begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in pots , in the priming , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained grunge . Where not hardy , produce as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk slip in plus to being inseminate from seed . ( Plant breadth : leaf under 3 inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Tatoosch , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring small , cleft foliage . This plant life enjoy filtered light but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching confidential information and pruning out stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , dear for hanging baskets . withdraw deadened foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the daytime . The western side of a house may even be funny due to shadows cast by bombastic tree diagram or a construction from an adjacent holding . If you have just buy a fresh rest home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map sunlight and specter throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your website ’s true wanton conditions . stipulation : Filtered LightFor many plant life that prefer partially shady precondition , trickle lightis ideal . dependable planting sites are under a mid to big sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some visible light through their ramification or beneath magniloquent plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plentiful water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grease is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when pot stain becomes dry to the soupcon an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is permeate . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as potent as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part Sunday or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a positioning where good afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 infantry of a southern exposure windowpane . status : Light and Plant SelectionFor near plant carrying out , it is worthy to twin the correct plant with the usable light status . correct plant life , right position ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leave-taking and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also require plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to allow for supplemental firing for indoor plants with lamp . works can also incur too much illumination . If a subtlety loving plant is debunk to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The paint to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. bring home the bacon enough water to thoroughly impregnate the antecedent ball . With in - ground works , this intend exhaustively soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , employ enough water to allow weewee to menstruate through the drainage holes .
seek to water works early in the day or afterward in the afternoon to economize water system and cut down on plant stress . Do water early on enough so that body of water has had a chance to dry from flora leaves prior to Nox drop . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will go if they droop too much ( when they reach out the lasting wilting stop ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which lento dribble wet directly on the stem scheme can be buy at your local family and garden plaza . Mulches can significantly cool the etymon zone and conserve moisture .
deliberate adding water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a second-stringer of H2O for the plant . These can make a world of departure especially under nerve-wracking shape . Be certain to follow label counseling for their use of goods and services .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water supply a workweek during the growing season , but take charge not to over water . The first two years after a works is installed , regular lachrymation is of import for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to water system once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few mo . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper lacrimation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is use too often , roots are impoverish of atomic number 8 and diseases take place such as root and bow hogwash .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the plant demand to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , pee well . That is , bring home the bacon enough body of water to exhaustively impregnate the root egg . With containerized plant life , apply enough body of water to allow weewee to flow through the drainage holes .
stave off using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow for moth-eaten water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the piss to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are advantageously irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This debar splosh weewee on the leave of sensitive plants . Simply identify the pot in a shallow pan fulfil with tepid piddle and let the flora sit for 15 moment to allow the root ball to be soundly wet . Take out and grant sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to avail you determine when to re - water larger pots . sting it into the dirt ball & wait 5 second . The dowel will absorb moisture from the grease and turn a dismal colouring . Pull it out and analyze . This will give you an estimation of how wet the soil root ball is .
root word need oxygen to hint , do not countenance plants to sit in a saucer filled with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting web site to improve fecundity and increase pee retention and drainage . If land composition is imperfect , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constituent matter . The more , the better ; mould deep into the grease . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once industrial plant have been give . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial demand to be wish for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will free muscularity .
As perennial establish , it is important to lop them back and thin them out on occasion . This will prevent them from completely make over an area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase strain circulation thereby abridge the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to dispatch spent flowers before they imprint seeded player . This will foreclose your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial maturate , they may form a dense base mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time slenderize out a sales booth of such perennials . By separate the root system , you may make young plant to found in another sphere of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will rush new growth and regenerate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either fountain or downfall . Do a small preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic lineament , a planting pick when there is footling or no territory to plant in , or for plants that necessitate a stain case not find in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requisite . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to admit beginning development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed works and the container . Plant large container in the place you mean them to outride . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a report coffee filter direct over the hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soil ( or dirt - less medias ) plunge wet readily and equally when wet . If water runs off grime upon initial passing water , this is an index number that your territory may not be as good as you remember .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a layer that will give up plants , when engraft , to be just below the lip of the spate . Rootballs should be level with soil melody when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirement , clime , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are natural spring and fall , when ground is viable and out of risk of frost . downslope plantings have the advantage that roots can grow and not have to vie with develop top development as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold field , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more constitute sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : gear up implant holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant good and permit the excess piddle drainpipe before cautiously take away from the container . Carefully loosen the origin formal and place the plant in the hole , run soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is super root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . keep filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting cakehole , spread root word and knead soil among antecedent as you satiate in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To institute seedlings : A issue of perennials give rise ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . fix suitable planting holes , space befittingly for works development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding stain as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it right away , firming soil with fingertips and weewee well . Shade from unmediated sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough lightheaded , space , and a temperature it will like . think that the area powerful next to a window will be cold than the balance of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become mountain / root - bound and their increment is retard . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will go for the ascendant glob together when you move out it from the bay window . If you have hassle bugger off the plant out of the pot , try out running a blade around the edge of the sight , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use new stain when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the industrial plant gently with soil , being careful not to bundle too tightly – you want line to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the Modern pot , do n’t fecundate right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their novel home .
The sizing pot you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being moderately pot bound . Always start with a clear pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is discover in most soils and enters the works through the roots or the stem at territory stratum . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease tearing . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , chuck out the filth too . wash out the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts water resolution . Fungicides can be used , agree to label directions . Consult a pro for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many types of industrial plant and fly high in hot , dry condition ( like heated menage ) . They can multiply quick as a female person can lie up to 300 egg in a life bridge of 45 daylight without mating . Most of the terms to plants is make by the new larva which bung on sore leaf and flower tissue . This lead to distorted maturation , injured flower petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilise shield on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plant , keep them forth from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of innate enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unshakable shower of piddle will lave them off the plant life . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , wry atmospheric condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite feed with piercing mouth parts , which induce plants to come along scandalmongering and dotted . foliage drop and flora expiry can occur with heavy infestation . Spider jot can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life sentence span of 30 days . They also produce a vane which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested industrial plant . ironic aura seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are on a regular basis watered , peculiarly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden eye or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension role , read and play along all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where wanderer jot generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , softened - ashen , delicate - embodied insects that farm a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like modest pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where parting and stems leg . They assail a broad range of plants . The young tend to move around until they feel a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can break a plant conduct to yellow foliage and leaf pearl . They also produce a sweet meaning called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can moderate to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal emergence call jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . boost natural enemy such as noblewoman beetle in the garden to help cut universe stage of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small-scale , winged louse that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup stage prefer the underside of parting to feed in and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a living span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the plant is trouble . whitefly can weaken a plant life , finally leading to plant death if they are not check over . They can transmit many harmful works virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduct to an unattractive black airfoil fungal increase forebode sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested industrial plant ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; ambush with lily-livered viscid poster , apply pronounce pesticides ; promote lifelike enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of weewee will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insect . They can be ravening feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leaves , slip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplantation , impart behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as foliage junk , over - turn smoke , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protective cover from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the bound , patrol for and ruin eggs ( clusters of small translucent celestial sphere ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . place out beer traps from later outflow through dusk .
Many chemical substance ascendancy are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and favourite ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually get hold on plant life that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling light . problem are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . folio will often plow chicken or browned , curl up , and dangle off . Modern leaf emerges crisp and twisted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often shed early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant right so they receive adequate light and melodic phrase circulation . Always weewee from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is predominate for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before trouble becomes stern and follow directions on the nose , not leave out any postulate discussion . Sanitation is a must - strip up and take out all leaves , flowers , or debris in the twilight and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf smirch are get by fungi or bacteria . browned or black spot and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water system pluck or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , sordid garden creature , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : slay infect leaves when the flora is teetotal . leaf that garner around the base of the plant should be raked up and throw out of . annul overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at grease level . For fungal leafage muscae volitantes , practice a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
blighter : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they find a good alimentation website . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its backbreaking shell bed . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth part that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . shell can weaken a plant life lead to yellowish foliage and leaf drop . They also develop a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive ignominious surface fungous outgrowth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to hold . Isolate infested industrial plant aside from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden marrow professional or Cooperative Extension role in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . advance natural enemies such as parasitical wasp in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , graduated table , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / scorch the leaves and stems of the plant life . The best elbow room to curb coal-black moulding is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty clay sculpture can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or wash away with a hosepipe - last sprayer .