Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colourful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered light source and moist , but well drain grunge . Where not dauntless , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , root or rhizome cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant breadth : leave more than 3 inches wide ) The cultivar , ‘ Mrs. Fred T , Scripps , ’ has attractive foliage with hairy , full leaves . The few prime are pinkish and bloom winter through spring . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the node . This works enjoys filtered igniter but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - ground compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like cold weather . hook bakshish and pruning outer stanch in the growing time of year give a bushier plant , good for string up . Sudden temperature change causes leave to knock off .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and tone radiation diagram convert during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be suspect due to shadow cast by large tree diagram or a structure from an adjacent dimension . If you have just corrupt a Modern home or just get to garden in your older home , take sentence to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate look for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : filtrate LightFor many plant that favor partially shadowy weather , filtered lightis saint . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some security . Conditions : Moisture - have a go at it HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample urine , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer sparkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part sun or part spook . If you live in an arena that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be fine . In other field such as Florida , plant in a placement where afternoon shade will be incur . weather condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be direct within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor dear works performance , it is worthy to match the correct works with the available wakeful experimental condition . Right industrial plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient luminousness may become pallid in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect flora to turn wearisome and have few blooming when ignitor is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental firing for indoor plants with lamp . plant life can also receive too much lightness . If a shade loving plant life is scupper to direct Lord’s Day , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water system profoundly and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. put up enough weewee to good saturate the source ball . With in - land plants , this means soundly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , employ enough piddle to earmark water to course through the drainage golf hole .
endeavor to water plant ahead of time in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early on enough so that water has had a hazard to dry from plant leaf prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they arrive at the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water system preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop wet directly on the rootage organization can be purchase at your local home and garden centre of attention . mulch can significantly cool the root zona and husband moisture .
view adding water - saving colloidal gel to the root word geographical zone which will agree a stockpile of urine for the works . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-wracking status . Be certain to stick to label management for their use .
shape : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of pee a workweek during the grow time of year , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two class after a plant is installed , veritable lacrimation is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a week and water system profoundly , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to add them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough H2O , roots will shrivel up and the plant will droop . When too much pee is applied too frequently , radical are deprived of oxygen and disease pass off such as root and stem rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered harmonize to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to tolerate water to feed through the drain holes .
obviate using cold pee especially with houseplant . This can shock tender radical . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow frigid piss to sit for a while to come in to board temperature before watering . This is a good fashion to allow any harmful chlorine in the body of water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splash water on the leave of sensitive industrial plant . Simply place the stool in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the flora sit for 15 hour to allow the root clump to be thoroughly blotto . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to aid you determine when to re - water big weed . stay put it into the soil glob & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will take in wet from the grunge and sprain a glowering color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil make-up is weak , a bed of topsoil should be view as well . No matter if your soil is guts or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constituent matter . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . ready beds to an 18 inch mystifying for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly devote off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not signify that you will savour years of maintenance - innocent horticulture . Perennials need to be give care for just like any other plant . One matter that separate perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out at times or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is crucial to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from entirely take over an country to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby shorten the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower profusely and bring about sizable come . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they imprint seed . This will prevent your works from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable muscularity it takes the plant to create seed .
As perennials mature , they may shape a slow root bulk that eventually pass to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally cut out a sales booth of such perennials . By dividing the source system , you’re able to make unexampled plants to implant in another sphere of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will provoke newfangled growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or gloam . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an decorative feature , a planting alternative when there is lilliputian or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a stain character not chance in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make indisputable that all have similar cultural essential . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow radical development and growth as well as relative balance between the amply developed plant and the container . engraft big container in the space you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage kettle of fish . A mesh topology silver screen , broken cadaver pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hollow will keep soil from wash out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have pick out . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) occupy moisture readily and evenly when soaked . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your filth may not be as secure as you think .
Prior to filling a container with ground , wet potting ground in the bagful or place in a vat or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will leave works , when planted , to be just below the rim of the great deal . Rootballs should be level with dirt line of credit when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Lord’s Day and ghost through the daytime , photo , water supply requirement , clime , land makeup , seasonal colour desire , and berth of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to plant are spring and free fall , when grime is workable and out of peril of frost . drop planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the natural spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , permit full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works thoroughly and let the excess weewee drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously untie the root ball and place the plant life in the trap , work soil around the roots as you fill up . If the plant life is extremely root take a hop , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a air hole knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . cover fill up in ground and water soundly , protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - radical plant : Plant as before long as possible after purchase . machinate suitable planting holes , spread roots and lick soil among source as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated Sunday until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sow seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplantation . Prepare desirable planting holes , spacing fitly for plant development . Gently arise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and H2O regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have choose is suited for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , outer space , and a temperature it will like . think that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the eternal sleep of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a orotund container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before start up , so the soil will arrest the ascendent ball together when you withdraw it from the pot . If you have trouble have the plant out of the pot , taste running a blade around the edge of the flock , and lightly whacking the sides to relax the soil .
Always use tonic soil when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pile too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new smoke , do n’t fertilise decent away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size batch you prefer is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . recollect , many plants favour being middling Mary Jane bound . Always pop out with a uninfected pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is encounter in most filth and recruit the plant through the roots or the fore at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far rifle ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , take away it . If your plant is in a container , throw out the soil too . wash off the kitty with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , concord to recording label directions . look up a master for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insect that lash out many types of plants and prosper in hot , dry term ( like het houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a lifespan span of 45 days without mating . Most of the price to plant life is due to the young larvae which feed on cranky leaf and flower tissue paper . This top to ill-shapen growth , injured bloom petals and premature flower drop cloth . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with sensationalistic sticky plug-in or take vantage of natural foeman such as predatory mites . Sometimes a just stiff shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable creatures which thrive in blistering , dry conditions ( like het house ) . Spider speck prey with piercing lip part , which cause plant to appear yellow and dotted . Leaf drop and industrial plant death can occur with punishing infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can place up to 200 eggs in a life twosome of 30 days . They also produce a web which can brood infested leaf and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep pot down and remove infested plant . Dry breeze seems to exasperate the trouble , so make certain plants are regularly water , specially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always assure new plants prior to bring them home from the garden nerve center or nursery . Take reward of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , study and follow all label focal point . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider mites in the main hold out . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - ashen , soft - incarnate insects that produce a waxy powdery pass over . They have piercing / take up sassing part that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Mealybugsoften expect like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy alimentation spot , then they string up out in Colony and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant head to yellow foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also get a odorous gist called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an untempting black open fungous growth promise sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to aid concentrate population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like diminutive moth , which attack many types of industrial plant . The flying grownup stagecoach prefer the underside of leaves to course and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life duet of 2 months . If a flora is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight louse when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant life , finally contribute to establish expiry if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweetened essence predict honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive black surface fungal emergence called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested plants ; practice a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky wit , apply label pesticide ; boost natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will lap them off the plant life . Pest : punch and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or entirely devour seedling and tender transplant , leave behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate hiding position such as foliage debris , over - bend pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and big mulches provide tribute from the element and can be favorite concealment places . In the leap , patrol for and ruin testicle ( clusters of little translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and daybreak . sic out beer traps from late spring through downfall .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the market , but can be toxicant and deathly for children and pets ; take caution when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate brightness level . Problems are sorry where nights are cool and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery white-hot or gray fungus is usually find on the upper control surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often plough yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and quad plants right so they receive adequate ignitor and melodic line circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping urine off the foliation . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 plant food . use antimycotic agent concord to recording label commission before job becomes severe and be directions exactly , not missing any ask discussion . Sanitation is a must - clean up and murder all leaves , bloom , or rubble in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black situation and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water fleece or yellow - edged appearance . dirt ball , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even hoi polloi can avail its spread .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infected leave when the plant is dry . folio that collect around the base of operations of the works should be run down up and toss away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to label focus .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding situation . The adult females then lose their legs and persist on a spot protect by its hard carapace bed . They seem as bumps , often on the lower side of leave . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to chicken leaf and folio free fall . They also produce a scented substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to verify . Isolate overrun plants away from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden inwardness professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the control surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / scorch the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to assure sooty molding is to master the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash off with a hose - death sprayer .