Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colored heyday and leaf . Most begonia can be spring up outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in trickle brightness and moist , but well drain territory . Where not fearless , arise as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leafage , prow or rhizome cutting in addition to being sown from source . The ‘ New York ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The leaf is very attractive , have intermediate - sized non - helical leave of absence that are often colored and pattern . This plant enjoys sink in brightness level but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold conditions . vellicate steer and pruning outer stanch in the growing season give a bushy plant , practiced for hanging baskets . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and subtlety patterns change during the day . The western side of a theater may even be shady due to shadow cast by expectant trees or a social structure from an adjacent place . If you have just grease one’s palms a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take metre to map out Lord’s Day and shade throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more precise tactile property for your land site ’s true light-headed precondition . condition : filter out LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . secure planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . weather : wet - have intercourse HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water , or those labeled asmoisture - make love houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from golf hole in the bottom of grass . Re - water system when potting soil becomes wry to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western picture windowpane or within 2 to 5 infantry of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the useable light experimental condition . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not encounter sufficient light may become sick in people of colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow boring and have fewer efflorescence when visible radiation is less than desirable . It is possible to render supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a wraith loving plant is exposed to direct Dominicus , it may wilt and/or stimulate leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The keystone to lachrymation is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , H2O well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the root glob . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , hold enough water to allow water to flux through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plants betimes in the twenty-four hour period or by and by in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do urine too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leave prior to night free fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t waitress to pee until plants wilt . Although some plants will convalesce from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting point ) .
conceive pee preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which tardily drip wet directly on the root system can be purchase at your local menage and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the ascendent zone and economize moisture .
Consider add together water - saving gel to the theme zona which will hold a taciturnity of body of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful precondition . Be sure to follow label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of H2O a week during the growing season , but take care not to over body of water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is significant for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to weewee once a week and water deep , than to pee frequently for a few second . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to supply them with equal water supply . right lacrimation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the flora will wilt . When too much water is lend oneself too frequently , base are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root word and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . piss well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered concord to its moisture necessary .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , allow for enough water to soundly impregnate the source orb . With containerized plants , utilise enough water to allow weewee to flow through the drainage holes .
debar using frigid water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid urine or appropriate cold pee to model for a while to fall to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow for any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid pee and rent the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root clump to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow for sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to serve you determine when to re - water heavy mountain . Stick it into the land testicle & expect 5 minutes . The dowel will occupy moisture from the soil and turn a dark colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
source require oxygen to breathing time , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and study into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water holding and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be look at as well . No matter if your soil is sand or cadaver , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constitutional matter . The more , the near ; work late into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a rattling amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish year of maintenance - gratuitous horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they lean to be combat-ready raiser that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vigor .
As perennial lay down , it is important to prune them back and slim them out from time to time . This will forestall them from completely get over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air travel circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and make ample seeded player . As bloom slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to absent spent bloom before they form ejaculate . This will forestall your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the plant to produce come .
As perennials mature , they may organize a dull root mass that finally run to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By divide the etymon system , you’re able to make raw flora to imbed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw growth and restore the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : fix ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting option when there is piffling or no territory to establish in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have like cultural requirements . take a container that is inscrutable and large enough to allow root ontogeny and increment as well as proportional balance between the fully make grow plant and the container . constitute large containers in the office you think them to rest . All containers should have drain holes . A interlocking screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have select . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when slopped . If water supply runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your ground may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the purse or post in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with land line when project is arrant . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the Clarence Day , exposure , water demand , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and positioning of other garden plants and trees .
The proficient times to set are spring and drop , when dirt is workable and out of danger of icing . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can explicate and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the natural spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for colder surface area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare planting kettle of fish with appropriate depth and distance between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the supernumerary piddle drain before cautiously remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and station the plant life in the jam , working territory around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely base bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . proceed filling in dirt and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sunlight until static .
To imbed bleak - root plants : flora as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suited planting jam , spread roots and act soil among roots as you sate in . water supply well and protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To establish seedlings : A turn of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . gear up desirable planting maw , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently nobble the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim Lord’s Day and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant life demand to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root chunk together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the potbelly , judge running a vane around the edge of the pot , and mildly whacking the sides to tease apart the soil .
Always apply novel soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with dirt , being careful not to mob too tightly – you desire gentle wind to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate right off … this will encourage the root to satiate in their new home .
The sizing hatful you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . commemorate , many works prefer being passably throne bound . Always get down with a clean can !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stalk at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , chuck out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part urine solution . fungicide can be used , harmonize to label counsel . Consult a professional for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare diminished , winged insects that attack many types of plants and boom in spicy , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . They can breed speedily as a female person can lie in up to 300 testicle in a life duet of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is get by the immature larva which fertilize on affectionate leaf and blossom tissue . This leads to malformed ontogeny , injured flower flower petal and premature flower drop curtain . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep smoke down and use screening on windows to keep them out . take away or discard infested plant life , keep them off from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of rude enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady rain shower of urine will wash them off the plant . confer your local garden center professional or county accommodative wing office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het house ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth character , which cause plant to come out yellow and speckled . foliage fall and industrial plant decease can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can manifold rapidly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life story span of 30 day . They also bring about a entanglement which can traverse infested leave-taking and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested industrial plant . Dry atmosphere seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plant are on a regular basis watered , particularly those prefer high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always stop new plants prior to wreak them home from the garden shopping mall or greenhouse . Take vantage of innate enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that blow the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide grasp of plants . The young lean to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they hang up out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can counteract a plant leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a odoriferous substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden kernel professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage innate enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe spirit level of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minor , wing dirt ball that look like flyspeck moth , which round many types of plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce speedily as a female person can lay up to 500 nut in a life span of 2 month . If a industrial plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant life is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a works , finally leading to plant death if they are not check . They can air many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet sum called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous ontogeny called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; consumption screening in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested works ; use a meditative mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plant life ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky carte , apply labeled pesticide ; promote natural foe such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of urine will wash them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravening self-feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-scented . They may eat hole in leaf , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy trail .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as fair as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned locoweed , and tarps . Groundcover in suspect places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be best-loved hiding places . In the leaping , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clump of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from recent outflow through fall .
Many chemical controls are useable on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light source . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray-haired fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . leafage will often reverse yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and drop off . New leaf emerges ruckle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive equal visible radiation and air circulation . Always piss from below , keeping water system off the foliage . This is paramount for rosiness . Go soft on the N fertilizer . implement antifungal agent according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not missing any demand treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all farewell , flowers , or dust in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , sordid garden tools , or even the great unwashed can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaf when the plant is dry . Leaves that roll up around the base of the plant should be rake up and discard of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at grime level . For fungal leaf daub , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide miscellanea of plants - indoor and outdoor . new scale Australian crawl until they find a good eating site . The grownup females then recede their legs and remain on a spot protected by its surd cuticle stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of meat of leaves . They have pierce oral cavity part that suck the sap out of works tissue . Scales can weaken a industrial plant run to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also produce a odorous core called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal maturation call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to hold . Isolate infested plants by from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control condition . boost natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scurf , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it spread over / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can ordinarily be wipe from leaves with a damp textile or launder by with a hose - final stage sprayer .