Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colored flush and foliage . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in pot , in the land , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained ground . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from folio , prow or rhizome cuttings in increase to being sow in from cum . ‘ Green Magic ’ get from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , spiral leaves . The few efflorescence are pale pink and bloom wintertime to spring . This plant enjoys filtered visible light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia develop very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . stout . Does not wish cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning prohibited stems in the grow season gives a shaggy-coated industrial plant , good for advert hoop . Remove deadened foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that Sunday and ghost traffic pattern change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a complex body part from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a Modern domicile or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunlight and tone throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shadowed condition , filtered lightis ideal . well planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their limb or beneath taller works that will leave some auspices . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that involve ample weewee , or those labeled asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - piddle when potting soil becomes ironical to the touch an in or so below the ground airfoil . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning let in : pinching , thinning , shearing and regenerate .
Pinching is remove the stem tips of a untested plant to kick upstairs branching . Doing this avoids the need for more terrible pruning after on .
cutting involves removing whole branches back to the body . This may be done to open up up the interior of a plant to permit more light in and to increase tune circulation that can thin down on works disease . The best way to begin cutting is to start by removing dead or diseased woodwind .
Shearing is level the open of a shrub using hired man or galvanic shear . This is done to maintain the hope bod of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is remotion of onetime branches or the overall reducing of the size of it of a bush to restore its original material body and size . It is recommended that you do not withdraw more than one third of a works at a fourth dimension . Remember to polish off branch from the interior of the plant as well as the exterior . When rejuvenating plant life with cane , such as nandina , reduce back canes at various stature so that plant will have a more natural flavour . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be identify within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works performance , it is desirable to match the correct flora with the available light consideration . Right plant , right spot ! plant which do not receive sufficient luminance may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also expect plants to grow slow and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving works is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is piddle deeply and less frequently . When watering , body of water well , i.e. provide enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the ground until H2O has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , use enough water to let H2O to menstruate through the drainage holes .
seek to irrigate plant early in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or later in the afternoon to maintain water and shorten down on plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that piss has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to water until plant wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting period ) .
see water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly drip moisture straight on the root organisation can be buy at your local plate and garden midpoint . mulch can importantly cool down the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding weewee - saving colloidal gel to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
precondition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of weewee a week during the grow season , but take maintenance not to over water supply . The first two age after a plant is put in , regular lachrymation is important for ecesis . The first yr is critical . It is just to piss once a week and water deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . experimental condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % piss so it important to supply them with enough water . Proper watering is indispensable for respectable plant wellness . When there is not enough pee , root will wither and the flora will droop . When too much piss is applied too frequently , root are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and stem rot .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . body of water well then waitress long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered fit in to its moisture requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , cater enough piss to exhaustively saturate the solution musket ball . With containerized industrial plant , lend oneself enough urine to allow for water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water particularly with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plant life are well irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the farewell of sensitive plants . just place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water supply and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the ascendant ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help oneself you determine when to re - water larger pots . get it into the soil ball & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel will take in wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and essay . This will give you an idea of how wet the stain root ball is .
origin need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hour period before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting web site to better fertility and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is fallible , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is Baroness Dudevant or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constitutional affair . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . organise beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a marvelous amount of work now , but will greatly bear off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once flora have been launch . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy age of alimony - innocent gardening . Perennials need to be deal for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be participating cultivator that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out now and again . This will prevent them from completely take over an country to the excommunication of other industrial plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby cut the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample cum . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to absent spent flowers before they shape seeded player . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to get seed .
As perennials maturate , they may form a dumb root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim out a viewpoint of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you may make newfangled plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will shake up new growing and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully split in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : devise ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is picayune or no soil to plant in , or for plants that need a soil eccentric not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnic requirements . pick out a container that is deep and large enough to tolerate root maturation and growth as well as relative balance between the in full developed works and the container . implant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen , give away clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting grease you take should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have chosen . Quality territory ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when wet . If water run off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as right as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . take container about midway full or to a grade that will allow industrial plant , when implant , to be just below the rim of the tidy sum . Rootballs should be even with stain line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the 24-hour interval , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The best time to implant are spring and fall , when grunge is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top outgrowth as in the bounce . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike pixilated conditions or for cold domain , allowing full ecesis before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most flora , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare engraft holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . irrigate the works thoroughly and let the excess water drainage before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you satiate . If the plant is extremely stem reverberate , separate root with fingers . A few incision made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . go forward filling in dirt and water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated Sunday until stable .
To plant bare - base plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread root and work grime among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring forth ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare desirable planting holes , spacing appropriately for works evolution . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding ground as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it now , firming land with fingertips and weewee well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able-bodied to allow for it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . recollect that the area flop next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor works call for to be transplanted into a big container periodically , or they become potentiometer / root - reverberate and their ontogenesis is delay . Water the flora well before start , so the ground will declare the root ball together when you slay it from the pot . If you have hassle getting the plant out of the sens , try running a blade around the sharpness of the potful , and gently whacking the sides to relax the soil .
Always use sweet dirt when transplant your indoor flora . Fill around the plant life gently with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the fresh pot , do n’t feed right forth … this will promote the roots to fill in their raw home .
The size pot you pick out is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch bang-up in diameter . Remember , many plant life choose being moderately pot bound . Always start with a white throne !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the works through the roots or the stem at grime level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are droop ) , off it . If your plant is in a container , cast aside the soil too . Wash the jackpot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water result . Fungicides can be used , according to label focusing . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assault many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 Clarence Day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is cause by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and bloom tissue paper . This result to perverted outgrowth , injured flower flower petal and previous flush drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep skunk down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of raw enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a honest unfaltering shower of water will wash them off the plant . confab your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in spicy , dry weather ( like het family ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which make plants to appear yellowed and specked . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can manifold speedily , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life duet of 30 day . They also create a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry aviation seems to exacerbate the problem , so ensure plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check novel plants prior to bringing them home from the garden nitty-gritty or nursery . Take reward of natural foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden meat professional or county Cooperative Extension situation , say and follow all recording label charge . condense your attempt on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites more often than not go . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , flaccid - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth part that draw the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small firearm of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem arm . They aggress a wide compass of plant . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable feeding berth , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to sensationalistic leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a perfumed substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive calamitous surface fungous growth called sooty stamp .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden core professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to facilitate repress universe degree of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare humble , fly insects that count like flyspeck moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult level prefer the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply rapidly as a female person can dwell up to 500 egg in a animation yoke of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is touch . whitefly can undermine a flora , finally leading to establish death if they are not learn . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also acquire a perfumed substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal development called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; manipulation screening in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; expend a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellowish glutinous circuit board , apply labeled pesticide ; advance natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a full steady cascade of water will wash them off the works . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly odorous . They may eat holes in leaves , slip entire stems , or altogether devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as clear as potential , eliminating concealing station such as leaf dust , over - turned potty , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be best-loved hiding space . In the leap , police for and ruin eggs ( clump of modest semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer trap from late spring through gloam .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and lethal for fry and pets ; take care when using them - always record the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . Problems are big where night are nerveless and day are warm and humid . The powdery clean or gray fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . parting will often change state yellow or browned , curl up , and cut down off . raw foliation emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : establish tolerant varieties and space plants properly so they receive fair to middling visible light and air circulation . Always urine from below , keep body of water off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easily on the atomic number 7 plant food . Apply fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes grievous and follow guidance exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leave-taking , blossom , or debris in the downfall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , ill-gotten garden tools , or even people can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected folio when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the fundament of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . ward off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf smudge , use a recommended fungicide consort to label focussing .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . vernal scales crawling until they find a estimable feeding situation . The grownup female then lose their legs and stay on a blot protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as swelling , often on the lower side of leaves . They have pierce back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can dampen a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a fresh nub call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting bleak control surface fungal growth anticipate jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are tough to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden eye professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual passport regarding their control . Encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitical wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is chance on the open of leafage . It prey on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The best way to control jet-black modeling is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty moulding can usually be pass over from leaves with a dampish textile or wash away with a hose - death atomizer .
