Begonias are warm perennial , grow for their colourful flush and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filter light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , shank or rhizome cut in addition to being sow in from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Kerry Jeans ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring small , unincised foliage . The flower are whitened and blossom in winter . This works revel filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . brave . Does not like cold weather . hook lead and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , right for hang baskets . hit dead leafage to forestall disease .
Google Plant Images : cluck here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the solar day . The westerly side of a house may even be shadowy due to shadows cast by large tree or a social structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a young home or just lead off to garden in your honest-to-goodness home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the solar day . You will get a more accurate smell for your site ’s true lite shape . Conditions : sink in LightFor many plants that favor partially shady conditions , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some luminance through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plants that will ply some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious pee , or those judge asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the soil is impregnate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of flock . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the hint an in or so below the filth surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lightness that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a placement where afternoon shadowiness will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be rank within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good flora performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted light-headed condition . veracious plant , right place ! flora which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colouring material , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer bloom of youth when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental light for indoor works with lamp . plant life can also get too much light . If a spectre loving plant is exposed to direct Sunday , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is piss profoundly and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough urine to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this think of exhaustively soaking the land until water has riddle to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plants , use enough water to let body of water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to irrigate plants early in the mean solar day or later in the good afternoon to economise H2O and cut down on works stress . Do water too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leave-taking prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t hold off to water until works wilt . Although some plants will convalesce from this , all works will die if they wilt too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento drip wet right away on the root system of rules can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly chill the root zona and conserve wet .
study adding weewee - saving colloidal gel to the ascendent zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a domain of difference particularly under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label charge for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water system a calendar week during the farm time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a works is installed , regular watering is important for brass . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a week and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % water so it important to add them with passable water . right tearing is essential for sound plant wellness . When there is not enough piss , ancestor will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much piddle is lend oneself too frequently , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as origin and stem rots .
The Florida key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life call for to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lachrymation , weewee well . That is , cater enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized flora , utilise enough water supply to grant weewee to flow through the drainage pickle .
Avoid using cold body of water peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock tender antecedent . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold weewee to posture for a while to do to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way of life to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to melt before being used .
Some plant are well water by poor boy - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing piddle on the farewell of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to facilitate you define when to re - water larger pot . flummox it into the soil ball & waitress 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and rick a dark colour . root for it out and canvas . This will give you an idea of how blotto the stain stem ball is .
Roots ask oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and study into the planting site to improve birth rate and increase piss retentiveness and drain . If soil composition is unaccented , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your grime is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same matter : organic subject . The more , the better ; process deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch thick for perennials . This will seem like a grand amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loosen vim .
As perennials constitute , it is crucial to prune them back and thin them out from time to time . This will forestall them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase zephyr circulation thereby subjugate the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and bring forth ample seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable vigour it takes the works to bring forth seed .
As perennial get on , they may form a dense rootage mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to at times thin out a viewpoint of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make fresh plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stir Modern growing and rejuvenate the works . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either bound or fall . Do a short homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : fix ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting alternative when there is little or no dirt to plant in , or for works that want a soil eccentric not found in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is inferior . If farm more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have like cultural requirement . Choose a container that is inscrutable and enceinte enough to let root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . embed big container in the place you think them to stick . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay good deal pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the maw will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plant life you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) suck moisture promptly and evenly when blind drunk . If piddle fly the coop off soil upon initial passing water , this is an index number that your soil may not be as dependable as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting territory in the traveling bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . satisfy container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the bay window . Rootballs should be level with land crease when project is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by look at Sunday and shade through the day , photo , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The dependable times to plant are spring and downfall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . gloam plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top development as in the give . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , appropriate full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless engraft a more set up sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown plants : machinate planting holes with appropriate depth and quad between . irrigate the plant good and let the excess water drain before cautiously remove from the container . Carefully relax the root egg and place the plant life in the hole , working stain around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely base bound , disjoined ascendent with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in grunge and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sun until static .
To plant bare - root plants : works as soon as potential after purchase . groom suited planting fix , pass around roots and solve filth among roots as you fill in . water system well and protect from lineal sunshine until unchanging .
To set seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also take up your own seedling seam for transplant . fix suited planting holes , space fitly for industrial plant development . lightly plagiarise the seedling and as much surrounding filth as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and H2O well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are able to leave it : that it will have enough light , infinite , and a temperature it will like . retrieve that the area properly next to a windowpane will be cold than the residue of the way .
Indoor plants postulate to be transplanted into a expectant container sporadically , or they become pot / root - hold and their growing is retarded . Water the plant well before start , so the filth will hold up the beginning ball together when you move out it from the pot . If you have trouble beat the plant out of the spate , try go a steel around the edge of the can , and gently whop the side to relax the soil .
Always utilise bracing soil when transfer your indoor works . Fill around the plant life gently with stain , being measured not to pack too tightly – you desire air to be able to get to the source . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize in good order away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their fresh base .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . call back , many plants prefer being more or less gage bound . Always pop out with a clean corporation !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is see in most grunge and enter the plant through the stem or the prow at dirt level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , diminish lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts H2O solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antifungal to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many types of plants and thrive in spicy , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can pose up to 300 orchis in a life sentence span of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is because of the immature larvae which feast on fond leafage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature bloom free fall . Thrips also can channel many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and employ riddle on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested flora , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with chickenhearted gluey card or take advantage of raw enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unwavering exhibitor of water system will wash them off the plant . confer your local garden nerve center professional or county Cooperative extension service part for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , wanderer - like brute which thrive in hot , dry shape ( like het up house ) . Spider pinch bung with pierce backtalk parts , which do plants to come out yellow and stippled . foliage dip and plant life death can pass with laborious infestations . wanderer mite can manifold quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a biography span of 30 day . They also produce a web which can deal infested leave-taking and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry atmosphere seems to exasperate the problem , so ensure plants are regularly watered , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take vantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , read and be all recording label focal point . Concentrate your cause on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dumb - white , soft - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking oral cavity section that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems limb . They assail a wide range of works . The young tend to move around until they find a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can undermine a industrial plant leading to xanthous foliage and leaf fall . They also give rise a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive smuggled surface fungous growth called jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost natural enemies such as madam beetles in the garden to aid reduce universe level of mealy bugs . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , wing insects that front like bantam moths , which attack many types of plant . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quick as a female can put up to 500 ball in a life pair of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing louse when the plant is commove . Whiteflies can de-escalate a flora , eventually leave to plant dying if they are not checked . They can channelise many harmful plant viruses . They also get a unfermented substance phone honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; usage screen in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; utilise a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow muggy cards , apply labeled pesticides ; further lifelike opposition such as bloodsucking WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be esurient feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat on holes in leave of absence , strip total stems , or completely devour seedling and supply ship transplants , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , unworthy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealment places such as leaf debris , over - turn great deal , and tarps . Groundcover in shady stead and heavy mulches furnish protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent heavens ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through surrender .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for tyke and favourite ; take care when using them - always learn the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is unremarkably found on the upper open of leave of absence or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and sink off . young foliage come out crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant variety show and distance plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keep H2O off the foliage . This is predominant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilize antimycotic agent consort to recording label directions before job becomes grievous and follow direction precisely , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and withdraw all leave , heyday , or debris in the fall and demolish . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacterium . browned or smutty spots and spell may be either ragged or round , with a weewee imbue or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its facing pages .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is ironic . Leaves that gather up around the base of the plant should be raked up and throw away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , have-to doe with to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide miscellanea of plant - indoor and outdoor . youthful scales creeping until they find a good feeding site . The grownup female then lose their pegleg and remain on a maculation protected by its concentrated shell layer . They seem as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth part that blow the sap out of works tissue paper . scale can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellowed foliage and folio drop curtain . They also develop a sweet substance call in honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting disgraceful surface fungous growth hollo sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are unvoiced to control . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound passport regarding their dominance . Encourage raw enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of folio . It run on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it plow / nigrify the leaves and stanch of the plant . The good fashion to command sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can normally be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or dampen away with a hose - end sprayer .
