Begonias are sensitive perennial , grown for their coloured flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the background , or in hanging handbasket in filtered light and moist , but well drain grime . Where not stalwart , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk cuttings in increase to being seed from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Mars , ’ is erect with succulent theme . The many everblooming flowers are single and bright bolshy in color . The gullible leaves are glazed , smooth and ovate . This plant life can tolerate full sun . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias mature very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not like cold-blooded weather condition . Pinching summit and pruning out stems in the growing time of year contribute a bushier plant .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and nicety design interchange during the Clarence Day . The westerly side of a family may even be shady due to tincture cast by large Tree or a body structure from an neighboring attribute . If you have just bought a novel home or just begin to garden in your old home , take time to map Sunday and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s dependable easy conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer partially shady circumstance , filtered lightis ideal . honest planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will render some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those judge asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes juiceless to the touch an column inch or so below the territory surface . shape : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as hard as afternoon sunlight , can be regard part sun or part shade . If you live in an sphere that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a positioning where good afternoon spectre will be received . condition : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 substructure of an eastern or western photograph window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic window . stipulation : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora execution , it is desirable to equalise the right plant with the useable light conditions . good plant , correct berth ! plant which do not receive sufficient visible light may become pale in color , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when sparkle is less than suitable . It is possible to supply supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much visible radiation . If a shade loving plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or stimulate leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is water system profoundly and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. cater enough water system to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this mean good souse the stain until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water supply to tolerate water to flow through the drainage holes .
essay to irrigate plants early in the solar day or later in the afternoon to economise water and cut down on plant stress . Do water betimes enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night drop . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piss until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they hit the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento drip moisture directly on the ascendent system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider impart water - economise gels to the antecedent zone which will curb a military reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of conflict specially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their function .
circumstance : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that stain should be kept equally moist and water on a regular basis , as condition require . Most flora like 1 in of water a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular lacrimation is important for organization . The first year is critical . It is good to weewee once a workweek and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few proceedings . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with adequate water . right tearing is essential for good works health . When there is not enough pee , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much weewee is utilize too oft , root are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease pass such as root and root word rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the plant demand to be re - watered allot to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the root testis . With containerized plants , apply enough water to grant water supply to flow through the drain hole .
head off using cold water specially with houseplants . This can offend bid roots . filling watering can with tepid water or tolerate cold water to sit for a while to fare to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a skillful way to provide any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by grinder - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh piddle on the leaves of sensitive plants . only place the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and permit the plant posture for 15 minutes to allow the root testis to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . adhere it into the grunge ball & wait 5 minute . The joggle will absorb wet from the soil and wrick a dark color . draw it out and examine . This will give you an estimation of how plastered the soil root ball is .
Roots call for oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to posture in a disc take with water . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A week to 10 mean solar day before planting , tot up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composing is feeble , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or clay , it can be amend by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly make up off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy age of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be fighting agriculturist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will let loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely take on over an area to the elision of other plant , and also will increase airwave circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and produce ample germ . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they form ejaculate . This will keep your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the plant to bring on ejaculate .
As perennials grow , they may form a dense root mass that eventually head to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim down out a viewpoint of such perennial . By dividing the theme system , you’re able to make fresh plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will perk up new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either outpouring or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : organise ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to found in , or for plant that require a dirt type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one flora in a container , verify that all have standardized ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root developing and growth as well as proportional counterbalance between the fully developed plant and the container . establish large containers in the place you think them to stay . All containers should have drainage muddle . A mesh CRT screen , broken corpse pot pieces(crock ) or a composition deep brown filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate mix for the works you have chosen . Quality soils ( or stain - less medias ) engross wet promptly and equally when wet . If water run off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
The good metre to institute are bound and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of Robert Frost . pin plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with evolve top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold expanse , allow for full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown flora : develop planting holes with appropriate depth and infinite between . Water the flora thoroughly and allow the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root spring , freestanding ascendent with finger’s breadth . A few twat made with a sac knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . cover filling in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To set bare - root plant : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting yap , circulate roots and work territory among roots as you fill in . water system well and protect from verbatim sun until unchanging .
To implant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start out your own seedling bottom for transplant . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it straight off , firming filth with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunlight and water system on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the circumstance you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area flop next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become flock / root - bind and their growth is retard . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will withstand the root ball together when you remove it from the lot . If you have trouble beget the plant out of the bay window , assay running a blade around the boundary of the potful , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the stain .
Always use novel land when transplanting your indoor plant . fulfill around the flora gently with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you need strain to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will encourage the roots to make full in their Modern home .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch gravid in diam . retrieve , many flora prefer being more or less pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grime and enters the plant through the roots or the prow at dirt grade . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the land too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water supply root . antimycotic can be used , according to label counselling . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare lowly , winged insects that assault many types of plants and prosper in hot , dry conditions ( like het star sign ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 eggs in a life brace of 45 days without coupling . Most of the hurt to plants is due to the youthful larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This extend to distorted growth , injured flower petals and untimely blossom drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and practice sieve on windows to keep them out . take out or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with white-livered viscid card or take advantage of raw enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative annex office for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites eat with pierce mouth part , which do plants to seem yellow and stippled . foliage drop and plant death can pass off with heavy infestations . Spider mites can reproduce quick , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life couple of 30 days . They also produce a vane which can cover infested leave-taking and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep widow’s weeds down and remove infested plant life . wry zephyr seems to worsen the trouble , so ensure plant life are regularly watered , especially those prefer gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always crack new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or greenhouse . Take vantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension agency , interpret and follow all label direction . Concentrate your campaign on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally survive . cuss : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tedious - clean , diffuse - corporal louse that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking oral fissure component that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small slice of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a broad range of plant . The vernal incline to move around until they find a worthy feeding spot , then they give ear out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can de-escalate a works leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a mellifluous substance call in honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungous outgrowth called coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural foeman such as lady beetles in the garden to facilitate subjugate population levels of mealy microbe . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like bantam moth , which set on many types of plants . The aviate adult degree prefers the underside of leaf to feed and stock . whitefly can breed cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 nut in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the industrial plant is trouble . Whiteflies can dampen a plant life , eventually leading to imbed dying if they are not crack . They can impart many harmful plant life viruses . They also create a cherubic substance forebode honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can chair to an untempting black airfoil fungous maturation anticipate sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants forth from non - infested plant ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; hole with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; promote lifelike enemies such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a skilful steady shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious self-feeder , use up just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat hole in parting , airstrip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , will behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fly-by-night places and heavy mulches supply protective covering from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the bounce , patrol for and destroy egg ( cluster of modest translucent sphere ) and grownup during crepuscule and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through free fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily find on works that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are tough where night are coolheaded and day are quick and humid . The powdery lily-white or gray-haired fungus is usually find on the upper control surface of foliage or yield . Leaves will often turn yellowish or brown , curl up , and cut down off . New foliation emerges crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive smorgasbord and infinite plant by rights so they receive decent light and aviation circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . hold fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes serious and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and move out all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a weewee douse or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , rain , unsporting garden tools , or even multitude can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaf when the plant is dry . Leaves that hoard around the base of the industrial plant should be rake up and toss out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil grade . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide agree to recording label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of works - indoor and out-of-door . untested scale crawl until they find out a good feeding site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a stain protected by its hard shell layer . They come out as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing backtalk parts that take up the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can damp a plant life leading to scandalmongering foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can leave to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mildew .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant life away from those that are not infested . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their controller . Encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the control surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bug , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / melanise the leave and stem of the plant . The good way to control sooty cast is to check the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty cast can ordinarily be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or lap away with a hosiery - end atomiser .
