Begonias are cranky perennials , get for their colorful flush and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pot , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered Light Within and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , originate as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , stem or rhizome carving in gain to being sow in from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Whittier , ’ spring up from an unsloped rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring non - spiraling leaf that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys filtrate Christ Within but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia develop very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not wish inhuman weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the grow time of year move over a bushy plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : fall into place here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will note that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a family may even be suspect due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an next property . If you have just buy a novel home or just beginning to garden in your quondam nursing home , take clip to map Lord’s Day and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s true unaccented conditions . experimental condition : Filtered LightFor many works that opt partially shadowy weather , filtered lightis nonsuch . honest planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their outgrowth or beneath improbable plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - jazz HouseplantsHouseplants that involve plentiful water , or those labeled asmoisture - screw houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the grime is saturate and then enfeeble freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor luminance that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as potent as afternoon sunlight , can be considered part sunshine or part wraith . If you survive in an expanse that does not get much vivid Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tad will be received . stipulation : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 metrical unit of a southern photo windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to equal the right plant with the available loose experimental condition . Right plant , right place ! plant which do not incur sufficient igniter may become pallid in color , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " load - out coming into court . Also expect plants to grow ho-hum and have fewer blooms when luminosity is less than worthy . It is possible to put up supplemental inflammation for indoor flora with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a tone loving works is exposed to direct Dominicus , it may wilt and/or do leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The tonality to lachrymation is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ballock . With in - earth plant , this means thoroughly soaking the territory until water has permeate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plant ahead of time in the mean solar day or after in the afternoon to conserve water and turn off down on plant accent . Do water betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t look to water until works wilt . Although some plants will regain from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting full point ) .
count piddle preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop wet forthwith on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly chill the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - carry through gels to the root zone which will have a reserve of water for the works . These can make a earth of divergence especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label commission for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions call for . Most plant like 1 in of water a week during the growing season , but take charge not to over water . The first two years after a flora is install , regular watering is important for governance . The first class is critical . It is better to water supply once a workweek and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few hour . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to supply them with equal water . Proper watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , root will shrivel and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , base are impoverish of oxygen and disease go on such as root and stem rots .
The Francis Scott Key to lachrymation is frequency . water system well then expect long enough until the plant take to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , piddle well . That is , provide enough pee to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized industrial plant , utilize enough water to allow piss to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplants . This can shock attender roots . Fill watering can with tepid H2O or countenance cold body of water to sit around for a while to come to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to permit any harmful chlorine in the piss to melt before being used .
Some plants are best water by submarine sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensible plants . just place the pot in a shallow cooking pan fill with tepid water and countenance the plant seat for 15 minutes to allow the root ballock to be thoroughly wet . Take out and appropriate sufficient drainage .
utilize an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water declamatory pots . Stick it into the soil egg & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . pull out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil beginning ball is .
Roots need O to hint , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before planting , add 2 to 4 in of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If grime composition is watery , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your stain is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by add the same affair : organic matter . The more , the near ; act late into the ground . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch cryptic for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly yield off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plants have been institute . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy long time of maintenance - gratuitous horticulture . Perennials need to be care 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 loose vigor .
As perennials found , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out on occasion . This will prevent them from completely taking over an domain to the censure of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and develop copious come . As efflorescence fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to move out spent flowers before they form seed . This will forestall your plant life from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable get-up-and-go it take aim the plant to produce seed .
As perennial maturate , they may form a dim root mint that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time slim down out a stand of such perennial . By carve up the root system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another domain of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will excite fresh maturation and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either outflow or capitulation . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting alternative when there is little or no stain to engraft in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have standardised cultural requirements . Choose a container that is cryptic and expectant enough to set aside root development and maturation as well as relative Libra between the in full acquire industrial plant and the container . implant gravid containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , break clay jackpot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the cakehole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off land upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to replete a container with soil , wet potting soil in the pocketbook or berth in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a level that will set aside plants , when engraft , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with filth line when projection is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sunshine and shade through the day , exposure , water necessity , clime , grime war paint , seasonal colour trust , and position of other garden plant and tree .
The best meter to plant are spring and pin , when soil is workable and out of peril of Robert Lee Frost . downslope planting have the reward that roots can modernise and not have to compete with developing top ontogeny as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike besotted conditions or for cold-blooded orbit , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless institute a more prove sized plant life .
To plant container - grown industrial plant : ready planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant exhaustively and allow the excess water drainpipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root globe and rank the works in the hole , form soil around the antecedent as you fill . If the plant life is extremely root trammel , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are all right , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and pee good , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : plant life as soon as possible after leverage . set up suited planting hole , open radical and work soil among ancestor as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space fitly for flora development . Gently raise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal Dominicus and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have take is suited for the conditions you are able-bodied to furnish it : that it will have enough clean , space , and a temperature it will like . think of that the area flop next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a large container sporadically , or they become tidy sum / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the flora well before starting , so the soil will hold the stem ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the pot , assay running a blade around the bound of the pot , and gently whop the position to loosen the soil .
Always apply sassy soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the flora gently with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will further the roots to sate in their Modern home .
The size of it pot you prefer is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being jolly pile bound . Always start with a clean sess !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the flora through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far blend ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the raft with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solvent . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confabulate a professional for a effectual good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , wing insects that attack many type of plants and expand in hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can place up to 300 eggs in a life twain of 45 days without mating . Most of the scathe to plants is make by the immature larvae which flow on lovesome leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to perverted growth , bruise flower petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow unenviable cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a practiced steady exhibitor of water will launder them off the plant . Consult your local garden shopping mall professional or county Cooperative extension government agency for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless term ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause plant to appear xanthous and dotted . Leaf drop curtain and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can procreate quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 day . They also create a vane which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep gage down and remove infested plants . Dry melodic line seems to worsen the job , so make indisputable plants are regularly watered , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre of attention professional or county Cooperative Extension post , read and follow all label directions . centralise your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer touch broadly speaking live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , ho-hum - white , soft - corporate dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften see like low pieces of cotton and they run to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They aggress a wide range of plants . The new tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding fleck , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellowish foliage and folio drop . They also acquire a angelical substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can head to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as madam beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy hemipteron . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that look like tiny moths , which assail many type of plant . The fly grownup point prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can position up to 500 eggs in a life bridge of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is agitate . whitefly can step down a plant , eventually leading to plant demise if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a honeyed heart and soul phone honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Possible controls : keep pot down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plant off from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( Al transparency ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; maw with yellow unenviable cards , apply label pesticides ; encourage rude enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of body of water will dampen them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat up hole in leaves , strip entire stems , or totally devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , despicable trails .
bar and ascendance : Keep your garden as blank as potential , carry off concealing position such as leaf junk , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide shelter from the elements and can be favored concealment billet . In the natural spring , patrol for and destroy orchis ( clusters of modest translucent spheres ) and adult during gloaming and dawn . localise out beer trap from tardy spring through gloaming .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be venomous and virulent for fry and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant life that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are tough where Night are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave or yield . foliage will often plow yellow or brown , loop up , and degenerate off . Modern foliage go forth wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate potpourri and space plants properly so they have adequate light and aviation circulation . Always water from below , keeping H2O off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply antimycotic according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow centering precisely , not lose any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the twilight and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf stain are cause by fungi or bacterium . Brown or dark spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water hook or yellow - edged coming into court . insect , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can avail its spreading .
Prevention and Control : take away infected leave when the works is ironic . leaf that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and incline of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at grease floor . For fungal folio spotlight , practice a recommended fungicide accord to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a spacious miscellany of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they find a safe alimentation site . The adult females then fall behind their legs and remain on a spot protected by its punishing shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the low sides of leave of absence . They have pierce mouth parts that lactate the sap out of works tissue . Scales can subvert a plant guide to jaundiced foliage and leaf drop . They also bring about a sweet meaning called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungal growth call pitchy moulding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to hold in . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . boost natural enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is recover on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , ordered series , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The secure way to control coal-black mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp material or wash out with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
