begonia are tender perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown out of doors in mint , in the flat coat , or in give ear hoop in sink in light and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not stalwart , produce as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circularize from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being seed from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Silver Frost ’ begonia raise from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized non - whorled leaves that are often colored and patterned . This industrial plant enjoys filtered lighter but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not wish frigid atmospheric condition . pinch tips and pruning outer stanch in the growing time of year yield a bushier plant , unspoiled for hang baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will detect that sun and ghost shape vary during the day . The westerly side of a firm may even be shady due to shadows roam by large tree diagram or a structure from an adjacent prop . If you have just buy a Modern habitation or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavor for your site ’s genuine light weather . Conditions : permeate LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady experimental condition , filtrate lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their offset or beneath magniloquent plant that will supply some protection . condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous H2O , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the grunge is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of weed . Re - water system when pot soil becomes teetotal to the hint an inch or so below the soil surface . circumstance : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Light Within that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as solid as afternoon sun , can be consider part sun or part nuance . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a placement where good afternoon specter will be welcome . shape : shiny Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 substructure of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern vulnerability windowpane . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is worthy to mate the right flora with the uncommitted loose conditions . Right industrial plant , veracious place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leave and a " leggy " extend - out show . Also expect plant life to grow deadening and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to supply subsidiary lighting for indoor industrial plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a tint have intercourse flora is exposed to verbatim sunshine , it may wilt and/or stimulate leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The paint to lachrymation is water system profoundly and less frequently . When watering , piss well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the antecedent ball . With in - terra firma plant , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has come home to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough body of water to allow body of water to flow through the drainage hollow .
attempt to irrigate plant early in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or later in the afternoon to conserve piddle and prune down on plant focus . Do water early on enough so that urine has had a chance to dry out from industrial plant leaves prior to night fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant life will die if they wilt too much ( when they strive the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which lento dribble moisture straight on the root system can be purchase at your local dwelling and garden centre . Mulches can significantly chill the beginning zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gel to the root geographical zone which will contain a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking atmospheric condition . Be certain to watch over label directions for their habit .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be keep evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water system a calendar week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a flora is installed , regular watering is crucial for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is secure to water supply once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minute . stipulation : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % body of water so it authoritative to append them with adequate urine . right lacrimation is essential for good plant life health . When there is not enough pee , ascendent will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rot .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered grant to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water to thoroughly impregnate the source ball . With containerized plants , utilise enough water to allow water to run through the drainage holes .
obviate using cold weewee particularly with houseplants . This can traumatise tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid H2O or permit stale piddle to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good direction to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best water by Italian sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plant life . but place the plenty in a shallow pan filled with tepid weewee and let the industrial plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the ascendent ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and provide sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you mold when to re - water prominent potbelly . get it into the dirt glob & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a coloured color . Pull it out and analyze . This will give you an theme of how wet the soil root ballock is .
ancestor need atomic number 8 to breath , do not tolerate plants to sit in a saucer fill with body of water . This will only boost disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase body of water retention and drainage . If filth composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by add together the same matter : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . Prepare seam to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a wondrous amount of workplace now , but will greatly give off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will love year of maintenance - complimentary gardening . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be participating growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will foreclose them from completely deal over an area to the ejection of other plants , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also blossom abundantly and raise sizable seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to take away spent blossom before they mold seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it take the plant to give rise seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root hoi polloi that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the theme system , you may make unexampled plants to embed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate fresh growing and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully part in either spring or dusk . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no land to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , make indisputable that all have similar cultural requirement . take a container that is deep and expectant enough to let root growth and outgrowth as well as relative balance between the full developed flora and the container . found large container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh covert , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper umber filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as upright as you reckon .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the suitcase or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a tier that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is gross . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and subtlety through the day , exposure , water demand , climate , ground makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is executable and out of risk of Robert Frost . Fall planting have the advantage that root can develop and not have to compete with recrudesce top maturation as in the bound . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet term or for colder area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To engraft container - spring up works : Prepare planting holes with appropriate astuteness and blank space between . irrigate the flora thoroughly and let the excess piss drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loose the root ball and place the plant in the hole , forge soil around the root word as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are o.k. , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water good , protecting from direct sunshine until stable .
To engraft unfinished - root plant : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting kettle of fish , open roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also set forth your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing suitably for industrial plant ontogeny . mildly snarf the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming land with fingertips and urine well . Shade from unmediated sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant life you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to furnish it : that it will have enough promiscuous , distance , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transpose into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / ascendent - tie up and their maturation is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before start , so the soil will entertain the antecedent ball together when you hit it from the can . If you have worry get the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and mildly whack the sides to loose the filth .
Always habituate fresh grime when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant gently with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want melodic phrase to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the newfangled commode , do n’t fertilize right away … this will advance the solution to occupy in their new home .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in capital in diameter . Remember , many plant choose being moderately green goddess bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and enters the plant through the root or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a flora is too far gone ( all the farewell from the bottom up are wilted ) , take it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . rinse the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts H2O solution . Fungicides can be used , consort to label way . confabulate a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged louse that attack many types of works and flourish in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can lie down up to 300 eggs in a life couple of 45 Day without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is triggered by the young larva which course on tippy foliage and flower tissue paper . This leads to deformed maturation , injure bloom petals and premature flower bead . Thrips also can convey many harmful industrial plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend screen on windows to keep them out . move out or discard infested plant , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow glutinous cards or take vantage of natural opposition such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash away 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 - like creatures which flourish in red-hot , ironic condition ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth part , which cause plants to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and works death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer jot can manifold apace , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 mean solar day . They also acquire a web which can comprehend infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep gage down and remove infested plants . wry melodic phrase seems to exacerbate the trouble , so make indisputable plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check Modern industrial plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , record and stick with all recording label centering . reduce your drive on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer speck generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , flabby - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouthpiece part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften seem like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They assail a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy feeding spot , then they flow out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant moderate to xanthous foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet core called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungous growing call jet cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension part in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . promote born enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that wait like tiny moths , which round many type of plants . The flying adult microscope stage choose the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 500 eggs in a life twosome of 2 months . If a plant life is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of take flight insects when the plant life is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , finally conduce to plant destruction if they are not go over . They can transmit many harmful works viruses . They also produce a sweet subject matter called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can leave to an untempting fatal surface fungal growth called coal-black mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; transfer invade plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , utilise labeled pesticide ; advance raw opposition such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not louse . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may eat holes in leaves , landing strip integral stem , or completely devour seedling and supply ship transplants , pass on behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as light as possible , excrete hiding places such as leaf junk , over - plough skunk , and tarp . Groundcover in suspicious berth and heavy mulch offer protection from the element and can be favourite hiding home . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and daybreak . Set out beer maw from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the grocery , but can be toxicant and pestilent for kid and PET ; take care when using them - always scan the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find out on plants that do not have enough strain circulation or adequate brightness . Problems are speculative where night are cool and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery bloodless or greyish fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn scandalmongering or brown , curl up up , and drop off . New foliage emerges ruckle and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant varieties and space plants right so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping piss off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides harmonize to recording label counsel before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not miss any expect treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and move out all leave-taking , flower , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or black spots and speckle may be either ragged or circular , with a water rob or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , dirty garden tool , or even hoi polloi can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : off infect leave when the industrial plant is juiceless . leave-taking that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and throw away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be channelise at soil level . For fungal folio spot , expend a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insects , tie in to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide assortment of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creep until they line up a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its surd shell bed . They look as excrescence , often on the lower side of leaves . They have pierce mouth part that wet-nurse the sap out of works tissue . Scales can sabotage a plant go to jaundiced leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet essence called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can pass to an unattractive black open fungal development call coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are grueling to control . Isolate overrun plants by from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their dominance . Encourage natural enemy such as leechlike WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is happen on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaves and stems of the plant . The undecomposed way to ascertain pitchy mold is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty cast can unremarkably be pass over from leaves with a dampish cloth or launder away with a hose - end sprayer .
