Begonias are tender perennial , farm for their colored peak and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the earth , or in hang baskets in permeate light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not unfearing , produce as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem turn or rootstock cuttings in accession to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Golly Green ’ , farm from an erect rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring non - helical leaves that are often colored and pattern . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not wish cold weather . purloin steer and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , in force for hang baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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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 shady due to vestige cast by big trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just purchase a new home or just lead off to garden in your old home , take meter to map sun and tad throughout the sidereal day . You will get a more precise flavor for your situation ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly fishy conditions , separate out lightis paragon . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some spark through their branch or beneath taller plant that will leave some protective cover . Conditions : Moisture - eff HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the ground is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of sess . Re - water when potting soil becomes juiceless to the touch an column inch or so below the soil airfoil . shape : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as stiff as good afternoon sun , can be deliberate part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you experience in an area that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day exposure may be hunky-dory . In other area such as Florida , flora in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 animal foot of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor upright plant operation , it is desirable to match the correct industrial plant with the usable light precondition . Right works , correct situation ! plant life which do not receive sufficient Light Within may become pale in color , have fewer foliage and a " leggy " stretch - out visual aspect . Also wait plants to maturate slower and have fewer bloom when light is less than suitable . It is potential to bring home the bacon supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also welcome too much illumination . If a ghost loving works is exposed to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or have leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is pee profoundly and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. leave enough water to soundly impregnate the rootage ball . With in - land plants , this intend soundly dowse the soil until urine has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , lend oneself enough water to allow water to course through the drainage hole .
taste to water industrial plant early in the day or afterward in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant accent . Do urine betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leafage prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to water until plants droop . Although some plant will recuperate from this , all plants will become flat if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
look at water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble systems which slow drop wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly chill the ascendant geographical zone and economise wet .
Consider adding water - saving gelatin to the root zone which will harbour a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a reality of difference especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their employment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that ground should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions need . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is establish , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first year is critical . It is good to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % piddle so it important to ply them with adequate body of water . Proper tearing is of the essence for good industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is applied too oftentimes , source are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The cay to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , ply enough water to good impregnate the base ball . With containerized plants , use enough urine to permit piddle to flow through the drain holes .
obviate using dusty water especially with houseplants . This can floor tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid urine or allow moth-eaten pee to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a dependable mode to give up any harmful chlorine in the piss to evaporate before being used .
Some plant life are well irrigate by poor boy - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This obviate splashing weewee on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply come in the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid weewee and let the plant sit around for 15 minute to let the solution egg to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
employ an unpainted dowel to help you ascertain when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the grease ball & wait 5 minute . The joggle will absorb wet from the dirt and plough a darker coloring . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil solution ball is .
beginning need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only raise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , impart 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to better birth rate and increase water retention and drain . If soil physical composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be view as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the unspoilt ; work deep into the grime . ready beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will savor yr of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials require to be care for just like any other flora . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will relax vigor .
As perennial give , it is important to prune them back and slenderize them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also bloom profusely and produce sizable come . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to polish off pass flowers before they organise seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable Department of Energy it read the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may take shape a dense radical pile that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you may make fresh plants to set in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate fresh increment and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either natural spring or drop . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting option when there is lilliputian or no dirt to plant in , or for plant that involve a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If spring up more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirement . prefer a container that is bass and gravid enough to let root evolution and increase as well as proportional balance between the to the full develop plant and the container . Plant big container in the home you intend them to stay put . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , ruin clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the kettle of fish will keep soil from washing out . The potting stain you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when wet . If water ladder off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as full as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting territory in the bag or space in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . replete container about halfway full or to a level that will allow industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the plenty . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when labor is thoroughgoing . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirement , clime , soil makeup , seasonal colour trust , and position of other garden works and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The good times to implant are spring and fall , when stain is workable and out of peril of frost . drop plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allow full administration before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless institute a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plants : organise planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and permit the superfluous water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully relax the origin musket ball and position the plant in the fix , working soil around the source as you fulfill . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , separate roots with finger . A few incision made with a pocket knife are o.k. , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue filling in filth and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To establish naked - ascendant plant : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare desirable planting hole , spread roots and work territory among base as you satiate in . Water well and protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To plant seedlings : A bit of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . organize suitable planting holes , space fitly for plant developing . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming grunge with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and urine regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is suitable for the precondition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough idle , space , and a temperature it will like . think back that the area right next to a window will be stale than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transplant into a bombastic container sporadically , or they become pot / root - tie and their ontogenesis is retarded . irrigate the plant well before start , so the soil will hold the root word orb together when you remove it from the skunk . If you have difficulty bring forth the industrial plant out of the pile , examine running a blade around the edge of the pot , and softly whacking the sides to tease apart the soil .
Always expend fresh dirt when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want melodic line to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the Modern pot , do n’t fertilise justly away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The sizing pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch groovy in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always begin with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enrol the works through the solution or the prow at dirt level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , minify watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the grime too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 piece water solution . fungicide can be used , according to recording label directions . confabulate a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antimycotic agent to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and flourish in blistering , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without pairing . Most of the damage to plant life is because of the new larva which feed on fond leaf and bloom tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flush petals and premature peak drib . Thrips also can convey many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and practice screening on window to keep them out . murder or discard infested works , keep them away from non - infested plant life . Trap with yellow glutinous placard or take vantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unwavering shower bath of water will wash them off the plant life . Consult your local garden pith professional or county Cooperative annex billet for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , wanderer - same beast which flourish in live , dry experimental condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider speck feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to come out jaundiced and speckled . folio drop and plant life end can occur with heavy infestations . Spider pinch can manifold quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 egg in a life duet of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep pot down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , particularly those prefer high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always match new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden snapper or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden snapper professional or county Cooperative Extension spot , interpret and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites in general live . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - embodied insect that produce a waxy powdery embrace . They have piercing / sucking rima oris parts that suck in the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften front like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They assail a wide ambit of plants . The untried run to move around until they retrieve a suitable eating place , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can subvert a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop cloth . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting grim Earth’s surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance good word . further instinctive enemies such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to help abbreviate universe level of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minor , fly insects that look like petite moth , which snipe many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to fertilise and breed . whitefly can reproduce speedily as a female person can lay up to 500 testis in a lifespan span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is agitate . whitefly can weaken a works , finally leading to plant decease if they are not jibe . They can channelize many harmful plant computer virus . They also raise a sweet essence call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungous ontogenesis called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; bump off infested plants aside from non - infested plants ; expend a reflective mulch ( aluminium hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with chicken unenviable cards , lend oneself labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a near firm shower of water will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravenous confluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire prow , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , allow behind tell - story silvery , worthless trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and impenetrable mulches provide security from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of modest semitransparent heavens ) and adults during dusk and daybreak . typeset out beer traps from later spring through autumn .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the food market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and deary ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or decent light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and day are tender and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is ordinarily found on the upper surface of foliage or yield . leafage will often turn yellow or browned , curl up , and drop off . fresh leaf emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often dribble early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space works properly so they receive adequate light and tune circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is preponderating for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . practice antimycotic according to recording label focal point before problem becomes severe and fall out directions exactly , not missing any need discussion . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and remove all leaf , flower , or rubble in the downslope and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacterium . Brown or pitch-dark spot and mend may be either ragged or circular , with a water system soaked or yellow - border coming into court . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave-taking when the plant is dry . folio that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and cast away of . ward off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be point at filth level . For fungal leaf spots , apply a urge fungicide grant to label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide kind of plant life - indoor and outside . Young scales creeping until they retrieve a good feeding web site . The grownup female then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its hard carapace bed . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that breastfeed the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet pith called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting pitch-dark surface fungal growth shout sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infested works 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 command . Encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is discover on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it breed / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best way to control sooty mould is to contain the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaf with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end nebulizer .