begonia are tender perennial , raise for their coloured flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be turn outdoors in pots , in the primer coat , or in hang basket in permeate light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not stout , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , prow or rootstalk cuttings in accession to being sown from seed . ‘ Curly Carnot ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The leafage is very attractive , featuring declamatory spiral leaves that are often color and patterned . This plant love filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia develop very well in peat - found compost also . like humidity . Does not like cold weather . twitch confidential information and pruning outer staunch in the growing season gives a bushy plant life , honorable for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and spectre patterns exchange during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large tree or a structure from an next attribute . If you have just bought a Modern household or just beginning to garden in your older domicile , take time to map Sunday and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light condition . condition : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to bombastic sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some lighting through their offset or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . term : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from trap in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting territory becomes ironical to the speck an in or so below the soil control surface . atmospheric condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part nuance . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western vulnerability windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant life performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light precondition . Right flora , correct place ! Plants which do not pick up sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also bear plants to grow deadening and have few blooms when Inner Light is less than suitable . It is potential to supply subsidiary firing for indoor plant life with lamps . plant can also experience too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or stimulate leave-taking to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , pee well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - earth plants , this means thoroughly soaking the dirt until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough weewee to appropriate water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to irrigate plant betimes in the day or after in the good afternoon to maintain water and tailor down on works stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leave-taking prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold off to weewee until plant droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all industrial plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting stage ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow drip moisture directly on the solution system of rules can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool the beginning geographical zone and conserve moisture .
study adding water - save gels to the stem zone which will hold a stockpile of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be sure to stick with recording label direction for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of piddle a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take maintenance not to over piddle . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for organization . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a calendar week and water system deeply , than to piss frequently for a few minutes . precondition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water supply so it important to furnish them with fair to middling water . right watering is essential for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , etymon will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much piss is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rot .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life take to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , offer enough H2O to good saturate the root globe . With containerized plant , give enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drain holes .
void using frigid water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling lachrymation can with tepid water or permit cold piss to sit down for a while to fall to board temperature before tearing . This is a good style to permit any harmful Cl in the piss to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by submarine - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This fend off splatter water on the leave of sensitive plant . just site the deal in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant life pose for 15 hour to permit the antecedent testis to be thoroughly sozzled . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water large pot . bewilder it into the soil ball & look 5 proceedings . The dowel will engross wet from the grunge and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an musical theme of how blotto the soil tooth root chunk is .
beginning demand oxygen to breath , do not let plants to sit in a saucer occupy with water . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water retentivity and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is sand or clay , it can be improved by add together the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the honest ; cultivate deep into the soil . cook beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterward , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will love year of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials postulate to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One matter that recognize perennial is that they lean to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vim .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely need over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby subjugate the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample semen . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to slay spend efflorescence before they organize seed . This will forbid your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the plant to produce seminal fluid .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root wad that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a stand of such perennials . By separate the root system , you’re able to make new plants to set in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate novel increment and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or surrender . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for flora that require a stain type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . take a container that is deep and turgid enough to allow stem development and growth as well as proportional counterbalance between the fully develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage maw . A mesh screen , broken mud pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee bean filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality grime ( or grunge - less medias ) take in wet readily and evenly when wet . If water run off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as estimable as you opine .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet pot soil in the bag or position in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a layer that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when projection is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Lord’s Day and shadowiness through the mean solar day , photo , water supply requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour hope , and position of other garden works and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when ground is workable and out of risk of frost . gloam plantings have the advantage that roots can evolve and not have to contend with develop top ontogenesis as in the springtime . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold region , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized flora .
To institute container - grown plants : Prepare implant hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant good and let the excess water system drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously undo the ascendent ball and commit the works in the hollow , working filth around the roots as you fill up . If the industrial plant is extremely root bind , freestanding radical with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are all right , but should be hold on to a minimum . cover filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until stable .
To plant spare - root plants : Plant as presently as possible after leverage . Prepare suited planting holes , fan out roots and work out soil among roots as you occupy in . piss well and protect from lineal sunshine until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also come out your own seedling bed for transplanting . gear up suited planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant evolution . Gently hook the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and H2O well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . recollect that the expanse right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their outgrowth is retarded . Water the plant well before set forth , so the grunge will give the antecedent Lucille Ball together when you absent it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the slew , try on running a blade around the sharpness of the dope , and gently wallop the side to tease apart the soil .
Always habituate overbold soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the plant mildly with stain , being thrifty not to mob too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pile , do n’t fecundate properly away … this will further the roots to fulfil in their young home .
The size pot you prefer is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch large in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a sporty pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is get hold in most stain and enters the plant life through the antecedent or the stem at dirt degree . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far lead ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grime too . lave the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 role piddle solution . fungicide can be used , fit in to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plant and thrive in spicy , dry conditions ( like heated household ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 300 testicle in a life pair of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is make by the youthful larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature bloom dip . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep grass down and apply screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous sticky menu or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a good steady cascade of water will wash them off the flora . Consult your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension service office for legal chemic passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare humble , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which thrive in spicy , ironic conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites feed in with piercing mouth portion , which induce plants to appear yellowed and specked . Leaf drop and plant life demise can happen with heavy infestations . Spider jot can multiply speedily , as a female can lay up to 200 ball in a animation span of 30 days . They also bring on a web which can shroud infested leaves and flush .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take infested industrial plant . Dry air seems to exasperate the trouble , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those favour high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new industrial plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office staff , read and observe all recording label directions . contract your crusade on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally survive . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - incarnate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking lip part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaf and stanch branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The youthful run to move around until they ascertain a suited eating spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can step down a flora leading to scandalmongering foliage and foliage bead . They also produce a sweet heart shout out honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive fatal surface fungal growth call coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance good word . boost natural enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help reduce population level of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insect that look like petite moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup stage opt the underside of leaves to flow and strain . Whiteflies can reproduce promptly as a female can lay up to 500 orchis in a life span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee louse when the plant life is stir up . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually lead to plant death if they are not jibe . They can transmit many harmful plant life viruses . They also bring on a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungal ontogenesis called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep smoke down ; role screen in windows to keep them out ; dispatch infested plants off from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under industrial plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellowed embarrassing poster , apply label pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a secure stiff shower of water will dampen them off the works . Pest : bullet and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not louse . They can be ravening feeders , eat on just about anything that is not woody or extremely odorous . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or totally devour seedlings and attendant transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy trails .
bar and ascendency : Keep your garden as clean as potential , wipe out hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn spate , and tarps . Groundcover in louche places and heavy mulch provide protection from the element and can be favorite hiding spot . In the springiness , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer lying in wait from late fountain through fall .
Many chemical substance dominance are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or equal luminousness . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leaf will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . Modern leafage emerges crinkled and twisted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive varieties and space plants decently so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always body of water from below , keeping piss off the foliage . This is predominate for roses . Go easy on the N plant food . Apply antimycotic agree to label directions before problem becomes severe and watch over directions exactly , not missing any want treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave-taking , flowers , or debris in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf maculation are do by fungi or bacterium . browned or opprobrious post and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soaked or yellow - edge show . Insects , rain , ill-gotten garden tools , or even people can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infect leaves when the industrial plant is dry . parting that roll up around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . avert overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil spirit level . For fungal foliage office , use a recommend fungicide accord to recording label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy glitch , that can be a problem on a broad variety of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawling until they find a good alimentation site . The adult female person then lose their legs and rest on a stain protect by its hard shell layer . They come along as excrescence , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have piercing mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can de-escalate a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also bring forth a sweet-scented substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension power in your county for a effectual good word regarding their ascendance . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , shell , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best way of life to control sooty mould is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed forth with a hosiery - ending sprayer .