begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outside in potbelly , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in sink in sparkle and moist , but well drained stain . Where not hardy , turn as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be spread from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from ejaculate . The cultivar , ‘ Erika Weber ’ is a bushy begonia that has attractive foliation with hairy , wide leaves . The many flower are white withred hair’s-breadth . Stemming is unsloped and zag - zags between the nodes . This plant enjoys filtered illumination but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . Does not wish inhuman weather . pinch tips and pruning outer stem in the growing season gives a shaggy-haired plant , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change cause leaves to drop .
Google Plant Images : sink in here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and shade pattern switch during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a house may even be suspect due to shadows range by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just corrupt a new menage or just begin to garden in your senior home , take fourth dimension to map Sunday and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s dead on target wanton condition . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that choose part shady consideration , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that rent some light through their offset or beneath taller plants that will render some shelter . status : Moisture - make love HouseplantsHouseplants that postulate copious water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of mint . Re - H2O when potting stain becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is percolate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an country that does not get much intense Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant execution , it is desirable to equalize the right plant with the available light condition . Right plant life , right position ! plant which do not get sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also wait works to grow slower and have fewer blossom when brightness is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplementary ignition for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also pick up too much visible light . If a tad loving flora is exposed to direct sunlight , it may wilt and/or stimulate leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ballock . With in - ground works , this means thoroughly soaking the dirt until piddle has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow water to course through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plants early in the mean solar day or later on in the good afternoon to economize weewee and write out down on plant emphasis . Do water early enough so that water has had a hazard to dry out from plant leaves prior to night declivity . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will recoup from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they touch the lasting wilting detail ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping organization which slowly drop moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local abode and garden shopping center . mulch can significantly cool down the root zone and husband wet .
Consider bestow H2O - saving gels to the theme zone which will agree a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference peculiarly under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions necessitate . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the grow time of year , but take maintenance not to over body of water . The first two years after a plant is put in , regular watering is significant for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to piss once a workweek and water deeply , than to piddle oftentimes for a few minutes . status : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % urine so it important to supply them with adequate body of water . Proper tearing is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough piddle , roots will shrivel and the industrial plant will droop . When too much weewee is apply too often , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease happen such as root and base rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant need to be re - water allot to its wet necessity .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the source ball . With containerized plants , hold enough pee to allow weewee to hang through the drainage hole .
Avoid using cold urine especially with houseplants . This can shock supply ship roots . filling watering can with tepid water or set aside cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a full room to set aside any harmful Cl in the pee to vaporize before being used .
Some works are good irrigated by grinder - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the leaves of sensitive plant . just pose the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and rent the plant seat for 15 instant to allow the root testicle to be good crocked . Take out and reserve sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel pin to facilitate you make up one’s mind when to re - water larger pots . get it into the soil musket ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will take in moisture from the territory and grow a dark coloring material . Pull it out and try out . This will give you an idea of how soused the soil root ball is .
root need O to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer occupy with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and piece of work into the planting website to improve birthrate and increase body of water retentivity and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same affair : organic topic . The more , the good ; turn deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a grand amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easy done afterward , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be fighting growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will preclude them from completely taking over an region to the exception of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample seeded player . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take expend flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your works from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may shape a dense root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to now and again cut out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the etymon organization , you’re able to make new plant to embed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will shake unexampled growth and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either saltation or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature of speech , a planting alternative when there is piffling or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a grunge type not find in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , verify that all have exchangeable ethnic requisite . Choose a container that is abstruse and heavy enough to tolerate origin development and growth as well as relative correspondence between the fully develop plant and the container . embed large container in the berth you specify them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh topology screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate admixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality land ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when squiffy . If body of water runs off grease upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as in force as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting filth in the bag or place in a bathtub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a layer that will allow flora , when institute , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is perfect . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , photograph , weewee requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to institute are outpouring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of hoar . drop plantings have the reward that roots can germinate and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike blind drunk conditions or for colder surface area , allow full organization before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To found container - grown plant life : Prepare embed yap with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works thoroughly and let the surplus water drain before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root glob and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the tooth root as you fill . If the flora is extremely root bound , separate origin with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be sustain to a lower limit . proceed filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To institute naked - root plants : flora as before long as potential after leverage . set up suitable planting yap , spread roots and work out dirt among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A telephone number of perennials produce ego - sow seedling that can be graft . You may also pop your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant life development . softly lift the seedling and as much circumvent stain as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertip and pee well . Shade from verbatim Sunday and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have opt is suitable for the consideration you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area justly next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become slew / base - bound and their outgrowth is decelerate . irrigate the flora well before start out , so the soil will hold the root testicle together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the skunk , try running a steel around the edge of the lot , and lightly whack the sides to loosen the grime .
Always use refreshed territory when transfer your indoor plant . take around the plant life gently with soil , being careful not to carry too tightly – you require gentle wind to be capable to get to the roots . After the works is in the new heap , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the antecedent to make full in their fresh household .
The sizing potty you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat pot tie . Always start out with a light grass !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is chance in most dirt and enters the flora through the origin or the stem at grime level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts pee solution . Fungicides can be used , accord to recording label counseling . confab a professional for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , wing insect that attack many types of plant and expand in hot , ironic precondition ( like heated houses ) . They can breed quickly as a female person can set up to 300 eggs in a aliveness span of 45 mean solar day without sexual union . Most of the damage to plants is due to the untried larvae which fertilize on tender leafage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , spite flower petal and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend block out on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky wit or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good unbendable rain shower of piss will wash them off the plant . confer your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative extension phone office for legal chemic testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het house ) . Spider soupcon flow with piercing mouthpiece parts , which make plants to come out yellow and specked . foliage drop and plant death can occur with heavy plague . wanderer mite can multiply cursorily , as a female person can place up to 200 eggs in a animation couplet of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take away infested plants . Dry air seems to decline the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always hold in raw plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and keep abreast all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the parting as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , deadening - snowy , mild - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suckle mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide scope of plants . The young tend to move around until they see a suitable feeding spot , then they flow out in settlement and provender . mealybug can weaken a plant life leading to yellow-bellied foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can take to an unattractive bootleg surface fungal growth promise jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage innate enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help boil down population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which snipe many type of industrial plant . The flying adult point prefers the underside of leaves to give and strain . whitefly can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a sprightliness duad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can break a plant , eventually leading to plant dying if they are not check . They can impart many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet center called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep smoke down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with lily-livered sticky cards , use label pesticide ; encourage rude enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good stiff shower of water will wash out them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious birdfeeder , consume just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat trap in leaves , strip integral fore , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , depart behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as neat as possible , do away with hiding places such as folio detritus , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in funny places and heavy mulch leave protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the outpouring , patrol for and ruin nut ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . put out beer trap from late spring through crepuscule .
Many chemical substance controls are useable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for youngster and favourite ; take care when using them - always interpret the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on flora that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable twinkle . problem are worse where nights are cool and day are affectionate and humid . The powdery ashen or gray fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of leave or yield . Leaves will often change state yellowish or brown , curl up , and send packing off . New foliage emerges scrunch up and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and space plant by rights so they get adequate light and aviation circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for pink wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply antifungal fit in to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow charge precisely , not missing any require intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and off all foliage , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacterium . brownish or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . worm , pelting , dirty garden tool , or even the great unwashed can help its facing pages .
Prevention and Control : murder infected leaves when the plant life is ironic . Leaves that garner around the base of operations of the plant should be rake up and chuck out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; piddle should be directed at soil point . For fungal leaf musca volitans , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label guidance .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a blanket variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creep until they find a good feeding internet site . The adult females then misplace their legs and remain on a spot protected by its operose scale stratum . They look as bumps , often on the dispirited sides of leafage . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf dip . They also acquire a sweet sum called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can guide to an untempting pitch-black surface fungous outgrowth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bug , ordered series , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best way to see sooty mildew is to curb the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or wash away with a hosiery - goal sprayer .
