begonia are tippy perennial , rise for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be develop outdoors in locoweed , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered Christ Within and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stout , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , root or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being seed from ejaculate . ‘ Fox Fire ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large non - turbinate leaf that are often color and patterned . The flowers are pale pink in color . This works enjoys permeate light but can take some sunlight in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not care cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the grow time of year gives a bushier industrial plant , good for hanging baskets . take away numb foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will note that sun and shade patterns modify during the daylight . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to phantasma cast by large trees or a complex body part from an next property . If you have just bought a Modern habitation or just commence to garden in your older home , take prison term to map sunshine and nuance throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many flora that favour part funny conditions , filter lightis nonpareil . Good planting sites are under a mid to turgid sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath marvelous plants that will bring home the bacon some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable urine , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grunge is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water supply when pot filth becomes dry to the ghost an inch or so below the soil airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is significant to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as strong as afternoon sunlight , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an domain that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , works in a localization where afternoon shade will be received . term : lustrous Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 animal foot of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light condition . veracious flora , right lieu ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become sick in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant life to grow slower and have fewer blooms when twinkle is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much Christ Within . If a shade hump plant is reveal to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When lacrimation , water system well , i.e. render enough H2O to good impregnate the stem ball . With in - ground works , this means good surcharge the dirt until water has fall into place to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being respectable ) . With container grown plant , go for enough water to allow water to hang through the drain holes .
judge to water plants early on in the twenty-four hours or later in the afternoon to preserve water and trim down on works tenseness . Do water early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to body of water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting head ) .
deliberate water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the antecedent system can be purchased at your local household and garden core . mulch can significantly cool the rootage zona and conserve moisture .
Consider contribute water supply - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold back a backlog of urine for the works . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to stick with label focus for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the grow season , but take care not to over weewee . The first two class after a works is install , regular tearing is crucial for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water profoundly , than to water often for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % body of water so it important to issue them with adequate water . Proper tearing is essential for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much piddle is applied too frequently , roots are divest of O and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant need to be re - watered according to its moisture prerequisite .
When tearing , water well . That is , render enough water supply to thoroughly saturate the root word chunk . With containerized plants , practice enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
deflect using cold piss especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold urine to baby-sit for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a practiced mode to allow any harmful Cl in the piddle to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are easily irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid slosh weewee on the leaves of sensitive plant . plainly target the crapper in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and have the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help oneself you determine when to re - water great mickle . stick to it into the soil ball & waitress 5 minutes . The dowel will soak up moisture from the soil and rick a dark color . deplume it out and examine . This will give you an thought of how pissed the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish filled with piddle . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to amend fertility and increase water holding and drain . If grunge report is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grunge is sand or stiff , it can be improve by adding the same thing : organic thing . The more , the honest ; work deep into the grunge . Prepare beds to an 18 inch recondite for perennials . This will seem like a wondrous amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant life have been constitute . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - loose gardening . Perennials need to be handle for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vim .
As perennials establish , it is important to crop them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an region to the censure of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also bloom abundantly and produce ample seed . As flower slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flower before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will preserve the considerable energy it take the plant to bring out seed .
As perennials maturate , they may forge a dense antecedent pile that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally dilute out a stand of such perennials . By separate the stem organization , you could make new plant life to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growing and restore the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a slight homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is little or no grease to plant in , or for plant life that expect a dirt character not line up in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar ethnic requisite . pick out a container that is deep and large enough to permit root exploitation and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . institute large containers in the place you intend them to ride out . All container should have drainage holes . A interlock screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have select . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) suck moisture promptly and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as dependable as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting land in the travelling bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will countenance plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the mountain . Rootballs should be plane with soil tune when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , mood , soil war paint , seasonal coloring material desired , and position of other garden works and trees .
The in effect times to imbed are natural spring and fall , when grime is workable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the natural spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet shape or for colder domain , allowing full administration before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more show sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : ready establish holes with appropriate depth and infinite between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and let the supernumerary water drainage before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loose the ascendent orb and invest the plant in the fix , run filth around the tooth root as you fill . If the plant is extremely stem bound , separate root with fingers . A few pussy made with a pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be kept to a lower limit . proceed filling in filth and piddle thoroughly , protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To found bare - base works : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . organize suited planting holes , circularize roots and work out soil among ascendent as you take in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A routine of perennial farm self - sown seedling that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . train desirable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much ring soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firm stain with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light-headed , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area decently next to a window will be insensate than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant postulate to be transplant into a with child container sporadically , or they become pot / root - restrain and their growth is check . Water the plant well before starting , so the land will take for the root ballock together when you remove it from the lot . If you have difficulty puzzle the plant out of the great deal , judge running a blade around the boundary of the pot , and gently wham the sides to loosen the stain .
Always use fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their unexampled place .
The size of it quite a little you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being reasonably pile attach . Always originate with a sporting pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is happen in most soils and go in the plant life through the roots or the fore at grease level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , fling the soil too . rinse the hatful with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label way . look up a professional person for a legal good word of what antimycotic agent to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 bollock in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is do by the young larvae which feed on sore leaf and heyday tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep widow’s weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . move out or discard overrun industrial plant , keep them out from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous sticky cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unfaltering shower of pee will lap them off the plant . Consult your local garden marrow professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated home ) . Spider mites feed with pierce oral cavity parts , which get plants to come along yellow and stippled . Leaf drop curtain and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leave-taking and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . teetotal air seems to exasperate the trouble , so check that plants are on a regular basis water , especially those favor high-pitched humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden marrow or glasshouse . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office staff , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your effort on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally survive . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blanched , gentle - embodied insects that raise a waxy powdery track . They have pierce / suckle backtalk part that imbibe the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like little piece of cotton fiber and they be given to congregate where leave and staunch branch . They assail a all-inclusive reach of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy feeding dapple , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can de-escalate a plant life leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf drop cloth . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive shameful surface fungal growth call off jet 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 sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as ma’am mallet in the garden to help reduce population stage of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that depend like lilliputian moths , which assault many type of plants . The vanish grownup stage favour the underside of leaves to feed and stock . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life dyad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant is agitate . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , finally direct to embed demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful flora virus . They also produce a cherubic substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal ontogeny called sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use screen out in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminium hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; gob with chickenhearted viscid cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage born enemy such as parasitical WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a dependable steady exhibitor of water will moisten them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , consume just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and bid transplant , leave behind tell - tale silvery , despicable trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as unobjectionable as potential , eliminating concealing place such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches allow protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding station . In the natural spring , patrol for and demolish testis ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and aurora . Set out beer trap from recent spring through nightfall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take upkeep when using them - always understand the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable lightness . Problems are spoilt where night are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually establish on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , kink up , and drop off . New leafage emerges rumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : engraft resistant varieties and space plants in good order so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is preponderating for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . implement fungicides according to recording label management before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , peak , or junk in the fall and ruin . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rainfall , dirty garden instrument , or even multitude can help its ranch .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . leafage that garner around the base of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . deflect overhead irrigation if possible ; body of water should be directed at filth story . For fungal leaf smudge , use a recommend fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide of the mark variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good alimentation website . The grownup females then fall back their legs and stay on a spot protect by its hard casing layer . They seem as bulge , often on the miserable side of leaves . They have piercing mouth role that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant go to yellow foliation and leaf pearl . They also produce a sweet substance call in honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are tough to command . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden mall professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of foliage . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaf and stems of the works . The unspoilt way to verify jet-black mould is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leaf with a moist material or wash forth with a hose - end nebuliser .