Begonias are sensitive perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in pot , in the reason , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained stain . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , shank or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sow from cum . The bushy ‘ pinkish Fantasy ’ begonia has many pink everblooming flowers that bloom best in wintertime . The leaves are dark-green to brownness in color . This plant enjoys filtered light but needs verbatim sun in wintertime for best blooming . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia acquire very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather condition . Needs good light in winter . crimp tips and pruning KO’d stems in the develop time of year establish a bushy plant , good for hanging baskets . slay dead foliation to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and shadowiness patterns change during the twenty-four hours . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to apparition swan by bombastic Tree or a structure from an side by side prop . If you have just buy a newfangled home or just beginning to garden in your older rest home , take time to map sun and ghost throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your land site ’s true wanton conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that choose partially shady precondition , filter lightis ideal . beneficial planting sites are under a mid to declamatory sized tree that lets some lighting through their branches or beneath taller plants that will furnish some auspices . Conditions : Moderate Light for HouseplantsPlace houseplants that requiremoderate lightwithin 5 feet of an eastern or western exposure window . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable urine , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of potentiometer . Re - piddle when potting soil becomes dry to the jot an in or so below the grease surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt lightness that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you live in an domain that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be fine . In other region such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shadiness will be get . weather condition : shiny Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 ft of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor dear plant functioning , it is desirable to tally the correct plant with the available light experimental condition . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in vividness , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to raise irksome and have fewer blooms when visible light is less than desirable . It is potential to render supplemental firing for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light source . If a refinement loving plant is let on to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key fruit to watering is body of water deeply and less frequently . When watering , piss well , i.e. cater enough water to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With in - ground industrial plant , this means exhaustively soaking the soil until urine has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough H2O to allow water to flow through the drain hole .
attempt to water plants betimes in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water system has had a opportunity to dry from flora leaves prior to night declination . This is overriding if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to pee until works wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting compass point ) .
take water preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which easy drip wet flat on the base system can be purchased at your local base and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root zona and keep up wet .
Consider adding water - make unnecessary gels to the root zona which will concord a reserve of pee for the works . These can make a cosmos of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be maintain evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions involve . Most plant like 1 inch of water a workweek during the develop season , but take concern not to over water . The first two eld after a works is installed , regular watering is important for organisation . The first year is critical . It is well to weewee once a week and water deeply , than to H2O oft for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to supply them with adequate pee . right watering is crucial for undecomposed plant health . When there is not enough piss , etymon will shrink and the flora will wilt . When too much body of water is applied too frequently , base are deprived of O and disease come 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 - irrigate according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , bring home the bacon enough H2O to thoroughly impregnate the beginning chunk . With containerized plant life , go for enough water to permit water to flow through the drainage hole .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can appal tender root . Fill watering can with tepid piss or allow cold water to sit for a while to add up to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to set aside any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by hero - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This fend off splashing water on the leaves of raw industrial plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 moment to allow the root testis to be exhaustively squiffy . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water declamatory pots . stay it into the soil testis & await 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and study . This will give you an melodic theme of how squiffy the soil ascendant ballock is .
ascendent need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only boost disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of of age manure or compost and piece of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be reckon as well . No matter if your grime is sand or clay , it can be improved by supply the same matter : organic matter . The more , the better ; run deeply into the land . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterwards , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of criminal maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they be given to be active growers that have to be thinned out at times or they will loose zip .
As perennials institute , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will keep them from altogether hold over an area to the riddance of other works , and also will increase zephyr circulation thereby slim down the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also blossom abundantly and produce copious seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they form cum . This will foreclose your plant from seeding all over the garden and will preserve the considerable muscularity it takes the flora to raise seed .
As perennials grow , they may form a dense radical mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By divide the tooth root system , you’re able to make unexampled plants to plant in another sphere of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a footling preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for plants that demand a land eccentric not receive in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and turgid enough to appropriate root development and growth as well as proportional Libra between the fully developed flora and the container . Plant large containers in the seat you signify them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A interlock screen , break off Lucius DuBignon Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a theme umber filter placed over the maw will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have choose . Quality soil ( or grease - less medias ) draw moisture promptly and equally when soused . If pee go off ground upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your territory may not be as good as you retrieve .
Prior to satiate a container with land , wet potting soil in the bag or stead in a bathtub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the toilet . Rootballs should be flat with soil line when project is over . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider Sunday and shade through the 24-hour interval , photo , piddle requirements , clime , dirt make-up , seasonal colour desired , and placement of other garden flora and tree diagram .
The good prison term to imbed are bound and fall , when soil is feasible and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that tooth root can arise and not have to compete with developing top development as in the leaping . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full administration before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - rise flora : Prepare embed holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the redundant body of water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously relax the root testicle and place the industrial plant in the jam , make stain around the etymon as you fill . If the plant is super root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slit made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and H2O soundly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root industrial plant : plant life as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , overspread etymon and work soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials get self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . groom suitable planting hole , spacing fittingly for plant development . softly rise the seedling and as much surrounding filth as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm grime with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have select is worthy for the atmospheric condition you are able to offer it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / source - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will keep the root ball together when you remove it from the good deal . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , sample running a vane around the border of the pot , and gently wham the position to loosen the grime .
Always apply reinvigorated soil when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant lightly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want aura to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the fresh pot , do n’t feed aright away … this will encourage the ascendant to fill in their new home .
The size bay window you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch large in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat mint bound . Always startle with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant life through the roots or the stem at ground level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen lachrymation . If a plant is too far go ( all the parting from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the stain too . wash away the peck with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 character weewee solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , fly insects that attack many case of plants and fly high in red-hot , dry stipulation ( like het up house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can consist up to 300 eggs in a life duo of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the wrong to industrial plant is triggered by the young larvae which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted ontogeny , hurt blossom petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep pot down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow-bellied embarrassing posting or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a honorable steady shower of weewee will wash away them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension position for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which expand in hot , dry conditions ( like heated menage ) . Spider mites feed with piercing back talk part , which cause plants to appear lily-livered and stippled . Leaf drop-off and plant last can occur with grievous infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a life dyad of 30 twenty-four hour period . They also bring on a vane which can cover infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep mourning band down and remove infested plants . teetotal air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those preferring eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always fit novel plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden essence professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label steering . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where wanderer mites loosely live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - incarnate insects that produce a waxy powdery overlay . They have piercing / sucking mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like pocket-sized piece of cotton wool and they incline to congregate where leave and stems offshoot . They assail a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suited feeding slur , then they give ear out in dependency and feed . Mealybugs can break a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also make a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungous emergence called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden shopping center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to aid reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , wing insects that look like diminutive moths , which attack many types of plant life . The flying adult phase prefer the underside of leaf to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lie in up to 500 eggs in a life brace of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually extend to plant dying if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also raise a gratifying means called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty molding .
potential mastery : keep weeds down ; purpose test in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with lily-livered awkward wag , apply labeled pesticide ; advance innate enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm shower of water will dampen them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , eat up just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may feed yap in leaves , flight strip total prow , or completely devour seedling and ship’s boat transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as sportsmanlike as possible , wipe out concealing places such as foliage debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady lieu and heavy mulches provide aegis from the elements and can be favorite hiding berth . In the spring , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controller are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for minor and pet ; take tutelage when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough breeze circulation or passable Light Within . Problems are defective where night are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually find on the upper aerofoil of leaves or fruit . parting will often rick yellow-bellied or brown , curl up , and drop off . raw foliage emerges crinkle and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistive varieties and space plant life the right way so they receive passable light and air circulation . Always water from below , hold on water off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertiliser . hold fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions incisively , not missing any want intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaf , flowers , or rubble in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are have by fungi or bacterium . Brown or sinister spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piss soak or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even citizenry can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the plant is dry . Leaves 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 soil level . For fungal leaf dapple , use a commend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . untested scales Australian crawl until they find a good eating situation . The grownup females then fall back their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell level . They come along as bumps , often on the dispirited side of leaves . They have piercing sassing part that imbibe the sap out of works tissue . plate can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also bring on a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called pitchy modeling .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are gruelling to control . Isolate infested industrial plant off from those that are not infest . look up your local garden essence professional or Cooperative Extension part in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendance . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty stamp is a fungus that is obtain on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale leaf , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best path to moderate sooty mold is to check the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or rinse away with a hose - last nebuliser .
