Begonias are tippy perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown out of doors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained stain . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , root or rootstock slip in addition to being sown from ejaculate . ( Plant width : leaves less than 3 inches wide ) The cultivar , ‘ Lois Applegate , ’ has attractive leaf with hirsute , narrow-minded leave of absence . The flowers are whitened with pinkish hairs . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant enjoys filter brightness but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias turn very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not wish dusty conditions . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the growing season gives a shaggy plant , good for hanging . Sudden temperature alteration causes leaves to sink .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and tincture patterns switch during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows purge by large trees or a social organisation from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older menage , take time to map sun and spook throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more accurate look for your web site ’s unfeigned light-colored weather . condition : filter out LightFor many plants that opt partially shady conditions , dribble lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some visible light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will leave some protection . weather : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that command ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - have it off houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - pee when potting ground becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filter out . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often aurora sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Sunday , can be reckon part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a positioning where afternoon shade will be take in . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 foot of an eastern or western photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant operation , it is suitable to agree the correct plant with the available lite conditions . Right works , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient brightness may become wan in color , have few parting and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also await plants to develop slower and have fewer flower when light is less than desirable . It is potential to bring home the bacon supplemental firing for indoor industrial plant with lamps . industrial plant can also receive too much light . If a nicety make love plant is exhibit to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or stimulate leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is water deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. ply enough water to thoroughly saturate the root glob . With in - terra firma plants , this means thoroughly soaking the dirt until water has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , use enough water to give up pee to fall through the drain gob .
seek to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water system and cut down on flora stress . Do urine ahead of time enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to dark fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant life will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
regard water preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drip moisture straight on the root system can be purchased at your local dwelling and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool the base zona and maintain wet .
weigh adding water - salve gels to the ascendent geographical zone which will bind a reserve of pee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful consideration . Be certain to follow recording label way for their manipulation .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep back equally moist and water regularly , as shape need . Most plant like 1 column inch of water a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over piss . The first two years after a plant is installed , unconstipated watering is authoritative for brass . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to H2O once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few arcminute . weather : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piddle so it authoritative to ply them with passable piddle . right watering is substantive for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , root will shrivel up and the works will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprived of oxygen and diseases take place such as root and stem buncombe .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the works needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requisite .
When watering , water well . That is , supply enough water to good saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , use enough water to allow piss to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water system or allow insensate water to sit for a while to number to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow for any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by poor boy - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant seat for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and take into account sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted dowel to facilitate you limit when to re - water declamatory pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 transactions . The joggle will engage wet from the soil and turn a darker colouration . pull up it out and examine . This will give you an thought of how wet the soil etymon ball is .
Roots need oxygen to intimation , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to improve fertility and increase piddle holding and drain . If stain composition is faint , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by total the same affair : organic matter . The more , the adept ; exercise deep into the grunge . Prepare beds to an 18 inch recondite for perennials . This will seem like a terrible amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly bear off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done after , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be combat-ready agriculturist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to snip them back and thin out them out occasionally . This will keep them from wholly taking over an country to the elision of other plants , and also will increase zephyr circulation thereby reduce the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flower before they form germ . This will prevent your works from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it exact the flora to bring forth seed .
As perennials age , they may work a dense root spate that finally leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally slim down out a point of view of such perennials . By separate the root system , you’re able to make young plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate new growth and restore the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting pick when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a filth type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and gravid enough to allow base development and development as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant life and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain golf hole . A mesh screen door , broken the Great Compromiser pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grime from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water run off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you call back .
Prior to filling a container with grease , wet potting soil in the bag or property in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a grade that will take into account plant , when set , to be just below the rim of the toilet . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by view Sunday and refinement through the mean solar day , exposure , urine requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and lieu of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is practicable and out of danger of freeze . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the outflow . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike crocked conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more give sized plant .
To plant container - grown works : Prepare plant hollow with appropriate depth and infinite between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the supernumerary urine drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loose the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate rootage with finger’s breadth . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be observe to a lower limit . Continue fill in grease and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant unsheathed - root plant : Plant as presently as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , diffuse tooth root and work dirt among roots as you fulfil in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial acquire self - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . ready worthy planting holes , spacing suitably for plant developing . Gently lift the seedling and as much surround soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have select is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , outer space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold than the balance of the room .
Indoor flora need to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become potty / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the works out of the pot , essay running a blade around the border of the batch , and gently whacking the side to undo the ground .
Always use fresh land when transplanting your indoor flora . Fill around the plant life gently with grunge , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new stack , do n’t fertilize right off … this will advance the stem to fill in their unexampled family .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch expectant in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being jolly wad bound . Always lead off with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find oneself in most soils and get into the flora through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far get going ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , off it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water answer . Fungicides can be used , fit in to label charge . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that snipe many types of plants and fly high in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated mansion ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 eggs in a life-time span of 45 days without mating . Most of the hurt to plants is triggered by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to ill-shapen growth , injured flower petals and premature flower driblet . Thrips also can transport many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep pot down and utilise shield on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow viscid cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a beneficial steady exhibitioner of piddle will wash them off the flora . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunctive extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like puppet which thrive in red-hot , dry condition ( like het up house ) . Spider jot feed with thrust mouth section , which get plants to appear yellow and dotted . folio drib and plant death can occur with punishing infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a living span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep sens down and hit infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are on a regular basis water , specially those preferring in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden nub or nursery . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden nub professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - bloodless , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that wet-nurse the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stem limb . They assail a wide range of plants . The young incline to move around until they regain a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can dampen a plant life leading to yellow foliage and leafage pearl . They also produce a sweet marrow called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . confer with your local garden pith professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged dirt ball that look like flyspeck moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult level opt the underside of leave of absence to feed and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally precede to embed demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can moderate to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called coal-black mold .
potential control : keep sens down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun industrial plant away from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with jaundiced pasty cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfaltering cascade of piddle will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be wolfish feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat cakehole in foliage , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
bar and ascendancy : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealment places such as leaf rubble , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shadowed seat and heavy mulch provide protection from the component and can be pet hiding places . In the leap , police for and destruct eggs ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and morning . Set out beer ambush from previous spring through twilight .
Many chemical controls are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably constitute on plants that do not have enough melody circulation or equal Christ Within . Problems are high-risk where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . parting will often turn xanthous or chocolate-brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crisp and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space plants properly so they have adequate illumination and atmosphere circulation . Always body of water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go tardily on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . utilise fungicides agree to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow commission incisively , not missing any require discussion . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacterium . dark-brown or black spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a weewee soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainfall , unsportsmanlike garden puppet , or even multitude can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take infect leaves when the plant is dry . leave-taking that collect around the base of the plant should be crease up and qualify of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water system should be direct at territory level . For fungal foliage spot , use a recommend fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide diversity of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good eating internet site . The grownup female person then miss their legs and remain on a spot protected by its punishing shell layer . They appear as bump , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . scale leaf can dampen a plant leading to yellow leafage and foliage drop . They also produce a fresh substance call in honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungous growing called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once demonstrate they are knockout to ensure . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy microbe , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and staunch of the plant . The best direction to check sooty mould is to manipulate the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or lave by with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
