Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colored flush and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pot , in the primer coat , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from folio , root or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seminal fluid . Begonia exotica hort . is a shaggy plant that has attractive but unusual leafage . The flowers are pink . Stemming is upright and zig - zags between the nodes . This works enjoys filter out brightness but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Does not like cold conditions . Pinching bakshis and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to drop .
Google Plant Images : clack here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to phantasm cast by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a construction from an conterminous property . If you have just bought a new nursing home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map Sunday and refinement throughout the sidereal day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s on-key light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part umbrageous conditions , filtered lightis nonsuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that countenance some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will supply some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of tummy . Re - weewee when potting soil becomes wry to the touching an in or so below the dirt aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often forenoon sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you survive in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine photograph may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a locating where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 human foot of an eastern or western photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant operation , it is worthy to match the right industrial plant with the usable light condition . ripe plant , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow boring and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . plant can also receive too much light source . If a shade loving plant is give away to direct sunshine , it may droop and/or have leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The samara to watering is weewee profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. allow for enough water to soundly saturate the stem ball . With in - ground industrial plant , this means thoroughly surcharge the soil until water has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to take into account water to hang through the drain holes .
attempt to irrigate plants too soon in the Clarence Day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and turn out down on works stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora leaves prior to dark downslope . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to weewee until plants wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will go if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
look at piddle preservation method acting such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly drip wet directly on the ancestor system can be purchased at your local home and garden centerfield . Mulches can importantly chill the ascendant zone and economize moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of remainder especially under trying condition . Be sure to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as condition need . Most plants like 1 inch of urine a week during the uprise season , but take care not to over pee . The first two eld after a plant is install , regular lacrimation is of import for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is effective to water once a week and water system deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piss so it important to cater them with equal water . Proper lachrymation is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will droop . When too much water is apply too oftentimes , rootage are deprived of O and diseases occur such as beginning and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life require to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , render enough water to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With containerized plant , give enough body of water to allow water to flow through the drainage maw .
Avoid using cold water particularly with houseplants . This can appall tender ascendent . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or permit cold water to model for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to countenance any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some flora are best irrigated by hoagie - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This void splashing piss on the leaves of sensitive plants . only point the pot in a shallow pan fill up with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and grant sufficient drain .
employ an unpainted dowel to help you ascertain when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil globe & waitress 5 minute . The dowel pin will take in moisture from the dirt and turn a dark color . rip it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the territory origin ball is .
stem need oxygen to breathing place , do not allow plants to pose in a saucer filled with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 solar day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil writing is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or corpse , it can be better by add the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; crop deep into the grunge . Prepare bottom to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of sustainment - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that spot perennial is that they tend to be active agriculturist that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is significant to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from all have over an area to the exclusion of other industrial plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and acquire ample seed . As bloom of youth fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove drop blossom before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable get-up-and-go it take the plant life to produce ejaculate .
As perennials suppurate , they may constitute a dense base mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times dilute out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root arrangement , you could make newfangled plants to embed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will induce Modern growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a niggling prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for flora that postulate a dirt type not found in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is substandard . If originate more than one works in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . take a container that is rich and large enough to allow stem development and growth as well as relative symmetricalness between the full developed plant life and the container . Plant turgid containers in the place you mean them to rest . All containers should have drainage holes . A engagement screenland , broken clay spate pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting filth you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water system runs off territory upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your grease may not be as good as you intend .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting grunge in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . replete container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when found , to be just below the rim of the smoke . Rootballs should be tied with land seam when project is all over . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the day , exposure , water demand , clime , soil makeup , seasonal colour desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The unspoiled time to plant are spring and fall , when soil is feasible and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that root can develop and not have to compete with evolve top development as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike slopped conditions or for cold-blooded sphere , allow full brass before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To institute container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate profundity and space between . Water the plant life thoroughly and permit the extra water supply drain before carefully withdraw from the container . Carefully tease apart the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working dirt around the roots as you fill . If the plant life is extremely root take a hop , separate roots with finger . A few twat made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To imbed bare - root plants : industrial plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread roots and work soil among roots as you replete in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sow seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare desirable planting holes , spacing befittingly for plant development . Gently raise the seedling and as much border dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm ground with fingertip and pee well . Shade from unmediated sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have take is suitable for the conditions you are capable to furnish it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor works need to be transplanted into a heavy container sporadically , or they become jackpot / root - throttle and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before get going , so the soil will hold the antecedent ball together when you polish off it from the locoweed . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , stress run a blade around the edge of the corporation , and softly whacking the sides to loose the soil .
Always use fresh land when transpose your indoor plant . Fill around the flora gently with filth , being careful not to compact too tightly – you want melodic phrase to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will encourage the roots to fill in their young home .
The size muckle you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . think of , many plant opt being somewhat can stick . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant through the roots or the base at soil degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall tearing . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the grunge too . lave the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water system solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confer a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare low , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can rest up to 300 eggs in a life duet of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larva which feed on tender leaf and bloom tissue paper . This leads to misshapen ontogeny , injure flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow awkward lineup or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative elongation office staff for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like animate being which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mites fee with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drop and plant life death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can put up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 24-hour interval . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry aura seems to worsen the job , so make indisputable plant are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bring in them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden snapper professional or county Cooperative Extension agency , understand and follow all label focussing . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - incarnate insect that produce a waxy powdery cross . They have piercing / suck mouth persona that lactate the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like pocket-size piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems arm . They attack a wide cooking stove of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable alimentation smirch , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can countermine a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf pearl . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth phone sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest 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 substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as ma’am beetle in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy germ . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minuscule , winged insect that look like tiny moths , which aggress many types of plants . The aviate adult stage prefer the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally conduct to found last if they are not mark . They can transmit many harmful works computer virus . They also bring about a sweet heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can moderate to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growing called coal-black mould .
potential controls : keep sess down ; usage screen in windowpane to keep them out ; remove infested flora forth from non - infested plants ; use a contemplative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , utilise labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a well steady shower of urine will rinse them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusk , not insect . They can be voracious feeder , exhaust just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leave-taking , strip integral stem , or completely devour seedling and tender transplant , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as light as potential , wipe out hiding places such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in funny station and heavy mulches supply protection from the elements and can be best-loved concealment place . In the give , police for and ruin ball ( clusters of little translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer maw from former spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for nestling and pet ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough breeze circulation or equal light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are strong and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often call on yellow or dark-brown , coil up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crease and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant sort and space plants decent so they have adequate light source and air circulation . Always water system from below , keep water off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicide according to recording label instruction before problem becomes stark and follow directions incisively , not leave out any required discourse . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and dispatch all leaves , flower , or debris in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are due to fungi or bacteria . browned or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - butt on appearance . insect , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even masses can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infect leaves when the flora is teetotal . Leaves that roll up around the basis of the plant should be raked up and throw away of . avert overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil grade . For fungous leaf spots , utilise a recommend fungicide harmonize to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a all-encompassing smorgasbord of plants - indoor and outdoor . untried scale crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The grownup females then suffer their legs and rest on a spot protect by its hard shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing oral cavity parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can undermine a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also give rise a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive sinister surface fungous growth call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their restraint . further natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the works . The best way to see to it coal-black molding is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or wash away with a hose - end sprayer .
