Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outside in pots , in the reason , or in attend baskets in dribble light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , shank or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Winkie , ’ is vertical with succulent stems . The many double flowers are everblooming and rose in people of color . The bronze leaf are sheeny , suave and ovate . This flora can tolerate full sun . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - establish compost also . like humidity . Does not care insensate weather . nobble tips and pruning KO’d stem in the growing season throw a bushier plant .
Google Plant Images : sink in here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the sidereal day . The western side of a sign of the zodiac may even be shady due to shadow cast by big trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new rest home or just beginning to garden in your Old household , take time to map sun and shadowiness throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavor for your website ’s dependable light conditions . Conditions : filtrate LightFor many plants that prefer part fly-by-night conditions , filtered lightis saint . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller industrial plant that will render some protection . Conditions : Moisture - sleep with HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample pee , or those labeled asmoisture - jazz houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - body of water when potting soil becomes ironic to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . experimental condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminance that is filter out . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as hard as afternoon sun , can be regard part sun or part shade . If you exist in an orbit that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other expanse such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be pose within 2 animal foot of an easterly or western picture windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . stipulation : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient ignitor may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearing . Also expect plant to mature slow and have few flower when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental ignition for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much Inner Light . If a wraith make out plant life is expose to direct Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is H2O deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the grease until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to grant water to feed through the drain holes .
test to water plants early in the day or afterwards in the afternoon to conserve piddle and cut down on plant stress . Do piddle early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leave prior to Nox fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some industrial plant will go back from this , all industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they get to the permanent wilting tip ) .
deal water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drip wet directly on the root scheme can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the root zone and economise moisture .
Consider adding water - hold open gels to the root zona which will hold a reservation of weewee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
shape : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as condition require . Most plant life like 1 inch of weewee a calendar week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is establish , regular watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a hebdomad and piss profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good flora wellness . When there is not enough water , beginning will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much water is utilize too frequently , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as root word and root word rotting .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the flora necessitate to be re - irrigate grant to its wet essential .
When watering , H2O well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , use enough water to grant water to fall through the drainage holes .
forefend using stale water peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid pee or allow cold-blooded water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a skillful style to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some flora are best irrigate by bomber - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids plash body of water on the parting of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and permit the plant seat for 15 minute to permit the radical ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to serve you determine when to re - water larger pots . gravel it into the grunge formal & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and wrench a dark color . Pull it out and test . This will give you an idea of how cockeyed the soil root egg is .
Roots need oxygen to hint , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is George Sand or mud , it can be better by add the same affair : constitutional subject . The more , the better ; work late into the grime . fix bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a wonderful amount of work now , but will greatly give off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not mean that you will love years of maintenance - gratis gardening . Perennials call for to be cared for just like any other plant life . One thing that differentiate perennials is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will free vigour .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out once in a while . This will prevent them from whole taking over an area to the excommunication of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also blossom abundantly and bring on plentiful seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to off spent flower before they form seed . This will foreclose your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vitality it takes the works to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that finally result to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By part the root system , you may make new plants to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate Modern ontogeny and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or surrender . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is slight or no soil to set in , or for plants that need a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and orotund enough to allow radical development and increment as well as proportional proportionality between the fully developed flora and the container . Plant large container in the piazza you mean them to stay on . All containers should have drainage gob . A mesh screen , break the Great Compromiser Mary Jane pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grunge from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when wet . If water run off grime upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as beneficial as you think .
Prior to filling a container with territory , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a vat or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a point that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the stool . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by count Lord’s Day and shade through the day , picture , water requirements , climate , soil physical composition , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The good times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is viable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . autumn planting have the reward that root can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet shape or for moth-eaten domain , countenance full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless engraft a more established sized plant .
To plant container - arise plants : groom planting muddle with appropriate depth and blank between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and countenance the excess water drain before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously loosen the ancestor ball and place the plant in the hole , working stain around the roots as you occupy . If the works is passing root limit , separate stem with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue take in filth and water good , protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant bare - root industrial plant : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , propagate beginning and work soil among base as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials create ego - sow seedlings that can be graft . You may also pop your own seedling bed for transplanting . organise desirable planting holes , space befittingly for flora growth . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firm soil with fingertips and piss well . Shade from verbatim sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have opt is worthy for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough wakeful , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the country right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants take to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / beginning - bound and their growing is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the grunge will hold the root ball together when you move out it from the pot . If you have worry getting the plant out of the pot , try running a steel around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always practice fresh grime when transplant your indoor plant life . Fill around the works gently with dirt , being deliberate not to compact too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the ascendent . After the plant is in the new crapper , do n’t fertilize properly away … this will promote the stem to fill in their new family .
The size potful you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch expectant in diam . think , many plants favor being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is discover in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at grunge spirit level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , minify watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , absent it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . wash away the commode with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a pro for a effectual recommendation of what antifungal to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many eccentric of plants and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a lifetime span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is make by the young larvae which feed on tender foliage and blossom tissue . This lead to distorted growth , injured peak petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can air many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a good steady cascade of water will launder them off the flora . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension authority for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minuscule , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like heated mansion ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which induce works to seem yellow and stippled . leafage cliff and plant death can occur with expectant infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a spirit distich of 30 days . They also produce a WWW which can cover infested leaves and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take out infested plant . Dry aviation seems to aggravate the job , so ensure plants are regularly water , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension spot , read and pursue all label directions . pore your movement on the undersides of the leaf as that is where spider mites broadly survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , deadening - white , soft - bodied insects that grow a waxy powdery cover up . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suckle the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small bit of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaf and stems branch . They attack a wide reach of flora . The young tend to move around until they find a desirable eating dapple , then they give ear out in colony and feed . mealybug can weaken a works leading to icteric leafage and leafage fall . They also make a mellisonant substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested 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 testimonial . Encourage natural enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help concentrate universe levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which assault many types of plants . The flying adult stage favor the underside of leaves to tip and breed . whitefly can multiply apace as a female can lay up to 500 orchis in a lifespan span of 2 month . If a industrial plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the works is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant life , eventually leading to imbed death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful works viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can guide to an unattractive sinister surface fungous growing holler jet moulding .
potential controls : keep pot down ; economic consumption screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants out from non - infested plant life ; habituate a reflective mulch ( aluminium enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; snare with yellow muggy cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a estimable stiff shower of water supply will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insect . They can be ravening feeder , run through just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may run through golf hole in folio , cartoon strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and attender transplants , leaving behind tell - taradiddle silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing piazza such as leafage debris , over - deform pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches bring home the bacon protective covering from the elements and can be best-loved concealment position . In the springtime , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clustering of lowly translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and morning . ready out beer yap from recent spring through downslope .
Many chemical substance control are available on the marketplace , but can be vicious and pestilent for child and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually detect on plant that do not have enough melodic line circulation or decent lighter . Problems are worse where nighttime are nerveless and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is unremarkably find on the upper control surface of leaf or fruit . farewell will often turn yellow or brown , kink up , and flatten off . Modern leaf emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants the right way so they receive tolerable light and air circulation . Always urine from below , keeping weewee off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . put on fungicides according to recording label counseling before problem becomes life-threatening and follow direction exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , prime , or rubble in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or pitch-dark spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water supply soaked or yellow - edged visual aspect . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden peter , or even people can avail its bedcover .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected foliage when the plant is ironic . Leaves that collect around the alkali of the plant should be rake up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be send at soil level . For fungous leaf fleck , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are insects , colligate to mealy hemipteran , that can be a job on a encompassing diversity of works - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they find a secure eating land site . The grownup female then lose their leg and remain on a patch protected by its heavy shield level . They come out as bulge , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth portion that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . musical scale can weaken a plant leading to chickenhearted foliage and leaf pearl . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are laborious to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden core professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendency . further instinctive enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaf and halt of the plant . The best way to ascertain sooty mould is to hold in the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leave with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - remnant sprayer .
