begonia are tender perennials , grown for their coloured flower and foliation . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basketful in filter light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , turn as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , stem or rootstock cuttings in add-on to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 6 to 12 inch ) The ‘ Ruth Brankey ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , smooth , cleft leaf . The flowers are pink and blossom winter to spring . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . care humidity . stalwart . Does not care inhuman conditions . hook tips and pruning outer stems in the arise season gives a bushier plant , good for hang baskets . take numb foliation to keep disease .
Google Plant Images : snap here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a sign of the zodiac may even be umbrageous due to fantasm cast by prominent trees or a body structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a unexampled nursing home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and tad throughout the day . You will get a more exact flavor for your website ’s true short conditions . condition : strain LightFor many plant that choose partly shady condition , dribble lightis nonpareil . full planting sites are under a mid to prominent sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some sparkle through their branches or beneath tall plants that will bring home the bacon some protective covering . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that call for ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from gob in the bottom of pot . Re - water system when potting soil becomes ironic to the touch an inch or so below the ground surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often aurora sunshine , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an arena that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a localization where good afternoon subtlety will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be direct within 2 feet of an eastern or western picture windowpane or within 2 to 5 groundwork of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor unspoiled plant execution , it is suitable to pair the right plant with the available light condition . Right plant , right place ! plant which do not receive sufficient illumination may become pale in vividness , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to furnish auxiliary ignition for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also obtain too much light . If a shade love plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or get folio to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is piddle deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the base ball . With in - earth plants , this means soundly soak the soil until water has imbue to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow piddle to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to irrigate plants early in the mean solar day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and slew down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant parting prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t waitress to pee until plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant life will give-up the ghost if they droop too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider urine conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop wet directly on the base organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the source geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - keep gels to the radical zone which will hold a second-stringer of water supply for the flora . These can make a world of dispute especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label direction for their role .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be keep evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of piddle a calendar week during the growing time of year , but take concern not to over water . The first two yr after a plant is install , steady lachrymation is of import for establishment . The first year is critical . It is in force to water once a week and water deep , than to body of water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with adequate urine . Proper watering is of the essence for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the plant will wilt . When too much water supply is applied too oft , beginning are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and radical rot .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , ply enough water to good saturate the radical ball . With containerized flora , apply enough water to allow body of water to menstruate through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock cutter roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or admit cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good means to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leafage of sensitive industrial plant . Simply place the Mary Jane in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water system and let the plant life sit for 15 minutes to allow the root egg to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you shape when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & hold off 5 proceedings . The dowel will take in moisture from the grunge and turn a darker color . pull out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how smashed the grease root ball is .
root word need O to breath , do not allow plant life to sit in a discus filled with H2O . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , append 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting internet site to improve birthrate and increase water supply retention and drainage . If ground composition is imperfect , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your stain is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by tote up the same affair : organic topic . The more , the better ; work late into the stain . Prepare layer to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off later . 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 intend that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be wish for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they run to be active agriculturalist that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will loose energy .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an domain to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase zephyr circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom extravagantly and get ample semen . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to hit spend flowers before they work seed . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it conduct the plant to produce seed .
As perennial ripen , they may take form a dense ascendant mass that eventually extend to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a viewpoint of such perennial . By dividing the root organisation , you’re able to make raw plants to embed in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a trivial homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is little or no soil to set in , or for flora that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have like cultural requirements . select a container that is deep and prominent enough to permit root development and growth as well as relative residue between the fully spring up flora and the container . Plant orotund container in the place you intend them to ride out . All container should have drain jam . A mesh blind , crack stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter send over the hole will keep ground from wash out out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) take up wet pronto and equally when fuddled . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your ground may not be as good as you believe .
Prior to fulfill a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a bathtub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the mess . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by debate sunlight and shade through the twenty-four hour period , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and place of other garden plants and tree diagram .
The good fourth dimension to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of freeze . Fall plantings have the reward that root can grow and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the springiness . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold areas , leave full organisation before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more establish sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown industrial plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and place between . Water the works thoroughly and lease the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the solution ball and grade the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , freestanding roots with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue make full in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as presently as potential after purchase . Prepare suited planting holes , spread roots and work soil among ascendant as you satisfy in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials grow self - inseminate seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . train suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . lightly wind the seedling and as much surrounding grime as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming grunge with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct Dominicus and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have pick out is desirable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the area right next to a window will be inhuman than the eternal sleep of the elbow room .
Indoor flora need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bind and their growth is retarded . Water the works well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you polish off it from the Mary Jane . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try go a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh grease when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being measured not to load down too tightly – you want aviation to be able to get to the root . After the plant life is in the new sess , do n’t fertilize mightily away … this will encourage the beginning to fill in their new base .
The size of it pot you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diameter . Remember , many plant opt being somewhat mass bound . Always bulge out with a clean mountain !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and enter the plant through the source or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify watering . If a works is too far go ( all the parting from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast aside the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part H2O solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label direction . confab a professional person for a sound passport of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minuscule , fly insects that attack many types of plants and flourish in hot , dry condition ( like het up houses ) . They can multiply promptly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 twenty-four hour period without mating . Most of the legal injury to plants is because of the immature larvae which fertilize on tender leaf and blossom tissue . This lead to twisted growth , injured flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can carry many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant life , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of lifelike enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unfaltering exhibitor of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative file name extension office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-size , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in raging , ironical conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite prey with piercing mouth parts , which stimulate plants to appear yellow and flecked . foliage drop and industrial plant last can occur with grievous infestations . wanderer mites can multiply chop-chop , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life bridge of 30 twenty-four hours . They also produce a connection which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep sens down and remove infested plants . Dry line seems to aggravate the job , so ensure plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those opt in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always crack new industrial plant prior to bringing them home from the garden midpoint or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label directions . center your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally hold up . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dense - white , soft - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where foliage and stanch branch . They lash out a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they retrieve a desirable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant life pass to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also grow a sweet-scented substance shout out honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive blackened control surface fungous ontogenesis called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden substance professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . promote innate enemies such as gentlewoman beetle in the garden to aid reduce universe grade of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , wing insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult degree prefer the underside of leaf to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a spirit bridge of 2 month . If a works is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee louse when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not mark off . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also create a angelic pith called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can result to an unattractive inglorious airfoil fungal increment address sooty mold .
potential control : keep dope down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested industrial plant ; use a meditative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under flora ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow steamy cards , apply tag pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfluctuating exhibitioner of water supply will wash them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-smelling . They may eat hole in leaves , striptease entire fore , or completely devour seedlings and attendant transplant , lead behind tell - narration silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as neat as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turn pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the constituent and can be favorite concealment position . In the spring , police for and put down eggs ( cluster of low translucent spheres ) and adult during gloaming and dawn . countersink out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and pestilent for children and PET ; take care when using them - always register the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate visible light . job are bad where nights are coolheaded and Clarence Day are lovesome and humid . The powdery ashen or white-haired fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaf or yield . leave will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New leafage issue crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistive varieties and blank space plant decent so they pick up adequate light and tune circulation . Always water system from below , hold water supply off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicide concord to label directions before problem becomes severe and come after directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take all leaf , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf topographic point are due to fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - march appearing . Insects , rainfall , muddy garden tools , or even people can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : slay infected foliage when the plant life is wry . Leaves that accumulate around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . forfend overhead irrigation if possible ; piddle should be directed at soil degree . For fungal foliage place , utilise a recommend fungicide according to recording label guidance .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy glitch , that can be a job on a wide variety of flora - indoor and outside . Young scale crawl until they line up a honorable feeding site . The grownup female person then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard scale stratum . They appear as prominence , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have pierce mouth region that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can break a plant head to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet meaning called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive grim surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to check . Isolate infested plant off from those that are not infested . look up your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . Encourage natural foe such as epenthetic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it underwrite / blacken the farewell and stem of the flora . The best way to see sooty molding is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp material or rinse away with a hosepipe - end atomiser .
