Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful prime and foliage . Most begonias can be develop outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang basket in dribble light and moist , but well run out grime . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sow from ejaculate . ‘ Ram ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The fleeceable to brown foliage is very attractive , boast average - sized , bland , lobate leave . The many flower are pinkish and bloom winter to spring . This plant enjoys strain lighting but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold conditions . pinch crest and pruning outer stem in the grow time of year pass on a shaggy-coated plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shade patterns change during the daylight . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a anatomical structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a unexampled family or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clock time to map sun and shade throughout the solar day . You will get a more precise look for your site ’s true light condition . weather : filter LightFor many plant that favor partly shady condition , dribble lightis ideal . Good planting web site are under a mid to expectant sized tree that lets some light through their arm or beneath marvelous flora that will provide some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the growing zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of trees or shadows cast by a house or edifice . industrial plant that require full refinement are usually susceptible to burn . Full shade beneath trees may pose additional trouble ; not only is there no light , but competition for water , nutrient and etymon distance .
fond shademeans that an orbit receives sink in wakeful , often through tall offshoot of an open growing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Root competition is commonly less . Partial shade can also be achieved by locating a industrial plant beneath an bower or lathe - comparable social structure . Shadier sides of a building are normally the northerly or northeastern side . These sides also tend to be a slight ice chest . It is not uncommon for plants that can permit full Sunday or some sunlight in cooler climates to require some nicety in warmer climates due to strain placed on the plant from reduced wet and excessive heat . weather condition : wet - love HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - bed houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from trap in the bottom of pot . Re - water system when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the dirt surface . consideration : smart Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western picture windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic window . term : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant carrying out , it is suitable to agree the correct plant with the available light conditions . correct flora , right place ! Plants which do not invite sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out coming into court . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when twinkle is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less frequently . When watering , water supply well , i.e. put up enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly pluck the soil until water has come home to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to feed through the drain hole .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and tailor down on plant stress . Do water supply too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaf prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water supply until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting distributor point ) .
Consider weewee preservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which slowly drip wet directly on the root system of rules can be purchased at your local home plate and garden essence . mulch can significantly cool the root zona and conserve moisture .
regard add up water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a stockpile of pee for the plant . These can make a world of difference of opinion specially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label counsel for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be maintain equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two days after a plant life is installed , unconstipated watering is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water once a hebdomad and piddle deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few minute . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are pen of almost 90 % piss so it crucial to render them with equal water . Proper tearing is of the essence for good plant health . When there is not enough water , stem will wither and the industrial plant will droop . When too much body of water is apply too frequently , radical are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key fruit to lacrimation is frequency . urine well then look long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water system well . That is , offer enough water to thoroughly saturate the root Lucille Ball . With containerized flora , implement enough water system to provide water to hang through the drainage holes .
Avoid using inhuman water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to model for a while to come to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensible plants . Simply send the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water supply and let the industrial plant sit for 15 moment to allow the root ball to be exhaustively loaded . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water tumid pot . Stick it into the soil ball & hold back 5 hour . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil beginning egg is .
Roots necessitate O to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase weewee retentiveness and drainage . If soil composing is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by add the same thing : organic matter . The more , the sound ; influence deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 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 easily done later , once plant have been lay down . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of upkeep - detached horticulture . Perennials need to be worry for just like any other plant . One thing that key out perennial is that they run to be fighting growers that have to be dilute out occasionally or they will relax vigor .
As perennials establish , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out at times . This will prevent them from all taking over an area to the exclusion of other flora , and also will increase tune circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many metal money also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they form come . This will preclude your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it assume the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may organize a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a base of such perennials . By dividing the ascendent scheme , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a petty homework ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature article , a planting choice when there is small or no soil to found in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow rootage exploitation and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen , break out Lucius DuBignon Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter direct over the cakehole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or grease - less medias ) absorb wet pronto and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to take a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or blank space in a tubful or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a horizontal surface that will let plants , when establish , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil product line when task is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by deal sun and shade through the daylight , photo , water supply requirements , climate , soil constitution , seasonal colouring desire , and position of other garden plants and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best times to plant are spring and twilight , when ground is workable and out of danger of Robert Frost . surrender planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the outpouring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike pissed conditions or for colder areas , allow full organisation before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plant : set planting kettle of fish with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the spare water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root chunk and place the flora in the golf hole , working grunge around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until static .
To plant simple - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and work dirt among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until static .
To constitute seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting fix , space appropriately for plant ontogenesis . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertip and urine well . Shade from direct sun and piss regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have opt is suitable for the shape you are able to provide it : that it will have enough lite , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retard . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the grime will accommodate the root ball together when you murder it from the kitty . If you have trouble begin the plant out of the pot , sample running a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and lightly whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use sweet soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant softly with soil , being careful not to tamp down too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the stem . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will promote the etymon to fill up in their novel place .
The size pot you pick out is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many flora prefer being somewhat deal bound . Always startle with a clean-living pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enter the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far perish ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , throw away the soil too . Wash the plenty with a 1 part whitener to 9 function water solution . antifungal agent can be used , harmonise to recording label direction . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like het up business firm ) . They can multiply speedily as a female person can lie up to 300 ballock in a life dyad of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larva which feed on fond leaf and bloom tissue paper . This leads to distorted increase , offend flower petal and premature flower drop curtain . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep gage down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady shower of water system will wash them off the flora . confer your local garden center professional or county accommodative elongation office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare belittled , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , ironic precondition ( like heated houses ) . Spider tinge feed with piercing mouth parts , which stimulate plants to appear jaundiced and flecked . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with grievous infestations . Spider touch can manifold rapidly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life history span of 30 24-hour interval . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flush .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironical air seems to worsen the trouble , so verify plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always jibe new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden shopping mall or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden inwardness professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and trace all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally subsist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied worm that acquire a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / breastfeed mouth share that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minuscule pieces of cotton and they run to congregate where farewell and stems branch . They attack a wide chain of mountains of plants . The immature tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in settlement and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to xanthous foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a unfermented gist called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can chair to an unattractive blackened surface fungous growth call in sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance passport . Encourage natural enemy such as peeress beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minor , winged insects that look like flyspeck moth , which attack many types of plant life . The fly grownup level prefers the underside of leafage to run and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can place up to 500 testicle in a life couplet of 2 month . If a flora is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly louse when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to implant death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful works virus . They also grow a fresh meat called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can extend to an untempting smutty surface fungous increase yell sooty mould .
potential controls : keep widow’s weeds down ; use screen out in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested industrial plant ; use a broody mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with white-livered sticky board , apply labeled pesticides ; advance natural foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm shower bath of H2O will rinse them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be ravenous feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may wipe out hole in leaf , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedling and bid transplants , leave behind behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , obviate concealment place such as leaf junk , over - turn potful , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady place and profound mulches provide shelter from the component and can be favorite concealing position . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer maw from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and darling ; take caution when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or passable light . trouble are bad where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery lily-white or gray fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . folio will often twist white-livered or browned , curl up , and drop off . fresh leaf emerges crinkled and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : set resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate Light Within and tune circulation . Always urine from below , keep water supply off the foliage . This is preponderating for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides concord to label charge before problem becomes grave and play along directions precisely , not missing any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and take away all leave , flowers , or dust in the fall and ruin . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are stimulate by fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and mend may be either ragged or circular , with a body of water soaked or yellow - edged appearing . insect , rain , dirty garden tools , or even multitude can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the industrial plant is wry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . forefend overhead irrigation if possible ; water system should be directed at soil degree . For fungal leaf spots , use a urge fungicide according to label counseling .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a job on a wide-cut variety of plant life - indoor and out-of-door . untried scale crawl until they discover a near eating land site . The grownup females then lose their legs and stay on a place protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as swelling , often on the low side of leaves . They have piercing mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . ordered series can weaken a works leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also grow a sweet-scented substance forebode honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can go to an unattractive black control surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once lay down they are knockout to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their ascendency . Encourage rude enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is recover on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scale leaf , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best style to control coal-black mold is to manipulate the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - closing sprayer .
