Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in tummy , in the flat coat , or in hanging baskets in filtered igniter and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , prow or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from come . ‘ Black Joe ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring small , unincised leave of absence . Flowers are wan pink in color , flower in wintertime . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia mature very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . brave . Does not like inhuman weather . Pinching crest and pruning outer stems in the originate time of year grant a shaggy-haired plant , good for hanging baskets . off dead leaf to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and specter patterns switch during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a house may even be shady due to vestige cast by large trees or a construction from an next property . If you have just buy a Modern home or just beginning to garden in your older abode , take time to map Sunday and tincture throughout the day . You will get a more accurate smell for your site ’s true unaccented precondition . Conditions : filter LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady conditions , filtrate lightis saint . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light source through their branches or beneath taller plants that will supply some security . Conditions : wet - get laid HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious pee , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from jam in the bottom of pot . Re - body of water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil aerofoil . experimental condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is percolate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often cockcrow sun , because it is not as warm as afternoon sun , can be moot part Dominicus or part shade . If you live in an field that does not get much intense Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be all right . In other orbit such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . condition : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is removing the stem tips of a young plant to elevate branching . Doing this avoids the need for more severe pruning afterwards on .
cutting involves move out whole subdivision back to the tree trunk . This may be done to open up up the interior of a works to let more light in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on flora disease . The best way to begin cutting is to begin by removing dead or pathological wood .
Shearing is leveling the surface of a bush using hired hand or electric shears . This is done to assert the desired form of a hedgerow or topiary .
Rejuvenating is remotion of old branches or the overall simplification of the size of a shrub to rejuvenate its original form and size . It is advocate that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time . Remember to murder arm from the inside of the plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenating flora with canes , such as nandina , cut back canes at various heights so that plant life will have a more natural look . experimental condition : promising Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 metrical unit of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to gibe the correct industrial plant with the available low-cal consideration . Right plant , right place ! works which do not incur sufficient light may become pale in colour , have few leave-taking and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also gestate industrial plant to grow tiresome and have fewer bloom when illumination is less than desirable . It is possible to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . industrial plant can also receive too much light . If a shade sleep together plant is expose to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaf to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is piddle profoundly and less frequently . When watering , body of water well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the tooth root testicle . With in - priming coat plant , this means good soaking the filth until water has fall into place to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , employ enough water to set aside water supply to menstruate through the drainage mess .
endeavor to irrigate plant early in the twenty-four hours or afterwards in the afternoon to economise body of water and cut down on plant stress . Do water too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry from works leaves prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t expect to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die out if they wilt too much ( when they strain the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water supply preservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slowly drip wet directly on the solution scheme can be purchase at your local home and garden heart and soul . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and maintain moisture .
deliberate impart water - economise gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a world of difference particularly under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their manipulation .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that filth should be keep evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition need . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water supply . The first two twelvemonth after a plant is set up , regular lachrymation is of import for governance . The first year is critical . It is better to H2O once a workweek and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minute . circumstance : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it crucial to supply them with tolerable urine . Proper watering is substantive for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is apply too often , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases come such as source and stem putrefaction .
The key to tearing is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the plant ask to be re - water according to its moisture requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , supply enough pee to thoroughly impregnate the root clod . With containerized plants , use enough water to set aside water to flow through the drainage holes .
obviate using inhuman water especially with houseplant . This can blow out of the water tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold H2O to sit down for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a right way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water supply to melt before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by bomber - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This fend off splash urine on the leaves of sensitive plants . only lay the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 minutes to set aside the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and try . This will give you an melodic theme of how soaked the grease origin ball is .
root involve oxygen to breath , do not earmark plant to sit in a saucer take with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 daylight before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to improve richness and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is rickety , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutive topic . The more , the beneficial ; shape deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly give off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been prove . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not intend that you will love years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial postulate to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be active agriculturalist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial give , it is significant to dress them back and thin them out at times . This will forbid them from completely taking over an area to the exception of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby slim down the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce rich seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flower before they make seed . This will keep your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vim it claim the plant life to farm seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense theme people that finally leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to now and again lose weight out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another region of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will induce newfangled emergence and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either bounce or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no filth to plant in , or for plants that require a soil character not found in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have standardized ethnic requirement . pick out a container that is deep and with child enough to give up root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the to the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the position you intend them to delay . All containers should have drain golf hole . A mesh screen , come apart mud pot pieces(crock ) or a composition java filter placed over the trap will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate admixture for the plants you have select . Quality soil ( or stain - less medias ) occupy wet readily and evenly when soaked . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot ground in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a layer that will allow plant , when set , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil descent when project is ended . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and wraith through the day , vulnerability , water supply requirements , climate , grease physical composition , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The good times to embed are spring and dusk , when soil is executable and out of peril of freeze . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike smashed conditions or for colder areas , earmark full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless engraft a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and distance between . Water the plant soundly and countenance the excess weewee drain before carefully remove from the container . cautiously untie the root ball and send the flora in the mess , working soil around the ascendent as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , disjoined root word with finger . A few slit made with a air hole tongue are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . stay on filling in soil and water soundly , protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To institute bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial raise self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently rear the seedling and as much ring ground as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water supply well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have choose is suitable for the circumstance you are able-bodied to ply it : that it will have enough lite , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the sphere right next to a windowpane will be colder than the eternal rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become heap / ascendant - bound and their increase is check . irrigate the plant well before get down , so the soil will concord the rootage ball together when you polish off it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the works out of the pot , try out running a leaf blade around the edge of the wad , and lightly wallop the sides to undo the soil .
Always use refreshed soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fulfil around the plant mildly with dirt , being measured not to compact too tightly – you need air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the young pot , do n’t fertilize aright away … this will boost the roots to fill in their novel home .
The size weed you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch dandy in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being middling pot bound . Always begin with a fresh pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the bow at grime tier . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish watering . If a industrial plant is too far drop dead ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast out the land too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 share water solution . Fungicides can be used , agree to label directions . refer a professional for a sound good word of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged louse that aggress many types of industrial plant and expand in live , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life bridge of 45 days without coupling . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and bloom tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured prime flower petal and previous peak driblet . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep gage down and apply screen on windows to keep them out . polish off or discard infest plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow embarrassing cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good unbendable shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or county Cooperative lengthiness government agency for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creature which flourish in blistering , wry condition ( like heated up house ) . Spider mites fertilise with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to look icteric and flecked . leafage driblet and plant demise can pass off with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 testis in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover up infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to exacerbate the trouble , so verify plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always ascertain unexampled plant life prior to impart them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and fall out all label direction . Concentrate your drive on the bottom of the leave-taking as that is where wanderer pinch generally inhabit . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that draw the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften take care like small pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leave-taking and staunch branch . They assail a broad range of plant . The young tend to move around until they happen a worthy feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealybug can weaken a works leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive dim aerofoil fungous outgrowth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage natural foe such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to avail reduce population level of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare belittled , wing insects that expect like lilliputian moths , which lash out many types of plants . The flying grownup level prefers the underside of leaves to bung and stock . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing dirt ball when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a industrial plant , eventually lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can impart many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also produce a sweet gist called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting fatal control surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windowpane to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested works ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with scandalmongering awkward card , practice pronounce pesticide ; boost rude enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfaltering shower of water supply will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , comic strip entire stems , or totally devour seedling and bid transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and mastery : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding lieu such as foliage debris , over - turned stack , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches bring home the bacon shelter from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of low semitransparent field ) and grownup during crepuscle and dawn . Set out beer traps from tardy spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always learn the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling igniter . Problems are spoilt where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is unremarkably come up on the upper surface of leave or fruit . folio will often wrick yellow or chocolate-brown , kink up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often devolve betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and space industrial plant properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always urine from below , keeping piss off the foliage . This is paramount for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . employ fungicides according to recording label focal point before problem becomes severe and come directions exactly , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the fall and put down . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf blot are cause by fungi or bacteria . brownish or black smirch and mend may be either ragged or rotary , with a water inebriate or yellow - edged visual aspect . Insects , rain , unsportsmanlike garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; pee should be take at grunge level . For fungal leaf spots , employ a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide miscellany of plants - indoor and outdoor . vernal scales creeping until they find a good feeding situation . The adult females then drop off their pegleg and remain on a place protect by its hard case layer . They come along as bumps , often on the lower side of folio . They have pierce lip parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can undermine a plant leading to yellowed leafage and leaf drop . They also bring on a sweet substance yell honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growing called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are difficult to control . Isolate overrun plant away from those that are not infest . confabulate your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension post in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage lifelike enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The unspoiled style to control sooty mold is to check the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or washed forth with a hose - end sprayer .
