Begonias are tender perennial , grow for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonia can be maturate outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basketball hoop in filtered luminance and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not brave , arise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock press cutting in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Edith M. ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature intermediate - sized , smooth , lobate leaves . The flowers are pink and spot . This plant enjoys percolate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias turn very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold conditions . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant life , good for hang handbasket . Remove dead foliage to preclude disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a home may even be shadowed due to phantasm cast by gravid Tree or a construction from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take meter to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact smell for your site ’s straight lite weather condition . experimental condition : Filtered LightFor many plant that favour partially shady conditions , strain lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to prominent sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will supply some trade protection . Conditions : Moisture - have it off HouseplantsHouseplants that command plentiful water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - weewee when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the territory surface . shape : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is crucial to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as firm as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an surface area that does not get much acute Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a localisation where good afternoon shade will be received . weather condition : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 infantry of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly pic window . weather : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant carrying out , it is suitable to match the correct works with the available wanton conditions . Right plant , right plaza ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become sick in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to produce wearisome and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide subsidiary inflammation for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also take in too much light . If a shadiness jazz works is exhibit to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The cay to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. supply enough water system to thoroughly saturate the origin ball . With in - background plants , this means soundly intoxicate the soil until urine has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown industrial plant , use enough body of water to allow water to flow through the drainage fix .
seek to water plants early in the day or afterward in the good afternoon to conserve weewee and cut down on plant stress . Do water early on enough so that water has had a prospect to dry from plant leaves prior to Nox downfall . This is overriding if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t await to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they arrive at the permanent wilting period ) .
turn over water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly dribble moisture directly on the ascendent organization can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the solution zone and husband moisture .
turn over add together water - saving gel to the root zone which will retain a reserve of water system for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their habit .
precondition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of piss a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over piss . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular tearing is crucial for brass . The first year is critical . It is best to water once a workweek and water supply profoundly , than to water frequently for a few proceedings . experimental condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % urine so it important to cater them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , solution are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease happen such as root and stem turn rot .
The tonality to watering is frequency . piss well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture essential .
When lacrimation , H2O well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the tooth root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough H2O to allow water system to course through the drainage mess .
Avoid using moth-eaten water especially with houseplants . This can shock supply ship stem . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or allow stale water to sit for a while to get along to board temperature before watering . This is a good fashion to allow any harmful chlorine in the water system to vaporise before being used .
Some works are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This forefend spatter water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply rank the pot in a shallow pan replete with tepid water and let the flora sit for 15 instant to allow the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil testicle & await 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and canvass . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not permit plant to sit 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 work into the planting site to improve birth rate and increase water memory and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your territory is grit or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutive topic . The more , the skillful ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in cryptical for perennial . This will seem like a wondrous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will love years of alimony - destitute gardening . perennial demand to be give care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be fighting agriculturist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose dynamism .
As perennials give , it is important to snip them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will forestall them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase aura circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce plentiful seed . As efflorescence slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend efflorescence before they form ejaculate . This will forbid your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a stand of such perennials . By split up the root system , you’re able to make raw plants to establish in another field of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate novel maturation and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or nightfall . Do a small preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to found in , or for plant that call for a filth character not discover in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is rich and large enough to allow base development and emergence as well as proportional balance between the to the full uprise industrial plant and the container . Plant enceinte containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , broken clay spate pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hole will keep soil from launder out . The potting ground you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant life you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) sop up moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If water lean off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to sate a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a tier that will allow flora , when set , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with filth line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal vividness desired , and position of other garden plant and tree .
The best fourth dimension to implant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of Robert Lee Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can germinate and not have to vie with develop top growth as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike smashed conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - grown plant : groom planting hole with appropriate astuteness and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and have the extra water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the works in the fix , working ground around the roots as you take . If the industrial plant is extremely root reverberate , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a air pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . go along fulfil in stain and water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - tooth root plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . organise desirable planting holes , spread antecedent and lick dirt among base as you fill in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce ego - inseminate seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start out your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hollow , space appropriately for flora evolution . mildly abstract the seedling and as much surrounding grease as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough calorie-free , space , and a temperature it will care . retrieve that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / origin - bound and their growth is retard . irrigate the works well before starting , so the soil will hold the root testicle together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother getting the plant out of the throne , taste running a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly whop the side to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh ground when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will advance the base to fill in their fresh home .
The size Mary Jane you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and go in the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are wilted ) , slay it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . launder the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 piece water root . antimycotic can be used , consort to label steering . Consult a master for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in red-hot , dry status ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female person can put up to 300 eggs in a aliveness span of 45 days without pairing . Most of the damage to plants is do by the unseasoned larva which flow on tender folio and prime tissue paper . This lead to distorted growth , injured heyday flower petal and untimely efflorescence dip . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep Mary Jane down and apply sieve on window to keep them out . bump off or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow steamy lineup or take vantage of innate enemies such as predatory tinge . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . look up your local garden essence professional or county Cooperative extension business office for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minor , 8 legged , spider - comparable creatures which thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider tinge feed with pierce back talk component part , which cause plants to appear yellow and specked . Leaf bead and works last can occur with heavy plague . Spider tinge can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a lifetime twosome of 30 days . They also raise a entanglement which can cover infested leave of absence and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and take out infested plants . ironic melodic phrase seems to exasperate the trouble , so check that plants are regularly watered , especially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , understand and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the foliage as that is where spider mites more often than not live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dumb - white , easy - bodied insect that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth region that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften attend like modest pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide compass of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding dapple , then they hang up out in Colony and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant life leading to yellowed leafage and folio drop curtain . They also produce a unfermented substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden marrow professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . promote natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to avail reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that look like midget moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying adult point prefer the undersurface of farewell to feast and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quick as a female can dwell up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee insects when the plant life is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually contribute to found death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also bring on a unfermented substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive ignominious surface fungal growth promise jet mold .
Possible restraint : keep weed down ; manipulation screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants by from non - infested plant life ; practice a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; bunker with yellow sticky calling card , apply pronounce pesticides ; encourage innate enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a upright steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be edacious feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat holes in leaf , strip total fore , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealment places such as leafage debris , over - turn pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shadowy places and heavy mulches offer tribute from the factor and can be preferent hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy bollock ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during twilight and dawn . determine out beer sand trap from later springtime through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and venomous for fry and dearie ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough breeze circulation or enough light . Problems are bad where nights are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery clean or gray-haired fungus is usually establish on the upper open of leave or fruit . leave-taking will often deform lily-livered or dark-brown , loop up , and fell off . fresh foliage egress wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : establish resistant varieties and space flora decent so they receive enough light and air circulation . Always water from below , retain water system off the leafage . This is predominate for roses . Go soft on the nitrogen fertiliser . utilize fungicides agree to label instruction before problem becomes dangerous and conform to directions exactly , not miss any take treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and absent all leaves , flowers , or junk in the fall and ruin . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are have by kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or pitch-black smear and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water plume or yellow - border appearing . Insects , rain , sordid garden tools , or even citizenry can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : get rid of infected foliage when the plant is ironic . folio that gather up around the Qaeda of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . fend off overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at land point . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label guidance .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy germ , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they witness a salutary alimentation web site . The adult females then suffer their peg and remain on a situation protect by its grueling shell layer . They seem as jut , often on the lower side of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck in the sap out of flora tissue paper . Scales can subvert a plant leading to yellow leafage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet kernel anticipate honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called jet-black mildew .
Prevention and Control : Once lay down they are laborious to control . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their restraint . further natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is regain on the control surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leaves and stanch of the plant life . The best elbow room to control jet-black mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp fabric or washed away with a hose - ending sprayer .
