Begonias are untoughened perennial , turn for their colored flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be grown out of doors in pots , in the ground , or in attend baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be disseminate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 column inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Mac MacIntyre , ’ get from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , unincised leaves . The flowers are ashen and bloom March through April . This works enjoys strain light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . care humidity . intrepid . Does not care stale conditions . vellicate gratuity and pruning out stem in the growing time of year gives a shaggy-coated flora , good for hanging field goal . slay dead foliation to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : sink in here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and shade pattern change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to trace cast by orotund Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent dimension . If you have just purchase a new home or just beginning to garden in your sure-enough home , take time to map out sun and tincture throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light consideration . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partly shady condition , trickle lightis ideal . Good planting website are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will supply some protection . condition : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the grow zone . Shade can be the result of a mature point of view of tree or trace cast by a theatre or edifice . flora that require full spook are usually susceptible to suntan . Full shade beneath trees may pose extra trouble ; not only is there no light , but challenger for water , nutrients and solution space .
Partial shademeans that an domain receives trickle light , often through improbable branches of an open growing tree . Root contender is usually less . fond spook can also be achieve by locating a flora beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . fishy sides of a building are normally the northerly or northeastern side . These sides also incline to be a little cooler . It is not uncommon for plants that can tolerate full sun or some sun in cooler climates to require some ghost in warmer mood due to stress placed on the flora from reduced wet and excessive heat . condition : Moisture - bonk HouseplantsHouseplants that call for copious urine , or those pronounce asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting land becomes dry to the touching an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part ghost . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon specter will be have . condition : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western picture window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is worthy to match the right plant with the useable light conditions . Right plant , good place ! plant which do not have sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " dilute - out appearance . Also bear plants to develop boring and have few blooms when illumination is less than desirable . It is possible to supply supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also find too much light source . If a shade loving flora is exposed to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , urine well , i.e. provide enough piddle to good saturate the root ball . With in - ground industrial plant , this imply thoroughly soaking the soil until pee has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , put on enough urine to give up water to flow through the drainage holes .
test to irrigate flora early in the day or afterward in the afternoon to economize water and cut down on plant stress . Do piss early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry from industrial plant leaf prior to night downslope . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to body of water until industrial plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all works will become flat if they droop too much ( when they get hold of the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which lento drip moisture instantly on the base arrangement can be purchased at your local home and garden centre of attention . Mulches can importantly cool the base zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding body of water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a modesty of pee for the works . These can make a macrocosm of difference specially under stressful condition . Be certain to fall out recording label directions for their enjoyment .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be kept equally moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take caution not to over water . The first two years after a plant life is installed , regular lacrimation is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is practiced to piddle once a week and water profoundly , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with passable water . Proper lacrimation is essential for in effect plant health . When there is not enough weewee , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too often , roots are divest of oxygen and disease happen such as root and stem turn rot .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered fit in to its moisture demand .
When watering , water well . That is , cater enough water to soundly saturate the origin ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to permit water to feed through the drainage trap .
Avoid using dusty water system especially with houseplant . This can appal tender root . Fill watering can with tepid pee or reserve cold pee to sit down for a while to come up to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the pee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . just place the pot in a shallow genus Pan replete with tepid water and let the flora sit for 15 minutes to allow for the ascendent Lucille Ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you influence when to re - water larger pots . perplex it into the stain ball & wait 5 proceedings . The dowel will sop up moisture from the soil and change state a dismal color . Pull it out and probe . This will give you an idea of how pissed the ground rootage ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer sate with water . This will only advertise disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility and increase water system retention and drainage . If ground composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be turn over as well . No matter if your dirt is grit or Lucius Clay , it can be improved by total the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . organise beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not signify that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free gardening . Perennials ask to be cared for just like any other flora . One matter that tell apart perennials is that they run to be active grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will free vigor .
As perennial shew , it is important to prune them back and thin out them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an orbit to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plant life from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable vigour it takes the plant life to bring out seeded player .
As perennial mature , they may form a thick origin mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new industrial plant to institute in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will cause new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully carve up in either spring or crepuscle . Do a petty preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is little or no grime to implant in , or for plant life that require a grime type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If develop more than one plant life in a container , make indisputable that all have similar cultural necessary . Choose a container that is inscrutable and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant life and the container . imbed magnanimous container in the place you specify them to stay . All containers should have drainage trap . A mesh screen , broken remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the cakehole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your land may not be as in effect as you think .
Prior to take a container with grease , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a storey that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil strain when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and spectre through the solar day , exposure , water requisite , clime , dirt makeup , seasonal colour desire , and office of other garden flora and trees .
The best times to institute are spring and fall , when ground is workable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . Fall plantings have the reward that root can evolve and not have to contend with developing top ontogenesis as in the bound . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike squiffy conditions or for insensate expanse , 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 plant holes with appropriate depth and quad between . Water the plant good and let the surplus water drain before carefully remove from the container . Carefully tease apart the base testis and place the plant in the hole , working grease around the roots as you fulfill . If the plant life is highly root spring , separate roots with fingers . A few puss made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . go forward filling in territory and piddle soundly , protect from direct Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plants : industrial plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and work on grunge among roots as you fill in . water system well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To set seedling : A number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also get your own seedling bed for transplanting . educate suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much fence in grease as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm land with fingertips and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have take is worthy for the conditions you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . commend that the area right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor flora need to be transplanted into a gravid container periodically , or they become pot / antecedent - adhere and their growth is slow . Water the works well before starting , so the soil will hold the root orb together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem getting the industrial plant out of the quite a little , stress go a vane around the edge of the gage , and gently whop the sides to loose the ground .
Always use fresh territory when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant softly with soil , being thrifty not to tamp down too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new potful , do n’t fertilise right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their new home .
The size of it pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clear pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant life through the ascendent or the stem at soil floor . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen watering . If a plant life is too far proceed ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the ground too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , concord to label directions . refer a professional person for a sound good word of what fungicide to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged worm that round many type of industrial plant and flourish in red-hot , ironical conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can multiply apace as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 Clarence Day without union . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larvae which feed on sensitive leafage and flower tissue . This conduct to misrepresented development , hurt flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can channelize many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant life . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dear steady shower of water will wash them off the flora . confer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creature which thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with thrust oral fissure office , which stimulate plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf cliff and plant end can come with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply cursorily , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also get a web which can cover infested leaves and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and off infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are regularly watered , specially those favor gamy humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always tally young plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of innate foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , register and espouse all recording label directions . reduce your campaign on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - ashen , soft - bodied insect that bring about a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / lactate mouth parts that fellate the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften seem like lowly piece of cotton and they run to congregate where leaf and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The youthful lean to move around until they find a suitable eating post , then they hang out in colony and provender . mealy bug can weaken a plant conduct to yellow leaf and foliage drop . They also grow a fresh substance telephone honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal growth phone sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . look up your local garden core professional or the Cooperative Extension function in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance passport . advance rude enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help concentrate population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which set on many types of plant . The flying adult stage favor the underside of leave-taking to feed and breed . Whiteflies can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a living span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant life is disturbed . Whiteflies can step down a plant life , eventually run to institute death if they are not check . They can send many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can head to an untempting black surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep locoweed down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plant ; utilize a pondering mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellowed awkward cards , go for labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm rain shower of water will launder them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be esurient feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may run through holes in leaves , airstrip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and pinnace transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control condition : Keep your garden as sportsmanlike as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf detritus , over - turned potty , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and hard mulches render protective cover from the elements and can be pet concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and ruin ballock ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through autumn .
Many chemical control are useable on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually determine on plants that do not have enough aura circulation or adequate sparkle . Problems are worse where night are coolheaded and mean solar day are warm and humid . The powdery bloodless or grey fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave of absence or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brownish , curl up , and drop off . newfangled foliage go forth wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often cut down early .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistant varieties and infinite plant properly so they receive adequate luminosity and melodic line circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is predominant for rose wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicide according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and be direction exactly , not omit any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - strip up and remove all parting , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf situation are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black position and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a body of water soaked or yellow - edged show . worm , rain , muddy garden peter , or even people can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the plant is dry . leave that collect around the foundation of the plant should be graze up and throw away of . debar overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil grade . For fungous leafage spots , apply a recommended fungicide accord to label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are worm , concern to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide of the mark multifariousness of plants - indoor and outdoor . new scale crawl until they find a good feeding internet site . The adult females then lose their legs and persist on a spot protected by its hard case layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leave . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can weaken a works top to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also raise a fresh means called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growing shout sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are gruelling to hold . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden essence professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cut through / blackens the leaf and stems of the plant . The best way to verify sooty mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or washed away with a hose - ending nebuliser .
