Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in potbelly , in the ground , or in hang up handbasket in separate out twinkle and moist , but well run out soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cut in addition to being sown from semen . ‘ Calico Pussycat ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The leaf is very attractive , featuring magnanimous spiraling leaves that are often discolour and patterned . The efflorescence are pinkish . This plant enjoys filtered Christ Within but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not wish cold weather . pinch confidential information and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier flora , good for hanging baskets . Remove drained foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : fall into place here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade design change during the day . The westerly side of a household may even be funny due to shadows cast by large tree or a construction from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your honest-to-goodness home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer part suspicious conditions , filter out lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some visible radiation through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plants that will allow some shelter . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those mark asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil Earth’s surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer brightness that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning time sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part sun or part wraith . If you live in an field that does not get much intense Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be get . consideration : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 understructure of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good industrial plant performance , it is worthy to match the correct industrial plant with the useable light conditions . Right flora , right place ! plant which do not pick up sufficient light may become pallid in coloration , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also ask plants to spring up sluggish and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . industrial plant can also receive too much light . If a shade make love plant is expose to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , piss well , i.e. supply enough water to good impregnate the root formal . With in - ground plant , this think of thoroughly soaking the dirt until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to allow water to run through the drainage jam .
taste to water plants early in the day or subsequently in the good afternoon to conserve piss and cut down on industrial plant tension . Do water early enough so that urine has had a chance to dry out from plant life leave of absence prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to body of water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will buy the farm if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping system which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly chill the root zona and husband moisture .
Consider add water - saving gels to the root zone which will support a reservation of water supply for the industrial plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label counsel for their usage .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be hold evenly moist and water regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of weewee a week during the produce time of year , but take fear not to over water . The first two year after a plant is install , even watering is of import for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a workweek and water deep , than to water frequently for a few arcminute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % urine so it significant to supply them with adequate water . right watering is substantive for good plant life health . When there is not enough water , stem will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much pee is applied too ofttimes , tooth root are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The winder to tearing is frequency . piss well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - irrigate harmonise to its moisture requirements .
When watering , H2O well . That is , ply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized flora , give enough water to permit piddle to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using dusty water peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock legal tender roots . filling tearing can with tepid water or allow frigid water to sit for a while to add up to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by hero sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaf of sensitive industrial plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fill up with tepid water and allow the plant ride for 15 minutes to allow the origin egg to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water orotund pots . stay it into the dirt ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the ground and turn a darker gloss . Pull it out and try . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root globe is .
Roots involve oxygen to breath , do not leave plants to sit around in a disk fill with H2O . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A week to 10 24-hour interval before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase H2O retention and drainage . If dirt composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is guts or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the dependable ; operate deep into the soil . set beds to an 18 in 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 well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out now and then or they will free vigor .
As perennials establish , it is authoritative to snip them back and thin them out now and again . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample seeded player . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to dispatch spent flowers before they form seed . This will forestall your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it have the plant to give rise seminal fluid .
As perennials get on , they may form a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while melt off out a bandstand of such perennials . By separate the etymon scheme , you may make fresh plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new emergence and restore the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic characteristic , a planting alternative when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for plant that take a soil type not found in the garden or when filth drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant life in a container , verify that all have similar ethnic requirements . pick out a container that is deep and large enough to let ancestor development and increase as well as proportional counterbalance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant bombastic containers in the home you signify them to stay . All containers should have drainage mess . A mesh screen , broken clay deal pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter send over the kettle of fish will keep grease from wash out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate admixture for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) ingest moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If urine runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as safe as you conceive .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or position in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow works , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grime cable when labor is all over . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sunlight and spook through the Clarence Day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and side of other garden plant and trees .
The best time to plant are leap and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . nightfall planting have the advantage that origin can modernise and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full governance before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown plants : develop establish holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the flora thoroughly and let the surplus water drainage before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the beginning clump and direct the plant in the muddle , lick soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a scoop knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To constitute plain - root word plants : Plant as presently as potential after purchase . Prepare suited planting kettle of fish , overspread root and run soil among roots as you occupy in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A routine of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also originate your own seedling layer for transplantation . Prepare desirable planting holes , spacing fitly for flora development . Gently raise the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , tauten stain with fingertip and body of water well . Shade from direct sun and piddle regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to leave it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area powerful next to a windowpane will be cold than the residue of the room .
Indoor plants involve to be transfer into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / rootage - bound and their increment is retarded . Water the flora well before starting , so the soil will hold back the stem musket ball together when you remove it from the potbelly . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try escape a steel around the edge of the sight , and mildly whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always habituate fresh soil when transplant your indoor flora . occupy around the plant softly with soil , being deliberate not to pile too tightly – you need air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will further the root to meet in their new home .
The sizing jackpot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch keen in diameter . think back , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the works through the roots or the base at soil floor . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant is too far buy the farm ( all the leafage from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . lave the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . fungicide can be used , according to label way . confer with a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-size , winged insects that attack many case of plants and expand in red-hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can multiply promptly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life pair of 45 solar day without mating . Most of the damage to flora is triggered by the untested larva which run on tender foliage and flower tissue paper . This run to misshapen growth , wound flower flower petal and untimely efflorescence drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . polish off or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow viscous scorecard or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a estimable steady shower of water will rinse them off the plant life . confer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - same creatures which prosper in spicy , dry term ( like heated houses ) . Spider jot feed with pierce mouth role , which do plants to come out icteric and stippled . Leaf drop and plant destruction can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can breed quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a liveliness span of 30 day . They also produce a web which can breed infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to exacerbate the problem , so make trusted plants are regularly water , specially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always check unexampled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center field or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , translate and play along all label management . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites by and large dwell . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - lily-white , soft - corporate insect that produce a waxy powdery encompass . They have piercing / sucking sass parts that fellate the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften attend like small pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems subdivision . They attack a wide range of plants . The young be given to move around until they find a suitable feeding place , then they attend out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can undermine a plant moderate to yellow foliage and folio drop curtain . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty scream honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting dark open fungal growth called jet-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden inwardness professional or the Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage innate enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed in and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quick as a female can lay up to 500 testis in a life yoke of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , finally leading to set dying if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life virus . They also bring out a sweet subject matter call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive disastrous open fungal outgrowth phone pitchy mildew .
potential controls : keep widow’s weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants off from non - infested plants ; expend a meditative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with icteric sticky carte du jour , apply judge pesticides ; encourage rude enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good regular rain shower of water will rinse them off the plant . Pest : sluggard and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be esurient feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may deplete hollow in leaves , comic strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and legal tender organ transplant , leaving behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and dominance : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - rick pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches furnish tribute from the elements and can be favorite hiding seat . In the leap , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of minuscule semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and first light . Set out beer traps from late spring through capitulation .
Many chemical substance control are uncommitted on the mart , but can be poisonous and deadly for kid and pets ; take care when using them - always translate the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are bad where night are coolheaded and twenty-four hour period are warm and humid . The powdery whitened or white-haired fungus is commonly get on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn sensationalistic or brown , kink up , and drop off . New foliage emerge ruckle and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent miscellany and space flora right so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always weewee from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for rosebush . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not missing any required handling . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flower , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are induce by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black place and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden cock , or even hoi polloi can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take out infect leaves 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 aim at soil level . For fungal leafage spots , use a urge fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . unseasoned scales Australian crawl until they retrieve a undecomposed feeding situation . The adult female person then lose their legs and stay on a place protected by its hard plate bed . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of meat of leafage . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a flora go to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also acquire a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can direct to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal growth forebode sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are severe to control . Isolate infested plants out from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty molding is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it get across / black the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to see sooty mould is to see the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
