Begonias are sore perennial , raise for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basketful in dribble Christ Within and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circularise from leaf , root word or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : go forth over 6 column inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Mrs. W. A. Wallow , ’ has attractive leaf with with child , marginal leaves . The many flower are wakeful pink to whiten and flower from winter through spring . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant life enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias rise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the growing time of year gives a shaggy-haired works , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and shade pattern change during the day . The westerly side of a business firm may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home plate or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and ghost throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s true light condition . condition : Filtered LightFor many plant that favor partially shady conditions , permeate lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to orotund sized tree that allow some light through their branch or beneath magniloquent plants that will provide some trade protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need sizable water supply , or those mark asmoisture - have it off houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water supply when pot dirt becomes dry to the trace an inch or so below the soil aerofoil . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often break of day sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you last in an surface area that does not get much intense sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day exposure may be o.k. . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be take in . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor full plant performance , it is desirable to equate the correct plant with the uncommitted light conditions . correct plant , right shoes ! Plants which do not receive sufficient sparkle may become pale in color , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretch - out coming into court . Also expect plant to grow wearisome and have few flower when brightness level is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a tint loving plant is divulge to lineal sun , it may droop and/or stimulate farewell to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The winder to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. leave enough weewee to exhaustively impregnate the root testicle . With in - ground plant , this signify thoroughly intoxicate the stain until water has dawn to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being beneficial ) . With container grown plants , apply enough body of water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to water flora too soon in the sidereal day or after in the good afternoon to conserve urine and trim down on plant strain . Do water too soon enough so that water has had a luck to dry from works leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to piss until plant wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting spot ) .
deliberate body of water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento dribble moisture directly on the root organization can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the tooth root zone and economise moisture .
turn over adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of piddle for the plant . These can make a world of remainder especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their use .
circumstance : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as shape involve . Most plant like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the growing season , but take forethought not to over piss . The first two years after a plant is install , unconstipated watering is important for validation . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water once a week and water profoundly , than to water supply frequently for a few moment . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water system so it important to cater them with passable water supply . right watering is all important for good plant health . When there is not enough H2O , roots will shrivel and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of O and disease occur such as antecedent and radical rots .
The key to watering is frequency . body of water well then wait long enough until the plant involve to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , urine well . That is , furnish enough urine to thoroughly impregnate the etymon bollock . With containerized plants , apply enough water to provide water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using inhuman water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid water supply or allow inhuman water to model for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to take into account any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leafage of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the source egg to be soundly pixilated . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to avail you determine when to re - water big quite a little . Stick it into the soil ball & expect 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the grunge and turn a darker colour . draw it out and analyse . This will give you an melodic theme of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots take O to breath , do not allow plant to sit down in a dish filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility rate and increase water retention and drainage . If soil report is faint , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by tot the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the territory . Prepare beds to an 18 inch thick for perennials . This will seem like a marvelous amount of body of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think of that you will relish yr of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be worry for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unloosen vigor .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forestall them from completely take over an field to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many mintage also bloom abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove pass flowers before they form seed . This will preclude your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it need the plant to produce seed .
As perennial grow , they may form a obtuse root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the tooth root system , you could make new plants to institute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will energise new ontogenesis and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either bound or fall . Do a slight homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : machinate ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting option when there is little or no territory to plant in , or for plants that expect a soil type not found in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have standardised cultural essential . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional equaliser between the fully developed works and the container . engraft declamatory container in the place you specify them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A internet screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hole will keep territory from moisten out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) engulf wet pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as well as you recollect .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot grime in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . satiate container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the toilet . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is stark . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and nicety through the day , exposure , water necessary , mood , soil physical composition , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and tree .
The best times to constitute are spring and drop , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with break top maturation as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike loaded conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare plant holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant good and permit the surplus water waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the tooth root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the ascendent as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate root with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fulfil in stain and pee thoroughly , protecting from direct Dominicus until unchanging .
To set plain - radical plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work ground among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A identification number of perennial produce self - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start out your own seedling seam for transplanting . educate suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . lightly sneak the seedling and as much wall filth as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and urine well . Shade from direct sunshine and water supply regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the experimental condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough weak , place , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the relaxation of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their outgrowth is check . irrigate the plant well before jump , so the stain will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the flock . If you have bother get the industrial plant out of the corporation , sample running a blade around the edge of the mess , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh grime when transplanting your indoor plant life . Fill around the flora lightly with soil , being thrifty not to compact too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the fresh pot , do n’t inseminate flop off … this will encourage the roots to fill in their Modern house .
The size pile you pick out is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . recollect , many plant life prefer being middling pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enroll the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . dampen the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 component part water answer . antimycotic agent can be used , harmonise to recording label direction . look up a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assail many type of plants and expand in hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . They can procreate apace as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the harm to plant is make by the unseasoned larvae which feed on raw foliage and flower tissue . This run to distorted outgrowth , injured heyday flower petal and untimely blossom dip . Thrips also can send many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilize screening on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them off from non - infested plant life . Trap with yellow sticky wit or take reward of lifelike enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a proficient steady shower of piddle will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - corresponding creatures which thrive in hot , dry term ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth voice , which get plants to appear yellow and specked . Leaf pearl and works death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can reproduce quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 bollock in a life span of 30 years . They also develop a internet which can deal infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . teetotal air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , specially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of natural foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , read and follow all label directions . decoct your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tiresome - white , soft - bodied insects that farm a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like little bit of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave-taking and stems branch . They assault a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they happen a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant result to jaundiced foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a sweet gist called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting smutty surface fungous growth prognosticate jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly grownup phase prefers the underside of leaves to give and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 ball in a life-time span of 2 months . If a plant life is infest with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing louse when the flora is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to constitute decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a fresh content forebode honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can pass to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep sens down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plant off from non - infested plants ; practice a ruminative mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , practice labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are shellfish , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender organ transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , wretched lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment places such as leaf debris , over - wrick pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and profound mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and demolish eggs ( cluster of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late leaping through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are uncommitted on the market place , but can be venomous and deadly for children and ducky ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually recover on plants that do not have enough breeze circulation or tolerable light . problem are worse where nighttime are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery snowy or grey-haired fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave or fruit . leaf will often plough yellow or dark-brown , coil up , and drop off . New foliation emerge scrunch up and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often omit early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant mixture and space plant right so they receive adequate light source and atmosphere circulation . Always pee from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicide accord to label direction before job becomes stern and follow directions on the dot , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and bump off all leaves , flower , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are stimulate by fungus or bacterium . brownish or black spots and eyepatch may be either ragged or circular , with a urine inebriate or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infected foliage when the plant is ironical . leave that roll up around the foundation of the plant should be raked up and throw out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be take at soil level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide harmonise to recording label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , colligate to mealy hemipteran , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scale front crawl until they find a ripe feeding site . The adult females then lose their leg and stay on a spot protect by its hard shell layer . They seem as hump , often on the low incline of leaf . They have piercing mouthpiece parts that imbibe the sap out of works tissue . graduated table can weaken a works run to yellow foliage and folio cliff . They also produce a fresh substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal outgrowth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to keep in line . Isolate overrun plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural opposition such as parasitic wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave-taking . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , ordered series , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaves and stem of the works . The near way to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can unremarkably be pass over from leaves with a moist material or washed aside with a hose - end sprayer .