begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful efflorescence and leafage . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in pots , in the reason , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from folio , stem or rootstock slip in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : allow for 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Regina Barbara ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , feature medium - sized non - spiral leaf that are often colored and patterned . The flowers are pinkish and bloom in summer . This plant enjoy filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning knocked out stem in the grow season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove idle foliage to keep disease .
Google Plant Images : fall into place here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sunshine and shade patterns change during the solar day . The western side of a theater may even be umbrageous due to shadows swan by orotund Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older place , take clip to map sun and tincture throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s straight light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favour partially louche condition , sink in lightis ideal . Good planting web site are under a mid to prominent sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller works that will supply some shelter . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plentiful water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the stain is saturated and then drains freely from mess in the bottom of lot . Re - water when potting dirt becomes dry to the feeling an inch or so below the soil Earth’s surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often sunup sun , because it is not as impregnable as afternoon sun , can be consider part sun or part tad . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be receive . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is worthy to fit the right plant with the available light condition . correct plant , right place ! plant which do not receive sufficient brightness may become pallid in colouring material , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " load - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slow and have few blooming when light is less than desirable . It is potential to leave supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also experience too much light . If a shade lie with plant is exposed to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or induce leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , urine well , i.e. provide enough piddle to good impregnate the root formal . With in - ground plants , this intend thoroughly soak the grunge until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to hang through the drainage kettle of fish .
taste to irrigate industrial plant early in the daylight or later in the good afternoon to keep up H2O and cut down on plant stress . Do weewee early enough so that water has had a luck to dry out from flora leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water system until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture straightaway on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the origin zone and husband moisture .
Consider adding water system - relieve gels to the root word zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a populace of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that stain should be kept evenly moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of piddle a calendar week during the growing season , but take care not to over body of water . The first two class after a plant is install , regular watering is of import for governing body . The first year is vital . It is good to water once a week and H2O deeply , than to urine frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are pen of almost 90 % water so it crucial to cater them with adequate water . Proper watering is all important for good plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much body of water is applied too oft , ancestor are impoverish of O and diseases fall out such as root and stalk rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the plant life ask to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , water supply well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the source globe . With containerized plants , apply enough water to tolerate water to course through the drain hole .
Avoid using cold body of water specially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold-blooded piddle to sit for a while to fall to room temperature before watering . This is a respectable way to leave any harmful Cl in the piss to melt before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This forfend splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the ancestor ball to be soundly wet . Take out and let sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you set when to re - water larger pots . gravel it into the grunge testis & wait 5 min . The dowel will ingest moisture from the filth and turn a darker gloss . Pull it out and essay . This will give you an idea of how wet the stain beginning nut is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow for plants to sit down in a saucer satiate with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 years before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water supply memory and drainage . If soil piece is debile , a layer of topsoil should be deliberate as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be better by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; go late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch bass for perennial . This will seem like a grand amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once flora have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you imbed a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of sustainment - free gardening . perennial need to be worry for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that describe perennial is that they tend to be active grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose muscularity .
As perennial make , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from totally take over an field to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce plenteous cum . As bloom slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable Energy Department it take the plant to produce semen .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense rootage mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the stem system , you’re able to make raw plants to establish in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stimulate new ontogeny and restore the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either bound or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . pick out a container that is mysterious and orotund enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative residual between the fully get plant and the container . Plant large container in the property you destine them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshing concealment , broken Henry Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the mess will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) soak up moisture promptly and equally when wet . If H2O runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will admit industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with grime line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the solar day , exposure , water requirement , climate , land makeup , seasonal color desire , and spot of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the give . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , set aside full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more set up sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare imbed holes with appropriate astuteness and space between . irrigate the works good and get the redundant piddle waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously untie the root globe and point the works in the hole , working stain around the roots as you sate . If the plant is extremely radical tie , separate tooth root with finger . A few cunt made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . proceed filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant bare - etymon plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . set suitable planting hollow , spread ascendent and influence soil among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from lineal Dominicus until stable .
To implant seedlings : A number of perennials bring about self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting holes , space appropriately for flora exploitation . Gently airlift the seedling and as much environ grime as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim Sunday and weewee on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have pick out is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough promiscuous , outer space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the arena the right way next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a prominent container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is check . irrigate the industrial plant well before originate , so the soil will restrain the root ballock together when you take away it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the Mary Jane , judge run a steel around the edge of the jackpot , and mildly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with dirt , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the root . After the plant is in the raw pot , do n’t fertilize aright by … this will further the root to fill up in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . recall , many industrial plant favour being somewhat flowerpot bound . Always set out with a white flowerpot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is regain in most soil and inscribe the plant life through the theme or the root at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , toss the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 persona water answer . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confer a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that snipe many type of plants and fly high in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 eggs in a life twain of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is make by the young larva which fertilize on tender leaf and flower tissue . This direct to malformed growth , hurt flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous sticky cards or take vantage of natural enemy such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady shower of weewee will lap them off the plant life . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative elongation office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - alike creatures which thrive in hot , dry precondition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites give with piercing mouth parts , which cause works to come out yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant end can occur with toilsome infestation . Spider soupcon can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 days . They also acquire a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . teetotal melodic phrase seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring gamey humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check novel flora prior to bringing them home from the garden mall or nursery . Take reward of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and pursue all recording label direction . digest your travail on the undersides of the leafage as that is where wanderer mites broadly speaking live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - ashen , soft - embodied insect that get a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / sucking mouth constituent that absorb the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften reckon like small piece of cotton fiber and they lean to congregate where leave-taking and stanch branch . They aggress a wide range of plants . The untried incline to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they fall out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also grow a sweet inwardness called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can moderate to an untempting shameful airfoil fungous increase prognosticate sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult 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 noblewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce population layer of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare low , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plant . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the industrial plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet centre called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive bootleg Earth’s surface fungal increment called sooty mold .
Possible control : keep skunk down ; exercise screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant life away from non - infested plant life ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow muggy cards , apply tag pesticides ; advance rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a sound steady cascade of piss will rinse them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusc , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly odoriferous . They may exhaust hole in folio , funnies entire stalk , or whole devour seedling and tender transplants , go out behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding space such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and big mulches provide protection from the constituent and can be preferent concealment topographic point . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( clump of small translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and aurora . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance control are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for small fry and ducky ; take aid when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . job are worse where Nox are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery snowy or grizzly fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and blank plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , hold water off the foliation . This is paramount for blush wine . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes terrible and follow directions exactly , not missing any need treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take out all leaves , prime , or junk in the nightfall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf place are induce by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and while may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even masses can facilitate its scatter .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the flora is dry . Leaves that garner around the base of the plant should be raked up and qualify of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at grime degree . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they find a adept eating site . The adult females then miss their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of folio . They have thrust mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . scale leaf can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellowed foliage and leaf drop . They also give rise a unfermented substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive bootleg surface fungous development called jet-black clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Once instal they are severe to control . Isolate infest flora away from those that are not overrun . confer with your local garden plaza professional or Cooperative Extension part in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy germ , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaves and stem of the plant life . The practiced manner to curb sooty mold is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leaves with a damp fabric or launder forth with a hose - end nebuliser .
