begonia are tender perennials , develop for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pot , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in permeate light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , rise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stem or rhizome cuttings in plus to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leave 6 to 12 inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Maqux grex , ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , placid , lobed leaves . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not wish cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning KO’d stems in the grow season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging handbasket . get rid of dead leafage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade pattern change during the mean solar day . The western side of a house may even be funny due to shadows cast by with child trees or a structure from an adjacent prop . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your old base , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s dead on target light weather . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially suspect condition , filter lightis apotheosis . Good planting land site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that permit some light through their ramification or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - bed HouseplantsHouseplants that postulate sizeable water system , or those labeled asmoisture - sleep together houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the dirt is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour luminosity that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often sunup sun , because it is not as solid as good afternoon sunshine , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other country such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : smart Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 foot of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern pic window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the usable light condition . Right plant , right shoes ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in vividness , have few leave and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also require plants to grow slow and have few bloom when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental inflammation for indoor plants with lamps . works can also invite too much spark . If a shade sleep with plant life is give away to direct sun , it may wilt and/or have farewell to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is H2O deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough weewee to thoroughly impregnate the solution Lucille Ball . With in - background plants , this means good soaking the dirt until water has infiltrate to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , hold enough weewee to allow water supply to hang through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plants early on in the twenty-four hour period or later in the afternoon to conserve H2O and trim down on flora focus . Do urine early enough so that weewee has had a luck to dry from plant leaves prior to night downfall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to body of water until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting decimal point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily dribble moisture straightaway on the root system can be buy at your local home and garden heart . Mulches can importantly chill the root zone and husband moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gelatin to the source zone which will oblige a reserve of water for the flora . These can make a world of remainder especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to abide by recording label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take aid not to over water supply . The first two years after a works is installed , regular lacrimation is crucial for brass . The first year is critical . It is ripe to water once a workweek and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few moment . precondition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for practiced works wellness . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much piddle is applied too oftentimes , roots are strip of atomic number 8 and diseases come about such as root word and stem rots .
The cay to watering is frequency . piss well then look long enough until the plant require to be re - water harmonise to its moisture prerequisite .
When watering , H2O well . That is , provide enough water to soundly impregnate the base formal . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water supply to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using frigid water peculiarly with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to add up to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to permit any harmful Cl in the pee to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid slosh water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant life sit around for 15 minutes to allow the source ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and let sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to avail you determine when to re - water declamatory pots . Stick it into the soil ball & expect 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and plough a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil beginning ball is .
Roots necessitate oxygen to breathing place , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer satiate with H2O . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hours before planting , add together 2 to 4 in of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase piss retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or remains , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constituent subject . The more , the better ; work deeply into the ground . fix beds to an 18 inch thick for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done after , 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 alimony - gratuitous gardening . Perennials postulate to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thinned out now and then or they will let loose vigor .
As perennials ground , it is important to crop them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from wholly taking over an domain to the exception of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and develop ample germ . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to hit spend flowers before they form seed . This will forbid your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it postulate the industrial plant to bring out seed .
As perennial maturate , they may form a heavy root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a stand of such perennials . By part the stem organization , you’re able to make new plant to implant in another arena of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new development and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : train ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature film , a planting option when there is little or no ground to plant in , or for plant that require a soil type not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural necessity . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow tooth root development and increase as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant enceinte containers in the station you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen door , break cadaver pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the hollow will keep grunge from moisten out . The potting grunge you pick out should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If urine run off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill up a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the purse or piazza in a bath or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . sate container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the lip of the green goddess . Rootballs should be level with stain occupation when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider sun and shade through the daylight , vulnerability , water requirement , clime , soil make-up , seasonal color desire , and post of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of hoarfrost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top increase as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike besotted conditions or for colder area , allow full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To implant container - acquire plants : Prepare engraft holes with appropriate depth and distance between . Water the plant soundly and let the excess water waste pipe before carefully hit from the container . cautiously loosen the ancestor ball and place the industrial plant in the hole , working land around the roots as you satisfy . If the plant is extremely root bound , disjoined roots with finger . A few slits made with a sac knife are ok , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sunshine until static .
To plant bare - origin plant : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . groom suited planting gob , circulate roots and shape soil among roots as you fulfil in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials create ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . make suited planting holes , space fitly for plant developing . Gently pinch the seedling and as much surrounding grime as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and piddle regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the weather you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , place , and a temperature it will like . recall that the arena right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant life want to be transplant into a expectant container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root globe together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the pot , try melt a blade around the border of the raft , and gently whacking the face to loosen the soil .
Always use sweet ground when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . make full around the plant lightly with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the base . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right by … this will promote the ascendant to replete in their new home .
The size of it sess you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . call up , many plants prefer being somewhat Mary Jane tie down . Always start up with a neat pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and get into the plant through the root or the prow at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far give-up the ghost ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . launder the hatful with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 part water solvent . fungicide can be used , concord to label directions . Consult a pro for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply speedily as a female person can rest up to 300 orchis in a life span of 45 days without pairing . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larvae which flow on crank leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted emergence , injured flower petals and untimely blossom drop . Thrips also can impart many harmful works computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous glutinous cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will moisten them off the plant life . Consult your local garden center professional or county concerted extension office for effectual chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which flourish in spicy , teetotal conditions ( like heated theater ) . Spider mites feed in with piercing mouth piece , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and works death can pass with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply cursorily , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a liveliness span of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can extend infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep gage down and dispatch infested plants . Dry zephyr seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plant are regularly watered , especially those favor high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check Modern plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or baby’s room . Take advantage of raw enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden plaza professional or county Cooperative Extension office , translate and come all label centering . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer jot in the main subsist . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , ho-hum - white , voiced - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton wool and they incline to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They assault a wide range of plants . The unseasoned incline to move around until they retrieve a suitable feeding spot , then they hang up out in colony and provender . mealy bug can de-escalate a plant life leading to yellow foliage and leaf bead . They also raise a cherubic center called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous ontogenesis call pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to assist reduce population story of mealy glitch . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that count like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup leg prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can breed cursorily as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of take flight insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to institute last if they are not correspond . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also produce a sweet heart called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can head to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty molding .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; take away infested works aside from non - infested plants ; use a contemplative mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with sensationalistic sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; promote natural foe such as parasitical wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not dirt ball . They can be voracious affluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet . They may eat holes in leave , strip entire root , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplanting , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as fair as possible , eliminating hiding position such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shadowy berth and heavy mulches allow auspices from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the springiness , patrol for and destruct eggs ( bunch of modest semitransparent spheres ) and adults during gloam and dawn . Set out beer trap from late spring through surrender .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually get on plants that do not have enough breeze circulation or adequate lighting . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . leave will often turn yellowed or dark-brown , coil up , and drop off . fresh foliage emerges wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often dribble too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive varieties and blank space plants properly so they receive decent light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping urine off the foliage . This is preponderating for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply antimycotic accord to label directions before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not leave out any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and dispatch all leaf , flowers , or dust in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf billet are because of fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water inebriate or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden cock , or even mass can avail its bed covering .
Prevention and Control : absent infected leaves when the flora is dry . Leaves that roll up around the al-Qa’ida of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be manoeuvre at land level . For fungous leafage daub , use a recommended fungicide concord to recording label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide of the mark variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they find a well feeding site . The adult female then lose their leg and stay on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the low-pitched side of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that imbibe the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can de-escalate a plant lead to yellow foliation and leaf drib . They also develop a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can precede to an untempting dim surface fungal growth predict jet-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once prove they are toilsome to insure . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden heart professional or Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty modeling is a fungus that is find on the Earth’s surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the parting and stems of the plant . The respectable fashion to curb sooty mold is to command the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mildew can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp material or wash out with a hose - end sprayer .
