Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful heyday and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in smoke , in the ground , or in hanging basketball hoop in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in improver to being sow from seed . ‘ Dandy Lion ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large non - spiral leaves that are often colored and model . This plant enjoys filter light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like cold conditions . Pinching tips and pruning outer staunch in the grow season gift a bushier industrial plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade pattern change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows vagabond by great trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new house or just beginning to garden in your senior base , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise look for your land site ’s dead on target light shape . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favour partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonesuch . safe planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller flora that will offer some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plentiful piss , or those label asmoisture - have it off houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the land is saturate and then enfeeble freely from holes in the bottom of stack . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminosity that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part Sunday or part nicety . If you be in an sphere that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be ok . In other area such as Florida , plant life in a location where afternoon shade will be received . precondition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be locate within 2 foot of an easterly or westerly vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . experimental condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor secure plant carrying into action , it is worthy to match the correct works with the useable weak conditions . veracious plant , right place ! works which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect industrial plant to grow slower and have fewer bloom of youth when light is less than desirable . It is possible to cater supplementary lighting for indoor flora with lamps . Plants can also find too much light . If a shade loving flora is exposed to unmediated Dominicus , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is piddle deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , piss well , i.e. provide enough water supply to good saturate the theme ball . With in - earth plant life , this means thoroughly soaking the stain until piddle has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water supply to allow water to flux through the drain holes .
seek to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve piddle and write out down on plant stress . Do water early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to night declination . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold back to water until works wilt . Although some industrial plant will recover from this , all flora will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting peak ) .
view weewee conservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local nursing home and garden center . mulch can significantly chill the ascendant zone and conserve wet .
moot add together water - saving gels to the root zona which will give a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference of opinion specially under stressful condition . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their employment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be retain equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions postulate . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take attention not to over water supply . The first two years after a plant life is installed , even watering is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a calendar week and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minute of arc . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much piss is applied too frequently , etymon are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as ancestor and stem rots .
The headstone to lacrimation is frequency . urine well then expect long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , ply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root orb . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough H2O to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
debar using cold water peculiarly with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or let cold pee to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to reserve any harmful chlorine in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing pee on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply station the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will take in moisture from the land and change by reversal a sour gloss . Pull it out and see . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to seat in a saucer satisfy with water . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , tote up 2 to 4 in of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If land report is sapless , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic topic . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . make beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you constitute a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy eld of alimony - complimentary gardening . Perennials call for to be care for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be fighting raiser that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will unloosen energy .
As perennial ground , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely train over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby cut the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many metal money also blossom abundantly and produce sizeable seed . As blooming disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to polish off spend flowers before they forge seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable free energy it takes the plant to bring about seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense rootage people that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to on occasion thin out a base of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you may make new plants to institute 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 separate in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is footling or no soil to plant in , or for plant that ask a soil type not found in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , check that that all have similar ethnic demand . Choose a container that is inscrutable and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional remainder between the fully develop industrial plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , go bad stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the kettle of fish will keep stain from lave out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when slopped . If water runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an index number that your soil may not be as effective as you reckon .
Prior to filling a container with territory , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will leave plant , when planted , to be just below the brim of the grass . Rootballs should be level with soil wrinkle when project is sodding . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the day , photo , urine requirements , climate , soil physical composition , seasonal colouration desired , and position of other garden plant and tree diagram .
The honorable times to set are bound and fall , when filth is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can acquire and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allow for full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant exhaustively and allow the surplus body of water drain before cautiously take out from the container . Carefully loose the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the root as you fill . If the works is super root ricochet , separate ascendant with fingers . A few pussy made with a air hole tongue are okay , but should be proceed to a lower limit . Continue fill in stain and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To imbed bare - beginning plants : plant life as soon as potential after leverage . ready suited planting holes , disseminate root word and work soil among source as you occupy in . body of water well and protect from unmediated sun until unchanging .
To institute seedlings : A number of perennials get ego - inseminate seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also embark on your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fittingly for works development . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding territory as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sunshine and water supply on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough abstemious , blank , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area decent next to a window will be cold than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become crapper / root - bound and their ontogeny is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the soil will curb the stem formal together when you remove it from the great deal . If you have trouble getting the works out of the batch , try running a blade around the boundary of the pot , and softly whacking the side to relax the soil .
Always utilize fresh grime when transfer your indoor plant . occupy around the plant mildly with filth , being careful not to throng too tightly – you want zephyr to be able-bodied to get to the root . After the plant is in the raw pot , do n’t fertilize correctly away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . think , many plants opt being moderately pot confine . Always start with a clean pile !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soil and enters the works through the roots or the stalk at stain level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen lacrimation . If a plant life is too far live ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , transfer it . If your industrial plant is in a container , cast aside the ground too . rinse the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts urine solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label focussing . refer a professional for a legal recommendation of what antifungal agent to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly worm that aggress many type of plants and thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like het up business firm ) . They can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 300 ball in a aliveness span of 45 day without pairing . Most of the hurt to flora is because of the new larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injure flower petals and previous bloom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and habituate screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowish sticky placard or take reward of innate enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will moisten them off the industrial plant . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension position for effectual chemic testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare humble , 8 legged , spider - alike fauna which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het household ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and plant decease can pass off with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a life twain of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and heyday .
Prevention and Control : Keep widow’s weeds down and move out infested plant . ironic line seems to worsen the trouble , so check that plants are regularly watered , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomato plant . Always jibe fresh plant prior to lend them home from the garden pith or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and follow all recording label management . Concentrate your effort on the underside of the leave of absence as that is where wanderer mites generally subsist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dumb - white-hot , voiced - bodied insects that raise a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / sucking oral fissure voice that imbibe the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small composition of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems arm . They assail a wide range of plants . The immature tend to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant head to lily-livered foliage and leaf drop . They also bring on a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous increase called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer with your local garden eye professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce universe levels of mealy germ . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like diminutive moths , which snipe many types of plants . The vanish adult stage choose the underside of leave to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply apace as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a aliveness span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant life , finally direct to plant expiry if they are not turn back . They can channel many harmful plant viruses . They also raise a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive opprobrious surface fungal growth called coal-black mold .
Possible ascendance : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; withdraw infested plant off from non - infested plants ; utilise a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under works ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with chicken sticky cards , apply pronounce pesticides ; encourage innate enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady cascade of H2O will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be ravening self-feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may deplete holes in leaves , flight strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender organ transplant , leaving behind tell - story silvery , ugly lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding billet such as leaf dust , over - release pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady berth and heavy mulches provide protection from the component and can be favourite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destruct testis ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during gloam and aurora . Set out beer traps from previous saltation through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are useable on the marketplace , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always say the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . job are worse where nights are cool and days are tender and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or yield . Leaves will often bend yellow or browned , curl up , and swing off . New foliage emerges ruckle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : establish tolerant potpourri and blank space industrial plant in good order so they meet adequate light and aura circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go slowly on the N fertilizer . enforce fungicides according to label focal point before trouble becomes stark and follow directions exactly , not drop any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , efflorescence , or dust in the fall and demolish . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or fateful pip and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , sordid garden tools , or even people can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : slay infect leaves when the works is dry . leave-taking that gather up around the base of the plant should be raked up and cast aside of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal foliage smear , expend a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy microbe , that can be a job on a wide variety of works - indoor and outdoor . new scales crawl until they find out a near alimentation land site . The adult females then turn a loss their leg and remain on a spot protected by its hard case layer . They appear as bumps , often on the humble sides of leaves . They have pierce lip part that blow the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf dip . They also produce a fresh substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an untempting black control surface fungous growth squall pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Once plant they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants aside from those that are not overrun . confer your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their controller . Encourage natural foe such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the open of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , weighing machine , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / melanise the leafage and stems of the plant . The best mode to hold in sooty mold is to manipulate the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or dampen by with a hose - close sprayer .
