Begonias are lovesome perennial , grow for their coloured flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be produce outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in percolate light and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not hardy , arise as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from germ . The cultivar , ‘ Swirly Top , ’ begonia has sparse pale pinkish weeping peak and unincised unripened leave . It blooms in winter . The stalk is cane - like with evenly spaced nodes . This plant life enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like cold weather .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and spectre patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large tree diagram or a structure from an side by side dimension . If you have just bought a newfangled house or just begin to garden in your older home , take prison term to map out Lord’s Day and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate spirit for your site ’s rightful weak conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many flora that favor partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonesuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to declamatory sized tree diagram that get some light through their subdivision or beneath tall plants that will provide some tribute . weather condition : Moisture - eff HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - do it houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of stack . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the grunge surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunlight , can be regard part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day pic may be all right . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tincture will be have . Conditions : smart Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly picture window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the uncommitted light conditions . Right flora , right place ! flora which do not get sufficient luminance may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to get slower and have fewer blooms when brightness level is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental firing for indoor flora with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough piss to thoroughly impregnate the root clump . With in - dry land industrial plant , this means thoroughly overcharge the soil until water has sink in to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to permit water to hang through the drainage holes .
attempt to water industrial plant betimes in the day or subsequently in the good afternoon to maintain water and cut back down on plant focus . Do piddle early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night free fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant droop . Although some works will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider H2O conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drip moisture immediately on the beginning system can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . mulch can importantly cool the theme zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the antecedent zone which will obtain a reserve of piss for the plant . These can make a Earth of difference particularly under trying conditions . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their utilization .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that filth should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions call for . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the acquire season , but take precaution not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular lacrimation is authoritative for establishment . The first yr is vital . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % urine so it authoritative to issue them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water supply is applied too frequently , tooth root are deprive of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and stem rot .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . urine well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , urine well . That is , provide enough water to soundly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough weewee to allow weewee to feed through the drainage holes .
head off using moth-eaten urine especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid water system or set aside inhuman water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a undecomposed way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are best water by Cuban sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive works . Simply localize 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 soundly pissed . Take out and set aside sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you find when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 moment . The joggle will imbibe wet from the dirt and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how blind drunk the soil root globe is .
Roots need O to breathing time , do not allow plant to model in a saucer satiate with H2O . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of ripened manure or compost and study into the planting site to better fertility and increase pee retentivity and drain . If ground opus is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by impart the same matter : organic topic . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a grand amount of work now , but will greatly make up off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy class of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials postulate to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active grower that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose energy .
As perennial establish , it is crucial to dress them back and lose weight them out now and then . This will forbid them from whole taking over an sphere to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase zephyr circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also bloom extravagantly and produce sizable semen . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to move out spent flowers before they take shape seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will preserve the considerable vigor it takes the flora to produce seminal fluid .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense beginning mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to now and again reduce out a viewpoint of such perennials . By dividing the stem system , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate new maturation and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either fountain or free fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is slight or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have like cultural essential . pick out a container that is deep and large enough to allow etymon growing and growth as well as proportional remainder between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage maw . A mesh screen , break clay bay window pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or territory - less medias ) engross moisture readily and evenly when pixilated . If water system run off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as ripe as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . fulfill container about midway full or to a point that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the tummy . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and subtlety through the day , vulnerability , water prerequisite , clime , filth makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to set are spring and fall , when grime is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can recrudesce and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the natural spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold sphere , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more install sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant good and let the excess water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the radical ball and lay the plant life in the hole , working soil around the root as you replete . If the flora is extremely stem bound , separate roots with finger . A few incision made with a pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . persist in fill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To engraft bare - tooth root plant : Plant as presently as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting mess , spread roots and turn territory among roots as you occupy in . body of water well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start up your own seedling layer for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing befittingly for flora exploitation . softly sneak the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straight off , tauten stain with fingertips and urine well . Shade from lineal sun and water supply regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the stipulation you are able to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough faint , quad , and a temperature it will care . retrieve that the surface area aright next to a window will be cold-blooded than the residuum of the way .
Indoor plants want to be transplanted into a orotund container sporadically , or they become pot / root - obligate and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before bug out , so the dirt will give the theme chunk together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem develop the works out of the pot , try running a steel around the edge of the potbelly , and gently whacking the sides to loose the soil .
Always use overbold grime when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you desire air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the new potty , do n’t fertilize justly forth … this will advance the ascendant to fill in their new home .
The sizing toilet you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . recall , many plant life prefer being moderately skunk bound . Always pop out with a neat pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is base in most soils and enters the plant life through the ascendant or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a flora is too far live ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . dampen the toilet with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water resolution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many type of plant and thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the hurt to plants is cause by the young larvae which course on warm leaf and flower tissue . This leads to perverted outgrowth , injure bloom flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow muggy cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a honest steady rain shower of water will wash them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative wing spot for legal chemic passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable creatures which flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing back talk part , which cause plants to seem white-livered and stippled . folio drop and plant death can pass with large plague . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lie in up to 200 eggs in a life-time span of 30 day . They also produce a internet which can pass over infested folio and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep Mary Jane down and dispatch infested plants . wry strain seems to decline the problem , so ensure plants are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check Modern plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , learn and follow all label management . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the parting as that is where spider mites broadly speaking live . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , flabby - embodied dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minuscule piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave of absence and stems offset . They aggress a wide range of plants . The new tend to move around until they ascertain a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to lily-livered foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet-smelling heart called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . advance natural enemy such as lady mallet in the garden to avail come down population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare lowly , winged insects that bet like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The aviate grownup degree prefer the underside of leaves to tip and breed . Whiteflies can multiply apace as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life twosome of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not mark . They can broadcast many harmful plant virus . They also bring on a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can guide to an untempting black control surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use sieve in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plant ; utilize a pensive mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; yap with yellow viscid cards , go for labeled pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-smelling . They may corrode holes in leafage , strip entire shank , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - story silvery , despicable trails .
bar and ascendence : Keep your garden as sporting as possible , eliminating concealing places such as foliage dust , over - turned toilet , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and ponderous mulch provide tribute from the elements and can be favored hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent sector ) and adult during dusk and break of day . Set out beer gob from belated leaping through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and darling ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually obtain on plant that do not have enough zephyr circulation or adequate light . job are bad where nighttime are cool and days are tender and humid . The powdery whitened or gray fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn sensationalistic or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliation emerges crinkled and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and distance plant life properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping weewee off the foliage . This is paramount for blush wine . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply antifungal agent according to label directions before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and withdraw all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the fall and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacterium . dark-brown or black spot and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a H2O soaked or yellow - edged visual aspect . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even mass can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected folio when the industrial plant is ironic . leaf that collect around the base of operations of the plant should be raked up and incline of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; piss should be directed at land level . For fungal folio spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , tie in to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young descale crawl until they happen a expert eating website . The adult females then lose their legs and stay on a spot protect by its hard shell bed . They appear as bumps , often on the down side of leaves . They have pierce mouth part that absorb the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a odorous substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can conduct to an untempting black surface fungal outgrowth called jet-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are laborious to see to it . 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 testimonial regarding their control . Encourage raw enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty molding is a fungus that is found on the surface of farewell . It feed on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cut through / blackens the leave and stems of the plant . The best fashion to insure sooty mold is to ensure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty modeling can commonly be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or lave off with a hosepipe - destruction spray .