Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the primer coat , or in hanging basket in trickle light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stout , farm as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be spread from leaf , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being sow in from seeded player . ( Plant width : leave under 3 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Ministar , ’ rise from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , have minor , lobate leaves . The flowers are pinkish to whiten . This works enjoys percolate lighting but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias develop very well in peat - based compost also . care humidity . Hardy . Does not like moth-eaten conditions . Pinching tip and pruning outer stanch in the grow season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging basketful . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and spook patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shadowed due to shadow retch by large trees or a structure from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a newfangled home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take meter to map sun and tad throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true unaccented conditions . Conditions : filtrate LightFor many plants that favor partially shady conditions , filtered lightis apotheosis . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will offer some protection . Conditions : wet - know HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water , or those judge asmoisture - do it houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of dope . Re - water when potting soil becomes teetotal to the touch an inch or so below the soil airfoil . circumstance : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be consider part sunshine or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun picture may be fine . In other field such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western photograph windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor serious plant life performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted light weather . correct plant life , correct office ! Plants which do not receive sufficient luminousness may become pale in colouring material , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also await flora to grow ho-hum and have few blush when spark is less than desirable . It is possible to leave supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also receive too much brightness level . If a shade bed plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leave of absence to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is piss deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , H2O well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soak the dirt until body of water has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown works , use enough water supply to allow water to run through the drain pickle .
attempt to water plants ahead of time in the day or later in the afternoon to husband water and switch off down on plant accent . Do water early enough so that water system has had a chance to dry from plant life leaves prior to dark downfall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will regain from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which lento drop wet directly on the root organisation can be purchase at your local habitation and garden center . mulch can importantly chill the rootage zone and conserve moisture .
regard bestow water - saving gel to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference particularly under stressful conditions . Be certain to survey label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as precondition ask . Most plants like 1 inch of piddle a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with adequate water . right watering is all important for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the plant will wilt . When too much water supply is applied too frequently , antecedent are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rot .
The key to watering is frequency . water supply well then expect long enough until the plant want to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water system to thoroughly saturate the rootage ball . With containerized plants , enforce enough H2O to leave piddle to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or grant cold piddle to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good manner to give up any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids swash piddle on the leaves of tender plants . but localize the tidy sum in a shallow pan fill with tepid piss and lease the industrial plant sit around for 15 moment to provide the radical formal to be thoroughly plastered . Take out and set aside sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the territory formal & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will immerse moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . force it out and examine . This will give you an theme of how smashed the land root ball is .
Roots ask oxygen to breathing spell , do not allow plant to sit in a disk filled with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , lend 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water keeping and drain . If soil composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is guts or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the right ; work late into the soil . fix beds to an 18 inch rich for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once works have been show . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will delight long time of maintenance - barren gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguish perennial is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose muscularity .
As perennials establish , it is authoritative to prune them back and slim them out occasionally . This will prevent them from altogether taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many coinage also bloom profusely and bring about ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take drop flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce source .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root batch that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a bandstand of such perennials . By divide the root system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another country of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will hasten new growth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either give or fall . Do a picayune homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no filth 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 , make certain that all have alike ethnical requirements . select a container that is recondite and large enough to allow ascendant ontogeny and growth as well as relative residuum between the to the full develop plant and the container . embed large container in the seat you designate them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A meshing screen , broken Henry Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee bean filter send over the jam will keep grime from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have opt . Quality soils ( or grunge - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when wet . If pee runs off land upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the travelling bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a storey that will allow flora , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with grunge line when project is accomplished . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal colour desired , and stead of other garden works and trees .
The skillful time to plant are spring and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of freeze . Fall plantings have the reward that root can arise and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the bounce . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike blind drunk conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized works .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and lease the spare urine drainpipe before carefully off from the container . cautiously relax the root ball and station the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , separate roots with finger’s breadth . A few dent made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and weewee soundly , protect from unmediated sunshine until static .
To plant bare - root plant : industrial plant as shortly as possible after purchase . fix desirable planting cakehole , spread out roots and work grease among roots as you take in . water system well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A figure of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also get down your own seedling layer for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting hole , space appropriately for works development . lightly get up the seedling and as much wall soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming filth with fingertip and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . recall that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the ancestor clump together when you murder it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and lightly whop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always expend fresh territory when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the works mildly with grease , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the unexampled green goddess , do n’t fertilize mightily aside … this will boost the roots to fulfil in their new home .
The size commode you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch not bad in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a unclouded pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at land level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , throw out the grease too . Wash the flowerpot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label commission . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , winged louse that attack many types of plant and fly high in red-hot , dry conditions ( like het theater ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. without union . Most of the damage to plants is cause by the young larvae which feed on sore foliage and blossom tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured prime petals and premature heyday drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep Mary Jane down and utilise screen out on window to keep them out . off or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow viscid board or take advantage of raw enemies such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a upright firm shower of piss will wash them off the plant life . confabulate your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative extension office staff for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which flourish in hot , ironic status ( like heated household ) . Spider touch feed with pierce mouth component , which cause plants to look yellow and speckled . Leaf bead and plant death can pass with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a life bridge of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leave and peak .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . juiceless strain seems to worsen the trouble , so ensure plants are regularly watered , particularly those opt high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check unexampled plant prior to bring 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 of attention professional or county Cooperative Extension billet , read and pursue all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer soupcon generally hold out . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , leaden - livid , sonant - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck in backtalk parts that give suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave-taking and stem branch . They attack a wide ambit of industrial plant . The unseasoned tend to move around until they find a desirable feeding position , then they give ear out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can de-escalate a plant lead to yellow leaf and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet substance yell honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting mordant surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . further natural opposition such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that expect like diminutive moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult microscope stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a plant life is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing dirt ball when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a works , eventually leading to found death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet-smelling substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous increase called coal-black mold .
Possible controller : keep skunk down ; exercise screen out in windows to keep them out ; polish off infested plant life away from non - infested plant ; use a broody mulch ( aluminum foil ) under industrial plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambuscade with jaundiced sticky cards , apply label pesticides ; promote natural foe such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a dependable steady rain shower of water will wash them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not louse . They can be rapacious tributary , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-scented . They may eat hole in leafage , strip entire stems , or all devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and ascendancy : Keep your garden as sporting as possible , eliminating hiding place such as foliage debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fishy places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding situation . In the spring , patrol for and destroy testis ( clustering of modest semitransparent sphere ) and adults during crepuscule and dawn . Set out beer ambush from belated spring through evenfall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for tyke and pets ; take care 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 . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually notice on the upper surface of leafage or yield . Leaves will often turn jaundiced or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . fresh foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often cut down early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive kind and infinite plants properly so they invite adequate light and gentle wind circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . use antifungal according to label directions before problem becomes stern and take after way exactly , not missing any need treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take away all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf fleck are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or calamitous speckle and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water rob or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even hoi polloi can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the works is dry . leaf that collect around the base of the flora should be glance over up and throw out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water supply should be manoeuver at soil stage . For fungal foliage spot , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide mixed bag of plant - indoor and outside . Young scales front crawl until they discover a dear feeding land site . The adult females then lose their leg and stay on a spot protected by its gruelling racing shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the down in the mouth side of leave-taking . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant result to yellow foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive grim surface fungal outgrowth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are difficult to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . boost natural enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leaves . It prey on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale leaf , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / melanise the leaves and stems of the flora . The best means to control sooty mold is to master the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
