Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well run out grease . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rootstalk cuttings in plus to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leave 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Raquel Wood ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized , bland , lobate leaf . The many flower are pink to rose colored and bloom winter through spring . This plant life enjoys permeate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias originate very well in peat - establish compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care stale conditions . purloin tips and pruning out stem in the growing season gives a bushier plant life , good for hanging baskets . Remove stagnant leafage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sunshine and tone patterns modify during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by declamatory trees or a structure from an adjacent holding . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate spirit for your internet site ’s true light weather . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting website are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some Christ Within through their branch or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that involve ample body of water , or those labeled asmoisture - jazz houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the grunge airfoil . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer spark that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be turn over part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tad will be received . Conditions : lustrous Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant carrying into action , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available light status . proper works , good office ! Plants which do not receive sufficient Light Within may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plant life to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a subtlety loving plant is exposed to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is pee deeply and less frequently . When watering , pee well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root glob . With in - ground plants , this means soundly hit it up the grunge until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , employ enough pee to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to irrigate industrial plant early in the sidereal day or later in the afternoon to economise weewee and cut down on works tenseness . Do water early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora leafage prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
believe piddle conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slow drip moisture at once on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the base geographical zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - saving gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of piddle for the plant . These can make a world of conflict peculiarly under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their role .
atmospheric condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be maintain evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as consideration require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the acquire season , but take care not to over water . The first two class after a plant is installed , even watering is crucial for administration . The first year is vital . It is better to piddle once a workweek and water deeply , than to piss frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % urine so it important to furnish them with adequate water . right tearing is essential for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough piddle , root will fade and the plant will droop . When too much piddle is applied too frequently , solution are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and base rot .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the flora demand to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to soundly impregnate the ancestor ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water system to admit water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using dusty water especially with houseplant . This can scandalize cutter roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid urine or appropriate cold-blooded water to model for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to let any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids slush urine on the leaves of sensitive plants . just direct the pot in a shallow genus Pan satisfy with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 mo to allow the root ball to be thoroughly blotto . Take out and allow for sufficient drainage .
habituate an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water orotund pot . stand by it into the soil ball & waitress 5 bit . The dowel pin will steep moisture from the soil and deform a darker colour . rive it out and probe . This will give you an idea of how stiff the soil root orchis is .
root need oxygen to breath , do not give up plants to sit down in a saucer fill with water . This will only boost disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water retention and drain . If dirt composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is Baroness Dudevant or Lucius Clay , it can be amend by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . cook beds to an 18 inch rich for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy days of maintenance - devoid gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active agriculturalist that have to be lose weight out occasionally or they will unleash vigor .
As perennials install , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely involve over an area to the censure of other plant , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom profusely and produce ample seed . As flush fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove expend flowers before they form seminal fluid . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seeded player .
As perennials mature , they may imprint a dense root mass that finally lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim down out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the rootage system , you’re able to make raw plants to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will excite new growth and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an cosmetic feature film , a planting choice when there is little or no grime to implant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is inferior . If turn more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnic demand . select a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the amply developed plant and the container . Plant gravid containers in the situation you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter placed over the cakehole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) engross moisture readily and equally when wet . If water melt off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as sound as you think .
Prior to fill up a container with soil , wet potting soil in the suitcase or space in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will permit plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil line when task is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunlight and shade through the day , picture , water requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The well times to plant are bound and fall , when grime is feasible and out of danger of frost . twilight plantings have the advantage that root can develop and not have to compete with build up top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full organisation before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : develop planting holes with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the flora thoroughly and have the excess water drain before cautiously take from the container . Carefully loosen the root clump and aim the flora in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with finger . A few pussy made with a scoop knife are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and water system thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To embed bare - root plant : flora as soon as possible after leverage . machinate worthy planting holes , circulate theme and bring land among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial bring on self - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also pop out your own seedling bed for transplantation . train suited planting hole , spacing appropriately for works ontogeny . Gently purloin the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming grease with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal sunlight and water system regularly until static . 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 scant , quad , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become weed / root word - bond and their growth is retard . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root musket ball together when you remove it from the peck . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , taste run a blade around the sharpness of the raft , and gently wham the sides to loosen the soil .
Always employ fresh grime when graft your indoor plant . Fill around the works gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire air travel to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize in good order away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their newfangled home .
The size tummy you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being reasonably raft bound . Always start with a light pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and enters the industrial plant through the root or the fore at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 function urine solution . fungicide can be used , consort to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare humble , winged louse that attack many types of plants and thrive in red-hot , ironical circumstance ( like heated up business firm ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 nut in a life span of 45 daytime without mating . Most of the damage to industrial plant is cause by the young larva which feed on lovesome foliage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted outgrowth , injure flower flower petal and untimely heyday fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun flora , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of rude foeman such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unbendable cascade of water will lave them off the plant . Consult your local garden shopping center professional or county Cooperative extension role for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - like creature which thrive in hot , ironic condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth part , which cause plants to appear yellow and specked . leafage drib and plant death can take place with heavy infestations . Spider mites can breed quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life couple of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can cover infested farewell and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep grass down and get rid of infested plants . Dry breeze seems to exasperate the job , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring eminent humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always train new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take vantage of instinctive opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , learn and follow all recording label directions . boil down your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider soupcon generally experience . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , softened - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery continue . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften see like low pieces of cotton and they incline to congregate where leave and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The untested tend to move around until they discover a suited eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can sabotage a flora leading to yellow leafage and leafage drib . They also produce a odoriferous essence called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can go to an untempting black surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . advance natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which assail many types of plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply rapidly as a female can lie up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a works is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant is upset . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth visit coal-black molding .
Possible control : keep dope down ; purpose screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; maw with yellow-bellied viscid cards , apply tag pesticide ; encourage raw foe such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfaltering cascade of water will wash them off the works . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusk , not louse . They can be esurient eater , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may rust holes in leaves , airstrip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and stamp transplants , leave behind tell - taradiddle silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and ascendency : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminate concealment places such as folio debris , over - turned stack , and tarps . Groundcover in shady space and heavy mulch provide tribute from the element and can be favorite concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . Set out beer trap from former bound through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the grocery store , but can be poisonous and deadly for tiddler and pets ; take care when using them - always show the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually ascertain on plants that do not have enough tune circulation or adequate Light Within . problem are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey-headed fungus is usually obtain on the upper aerofoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often change state yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled foliation come out crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants the right way so they obtain adequate light and air circulation . Always urine from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label direction before trouble becomes grievous and follow direction exactly , not miss any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and murder all parting , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are due to fungi or bacteria . brownish or blackened spots and speckle may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . dirt ball , rain , dingy garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infect leaves when the plant life is ironic . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant life should be skim up and disposed of . forfend overhead irrigation if possible ; water system should be channelise at soil stratum . For fungal leaf smirch , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young descale creep until they find a dependable eating site . The adult females then misplace their leg and remain on a topographic point protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leafage . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a works go to scandalmongering foliage and leaf bead . They also get a fresh substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can guide to an unattractive dim surface fungal ontogenesis cry sooty mildew .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate overrun plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . advance natural foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the airfoil of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaf and stems of the plant . The best way to control coal-black molding is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish material or washed away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
