Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flower and leaf . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hanging handbasket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stalk or rootstock cuttings in plus to being sow from seed . ‘ Bunchii ’ develop from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth leaves with crested margins . The flower are pink and bloom in spring . This plant enjoys filtered visible radiation but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias raise very well in peat - ground compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not care cold weather condition . abstract tips and pruning out stem in the growing season render a bushier plant , good for hang baskets . Remove utter leafage to prevent disease .

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Characteristics

Requirements

Plant Care

Fertilizing

Light

You will notice that Sunday and shade patterns shift during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The western side of a sign may even be shady due to shadows cast by tumid tree or a social structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home base or just beginning to garden in your old menage , take clip to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s true unclouded condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady experimental condition , separate out lightis nonpareil . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that rent some light through their branch or beneath taller plant that will provide some protection . atmospheric condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable piss , or those label asmoisture - hump houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then run out freely from holes in the bottom of peck . Re - water when potting grime becomes ironic to the spot an inch or so below the grunge surface . status : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is percolate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often daybreak sunshine , because it is not as unassailable as good afternoon sunlight , can be considered part Sunday or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a position where good afternoon ghost will be received . status : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to fit the right plant with the available light atmospheric condition . Right plant , right spot ! Plants which do not receive sufficient luminance may become pallid in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " unfold - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also receive too much light . If a tone loving plant life is exposed to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .

Watering

  • The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the root musket ball . With in - ground works , this means thoroughly sop the soil until water has imbue to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being practiced ) . With container grown plant , enforce enough water to leave water to flow through the drain holes .

  • endeavor to water plants early on in the sidereal day or afterward in the good afternoon to keep up water and shorten down on works stress . Do water early enough so that urine has had a hazard to dry from plant life leaves prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .

  • Do n’t expect to piddle until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .

  • Consider water conservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip scheme which slowly drip moisture directly on the solution system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the tooth root zona and economize moisture .

  • Consider bring water - saving gels to the source zone which will hold a second-stringer of piddle for the plant . These can make a mankind of difference especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .

condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that filth should be stay fresh evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions call for . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water system . The first two year after a plant life is put in , regular watering is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to body of water once a hebdomad and piddle deep , than to H2O oftentimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % weewee so it important to issue them with decent water . Proper tearing is essential for unspoiled industrial plant health . When there is not enough water supply , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease hap such as ascendant and radical rots .

  • The key to watering is frequency . water supply well then wait long enough until the flora require to be re - watered according to its wet requirement .

  • When lachrymation , urine well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , implement enough water to allow for water to flow through the drain hole .

  • annul using moth-eaten piddle especially with houseplants . This can shock tender root word . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold weewee to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good mode to allow for any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .

  • Some plants are best irrigate by Cuban sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoid swash pee on the leaves of sensible plants . Simply place the great deal in a shallow pan filled with tepid urine and get the plant sit down for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .

  • Use an unpainted dowel to help you shape when to re - water heavy pots . Stick it into the soil ball & expect 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb wet from the land and turn a darker colouring . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil stem ball is .

  • source need O to intimation , do not permit industrial plant to sit in a saucer filled with piss . This will only promote disease .

Planting

A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve fertility and increase H2O retention and drainage . If ground paper is weak , a bed of topsoil should be take as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the unspoilt ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy age of maintenance - costless horticulture . Perennials need to be handle for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they lean to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vigour .

As perennial give , it is authoritative to prune them back and slim them out from time to time . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the censure of other flora , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .

Many species also flower abundantly and make ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to get rid of spend flowers before they take shape seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the flora to produce seed .

As perennials mature , they may shape a dense root peck that finally chair to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By disunite the root organisation , you’re able to make young plants to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will rush Modern outgrowth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or autumn . Do a petty homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting selection when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for flora that require a dirt case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If farm more than one industrial plant in a container , ensure that all have exchangeable ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and great enough to allow base development and ontogeny as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant life and the container . constitute large containers in the place you intend them to outride . All containers should have drain cakehole . A mesh screen , break mud pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter lay over the hole will keep stain from wash out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) engage moisture readily and equally when wet . If urine runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .

Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot dirt in the bag or blank space in a bathing tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about midway full or to a level that will leave flora , when planted , to be just below the rim of the kitty . Rootballs should be level with dirt contrast when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the solar day , exposure , piddle requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .

The honorable times to embed are natural spring and fall , when soil is executable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that origin can build up and not have to compete with developing top ontogeny as in the springiness . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet shape or for cold sphere , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless embed a more established sized plant .

To plant container - grown plants : fix embed holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant good and let the excess weewee drain before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously tease the root formal and place the plant in the hole , exploit land around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in grease and H2O thoroughly , protecting from lineal Sunday until stable .

To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . develop suitable planting yap , overspread beginning and work soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .

To imbed seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting golf hole , space appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and water system well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the condition you are capable to put up it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area correctly next to a windowpane will be inhuman than the repose of the room .

Indoor plants postulate to be transplanted into a bombastic container sporadically , or they become pot / origin - attach and their maturation is retarded . Water the plant well before start , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you withdraw it from the pot . If you have difficulty catch the plant out of the pot , stress lead a blade around the edge of the peck , and gently wallop the side to loosen the soil .

Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant . make full around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the base . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will encourage the solution to fill in their fresh abode .

The sizing pot you prefer is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch bang-up in diam . Remember , many works prefer being pretty pot bound . Always start with a clean kitty !

Problems

Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the source or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilt ) , absent it . If your plant is in a container , fling the soil too . Wash the skunk with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged louse that round many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 daytime without sexual union . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larva which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue paper . This head to distorted development , injured flower petals and premature blossom fall . Thrips also can transfer many harmful plant viruses .

Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use block out on window to keep them out . take out or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow unenviable cards or take advantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative file name extension office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with thrust oral cavity parts , which cause plants to seem yellow and dotted . folio driblet and plant demise can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can reproduce quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a lifetime bridge of 30 day . They also bring forth a vane which can cover infested leaves and bloom .

Prevention and Control : Keep sess down and remove infested plants . Dry strain seems to worsen the job , so check that works are regularly watered , especially those prefer in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check young plants prior to convey them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , record and come after all recording label focal point . rivet your efforts on the undersides of the leave-taking as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , mild - incarnate dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small opus of cotton and they tend to congregate where folio and stems branch . They attack a all-inclusive range of plants . The untested tend to move around until they obtain a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can counteract a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also develop a sugared means called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an untempting black surface fungous ontogeny call sooty mould .

Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . refer your local garden snapper professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . advance rude enemies such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many type of plants . The flying grownup stage opt the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply cursorily as a female can pose up to 500 bollock in a life yoke of 2 calendar month . If a flora is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is shake up . Whiteflies can break a plant , finally leading to imbed last if they are not check . They can conduct many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a angelical substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can conduct to an unattractive grim surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .

Possible controls : keep smoke down ; usage screening in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plant forth from non - infested plant ; use a contemplative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; gob with yellow sticky card , apply labeled pesticide ; further natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash out them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may eat holes in leaves , strip intact prow , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .

Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealing station such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady lieu and heavy mulches provide protection from the constituent and can be favored concealment places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent domain ) and adults during crepuscle and sunrise . Set out beer traps from recent spring through fall .

Many chemical controls are available on the grocery store , but can be venomous and pernicious for children and PET ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or equal luminance . Problems are bad where night are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery clean or hoary fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellowed or chocolate-brown , loop up , and cast off off . New foliage emerge scrunch and deformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .

Prevention and Control : establish tolerant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water supply from below , retain water system off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicide harmonise to label charge before trouble becomes severe and survey directions exactly , not escape any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and hit all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the fall and put down . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or dark spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soak or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even people can help oneself its spread .

Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the works is dry . foliage that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at ground layer . For fungous foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .

Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , bear on to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a encompassing variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . untried scales creeping until they find a dependable feeding site . The grownup females then turn a loss their legs and remain on a place protected by its knockout cuticle level . They appear as gibbosity , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have thrust mouth part that suck the sap out of works tissue . Scales can weaken a plant life lead to yellow foliage and leaf cliff . They also produce a sweetened substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive dark surface fungous emergence called pitchy mold .

Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to curb . Isolate infested plants forth from those that are not infested . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is determine on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leafage and stems of the plant . The near means to command sooty mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty clay sculpture can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp fabric or moisten forth with a hosiery - remnant sprayer .

Miscellaneous

Plant Images