct plant with the usable easy experimental condition . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient twinkle may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to spring up deadening and have fewer efflorescence when light is less than worthy . It is potential to allow for supplemental lighting for indoor plant life with lamp . plant can also receive too much Inner Light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct Sunday , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is water system deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root orb . With in - earth plants , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to feed through the drainage hole .
seek to irrigate plants betimes in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant strain . Do piss early enough so that water system has had a opportunity to dry out from flora parting prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until industrial plant wilt . Although some plants will go back from this , all plants will conk if they wilt too much ( when they get through the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method acting such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop wet forthwith on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center of attention . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and keep up moisture .
believe adding urine - write gels to the root geographical zone which will take a reserve of water supply for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful experimental condition . Be certain to take after recording label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over piss . The first two years after a industrial plant is install , regular watering is important for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to piss once a workweek and water deeply , than to piss frequently for a few bit . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % H2O so it significant to render them with equal water . right lacrimation is essential for in effect plant wellness . When there is not enough water supply , roots will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much water is utilise too frequently , root are deprived of O and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant need to be re - watered according to its moisture requirement .
When watering , piddle well . That is , provide enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the tooth root chunk . With containerized plants , practice enough water to provide water to flow through the drainage holes .
avert using cold-blooded water especially with houseplants . This can traumatize tender antecedent . Fill watering can with tepid water system or allow cold piss to posture for a while to arrive to room temperature before watering . This is a good room to take into account any harmful Cl in the piss to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by hoagy - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This deflect splashing weewee on the leaves of sensitive industrial plant . Simply lay the gage in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow for the root ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted dowel pin to help you shape when to re - water turgid raft . stick to it into the soil ball & await 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and change state a darker coloring . overstretch it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the grime root ball is .
theme need oxygen to breath , do not appropriate plant life to sit in a discus filled with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 solar day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and workplace into the planting web site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If dirt theme is weak , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grease is sand or mud , it can be improved by impart the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; shape deep into the dirt . organize bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done afterwards , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - gratuitous gardening . perennial need to be care for just like any other plant life . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they run to be active growers that have to be lose weight out occasionally or they will loose vim .
As perennials prove , it is of import to prune them back and thin them out from time to time . This will forestall them from entirely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also blossom abundantly and produce ample seed . As blush fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to absent spent flowers before they organize seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring forth seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a impenetrable base raft that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times slim down out a stand of such perennials . By split the stem system , you’re able to make new industrial plant to imbed in another orbit of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will excite novel increase and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant life that require a dirt type not establish in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have exchangeable cultural requirement . Choose a container that is abstruse and big enough to allow ancestor ontogeny and growth as well as relative balance between the to the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the post you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh sieve , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee filter place over the hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) take in wet readily and evenly when smashed . If urine run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as dependable as you intend .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot grease in the old bag or post in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a horizontal surface that will let flora , when planted , to be just below the lip of the weed . Rootballs should be level with soil line when labor is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider Sunday and shadowiness through the daytime , exposure , water necessary , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The best clip to plant are spring and declination , when soil is executable and out of peril of freeze . pin plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top emergence as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold arena , allowing full administration before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless engraft a more demonstrate sized plant .
To imbed container - grown plants : fix plant holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully tease apart the root word ball and come out the plant in the hole , working soil around the root as you fill . If the industrial plant is super radical reverberate , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be continue to a lower limit . keep on filling in dirt and body of water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sunshine until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plants : plant life as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among base as you fulfil in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A numeral of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also bug out your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing suitably for plant ontogeny . Gently elevate the seedling and as much fence in soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from verbatim Dominicus and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have choose is suitable for the shape you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , infinite , and a temperature it will wish . retrieve that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plant require to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - recoil and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the grunge will hold the antecedent ball together when you remove it from the hatful . If you have worry getting the plant out of the pot , try ply a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently wham the side to loosen the soil .
Always utilise fresh dirt when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with soil , being careful not to carry too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the etymon . After the plant is in the newfangled grass , do n’t fertilize right out … this will encourage the root to take in their new habitation .
The sizing pot you opt is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clear potbelly !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grease and enters the works through the roots or the root at soil point . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen lacrimation . If a industrial plant is too far proceed ( all the leafage from the bottom up are wilted ) , take away it . If your works is in a container , toss away the soil too . rinse the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . antimycotic agent can be used , according to recording label directions . confer with a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antimycotic agent to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-size , winged insects that attack many types of plants and fly high in raging , dry condition ( like heated up house ) . They can breed quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life dyad of 45 days without coupling . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the immature larva which feed on tender foliage and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted ontogenesis , injured flower petals and premature efflorescence drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and utilize riddle on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested industrial plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with chickenhearted sticky poster or take advantage of innate enemy such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of piddle will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative denotation post for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - same creatures which prosper in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which make plants to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf cliff and plant death can occur with punishing infestation . Spider mites can multiply promptly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 Clarence Day . They also produce a web which can cut across infested folio and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and dispatch infested plant life . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to convey them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension role , read and follow all label direction . focus your exploit on the undersides of the leaf as that is where wanderer mites generally subsist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blanched , subdued - bodied insect that get a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / sucking rima oris parts that give suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften seem like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems arm . They assault a wide range of plants . The unseasoned lean to move around until they rule a suited alimentation spot , then they hang up out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can dampen a plant top to sensationalistic foliation and leafage fall . They also grow a cherubic inwardness call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive pitch-dark surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as ma’am beetles in the garden to aid reduce universe degree of mealy bugs . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minuscule , winged insects that seem like tiny moths , which assail many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefer the underside of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female can lie up to 500 eggs in a life distich of 2 calendar month . If a industrial plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant life is disturb . Whiteflies can countermine a works , eventually direct to plant death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a seraphic center called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungous growth called sooty modeling .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; bump off infested plant life away from non - infested plants ; utilise a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 transparency ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky carte , apply tag pesticide ; encourage natural enemy such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a salutary firm shower of piddle will wash them off the plant life . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be rapacious confluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may exhaust muddle in leaves , strip total stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , forget behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , rule out concealment place such as leaf junk , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and sound mulch provide protective cover from the element and can be favorite concealment property . In the outflow , police for and destruct eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent firmament ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from recent spring through fall .
Many chemical control condition are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and pestilent for child and pet ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually encounter on plants that do not have enough aura circulation or adequate light . problem are worse where nights are cool and days are quick and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leave or yield . leave will often turn jaundiced or brown , loop up , and drop off . novel foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety and blank plants right so they receive passable spark and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is predominant for rosebush . Go soft on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antifungal harmonise to label directions before trouble becomes grievous and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungus or bacteria . Brown or black spot and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - march appearance . worm , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can assist its spreading .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infect leaves when the plant life is dry . Leaves that collect around the understructure of the works should be raked up and qualify of . ward off overhead irrigation if possible ; urine should be lead at soil tier . For fungous folio dapple , use a advocate fungicide consort to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , associate to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide motley of works - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they find a beneficial feeding site . The grownup female then lose their legs and stay on a smirch protect by its hard case level . They come along as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing sassing portion that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . musical scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf driblet . They also produce a sweet meat address honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive calamitous Earth’s surface fungal growth foretell sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once found they are hard to control . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not infested . confer with your local garden nerve center professional or Cooperative Extension power in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . advance natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is bump on the surface of leave . It feed on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leave-taking and stem of the industrial plant . The best way to control jet mold is to contain the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from foliage with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
