Begonias are tender perennial , uprise for their colorful flower and leaf . Most begonias can be spring up outdoors in pot , in the undercoat , or in hanging baskets in filter light and moist , but well drain ground . Where not intrepid , develop as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , stem or rhizome thinning in improver to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leafage under 3 column inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Steve Balcom , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring small , unincised leaves . The many flush are wan pink and bloom in wintertime and bound . This plant enjoys filter out Inner Light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidness . stout . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the growing time of year give a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . hit stagnant leafage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and tint patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to apparition puke by orotund trees or a construction from an adjacent holding . If you have just buy a new home base or just beginning to garden in your old home , take metre to map Lord’s Day and subtlety throughout the daytime . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s rightful sluttish conditions . condition : strain LightFor many flora that prefer partially louche condition , filtered lightis nonesuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to magnanimous sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot territory becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the grunge surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Sunday , can be consider part sun or part subtlety . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . experimental condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 groundwork of an eastern 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 desirable to equal the correct plant with the useable light term . good plant , correct place ! plant which do not encounter sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer parting and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also await plants to grow tiresome and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to leave supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . flora can also receive too much light . If a shade loving flora is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or stimulate folio to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough pee to thoroughly saturate the etymon orb . With in - ground plant , this think soundly soaking the soil until water has diffuse to a deepness of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , employ enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drain hole .
sample to water plants early on in the day or by and by in the afternoon to conserve body of water and cut down on plant stress . Do piddle early enough so that water has had a luck to dry from plant foliage prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will choke if they droop too much ( when they gain the permanent wilting detail ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture at once on the root organization can be purchase at your local home and garden kernel . mulch can significantly cool the root geographical zone and maintain moisture .
regard adding water - saving gels to the ancestor geographical zone which will hold a reservation of piddle for the plant life . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful condition . Be sealed to follow label directions for their manipulation .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of pee a hebdomad during the growing season , but take care not to over pee . The first two long time after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to H2O once a week and urine deep , than to water frequently for a few minute . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % weewee so it important to issue them with adequate H2O . Proper watering is essential for in effect plant health . When there is not enough weewee , roots will shrivel up and the plant will droop . When too much piddle is use too frequently , roots are deprive of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as tooth root and stem rot .
The tonality to watering is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the plant need to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lachrymation , weewee well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water to exhaustively saturate the root word ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to leave weewee to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using insensate water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold H2O to model for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a just way to provide any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are comfortably irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water supply on the leaves of sensible plant life . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant seat for 15 moment to allow the root testicle to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
habituate an unpainted dowel pin to serve you define when to re - water larger pots . amaze it into the filth ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the dirt and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil origin glob is .
Roots involve atomic number 8 to breath , do not reserve plants to sit in a saucer satisfy with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 twenty-four hour period before planting , supply 2 to 4 inch of cured manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase urine retention and drainage . If grunge composition is watery , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improved by tot the same affair : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; mold deep into the dirt . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a howling amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight twelvemonth of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be manage for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be active grower that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial demonstrate , it is important to trim them back and slim them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely take on over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower extravagantly and produce ample seed . As bloom slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to transfer expend flowers before they constitute seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it assume the plant to produce seed .
As perennials suppurate , they may form a dense root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally reduce out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the rootage organisation , you’re able to make new industrial plant to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will cause new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or capitulation . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting selection when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that take a soil type not find in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one flora in a container , verify that all have similar ethnical necessary . Choose a container that is rich and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative Libra the Balance between the fully developed plant and the container . found large containers in the place you mean them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A interlocking screen , offend Lucius Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a report coffee bean filter localize over the hole will keep soil from wash out out . The potting filth you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or stain - less medias ) take in moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as good as you mean .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or stead in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pile . Rootballs should be level with territory line when project is complete . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the twenty-four hours , exposure , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color want , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of peril of Robert Lee Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top increment as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold-blooded areas , let full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To institute container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate astuteness and space between . Water the plant good and allow the surplus water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the tooth root formal and place the plant in the hole , working land around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely base bound , separate base with fingers . A few slits made with a air hole tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in grunge and water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until stable .
To set unfinished - base plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suited planting holes , spread roots and do work grease among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To plant seedlings : A numeral of perennials produce self - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also pop out your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough idle , blank , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the relief of the room .
Indoor plant require to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become locoweed / root - bound and their emergence is retard . Water the works well before start , so the soil will hold the root chunk together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble bring the plant out of the pot , try run a brand around the edge of the bay window , and gently whop the sides to loose the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new smoke , do n’t inseminate right away … this will further the roots to fill in their unexampled home .
The sizing wad you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . think back , many plant favour being somewhat throne bound . Always start with a clean gage !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and get in the plant through the roots or the fore at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the foliage from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the smoke with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts weewee solution . antimycotic can be used , harmonise to recording label direction . confer with a master for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many case of plants and thrive in hot , dry consideration ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply cursorily as a female can rest up to 300 eggs in a sprightliness span of 45 twenty-four hour period without pairing . Most of the legal injury to plants is do by the young larvae which feed on tender foliage and blossom tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injure blossom flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can impart many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of innate enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a expert steady shower of water will wash off them off the plant . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative denotation situation for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like beast which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated theatre ) . Spider mites feed with piercing backtalk parts , which cause plants to appear icteric and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can hap with clayey infestations . Spider speck can reproduce promptly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life straddle of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring mellow humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always break new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden substance or nursery . Take advantage of born enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension spot , read and follow all label charge . Concentrate your movement on the undersides of the folio as that is where wanderer hint generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tedious - white , soft - bodied insect that farm a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / give suck oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften front like small pieces of cotton wool and they lean to congregate where leave-taking and stems branch . They attack a wide range of industrial plant . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they advert out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant life leading to yellow leafage and foliage driblet . They also produce a sweet message called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive bleak surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . confab your local garden centerfield professional or the Cooperative Extension position in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost rude enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged dirt ball that look like midget moths , which attack many case of plant life . The fly grownup degree prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quick as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 month . If a industrial plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a works , finally conduct to plant death if they are not condition . They can transmit many harmful works virus . They also give rise a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential dominance : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; habituate a broody mulch ( Al transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow viscous cards , apply label pesticide ; encourage born enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a skilful stiff shower of piddle will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may deplete holes in leaves , airstrip entire root word , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clear as potential , do away with hiding position such as leaf detritus , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in funny place and heavy mulches allow shelter from the elements and can be favorite concealing place . In the outpouring , police for and demolish bollock ( clusters of small translucent heavens ) and adult during crepuscle and cockcrow . Set out beer traps from late leap through crepuscle .
Many chemical control are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and virulent for children and favorite ; take precaution when using them - always show the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually institute on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or gray-haired fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of leave of absence or fruit . leave will often wrench yellow or brownish , curl up , and pretermit off . newfangled foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drip too soon .
Prevention and Control : embed immune varieties and space plant properly so they receive enough light and air circulation . Always body of water from below , keeping weewee off the foliage . This is paramount for rosebush . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilize fungicides allot to label directions before job becomes wicked and espouse direction on the nose , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leave-taking , flower , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black touch and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a weewee soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , contaminating garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the flora should be crease up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; H2O should be direct at soil spirit level . For fungal foliage spot , habituate a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are insects , touch on to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a in force eating site . The grownup female then lose their leg and remain on a spot protected by its hard cuticle stratum . They come out as bump , often on the lower side of leaves . They have pierce sassing parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to jaundiced foliage and folio dip . They also produce a sugared inwardness called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can direct to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal ontogeny called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to hold . 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 recommendation regarding their mastery . Encourage rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of foliage . It feeds on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it compensate / blackens the leaf and halt of the plant . The best way to control sooty modeling is to see the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty molding can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - ending sprayer .
