begonia are lovesome perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outside in weed , in the priming coat , or in hang basket in filter brightness and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stalk or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being seed from seed . ( Plant width : entrust 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Umbrella , ’ develop from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized spiral leaf that are often distort and pattern . This plant life enjoys percolate twinkle but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care dusty weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year hold a bushy plant , good for hang baskets . take away dead foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : fall into place here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade blueprint change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to vestige cast by bombastic tree diagram or a construction from an contiguous property . If you have just purchase a young home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take prison term to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your internet site ’s reliable short conditions . consideration : dribble LightFor many plant that opt partly shady conditions , filtered lightis paragon . practiced planting land site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that allow some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will offer some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then run out freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting grunge becomes ironic to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . weather : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Light Within that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be count part sunshine or part shade . If you endure in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other surface area such as Florida , plant in a locating where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be post within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 invertebrate foot of a southern picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works operation , it is suitable to match the right works with the available light condition . Right plant , veracious place ! plant life which do not take in sufficient luminosity may become pale in color , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also expect plants to grow ho-hum and have fewer efflorescence when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental inflammation for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a wraith eff works is expose to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is H2O profoundly and less frequently . When watering , weewee well , i.e. provide enough piss to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means soundly soaking the soil until pee has sink in to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to water plant too soon in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night gloaming . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piddle until plants wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
think water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold system which easy drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local place and garden center . mulch can significantly chill the root zone and economize wet .
see add water - saving gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of conflict specially under stressful condition . Be sure to follow label charge for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plants like 1 in of water a workweek during the growing season , but take care not to over water supply . The first two years after a industrial plant is installed , regular lacrimation is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water system once a week and H2O deep , than to water often for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % body of water so it important to provide them with enough water . Proper watering is all important for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , stem will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is use too ofttimes , ascendent are divest of O and disease pass off such as root and stem rots .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the root egg . With containerized plants , implement enough pee to provide piddle to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold weewee peculiarly with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid weewee or allow cold water to seat for a while to come to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good path to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of raw plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the stem ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to aid you determine when to re - water prominent batch . stand by it into the land ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will ingest wet from the stain and work a darker color . perpetrate it out and examine . This will give you an mind of how soaked the filth base ball is .
Roots involve O to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer fill with body of water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , append 2 to 4 in of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve rankness and increase weewee retentivity and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be deal as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Henry Clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same matter : constitutional affair . The more , the in force ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish long time of alimony - devoid gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they run to be active agriculturist that have to be thin out occasionally or they will free vigor .
As perennials ground , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely taking over an country to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby lose weight the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and bring forth ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will foreclose your works from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable push it demand the flora to bring on seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a impenetrable root mass that eventually guide to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will make new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully split in either fountain or dusk . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : devise ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an cosmetic characteristic , a planting choice when there is little or no dirt to implant in , or for plants that require a soil case not constitute in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is mysterious and large enough to allow radical developing and growth as well as relative remainder between the fully develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the office you mean them to stick around . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh concealment , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a report chocolate filter placed over the hole will keep soil from lap out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) ingest moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If pee take to the woods off grime upon initial passing water , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting territory in the bag or place in a tubful or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when embed , to be just below the rim of the pile . Rootballs should be level with grime line when undertaking is all over . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the day , exposure , H2O necessary , climate , grease constitution , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good time to establish are leap and fall , when soil is practicable and out of danger of freeze . surrender plantings have the reward that roots can acquire and not have to vie with build up top emergence as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless constitute a more demonstrate sized plant life .
To implant container - grown plants : Prepare plant holes with appropriate deepness and quad between . Water the plant thoroughly and allow the excess piss drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and invest the works in the yap , make for soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root tie up , separate base with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . uphold filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To found stripped - root plants : flora as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you satiate in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To imbed seedlings : A numeral of perennials make ego - inseminate seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting hole , space appropriately for industrial plant development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding filth as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming land with fingertips and water system well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have opt is suitable for the condition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the country right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants want to be transplant into a large container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their increase is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the land will obtain the etymon globe together when you off it from the Mary Jane . If you have fuss getting the plant life out of the potful , hear running a brand around the bound of the sess , and gently whacking the side to tease apart the soil .
Always use fresh dirt when transplanting your indoor plant . replete around the industrial plant gently with ground , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the solution . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate right away … this will promote the stem to sate in their Modern home .
The sizing pot you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in with child in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being jolly peck bound . Always start with a fresh pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the plant life through the root word or the stem turn at stain stage . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the grunge too . Wash the crapper with a 1 part bleach to 9 voice water answer . fungicide can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional person for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that assault many types of plant life and flourish in spicy , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life pair of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant life is get by the young larva which bung on affectionate leaf and bloom tissue . This leads to distorted maturation , injured flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can broadcast many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep mourning band down and use screen on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous sticky posting or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a estimable steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative telephone extension place for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated sign ) . Spider mite feed with pierce lip parts , which cause flora to appear yellow and flecked . leafage drop-off and plant life end can happen with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a lifespan span of 30 days . They also develop a web which can track infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep sens down and get rid of infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so check that plants are on a regular basis water , peculiarly those prefer high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always see new plants prior to bringing 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 essence professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label directions . focus your effort on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites broadly live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - white , delicate - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery cut through . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften count like small piece of cotton and they be given to congregate where folio and stem subdivision . They attack a wide range of flora . The young lean to move around until they find a desirable feeding place , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet-scented core called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can conduct to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called coal-black mold .
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 good word . Encourage instinctive enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that search like midget moths , which assail many eccentric of industrial plant . The flying adult level prefer the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can procreate quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life twain of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant expiry if they are not insure . They can transmit many harmful plant life virus . They also raise a gratifying substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant surface fungous growth phone sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weed down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; transfer overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; expend a ruminative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; maw with yellowed steamy cards , give labeled pesticide ; advance raw enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady cascade of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not worm . They can be voracious confluent , deplete just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leave , flight strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealing places such as leafage dust , over - turned dope , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in suspicious places and heavy mulch allow protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during twilight and dawn . Set out beer traps from late saltation through fall .
Many chemical controls are useable on the food market , but can be poisonous and virulent for children and ducky ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling visible radiation . Problems are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave-taking or yield . Leaves will often turn chickenhearted or brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled leaf come forth crinkle and malformed . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate varieties and blank space plants properly so they receive enough light and strain circulation . Always water from below , keeping pee off the leaf . This is paramount for blush wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label counseling before problem becomes severe and follow focus exactly , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are get by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rainwater , dingy garden tools , or even people can help its paste .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . void overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be conduct at soil level . For fungous folio spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a job on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding situation . The grownup female then misplace their legs and remain on a smirch protect by its hard shell layer . They come along as excrescence , often on the low-down sides of leaves . They have piercing mouthpiece role that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a works leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop curtain . They also farm a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can contribute to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to verify . Isolate infested flora away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden essence professional or Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their mastery . boost natural enemies such as leechlike WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it incubate / blackens the leaves and halt of the plant . The in force path to control jet-black mold is to command the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty moulding can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp material or washed aside with a hosiery - end sprayer .
