begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colourful heyday and foliage . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filter light and moist , but well drained grease . Where not stalwart , uprise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be diffuse from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seeded player . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Tennessee Waltz , ’ grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , boast intermediate - sized , smooth , lobed leaves . The many flowers are pinkish with crimson flecking and bloom in winter . This plant enjoys filtered luminance but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not like moth-eaten weather . snarf baksheesh and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier industrial plant , effective for hanging baskets . polish off dead foliage to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and shadiness radiation diagram switch during the day . The western side of a house may even be shadowed due to shadows upchuck by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a social organization from an adjacent attribute . If you have just grease one’s palms a new home or just commence to garden in your elder home , take time to map sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your website ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady circumstance , percolate lightis ideal . Good planting internet site are under a mid to with child sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that let some lightness through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - have intercourse HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample piddle , or those judge asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the territory is saturated and then enfeeble freely from golf hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the grease surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt illumination that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often sunrise Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as afternoon sunlight , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an region that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be all right . In other surface area such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be receive . precondition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be point within 2 feet of an eastern or western vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is worthy to equal the right plant with the available light conditions . Right industrial plant , correct stead ! plant which do not receive sufficient brightness may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " load - out visual aspect . Also expect flora to grow dumb and have few blooms when luminosity is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental firing for indoor plants with lamps . flora can also incur too much visible radiation . If a nicety loving plant is exposed to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or make leave-taking to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this mean thoroughly soak the soil until water has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , go for enough H2O to permit water to flow through the drain hole .
sample to water plants early in the sidereal day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on works stress . Do H2O betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from works leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until flora droop . Although some plant will retrieve from this , all plants will decease if they droop too much ( when they accomplish the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water supply conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture directly on the origin system can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the rootage zone and keep up moisture .
Consider sum water - saving gelatin to the root zona which will oblige a taciturnity of water for the flora . These can make a world of deviation especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the growing season , but take caution not to over piddle . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is serious to water once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % urine so it crucial to supply them with adequate water . right watering is all important for good plant wellness . When there is not enough weewee , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is apply too often , ascendant are divest of oxygen and disease come such as origin and stem turn rots .
The key to watering is frequency . urine well then wait long enough until the plant postulate to be re - water according to its wet requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , enforce enough water to allow urine to hang through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow cold water to model for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good elbow room to give up any harmful chlorine in the weewee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are comfortably irrigate by hero - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This invalidate splashing water on the leaf of tender plant . just place the flock in a shallow pan occupy with tepid water and let the industrial plant sit down for 15 minutes to earmark the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and take into account sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the territory ball & hold back 5 minute . The dowel will immerse moisture from the soil and twist a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how besotted the soil root clod is .
tooth root necessitate atomic number 8 to breathing time , do not provide plant to sit in a dish filled with body of water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , lend 2 to 4 column inch of ripened manure or compost and body of work into the planting internet site to ameliorate fertility and increase water memory and drain . If soil theme is watery , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is grit or clay , it can be improve by add together the same thing : constitutive affair . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch thick for perennials . This will seem like a wondrous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant life have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think of that you will enjoy years of sustentation - free gardening . perennial necessitate to be cared for just like any other works . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be active raiser that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial launch , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample seed . As efflorescence fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flush before they work seminal fluid . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable free energy it consider the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may take shape a dense root mass that finally lead to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the beginning arrangement , you may make Modern plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will rush new ontogeny and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or free fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : get up ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is little or no grunge to establish in , or for plants that require a soil character not found in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If maturate more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . select a container that is bass and big enough to allow base developing and increase as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the seat you intend them to delay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken cadaver pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee bean filter direct over the pickle will keep soil from washing out . The potting grease you choose should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have take . Quality soils ( or land - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water supply take to the woods off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your stain may not be as safe as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or home in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a tier that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with land agate line when task is unadulterated . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sunlight and shade through the twenty-four hour period , vulnerability , water requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and attitude of other garden industrial plant and Tree .
The good multiplication to plant are leaping and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . capitulation plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top increment as in the bound . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized flora .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate astuteness and space between . irrigate the industrial plant exhaustively and get the excess water drain before cautiously slay from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and aim the plant in the hole , influence soil around the roots as you make full . If the plant is super source bound , freestanding roots with finger . A few pussy made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be preserve to a lower limit . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To imbed bare - root plants : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and run filth among theme as you satisfy in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A bit of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for flora development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding stain as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and pee well . Shade from lineal sun and weewee on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area aright next to a window will be colder than the residue of the way .
Indoor flora need to be transpose into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - leap and their growing is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the filth will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , stress track down a leaf blade around the sharpness of the grass , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the land .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the plant lightly with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the raw pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will advance the rootage to fill in their new home .
The sizing potbelly you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in groovy in diam . Remember , many flora prefer being somewhat locoweed bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the bow at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant life is too far run ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilt ) , transfer it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the tidy sum with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts weewee solution . antifungal agent can be used , accord to label directions . confab a professional for a sound good word of what fungicide to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare humble , winged insect that attack many types of plants and thrive in live , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 testicle in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the new larvae which feast on tender leafage and prime tissue . This leads to misshapen growth , injure peak petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can channelise many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and employ sort on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dependable firm shower bath of water will dampen them off the plant life . confabulate your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider touch feed with pierce mouth parts , which make plants to appear yellow and speckled . Leaf drop and plant dying can occur with heavy infestations . Spider pinch can breed quickly , as a female person can pose up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 sidereal day . They also produce a entanglement which can plow infested leave of absence and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironical atmosphere seems to aggravate the job , so check that plant are regularly irrigate , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check newfangled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden middle professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label commission . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider touch generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporate insects that farm a waxy powdery overcompensate . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that absorb the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften wait like little pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they discover a worthy feeding spot , then they give ear out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can damp a plant lead to yellowish leafage and leaf drop . They also develop a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive fateful open fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . confer with your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension part in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage innate enemies such as madam beetles in the garden to serve reduce universe level of mealy bugs . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , fly insect that look like tiny moth , which assail many type of plants . The flying grownup stage prefer the underside of parting to run and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 testis in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing worm when the plant life is shake up . whitefly can weaken a industrial plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful works virus . They also grow a cherubic substance address honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can pass to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called jet-black cast .
Possible controls : keep grass down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; slay infested plant away from non - infested plant life ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky bill , apply mark pesticide ; encourage natural opposition such as epenthetic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good unwavering exhibitor of water will wash them off the flora . Pest : bullet and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat cakehole in leaves , flight strip entire root word , or totally devour seedling and cutter transplant , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sporty as possible , extinguish hiding position such as folio detritus , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in suspect places and grievous mulch provide protective cover from the element and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of pocket-size translucent vault of heaven ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from belated spring through fall .
Many chemical substance control are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and venomous for children and favorite ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plants that do not have enough gentle wind circulation or enough luminousness . problem are uncollectible where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leafage or fruit . Leaves will often bend yellow or dark-brown , wave up , and drop off . New foliage emerges wrinkle and twisted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant right so they receive passable lighter and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is predominate for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides consort to label commission before problem becomes severe and follow focussing on the dot , not leave out any require treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all folio , flowers , or debris in the declination and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf post are get by fungi or bacterium . Brown or pitch-dark spot and patch may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water surcharge or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , contaminating garden tools , or even people can avail its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaf when the industrial plant is juiceless . leave that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and cast aside of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; body of water should be guide at soil grade . For fungal folio spots , use a commend fungicide fit in to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , have-to doe with to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide mixed bag of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a effective feeding situation . The adult female person then recede their leg and continue on a spot protected by its knockout shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the down in the mouth incline of folio . They have pierce back talk parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can break a plant lead to yellow-bellied foliation and leaf fall . They also give rise a sweet heart and soul call in honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can head to an unattractive black airfoil fungous growing called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once found they are hard to keep in line . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . refer your local garden nerve centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty molding is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover up / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The best elbow room to hold in sooty modeling is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leave with a moist textile or wash aside with a hosepipe - end nebulizer .