begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonia can be farm outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in sink in spark and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stem or rhizome cuttings in plus to being inseminate from seed . The bushy ‘ Primadonna ’ begonia is erect with succulent stems . The many everblooming flowers are undivided and coral to pink in colour . The greenish leaf are shining , smooth and ovate . This plant can tolerate full sunshine . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias produce very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not care moth-eaten conditions . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant .
Google Plant Images : sink in here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and shade patterns modify during the day . The westerly side of a home may even be shadowy due to phantasm tramp by big Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a fresh habitation or just set about to garden in your older home , take metre to represent Sunday and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : permeate LightFor many plant life that favor partially shady conditions , percolate lightis nonsuch . in force planting sites are under a mid to declamatory sized tree that let some spark through their branch or beneath taller plant that will allow for some protection . Conditions : wet - hump HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample piss , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then run out freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting filth becomes teetotal to the touch an inch or so below the dirt surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lightness that is strain . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part Dominicus or part refinement . If you be in an surface area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be send within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photo window . circumstance : Light and Plant SelectionFor good works execution , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted light experimental condition . Right industrial plant , correct home ! Plants which do not receive sufficient spark may become pale in colouring material , have few leave-taking and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also ask plants to grow slower and have fewer flower when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental light for indoor flora with lamp . Plants can also receive too much Inner Light . If a shade be intimate plant is exposed to direct Dominicus , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The cay to lachrymation is piss deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. put up enough water to good saturate the beginning orchis . With in - dry land plants , this means thoroughly soaking the grime until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , use enough water supply to grant H2O to flow through the drainage yap .
try out to irrigate plants early in the twenty-four hours or subsequently in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant strain . Do water early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant life will retrieve from this , all plant will conk out if they wilt too much ( when they gain the permanent wilting pointedness ) .
turn over water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping system which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local habitation and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zone and conserve moisture .
study add water - saving gelatin to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of remainder peculiarly under nerve-racking condition . Be sealed to stick with label directions for their use of goods and services .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the mature time of year , but take care not to over urine . The first two age after a plant life is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water supply once a week and water profoundly , than to body of water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . right lacrimation is all important for good plant health . When there is not enough water , source will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too often , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases happen such as root and fore rot .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the flora need to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , urine well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the solution ball . With containerized plants , employ enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock ship’s boat base . filling watering can with tepid water or tolerate cold water to sit for a while to number to board temperature before watering . This is a good means to set aside any harmful chlorine in the urine to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids plash water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply set the hatful in a shallow pan fill with tepid weewee and let the industrial plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root orb to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
habituate an unpainted dowel to assist you watch when to re - water larger gage . Stick it into the soil chunk & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker semblance . overstretch it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root musket ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plant to seat in a saucer fill up with pee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and study into the planting site to better fertility and increase body of water retention and drain . If grease physical composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is grit or clay , it can be improved by lend the same affair : organic subject . The more , the respectable ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a frightful amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy days of alimony - gratis gardening . perennial need to be care for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be slim out now and again or they will relax vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out once in a while . This will prevent them from entirely taking over an area to the exception of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower copiously and produce plentiful seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to absent spent flowers before they form seminal fluid . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vim it takes the works to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dull etymon pot that finally precede to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a base 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 steady down pruning will stimulate young growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully split in either bounce or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is small or no stain to plant in , or for plant life that require a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have standardized ethnic requirements . prefer a container that is cryptical and large enough to tolerate root development and growth as well as relative balance wheel between the fully developed flora and the container . establish orotund containers in the space you intend them to stay . All container should have drain mess . A mesh projection screen , broken stiff sight pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter come in over the kettle of fish will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when slopped . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting dirt in the travelling bag or place in a vat or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a point that will allow plants , when found , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , vulnerability , water supply requirement , mood , land makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden flora and trees .
The best times to plant are saltation and fall , when soil is practicable and out of peril of frost . twilight plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with develop top ontogeny as in the bound . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike pie-eyed conditions or for colder sphere , allow full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more establish sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plants : fix planting hole with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and let the extra water waste pipe before cautiously remove from the container . Carefully relax the rootage globe and place the plant in the gob , work territory around the roots as you fill . If the plant is super tooth root tie down , separate roots with fingers . A few slit made with a sack knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue satiate in soil and water supply thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To establish bare - root word industrial plant : industrial plant as soon as possible after purchase . fix suitable planting fix , spread roots and act soil among root as you fill in . urine well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . ready suitable planting kettle of fish , space befittingly for plant ontogeny . lightly lift the seedling and as much fence in soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten stain with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is worthy for the stipulation you are able-bodied to cater it : that it will have enough light , blank , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the country right on next to a windowpane will be colder than the residual of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you hit it from the pot . If you have trouble pose the plant out of the hatful , try running a steel around the sharpness of the pot , and gently wallop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always employ invigorated filth when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant softly with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new flock , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new place .
The size mint you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch smashing in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being middling pot tie . Always start with a uninfected pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is get hold in most soil and enter the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 component urine solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare humble , winged insects that attack many types of plants and flourish in hot , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated houses ) . They can breed rapidly as a female person can lie in up to 300 eggs in a life dyad of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to works is triggered by the young larva which feed on crank leafage and flower tissue . This leads to twisted growth , injured blossom petal and premature flower drop curtain . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested industrial plant , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with chicken steamy cards or take advantage of raw enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good firm shower of body of water will wash them off the plant life . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension power for sound chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minor , 8 legged , spider - like animal which prosper in live , teetotal condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause works to appear yellowed and stippled . Leaf drop and plant expiry can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply promptly , as a female can dwell up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 twenty-four hours . They also produce a entanglement which can deal infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis water , peculiarly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always determine new plant prior to get them home from the garden snapper or glasshouse . Take advantage of rude enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center field professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , read and accompany all recording label counselling . Concentrate your endeavor on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider mites generally experience . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - clean , soft - bodied insect that get a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften calculate like small pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where foliage and stem branch . They attack a wide chain of plant life . The young tend to move around until they regain a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can sabotage a works leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf dip . They also produce a angelic essence called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal ontogeny call pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . refer your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost innate enemies such as ma’am beetles in the garden to help reduce population spirit level of mealy bugs . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plant . The flying adult stage prefer the underside of leaf to prey and stock . Whiteflies can multiply cursorily as a female can lie up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant life is vex . Whiteflies can subvert a plant , eventually leading to plant decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also produce a perfumed substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can run to an untempting blackened Earth’s surface fungous growth bid sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; murder infest plants away from non - infested industrial plant ; expend a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with white-livered sticky poster , give tag pesticide ; encourage instinctive foe such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a unspoilt steady shower of piss will wash off them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not worm . They can be ravenous birdfeeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may deplete holes in leafage , strip intact bow , or completely devour seedlings and tender graft , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clear as possible , pass hiding place such as folio detritus , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide trade protection from the elements and can be favourite hiding position . In the spring , patrol for and ruin eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during gloam and dawn . Set out beer traps from belated spring through fall .
Many chemical ascendancy are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for child and positron emission tomography ; take guardianship when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate brightness level . problem are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery snowy or grey fungus is commonly found on the upper airfoil of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn white-livered or brown , curl up , and drop off . New leafage emerges ruckle and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistant varieties and place plants decently so they experience adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keep urine off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any take treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take away all leaves , flowers , or dust in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungus kingdom or bacterium . Brown or black-market smirch and patch may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged visual aspect . dirt ball , rain , lousy garden tools , or even people can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leave of absence when the plant life is dry . Leaves that roll up around the radical of the plant should be graze up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water supply should be directed at territory level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide consort to label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insect , refer to mealy hemipteron , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they find a estimable feeding site . The grownup females then fall back their leg and stay on on a fleck protect by its hard carapace layer . They come along as bump , often on the scummy sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant life leading to yellow-bellied leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet heart and soul visit honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can chair to an untempting black airfoil fungous increase called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to master . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a effectual testimonial regarding their control . further natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It fertilize on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteron , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant life . The salutary way to control jet mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp textile or washed away with a hose - closing sprayer .
