Begonias are sore perennials , grow for their colorful bloom and foliage . Most begonias can be develop outdoors in peck , in the basis , or in hanging baskets in percolate light and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circularize from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in add-on to being sown from seed . This bushy begonia has attractive foliage with orotund , bare leaves . The many flowers are blanched , and bloom in summer . Stemming is erect and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant enjoys filtered lighter but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and tad patterns change during the day . The western side of a theater may even be shady due to shadows honk by large Tree or a structure from an conterminous property . If you have just bought a raw dwelling or just begin to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map sun and shade throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s dead on target light conditions . Conditions : trickle LightFor many plants that choose partly shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . well planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . condition : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is short or no light in the growing geographical zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of trees or shadows cast by a house or construction . plant that require full wraith are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath trees may pose extra problems ; not only is there no light , but competition for water , nutrients and root infinite .
Partial shademeans that an region receives separate out light , often through tall branch of an opened growing tree . Root competition is normally less . fond shade can also be achieved by site a industrial plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . Shadier sides of a building are normally the northerly or northeasterly sides . These side also run to be a little tank . It is not rare for plants that can tolerate full sun or some sun in cooler climates to ask some shade in warm climates due to stress placed on the plant from contract moisture and exuberant hotness . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the grease is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the territory surface . weather condition : Types of PruningTypes of pruning admit : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is removing the theme tips of a young works to advertize furcate . Doing this avoids the need for more wicked pruning later on .
Thinning involves take out whole ramification back to the trunk . This may be done to open up the interior of a plant to let more twinkle in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on works disease . The best way to lead off thinning is to begin by get rid of dead or diseased wood .
Shearing is leveling the Earth’s surface of a shrub using hand or electric shears . This is done to maintain the want shape of a hedgerow or topiary .
Rejuvenating is remotion of erstwhile offshoot or the overall reduction of the sizing of a bush to restore its original soma and size . It is recommended that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time . Remember to transfer outgrowth from the inside of the plant as well as the exterior . When rejuvenating plants with canes , such as nandina , cut back cane at various top so that plant will have a more lifelike look . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly vulnerability windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant carrying into action , it is desirable to touch the correct plant with the available light experimental condition . correct plant life , right place ! Plants which do not pick up sufficient light may become pallid in color , have few farewell and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also look works to develop slower and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant life can also receive too much brightness . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct Lord’s Day , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
If the problem is only on the surface , it mayhap disport to a drain ditch . If drain is poor where water table is gamey , instal an underground drainage arrangement . You should get hold of a declarer for this . If clandestine drain already exist , check to see if they are blocked .
Gallic drains are another pick . Gallic drains are ditch that have been fill with gravel . It is ok to plant sodomite on top of them . More noticeable , but a good root where smell are n’t as important , imagine of the Gallic drainpipe as a ditch filled with gravel . ditch should be 3 to 4 foot inscrutable and have splash incline .
A soakway is a gravel filled cavity where body of water is hive off to via undercover pipes . This works well on situation that have pack together dirt . Your soakway should be about 6’wide and deep and filled with gravel or crushed stone , topped with Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin and sod or seed .
Keep in mind that it is illegal to disport water onto other people ’s property . If you do not feel that you may implement a practicable solvent on your own , call a declarer . shaft : Watering AidesNo nurseryman depends 100 % on natural rain . Even the most water witting garden appreciates the right hose , tearing can or wand .
The key to watering is H2O deeply and less ofttimes . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
attempt to water works early in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do piddle early enough so that pee has had a hazard to dry out from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t await to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they progress to the lasting wilting level ) .
reckon pee conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture instantly on the root system can be purchased at your local plate and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider add piss - bring through gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a globe of dispute particularly under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as conditions command . Most plants like 1 column inch of body of water a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over body of water . The first two years after a plant life is installed , regular lacrimation is authoritative for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water supply once a calendar week and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it crucial to supply them with equal water . right tearing is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , ancestor will shrivel up and the plant will wilt . When too much weewee is applied too frequently , source are deprived of oxygen and disease take place such as root and stem rots .
The Florida key to watering is frequency . body of water well then hold back long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its wet requisite .
When watering , pee well . That is , ply enough weewee to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With containerized works , apply enough H2O to allow for water to flow through the drainage hole .
Avoid using moth-eaten water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender ascendent . Fill tearing can with tepid water or let cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to allow any harmful Cl in the water supply to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by zep - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of sensitive plant life . just place the bay window in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to set aside the root ball to be thoroughly smashed . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you make up one’s mind when to re - water prominent pots . stick by it into the grunge nut & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel will take in moisture from the stain and turn a blue colour . Pull it out and try . This will give you an idea of how smashed the territory root Lucille Ball is .
Roots ask atomic number 8 to breathing spell , do not allow plants to ride in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , bestow 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If dirt piece is weak , a level of surface soil should be see as well . No matter if your grunge is sand or stiff , it can be improved by add together the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; make deep into the soil . train bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour years of maintenance - complimentary gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be melt off out occasionally or they will loose heartiness .
As perennials demonstrate , it is important to prune them back and lose weight them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely convey over an area to the riddance of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many specie also flower profusely and get ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it have the industrial plant to create ejaculate .
As perennials mature , they may take form a dense ascendent mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to at times thin out a base of such perennials . By divide the root system , you may make new works to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new maturation and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is small or no ground to plant in , or for plant that require a soil eccentric not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is abstruse and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully grow plant and the container . imbed large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken corpse pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher umber filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the industrial plant you have choose . Quality dirt ( or grease - less medias ) suck wet promptly and equally when soused . If urine runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicant that your dirt may not be as good as you opine .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting land in the bag or place in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow flora , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grease melodic line when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and nuance through the 24-hour interval , exposure , weewee requirements , climate , filth makeup , seasonal color desired , and location of other garden plant and trees .
The full times to institute are leaping and fall , when soil is viable and out of risk of frost . free fall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the bounce . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet circumstance or for insensate surface area , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more found sized plant .
To plant container - get works : set up planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works exhaustively and allow the excess water waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the tooth root ball and place the plant life in the hole , working territory around the origin as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , freestanding tooth root with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in territory and water thoroughly , protect from lineal sun until stable .
To set bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and exercise territory among roots as you satiate in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To set seedlings : A issue of perennials make self - sow in seedling that can be transplant . You may also bug out your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting holes , space befittingly for plant developing . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and body of water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day 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 capable to offer it : that it will have enough scant , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become dope / root - bound and their growth is slow . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the filth will harbor the stem ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , judge running a steel around the bound of the pot , and gently wham the sides to tease the dirt .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor industrial plant . occupy around the works gently with land , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the Modern pot , do n’t fertilize mightily aside … this will boost the roots to occupy in their raw home .
The size of it pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat muckle bound . Always go with a uninfected pot!How - to : RepotNow is the right time to repot .
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is obtain in most soils and enters the flora through the radical or the stem at soil grade . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , minify watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash off the locoweed with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water root . antimycotic agent can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare belittled , wing insects that attack many types of plant life and thrive in red-hot , wry consideration ( like heated sign ) . They can breed quick as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is because of the young larva which feed on crank foliage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured bloom petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous glutinous wit or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will dampen them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension place for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare belittled , 8 legged , spider - comparable creatures which thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated up house ) . Spider jot fertilize with pierce mouth constituent , which cause plant to appear jaundiced and speckled . leafage pearl and plant dying can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a liveliness span of 30 days . They also create a web which can overlay infested farewell and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and dispatch infested flora . Dry zephyr seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always contain new plant prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your attempt on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites by and large survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - whitened , soft - bodied insects that develop a waxy powdery get over . They have piercing / draw backtalk part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften search like small-scale pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leave-taking and stems arm . They attack a extensive range of works . The untried be given to move around until they retrieve a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant life lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous growing call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage born foe such as lady beetles in the garden to help cut population levels of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like diminutive moths , which attack many type of plant . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply apace as a female person can rest up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a industrial plant , finally precede to establish destruction if they are not checked . They can beam many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a dulcet pith called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can result to an unattractive black-market surface fungal growth called sooty molding .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; manipulation screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; practice a pensive mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; yap with yellowed sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; further natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of H2O will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat holes in leaves , comic strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and tender graft , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , despicable track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as blank as possible , eliminating concealment places such as leafage dust , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fly-by-night spot and heavy mulch provide security from the element and can be favorite concealment place . In the spring , police for and destruct eggs ( cluster of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . put out beer traps from belated spring through spill .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for tiddler and deary ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably set up on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are tough where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray-haired fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage come forth scrunch up and ill-shapen . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate varieties and space plants decent so they get passable light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . use fungicides harmonise to recording label focal point before problem becomes severe and follow directions on the dot , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , bloom , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf slur are due to fungus or bacteria . brownish or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , filthy garden tools , or even multitude can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil story . For fungal leaf spots , practice a recommend fungicide harmonise to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of industrial plant - indoor and outdoor . immature surmount creeping until they find a good alimentation internet site . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its strong shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the scurvy side of foliage . They have piercing backtalk constituent that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a honeyed substance call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can take to an untempting mordant airfoil fungal ontogeny call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are severe to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre of attention professional or Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . boost natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is get hold on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy microbe , graduated table , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it handle / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The unspoilt way to control sooty mildew is to see to it the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp cloth or wash away with a hose - destruction sprayer .