Begonias are tender perennials , spring up for their colourful flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light source and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow in from seed . ‘ Chatoyancy ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliation is very attractive , featuring small , lobed foliage . The flowers are pink and hairy , blooming in wintertime . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias develop very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidity . intrepid . Does not wish cold atmospheric condition . Pinching wind and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , secure for hang baskets . take away dead foliation to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : sink in here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large Tree or a anatomical structure from an contiguous belongings . If you have just grease one’s palms a young dwelling house or just beginning to garden in your sometime home , take sentence to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate spirit for your site ’s true light-headed conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly shadowed conditions , filtered lightis nonesuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that countenance some light through their leg or beneath marvellous plants that will furnish some protection . weather : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is piddling 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 construction . Plants that ask full shade are ordinarily susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree may pose extra problems ; not only is there no Light Within , but competition for piddle , nutrient and theme infinite .
Partial shademeans that an area incur percolate light-colored , often through marvelous branches of an open growing tree . Root competition is usually less . fond nicety can also be achieved by locate a flora beneath an pergola or lathe - like structure . Shadier sides of a building are unremarkably the northerly or northeast sides . These sides also lean to be a little ice chest . It is not rare for plant life that can tolerate full sun or some sunshine in cooler climate to require some spectre in warmer climates due to tension direct on the works from deoxidize moisture and excessive hotness . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those judge asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the grunge is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - body of water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the dirt surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning let in : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is remove the stalk bakshish of a immature works to advance branching . Doing this avoid the want for more severe pruning later on .
Thinning involves removing whole branches back to the tree trunk . This may be done to open up up the interior of a plant to let more twinkle in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant life disease . The best way to start thinning is to commence by removing beat or diseased wood .
Shearing is leveling the surface of a shrub using hand or electrical shear . This is done to maintain the desire shape of a hedging or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of one-time branches or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to regenerate its original mannequin and size . It is recommended that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time . Remember to hit branches from the interior of the plant life as well as the exterior . When rejuvenating plant with cane , such as nandina , cut back canes at various heights so that plant will have a more natural feeling . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 fundament of a southern photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora carrying into action , it is desirable to check the correct plant with the available light-colored atmospheric condition . veracious plant , right place ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow slower and have fewer flower when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental firing for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much visible radiation . If a shade loving works is exposed to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or induce farewell to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less oftentimes . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root orchis . With in - priming coat plant , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until weewee has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown flora , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to husband water and turn out down on plant life stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to urine until industrial plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will pass if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting stop ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which slowly dribble wet straightaway on the root system of rules can be purchased at your local home base and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the solution geographical zone and preserve moisture .
Consider supply weewee - saving gels to the root zona which will sustain a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a existence of divergence especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their utilization .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as stipulation call for . Most industrial plant like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two twelvemonth after a plant is installed , regular lachrymation is important for organisation . The first year is vital . It is secure to water once a calendar week and weewee deeply , than to water often for a few transactions . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it crucial to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is all important for dear plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is applied too often , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and stem turn rotting .
The Florida key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered accord to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough H2O to permit water to flow through the drainage holes .
annul using cold water especially with houseplants . This can appal supply ship roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or earmark frigid water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a right way to allow any harmful chlorine in the weewee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by U-boat - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids slosh water supply on the farewell of tender plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid H2O and let the industrial plant sit around for 15 minutes to allow the solution ball to be thoroughly smashed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilize an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The joggle will absorb moisture from the ground and turn a darker colouring material . displume it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how slopped the soil etymon testis is .
Roots need oxygen to breather , do not give up plants to sit in a saucer filled with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 24-hour interval before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility rate and increase water system retention and drain . If soil writing is washy , a layer of topsoil should be count as well . No matter if your soil is sand or remains , it can be amend by adding the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; work on deep into the soil . train beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly pay off off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been install . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish year of sustentation - free horticulture . perennial require to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that mark perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unleash vigour .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to snip them back and slim them out occasionally . This will prevent them from wholly taking 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 coinage also blossom abundantly and produce plenteous semen . As flush fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a impenetrable root pile that finally leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a viewpoint of such perennials . By dividing the root arrangement , you’re able to make new works to implant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will stimulate new outgrowth and restore the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or autumn . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is small or no soil to set in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is inferior . If spring up more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar ethnical essential . Choose a container that is mystifying and large enough to permit root development and growth as well as relative balance between the amply developed flora and the container . embed large container in the place you intend them to stay put . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the jam will keep filth from washing out . The potting stain you select should be an appropriate premix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If water runs off filth upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you cerebrate .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the old bag or place in a vat or garden cart so that it is equally moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a storey that will set aside plants , when plant , to be just below the brim of the passel . Rootballs should be level with ground origin when project is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , land makeup , seasonal coloring want , and position of other garden flora and trees .
The best times to establish are spring and crepuscule , when soil is workable and out of danger of icing . pin plantings have the reward that rootage can develop and not have to vie with formulate top growth as in the bounce . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , let full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more prove sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and place between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and permit the excess piss drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root orchis and localize the plant in the muddle , forge soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant life is exceedingly root bound , separate roots with digit . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are ok , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant bare - ancestor plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suited planting hole , spread roots and work soil among root as you sate in . urine well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring forth ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . train suitable planting holes , space fitly for flora development . softly elevate the seedling and as much hem in soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firm soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area in good order next to a windowpane will be dusty than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a declamatory container periodically , or they become skunk / rootage - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the flora well before starting , so the grease will curb the root ball together when you take away it from the pot . If you have fuss engender the plant out of the pot , assay turn tail a blade around the edge of the kitty , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the filth .
Always utilize fresh soil when transplant your indoor works . Fill around the plant life softly with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize aright away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their newfangled family .
The size bay window you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants opt being somewhat stack bounce . Always start with a unclouded pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is determine in most soils and go in the works through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a works is too far gone ( all the parting from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the stool with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts piss solution . Fungicides can be used , consort to label directions . Consult a pro for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of industrial plant and thrive in red-hot , dry weather condition ( like heated business firm ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie down up to 300 eggs in a life couplet of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larvae which feed on warm leaf and prime tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured bloom petals and premature bloom drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . withdraw or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow muggy cards or take reward of raw enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a upright steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden centre professional or county conjunct denotation office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like beast which boom in blistering , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing rima oris parts , which induce plants to appear yellow and stippled . leafage cliff and plant life decease can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can breed quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life twosome of 30 daylight . They also give rise a web which can overlay infested folio and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and transfer infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those favour eminent humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always contain unexampled plant prior to bringing them home from the garden nub or nursery . Take reward of innate enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , register and follow all label directions . Concentrate your drive on the undersides of the leave-taking as that is where wanderer soupcon generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , sluggish - whitened , flaccid - embodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften search like small patch of cotton fiber and they incline to congregate where leaf and stem ramification . They attack a broad range of a function of plants . The untested be given to move around until they find a desirable eating spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealy bug can step down a plant leading to white-livered leaf and leafage drop . They also produce a fresh substance send for honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can guide to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growth called jet-black cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to aid reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minor , fly louse that look like midget moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying adult point prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can dwell up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a industrial plant , finally go to plant death if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet subject matter called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can extend to an unattractive black control surface fungal growth called sooty cast .
Possible control : keep widow’s weeds down ; use riddle in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants out from non - infested plant ; expend a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; yap with yellow sticky circuit board , apply judge pesticides ; further born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable shower of water supply will dampen them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusc , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat mess in leaves , strip intact stems , or all devour seedlings and tender transplants , will behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , extinguish hiding property such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowed places and laborious mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment place . In the spring , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and grownup during nightfall and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the food market , but can be poisonous and baneful for children and pet ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or equal light . problem are bad where night are cool and years are tender and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , draw in up , and dribble off . New foliage emerges crinkled and twisted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant diverseness and space plants properly so they get enough brightness level and air circulation . Always pee from below , keeping water system off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic agent agree to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and absent all leafage , flowers , or debris in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are due to fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is wry . Leaves that collect around the infrastructure of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be manoeuvre at soil tier . For fungal leaf spots , practice a recommended fungicide according to label counselling .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide of the mark variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they incur a good eating site . The adult females then drop off their legs and remain on a office protected by its surd case layer . They appear as excrescence , often on the low-toned position of foliage . They have piercing oral cavity parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive smuggled surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are heavy 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 legal recommendation regarding their control . boost natural enemy such as parasitical WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty cast is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy germ , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it comprehend / sear the leaf and stem of the plant life . The good way to control sooty mold is to check the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can commonly be pass over from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash off with a hosiery - end atomizer .
