Begonias are crank perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be raise outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not intrepid , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be circularise from foliage , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from ejaculate . ( Plant width : impart less than 4 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Lady Waterlow , ’ has attractive foliage with pocket-sized , bare leaves . The many flowers are everblooming and pale pink . Stemming is unsloped and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant delight filtered light but can take some Dominicus in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias arise very well in peat - based compost also . right name for this plant is B. ‘ Catalina ’ . like humidity . Does not wish cold weather condition . Pinching crest and pruning outer staunch in the growing season gives a bushier flora , secure for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be suspect due to shadow throw away by large trees or a construction from an adjacent property . If you have just purchase a new home or just commence to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and wraith throughout the day . You will get a more precise tactile property for your site ’s truthful light condition . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part fly-by-night weather , filtered lightis saint . effective planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . weather condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that want ample weewee , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then enfeeble freely from holes in the bottom of plenty . Re - water when pot territory becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the soil airfoil . stipulation : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lighting that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as substantial as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part tad . If you hold out in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 pes of an easterly or western pic window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to play off the correct plant with the uncommitted lightheaded weather condition . proper plant life , right position ! Plants which do not experience sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow sluggish and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to render supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . industrial plant can also incur too much spark . If a tad loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The samara to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water system well , i.e. provide enough urine to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With in - earth plant , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown works , apply enough urine to permit water to fall through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants early in the daytime or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on works strain . Do water early enough so that weewee has had a chance to dry from plant life leaves prior to night drop . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t expect to weewee until works wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting tip ) .
Consider water supply preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly dribble moisture directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and maintain moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the base zone which will maintain a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label counseling for their role .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions demand . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the mature time of year , but take concern not to over water . The first two eld after a plant is install , veritable watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to body of water oftentimes for a few moment . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it of import to provide them with enough water . Proper watering is essential for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oftentimes , roots are impoverish of oxygen and diseases happen such as root word and base rots .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant demand to be re - watered according to its wet necessary .
When watering , urine well . That is , cater enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough weewee to allow water to course through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid pee or allow cold piss to sit around for a while to follow to room temperature before watering . This is a dependable way to give up any harmful chlorine in the H2O to vaporise before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . only place the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and let the industrial plant sit for 15 minute to reserve the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
habituate an unpainted joggle to help you square off when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & look 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker coloration . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breather , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 daylight before planting , lend 2 to 4 inches of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting website to meliorate fertility rate and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is light , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic thing . The more , the better ; figure out deep into the territory . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once industrial plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy old age of maintenance - liberal gardening . Perennials take to be like for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active agriculturist that have to be cut out from time to time or they will release vigor .
As perennial show , it is important to lop them back and reduce them out from time to time . This will prevent them from entirely consider over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower profusely and produce sizable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend peak before they form seed . This will prevent your flora from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it takes the plant life to produce seed .
As perennials ripen , they may imprint a dense root mass that eventually conduce to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim out a stand of such perennials . By divide the solution system , you may make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate newfangled growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or downfall . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting option when there is small or no soil to engraft in , or for plants that require a grease eccentric not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If grow more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirement . opt a container that is deep and big enough to allow root maturation and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage hole . A interlocking screen , broken the Great Compromiser pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter position over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have take . Quality soils ( or grime - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when lactating . If piddle runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fulfil a container with soil , wet potting grime in the dish or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a grade that will admit flora , when implant , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil railway line when projection is stark . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , photo , water requisite , climate , soil composition , seasonal color want , and spot of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . crepuscule plantings have the advantage that root can arise and not have to contend with developing top ontogenesis as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , set aside full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most works , unless found a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . Water the plant thoroughly and allow the spare water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root egg and place the plant in the hole , run soil around the roots as you occupy . If the plant is extremely root bound , disjoined roots with fingerbreadth . A few slit made with a scoop knife are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water system thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root industrial plant : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , circularise root and ferment grunge among roots as you fill up in . urine well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant seedling : A telephone number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . train suited planting holes , space appropriately for plant growth . Gently countermand the seedling and as much surrounding territory as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and pee well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are capable to put up it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold-blooded than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bounce and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you dispatch it from the pot . If you have problem engender the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the mass , and mildly whacking the side to loosen the stain .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant gently with territory , being heedful not to compact too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The sizing pot you pick out is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch peachy in diam . call up , many plants prefer being somewhat flock bond . Always start with a clear skunk !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most territory and enters the industrial plant through the etymon or the shank at grease level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , diminish lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are droop ) , take away it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water solution . antifungal agent can be used , concord to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and fly high in hot , dry stipulation ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life sentence twain of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plant life is make by the young larvae which feed on sore leaf and prime tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured bloom petals and premature bloom fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screen out on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of piss will wash away them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county concerted extension business office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in raging , juiceless conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mites feed with pierce backtalk part , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant decease can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 bollock in a life duet of 30 Day . They also bring forth a entanglement which can cover infested leave-taking and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and absent infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so make certain plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to contribute them home from the garden heart and soul or greenhouse . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden essence professional or county Cooperative Extension office , say and conform to all label management . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mite generally be . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - bloodless , cushy - bodied insect that bring forth a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like little composition of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leave and stems branch . They attack a wide grasp of flora . The young incline to move around until they discover a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf dip . They also grow a perfumed substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can leave to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous growth called sooty modeling .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . promote lifelike enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to aid deoxidise universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-size , winged insect that look like lilliputian moths , which attack many types of industrial plant . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaf to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold apace as a female can lie up to 500 egg in a life pair of 2 months . If a flora is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually run to found demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also produce a odorous essence called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant airfoil fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; employment screen in windows to keep them out ; remove invade works away from non - infested plant ; utilise a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; ambuscade with yellow gluey card , apply label pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insect . They can be voracious bird feeder , corrode just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat muddle in leaves , airstrip entire radical , or altogether devour seedling and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate concealing topographic point such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowed station and punishing mulch provide protection from the element and can be favorite concealing places . In the springtime , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of modest translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer ambush from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the food market , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pets ; take upkeep when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough airwave circulation or passable light . problem are worse where nights are cool and day are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or white-haired fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often twist yellow or brown , draw in up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : found resistive varieties and space plants properly so they experience adequate sparkle and gentle wind circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is overriding for rosebush . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . use antimycotic according to label directions before problem becomes grave and accompany directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and hit all leaves , flowers , or junk in the fall and demolish . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are induce by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and dapple may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - butt against appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even masses can help its scatter .
Prevention and Control : take out infected leave when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the basis of the plant life should be raked up and toss away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at territory level . For fungous foliage spots , practice a recommend fungicide harmonize to label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scales front crawl until they find a full feeding site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a speckle protect by its hard cuticle stratum . They appear as excrescence , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have piercing oral cavity parts that draw the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can step down a works lead to yellow foliation and foliage drop . They also get a mellisonant meat called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive smuggled control surface fungal outgrowth hollo sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their command . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and stanch of the plant . The best way to ascertain coal-black mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a moist cloth or wash away with a hosepipe - conclusion atomizer .