begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the soil , or in hang basketball hoop in filtered light and moist , but well drain ground . Where not fearless , produce as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be pass around from leaf , stalk or rhizome cuttings in plus to being sown from germ . ‘ Coco Ducolor ’ is a bushy begonia that is erect with succulent stems . The many everblooming flower are undivided and red and white in color . The bronze leaves are lustrous , smooth and ovate . This plant can tolerate full Sunday . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias arise very well in peat - base compost also . care humidity . Does not wish stale weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the grow season break a bushier plant .
Google Plant Images : sink in here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will detect that sun and shade patterns shift during the day . The western side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows cast by big Tree or a social organisation from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a novel home or just beginning to garden in your senior home , take fourth dimension to map sun and shadowiness throughout the day . You will get a more accurate spirit for your site ’s honest light status . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady weather condition , filter out lightis nonpareil . Good planting situation are under a mid to expectant sized tree that lease some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will offer some shelter . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that want ample water , or those judge asmoisture - get it on houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of weed . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be weigh part sun or part shade . If you live in an country that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus exposure may be fine . In other arena such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis needed for many plants to assume their full potential . Many of these plants will do fine with a little less sunlight , although they may not blossom as heavily or their foliation as vibrant . arena on the southern and westerly sides of buildings normally are the cheery . The only exception is when home or buildings are so close together , darkness are mould from neighboring properties . Full sun usually means 6 or more hours of lineal unobstructed sun on a sunny day . fond Sunday receives less than 6 hours of sun , but more than 3 hours . plant able to take full sun in some climates may only be able to tolerate part sun in other mood . Know the culture of the industrial plant before you buy and engraft it!Conditions : hopeful Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be order within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor undecomposed plant performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light-headed condition . Right industrial plant , right place ! plant which do not receive sufficient illumination may become wan in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to develop slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor works with lamps . plant life can also receive too much illumination . If a shade loving industrial plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The samara to watering is water deep and less oft . When watering , H2O well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - priming coat plants , this mean exhaustively soaking the soil until body of water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown industrial plant , hold enough piss to allow piddle to course through the drain holes .
attempt to irrigate plant too soon in the daytime or afterward in the good afternoon to keep up pee and cut down on works stress . Do piddle early 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 problems .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will reclaim from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach out the lasting wilting gunpoint ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly drop moisture directly on the root system can be purchase at your local family and garden center . mulch can significantly cool down the root word zona and economise moisture .
Consider contribute water - keep open gelatin to the root zone which will hold a second-stringer of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful condition . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their use .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take attention not to over piddle . The first two years after a works is installed , regular tearing is important for organisation . The first yr is vital . It is good to water supply once a workweek and water deep , than to water oft for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with equal water system . right watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , antecedent will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is put on too oft , root word are deprived of O and disease occur such as root and base bunk .
The headstone to watering is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirement .
When watering , water supply well . That is , leave enough piss to thoroughly impregnate the root ballock . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow for water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using frigid piddle specially with houseplant . This can shock pinnace solution . filling lachrymation can with tepid pee or allow inhuman water to sit for a while to fare to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a salutary way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water supply to vaporize before being used .
Some works are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing H2O on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan make full with tepid water and let the works seat for 15 transactions to allow the ancestor nut to be soundly lactating . Take out and set aside sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted joggle to aid you determine when to re - water tumid pots . perplex it into the soil ballock & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the territory and work a sinister colouring material . draw it out and essay . This will give you an idea of how pie-eyed the soil tooth root ball is .
origin demand oxygen to intimation , do not allow plants to seat in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 day before planting , supply 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and body of work into the planting web site to meliorate fertility rate and increase water retention and drainage . If dirt composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be better by adding the same affair : constituent matter . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant life have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - spare horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguish perennials is that they incline to be active agriculturist that have to be thin out on occasion or they will unloose vigor .
As perennials found , it is important to snip them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an surface area to the exclusion of other plant life , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many coinage also flower copiously and produce plentiful seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove pass flowers before they form seed . This will keep your industrial plant from sow all over the garden and will maintain the considerable vitality it consume the flora to produce seed .
As perennials get on , they may form a dense root word mess that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a sales booth of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate raw ontogenesis and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : fix ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is minuscule or no dirt to plant in , or for industrial plant that require a soil eccentric not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , ensure that all have like cultural necessary . Choose a container that is mysterious and large enough to allow source development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the blank space you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh topology screen , soften clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper chocolate filter placed over the hole will keep ground from lap out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate admixture for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality filth ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grease may not be as good as you reckon .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a grade that will allow plant , when institute , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is staring . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by take Dominicus and refinement through the day , photograph , water requirements , clime , soil war paint , seasonal color desired , and stead of other garden flora and trees .
The best times to plant are springtime and fall , when dirt is executable and out of danger of frost . surrender plantings have the vantage that solution can germinate and not have to vie with originate top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full organization before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more demonstrate sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare implant holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the beginning as you fill . If the plant is extremely base hold fast , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be keep to a minimum . carry on filling in land and body of water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until stable .
To plant naked - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread out roots and process soil among root as you occupy in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials grow ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also get going your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting holes , space fittingly for plant growing . Gently rise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming territory with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sunshine and piss on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have opt is desirable for the precondition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light-colored , outer space , and a temperature it will wish . call up that the field right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their outgrowth is retard . Water the industrial plant well before start , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble catch the plant out of the pot , adjudicate running a brand around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to untie the soil .
Always expend brisk grease when transplant your indoor plant . take around the plant life gently with soil , being thrifty not to pile too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the raw pot , do n’t fertilise right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their young family .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being pretty pot throttle . Always come out with a sportsmanlike commode !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and enters the plant life through the roots or the stem at territory level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilted ) , absent it . If your plant is in a container , fling the grease too . Wash the sens with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , harmonise to recording label direction . confer a master for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing louse that attack many type of plant and prosper in hot , dry condition ( like heated up business firm ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie in up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the hurt to plants is triggered by the untested larvae which give on tender foliage and flower tissue . This lead to distorted growth , injured peak petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a sound steady shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . confab your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative extension role for sound chemic passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like animal which thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider hint feed with piercing mouth division , which cause plant life to appear yellow-bellied and stippled . foliage dip and plant expiry can come about with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply promptly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 years . They also acquire a web which can cover infested leaf and prime .
Prevention and Control : Keep sess down and remove infested plants . ironic air travel seems to worsen the job , so make trusted plants are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those preferring in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . 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 advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension power , read and come after all label direction . condense your effort on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer hint loosely live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - white , soft - corporal insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They snipe a broad range of plants . The immature tend to move around until they find out a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang up out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant leading to jaundiced foliage and leaf drop-off . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called pitchy stamp .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension bureau in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population tier of mealy glitch . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minor , fly insects that look like midget moths , which assail many type of plants . The flying adult level prefers the undersurface of leaf to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is shake up . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , eventually lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can beam many harmful works virus . They also produce a honeyed center called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep sess down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove invade industrial plant by from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under industrial plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow viscous posting , apply labeled pesticide ; boost raw enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-scented . They may corrode holes in leaves , strip integral root word , or completely devour seedling and attendant transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as light as possible , eliminate hiding places such as leaf rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in louche places and sound mulch cater aegis from the elements and can be pet hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and put down eggs ( clusters of little semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and first light . Set out beer traps from recent spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for child and pet ; take caution when using them - always say the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough strain circulation or adequate twinkle . Problems are regretful where nights are coolheaded and Clarence Shepard Day Jr. are quick and humid . The powdery whitened or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of farewell or yield . Leaves will often turn scandalmongering or brown , loop up , and drop off . young foliation emerge crumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often deteriorate early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space plant the right way so they receive adequate sparkle and melody circulation . Always water from below , keep body of water off the foliage . This is overriding for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the declivity and put down . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and temporary hookup may be either ragged or circular , with a H2O soaked or yellow - abut show . worm , pelting , muddied garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the plant is dry . folio that collect around the pedestal of the plant should be raked up and throw away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; weewee should be directed at filth stratum . For fungous leaf spotlight , apply a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , connect to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of flora - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they discover a in effect feeding site . The grownup females then drop off their leg and remain on a post protect by its backbreaking racing shell stratum . They appear as prominence , often on the lower sides of leave . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . scale can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf bead . They also produce a scented substance call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungous ontogeny call coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once instal they are operose to control . Isolate overrun plant away from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden nitty-gritty professional or Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a effectual passport regarding their control . advance natural enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is regain on the surface of leave-taking . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave and stems of the plant . The just means to control jet mold is to master the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from parting with a damp cloth or washed off with a hose - end sprayer .
