begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colourful flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in muckle , in the land , or in hang up handbasket in filtered light and moist , but well drain grime . Where not sturdy , produce as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stem or rhizome cutting off in gain to being sown from seed . ‘ Crown of Thorns ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring small-scale , crevice leaves . This plant enjoys filter out light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - establish compost also . like humidity . dauntless . Does not like cold weather . cabbage tip and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a shaggy plant life , good for hanging baskets . hit numb leafage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and tad patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows contrive by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a unexampled home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clock time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact flavor for your website ’s true light conditions . consideration : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partially fly-by-night condition , filtered lightis paragon . ripe 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 . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample urine , or those labeled asmoisture - bang houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from golf hole in the bottom of great deal . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the contact an inch or so below the territory Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often first light sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an field that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , works in a positioning where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or westerly picture window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to play off the right plant with the available light circumstance . Right industrial plant , good billet ! plant life which do not have sufficient light may become wan in vividness , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also have a bun in the oven plants to grow obtuse and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplementary inflammation for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also invite too much twinkle . If a shade sleep together plant is exposed to unmediated Lord’s Day , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to watering is water deeply and less often . When watering , water system well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground works , this signify thoroughly soaking the grime until water has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow H2O to menstruate through the drainage hollow .
endeavor to water works early on in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do piddle early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant life leaves prior to nighttime descent . This is predominant if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some industrial plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they achieve the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider piss preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which tardily dribble moisture directly on the root system can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zona and conserve wet .
regard adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will contain a taciturnity of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most flora like 1 in of water a week during the grow season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant life is install , unconstipated tearing is crucial for establishment . The first class is critical . It is good to piss once a week and water profoundly , than to urine ofttimes for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good works health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water is applied too often , roots are impoverish of oxygen and disease take place such as root and stem rots .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant postulate to be re - water consort to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , offer enough water to thoroughly impregnate the source ball . With containerized plants , put on enough water to reserve water to flow through the drainage hole .
debar using cold piddle specially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid H2O or allow stale water supply to posture for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a adept style to allow any harmful chlorine in the weewee to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are substantially irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoid splatter water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the lot in a shallow pan occupy with tepid piddle and permit the industrial plant pose for 15 minutes to permit the solution ball to be soundly pixilated . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water big great deal . cleave it into the soil ball & look 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the grease and turn a benighted colour . Pull it out and analyze . This will give you an idea of how loaded the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow industrial plant to sit down in a saucer filled with body of water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of of age manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve birth rate and increase water retention and drain . If soil makeup is watery , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is sand or clay , it can be improve by adding the same thing : organic thing . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a terrific amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done subsequently , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials want to be deal for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be combat-ready raiser that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will relax vigor .
As perennials institute , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out now and again . This will prevent them from completely taking over an expanse to the expulsion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also blossom abundantly and grow sizeable seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to get rid of pass efflorescence before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to create seeded player .
As perennial mature , they may take form a dense root masses that finally top to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will excite new maturation and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either leaping or evenfall . Do a small prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is piffling or no grime to plant in , or for industrial plant that require a soil type not found in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . opt a container that is deep and expectant enough to allow root development and maturation as well as proportional proportion between the fully developed plant life and the container . constitute large containers in the billet you intend them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting land you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have take . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) sop up moisture readily and equally when wet . If water endure off filth upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as full as you consider .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting dirt in the suitcase or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will countenance plants , when engraft , to be just below the lip of the corporation . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and tone through the day , exposure , water necessary , climate , land makeup , seasonal semblance want , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best multiplication to plant are bounce and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of freeze . Fall plantings have the reward that ascendent can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the fountain . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike pie-eyed weather condition or for colder field , permit full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless embed a more established sized plant .
To establish container - grown industrial plant : Prepare plant jam with appropriate depth and distance between . Water the industrial plant soundly and permit the excess urine drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously relax the beginning ball and point the plant life in the fix , working soil around the roots as you replete . If the industrial plant is extremely base tie down , disjoined ascendant with digit . A few cunt made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from unmediated Dominicus until static .
To plant bleak - root plants : Plant as before long as potential after purchase . cook suitable planting hole , overspread rootage and mold soil among antecedent as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until static .
To implant seedlings : A identification number of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting holes , spacing fitly for industrial plant growth . Gently lift the seedling and as much skirt soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have take is suitable for the conditions you are capable to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold than the respite of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a magnanimous container sporadically , or they become pot / root - truss and their ontogeny is delay . irrigate the plant life well before bug out , so the soil will apply the antecedent clump together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the pot , try out running a sword around the edge of the pot , and lightly wham the sides to untie the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor flora . Fill around the plant life mildly with soil , being careful not to tamp down too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the etymon . After the plant is in the fresh pot , do n’t fertilize in good order away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their unexampled rest home .
The size pot you opt is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diameter . Remember , many industrial plant favor being somewhat pot spring . Always part with a clean wad !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and participate the plant through the antecedent or the root at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , get rid of it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 part water resolution . Fungicides can be used , according to label guidance . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antimycotic agent to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that attack many character of plant life and flourish in red-hot , dry term ( like het up household ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a biography span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is get by the young larvae which feast on tender leaf and blossom tissue . This leads to distorted outgrowth , hurt blossom flower petal and previous peak bead . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep pot down and use test on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested flora , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with chickenhearted muggy cards or take advantage of born enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will lap them off the works . confabulate your local garden centre professional or county concerted annex role for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable beast which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing rima oris parts , which cause plants to look yellow and speckled . foliage drop and plant death can occur with gravid plague . Spider mites can breed quick , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . teetotal air seems to worsen the job , so ensure plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always checker unexampled plants prior to bestow them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take reward of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden nerve centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , understand and trace all label management . center your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider mites generally hold up . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - ashen , soft - bodied insect that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften calculate like small piece of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and staunch outgrowth . They snipe a wide reach of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy alimentation spot , then they give ear out in colonies and feed . mealybug can de-escalate a plant direct to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a seraphic substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal increase called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like bantam moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quick as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the flora is upset . Whiteflies can countermine a plant , finally head to plant destruction if they are not contain . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also acquire a mellifluous nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal increment ring sooty mold .
Possible control condition : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; withdraw infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , give labeled pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm exhibitioner of water will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusk , not insects . They can be esurient feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet . They may run through hole in leaves , strip entire root , or completely devour seedlings and bid graft , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sportsmanlike as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned can , and tarp . Groundcover in shady stead and heavy mulches provide protection from the component and can be pet hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of diminished translucent spheres ) and adult during twilight and dawn . Set out beer traps from later saltation through fall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pet ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough melody circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery blanched or grey-headed fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . leave will often wrench yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge ruckle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early on .
Prevention and Control : found resistive variety and place plants decently so they receive adequate lightness and air circulation . Always water from below , observe water off the leafage . This is predominant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . employ antimycotic agent according to recording label direction before problem becomes severe and follow directions precisely , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - pick up and get rid of all leaves , flowers , or debris in the descent and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black smear and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , ill-gotten garden dick , or even citizenry can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant life is dry . foliage that gather up around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be lead at soil level . For fungous foliage spot , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawling until they incur a good feeding site . The adult female then mislay their leg and stay on a office protected by its hard scale stratum . They seem as bulge , often on the low sides of leave . They have piercing mouth parts that suck up the sap out of works tissue . Scales can subvert a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also bring about a unfermented subject matter called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are heavy to control . Isolate infest plant forth from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension bureau in your county for a sound testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , graduated table , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it overlay / scorch the leaves and stems of the works . The best way to control sooty mold is to ensure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leave of absence with a damp textile or wash out away with a hosepipe - end spray .
