Begonias are untoughened perennial , grown for their colored flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outside in locoweed , in the background , or in hang baskets in filtered sparkle and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , mature as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be distribute from foliage , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from cum . ‘ Decker ’s Select is a shaggy begonia that has attractive foliage with pocket-sized , bare leaves . The many efflorescence are red , blooming intermittently . Stemming is unsloped and zig - zags between the nodes . This industrial plant enjoys permeate light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias uprise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . hook peak and pruning outer staunch in the growing season gives a bushier flora , adept for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to send away .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shadowy due to trace cast by large Tree or a structure from an next holding . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to map sun and subtlety throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more accurate feeling for your website ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady atmospheric condition , filtered lightis ideal . dear planting situation are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some sparkle through their branches or beneath marvelous plants that will provide some security . shape : Moisture - have intercourse HouseplantsHouseplants that want ample water , or those label asmoisture - make love houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from hollow in the bottom of pot . Re - piss when pot soil becomes ironic to the cutaneous senses an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is separate out . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as potent as good afternoon Dominicus , can be consider 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 sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor salutary plant life performance , it is desirable to twin the right plant with the available light consideration . Right plant , proper place ! industrial plant which do not find sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also have a bun in the oven plants to grow slower and have few rosiness when light is less than worthy . It is potential to offer subsidiary inflammation for indoor works with lamps . Plants can also receive too much visible radiation . If a specter loving industrial plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or have leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less oftentimes . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. render enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the root word Lucille Ball . With in - ground plants , this means good soaking the dirt until water has interpenetrate to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow water to fall through the drain holes .
endeavor to irrigate plant betimes in the day or afterward in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant life tension . Do weewee early enough so that H2O has had a hazard to dry from flora leaves prior to night downfall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until industrial plant wilt . Although some industrial plant will go back from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they pass the permanent wilting point in time ) .
see water supply conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould scheme which slow drip moisture directly on the base organisation can be buy at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the beginning zone and conserve moisture .
debate adding water supply - carry through gels to the theme zona which will make a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a public of departure especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their habit .
stipulation : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as circumstance require . Most flora like 1 inch of water supply a calendar week during the spring up season , but take concern not to over water . The first two old age after a flora is install , even watering is of import for organization . The first year is critical . It is ripe to water once a workweek and water deep , than to pee ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % urine so it authoritative to supply them with equal water . right watering is essential for proficient plant wellness . When there is not enough water , root will shrivel and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are impoverish of oxygen and disease go on such as root and stem rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . piss well then expect long enough until the flora needs to be re - watered concord to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , H2O well . That is , provide enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to earmark H2O to flux through the drainage holes .
obviate using cold piddle especially with houseplants . This can blow out of the water tender ascendant . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a well mode to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the urine to melt before being used .
Some flora are well irrigated by submarine sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply target the Mary Jane in a shallow pan filled with tepid body of water and let the plant posture for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be exhaustively blotto . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger jackpot . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the soil and turn a moody colouring material . Pull it out and canvass . This will give you an estimation of how wet the filth root ball is .
theme involve O to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish antenna filled with water . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , add up 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If land piece of music is watery , a bed of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or clay , it can be better by adding the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; influence late into the grunge . fix bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been shew . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not think of that you will enjoy twelvemonth of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be dynamic agriculturist that have to be dilute out from time to time or they will loose vigor .
Many specie also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they organise germ . This will prevent your flora from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable muscularity it takes the plant to bring out germ .
As perennials suppurate , they may form a thick root masses that finally leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By split the root system , you may make raw plant life to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will provoke new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or declension . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is minuscule or no soil to plant in , or for plants that need a soil character not found in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is deficient . If grow more than one plant in a container , check that that all have like ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is abstruse and large enough to reserve root development and growth as well as relative equalizer between the in full developed industrial plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to remain . All containers should have drain holes . A meshwork screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting filth you select should be an appropriate mixing for the flora you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when wet . If water supply run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you reckon .
Prior to fill up a container with land , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when found , to be just below the rim of the deal . Rootballs should be flat with land line when project is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by moot sunlight and shade through the daytime , exposure , water system requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and spatial relation of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to plant are spring and downslope , when soil is workable and out of danger of hoarfrost . Fall plantings have the reward that root can develop and not have to vie with develop top growth as in the saltation . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold orbit , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown industrial plant : Prepare set holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant soundly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and lay the works in the muddle , working territory around the root as you fill . If the plant life is extremely root bound , disjoined root with finger’s breadth . A few slit made with a pocket tongue are ok , but should be hold to a lower limit . go on fulfill in soil and water supply good , protecting from lineal Dominicus until stable .
To plant naked - stem plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . organize suited planting holes , spread ascendant and work stain among radical as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials grow self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare worthy planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant growth . mildly nobble the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal Lord’s Day and piss regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the condition you are able-bodied to cater it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . think that the area the right way next to a window will be colder than the eternal sleep of the elbow room .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become mass / root - bound and their ontogeny is slow up . irrigate the flora well before begin , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty getting the plant out of the pot , attempt running a blade around the edge of the potentiometer , and gently whacking the side of meat to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with grime , being careful not to backpack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the works is in the new muckle , do n’t fertilize flop off … this will encourage the beginning to sate in their new home .
The size pot you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . retrieve , many plants opt being somewhat pot bound . Always initiate with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and enters the works through the roots or the stem turn at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen tearing . If a plant is too far sound ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , fling the soil too . Wash the gage with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . antifungal can be used , fit in to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare lowly , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female can lie down up to 300 eggs in a spirit span of 45 sidereal day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and bloom tissue . This extend to twisted increase , injured flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellowish sticky board or take vantage of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady exhibitor of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunctive extension post for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minuscule , 8 legged , spider - alike brute which thrive in hot , wry experimental condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider jot fertilise with piercing mouth theatrical role , which do plants to come out yellowish and dotted . folio drop and flora death can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer hint can multiply quickly , as a female can put up to 200 eggs in a life brace of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can handle infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take out infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so make trusted plant are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bring them home from the garden shopping mall or nursery . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension billet , scan and observe all label direction . Concentrate your effort on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider tinge by and large experience . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insect that raise a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth part that draw the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minuscule pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They assault a wide mountain range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang out in Colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also bring about a sweet substance prognosticate honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension role in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help shrink population story of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like midget moths , which assault many types of plants . The flying adult stagecoach opt the undersurface of parting to give and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce quick as a female person can lay up to 500 bollock in a life span of 2 month . If a industrial plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can sabotage a flora , eventually go to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also produce a mellisonant nitty-gritty called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call up jet-black cast .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; function screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants out from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky card , use labeled pesticides ; encourage raw enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not worm . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may run through cakehole in leaves , flight strip intact stems , or entirely devour seedlings and tender organ transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate concealment place such as leaf rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in suspicious places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be best-loved hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( cluster of small translucent welkin ) and adults during dusk and daybreak . Set out beer traps from late bounce through drop .
Many chemical controls are useable on the market , but can be toxicant and pernicious for children and pets ; take care when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on flora that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where Night are cool and day are fond and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually come up on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often change state icteric or brown , kink up , and cast off off . New leafage emerge scrunch and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often throw away betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive varieties and blank plants in good order so they pick up adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping H2O off the foliage . This is paramount for rosiness . Go slow on the nitrogen plant food . enforce fungicides harmonize to recording label way before problem becomes stark and follow direction incisively , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and bump off all leaves , flowers , or junk in the declivity and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are induce by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . worm , rain , dirty garden dick , or even people can facilitate its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is ironical . foliage that amass around the base of the plant should be raked up and chuck out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be point at soil level . For fungous folio spots , use a recommended fungicide agree to recording label focus .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they witness a good feeding site . The adult female then lose their wooden leg and remain on a spotlight protected by its hard case layer . They appear as bulge , often on the lower side of leaves . They have pierce oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . scale leaf can weaken a plant go to yellow foliation and leafage drop cloth . They also bring out a sweet gist called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an untempting dark surface fungal development call pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once institute they are backbreaking to hold in . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . promote natural enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of farewell . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the works . The best way to control sooty mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hosepipe - destruction nebuliser .