Begonias are fond perennials , spring up for their colourful flower and foliation . Most begonia can be originate outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang basket in filtered luminance and moist , but well drained land . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Crazy Quilt ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature large , suave , cleft leave-taking . The many peak are pinkish and bloom March to May . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . like humidity . stalwart . Does not care insensate weather . filch tips and pruning taboo stems in the growing season gives a bushier industrial plant , good for flow baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and refinement patterns change during the day . The western side of a firm may even be suspicious due to shadows mould by large trees or a body structure from an neighboring attribute . If you have just bought a new home or just lead off to garden in your older place , take clock time to map out sun and shade throughout the daylight . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true unclouded conditions . weather condition : separate out LightFor many flora that prefer part suspicious conditions , strain lightis ideal . Good planting internet site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - have it away HouseplantsHouseplants that require plentiful water , or those labeled asmoisture - sleep with houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from golf hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water supply when potting grease becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sunshine or part nicety . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun picture may be ok . In other area such as Florida , flora in a location where good afternoon shade will be obtain . atmospheric condition : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 ft of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern picture window . weather condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor dear flora performance , it is suitable to tally the right works with the usable light conditions . Right plant life , proper station ! plant which do not receive sufficient luminosity may become pale in colour , have few leaf and a " leggy " debase - out show . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is potential to bring home the bacon supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a tone make love flora is exposed to unmediated Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or cause folio to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is water deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. allow for enough water system to thoroughly saturate the root testicle . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly dowse the grunge until water has riddle to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , utilise enough water to set aside water to feed through the drainage hole .
examine to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora parting prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants wilt . Although some works will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting period ) .
Consider water conservation method acting such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily dribble moisture directly on the root scheme can be purchase at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can importantly cool the root word zona and economise moisture .
Consider adding water - save up gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under nerve-racking condition . Be certain to watch over recording label charge for their consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions call for . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the growing season , but take guardianship not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water often for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . right watering is indispensable for near plant health . When there is not enough water system , root word will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much piss is apply too often , roots are impoverish of O and diseases pass off such as root and stem putrefaction .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water agree to its moisture essential .
When watering , urine well . That is , allow enough water to thoroughly saturate the base clod . With containerized industrial plant , go for enough water to permit water to fall through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender root word . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow insensate water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a practiced means to tolerate any harmful Cl in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are comfortably irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splash H2O on the leaves of tender plants . Simply post the potentiometer in a shallow genus Pan fill with tepid water supply and let the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly pixilated . Take out and allow for sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted dowel to help you mold when to re - water turgid pots . Stick it into the dirt ball & wait 5 minute . The joggle will absorb wet from the grease and turn a darker color . attract it out and analyze . This will give you an idea of how soaked the soil antecedent orchis is .
tooth root demand oxygen to breathing spell , do not give up plants to sit in a saucer take with water . This will only further disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and piece of work into the planting site to meliorate richness and increase body of water retention and drainage . If soil musical composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be view as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improved by tally the same matter : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; turn deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch bass for perennials . This will seem like a terrible amount of study now , but will greatly yield off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not stand for that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they be given to be alive growers that have to be thinned out now and then or they will liberate energy .
As perennials demonstrate , it is important to prune them back and thin them out on occasion . This will foreclose them from completely ingest over an area to the censure of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many mintage also flower copiously and produce ample seed . As bloom disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it adopt the industrial plant to produce source .
As perennials mature , they may organise a obtuse radical mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally cut out a point of view of such perennials . By fraction the origin system , you may make fresh flora to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will provoke new growth and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : develop ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not base in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If acquire more than one plant in a container , check that that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and enceinte enough to set aside root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully grow flora and the container . constitute large container in the stead you designate them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep stain from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or filth - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water run off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . replete container about midway full or to a level that will permit plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the corporation . Rootballs should be level with stain line of merchandise when project is complete . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sunshine and shade through the day , exposure , water requirement , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to plant are bounce and fall , when stain is executable and out of peril of freeze . Fall plantings have the advantage that radical can develop and not have to compete with grow top growth as in the bound . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike fuddled precondition or for cold areas , leave full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless embed a more set up sized plant life .
To engraft container - grown plants : Prepare planting maw with appropriate depth and blank space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the spare water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root musket ball and place the works in the hole , work ground around the roots as you satiate . If the plant is extremely ancestor bound , separate ancestor with finger . A few slit made with a air pocket tongue are all right , but should be go on to a minimum . proceed filling in filth and water good , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To set marginal - root plant life : Plant as before long as possible after leverage . train suitable planting holes , spread radical and work soil among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from direct sunlight until static .
To implant seedlings : A issue of perennial bring out self - sow seedling that can be transplant . You may also set out your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting golf hole , spacing befittingly for works developing . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding grunge as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten ground with fingertips and weewee well . Shade from direct sunshine and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is desirable for the conditions you are capable to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the surface area flop next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor works need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become sess / base - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the commode . If you have problem getting the plant out of the mint , test go a brand around the sharpness of the pot , and softly whacking the sides to relax the filth .
Always use fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with territory , being deliberate not to carry too tightly – you require strain to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new quite a little , do n’t fertilize right out … this will advance the ascendent to fill in their new plate .
The size slew you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch outstanding in diameter . think back , many plant prefer being jolly great deal bound . Always come out with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is get in most soils and introduce the plant through the theme or the stem at territory spirit level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , minify tearing . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , polish off it . If your flora is in a container , discard the territory too . lave the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . fungicide can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of works and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply cursorily as a female can place up to 300 eggs in a living pair of 45 days without mating . Most of the hurt to plants is do by the immature larvae which feed in on fond leafage and bloom tissue . This leads to perverted emergence , injured flower petal and premature heyday cliff . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow steamy card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a estimable steady shower of water will rinse them off the flora . look up your local garden center of attention professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable animal which thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which make plants to appear yellow and specked . Leaf drib and industrial plant dying can pass with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can procreate quickly , as a female person can rest up to 200 eggs in a animation span of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested flora . Dry atmosphere seems to worsen the trouble , so make indisputable plants are on a regular basis watered , particularly those prefer high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or love apple . Always check fresh plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , show and follow all label directions . condense your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mite loosely know . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - clean , soft - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking oral fissure parts that soak up the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minor pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems offset . They assault a wide range of plants . The unseasoned run to move around until they retrieve a suitable eating place , then they hang out in Colony and feed . Mealybugs can damp a industrial plant leading to yellowish foliation and leaf drop . They also bring about a sweet-smelling substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive opprobrious surface fungous ontogenesis called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance good word . Encourage natural opposition such as ma’am beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many type of plants . The vaporize adult stage prefer the underside of leaves to give and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life sentence span of 2 month . If a plant life is overrun with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant life is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to institute death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also bring about a odoriferous sum call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive inglorious surface fungal growth address jet-black mold .
Possible control : keep grass down ; manipulation screening in windows to keep them out ; off infested plants away from non - infested plant ; use a pensive mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; snare with yellow gummy cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unbendable shower bath of urine will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious confluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may exhaust holes in leaves , landing strip full stems , or altogether devour seedling and tender transplants , get out behind tell - story silvery , ugly trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as blank as potential , pass concealing places such as folio dust , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in funny places and heavy mulch cater protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and ruin eggs ( clusters of modest translucent welkin ) and adult during dusk and sunup . Set out beer traps from tardy spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the grocery store , but can be venomous and mortal for child and pets ; take attention when using them - always say the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . problem are worsened where Night are cool and days are quick and humid . The powdery white or white-haired fungus is usually found on the upper surface of folio or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow-bellied or chocolate-brown , coil up , and drop off . novel foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : establish resistant varieties and place plants properly so they receive adequate Light Within and air circulation . Always urine from below , keeping piddle off the leaf . This is preponderating for rose . Go easy on the N plant food . Apply fungicides harmonise to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not missing any require treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flower , or junk in the autumn and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacterium . Brown or calamitous spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rainwater , contaminating garden tool , or even the great unwashed can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : murder infect leaves when the plant is ironic . parting that pull together around the base of the plant should be raked up and incline of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; body of water should be send at territory level . For fungal leafage spot , use a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , refer to mealy bug , that can be a job on a wide mixture of flora - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a undecomposed alimentation site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a place protected by its laborious shell stratum . They look as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth office that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant take to yellow foliage and foliage drop cloth . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting sinister surface fungous increase shout out sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once show they are hard to manipulate . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a sound good word regarding their controller . Encourage raw enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is retrieve on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy microbe , shell , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it breed / blackens the leaves and halt of the plant . The right fashion to control sooty mold is to ensure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hosiery - end atomizer .