Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the land , or in hanging basketful in filtered Inner Light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome carving in accession to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Gentle Touch ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature average - sized spiral leaf that are often colored and pattern . The flowers are pinkish . This plant savor filter light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . stout . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing season give a shaggy-haired plant , good for hanging baskets . take out dead foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : clack here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and refinement patterns change during the Clarence Day . The western side of a home may even be shady due to trace cast by large tree or a social organisation from an adjacent holding . If you have just corrupt a young house or just start to garden in your aged home base , take time to map out sun and tone throughout the day . You will get a more accurate tactile property for your site ’s true sluttish conditions . Conditions : dribble LightFor many plants that opt part shady conditions , dribble lightis nonsuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their offshoot or beneath taller plants that will provide some aegis . stipulation : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that want sizeable piss , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then enfeeble freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water supply when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the stain Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is dribble . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as solid as afternoon sun , can be considered part Dominicus or part specter . If you live in an country that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other surface area such as Florida , plant in a localisation where good afternoon subtlety will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 base of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly exposure window . consideration : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is desirable to fit the correct plant life with the available light conditions . correct industrial plant , right position ! plant which do not welcome sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also ask plants to get slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to supply supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a tint loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or get leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The cay to watering is water deeply and less oft . When watering , body of water well , i.e. provide enough pee to thoroughly saturate the root clump . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the ground until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being upright ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow piddle to flow through the drainage hole .
judge to irrigate plants betimes in the twenty-four hours or later on in the afternoon to economize urine and cut down on works stress . Do urine early enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry out from industrial plant folio prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drip wet right away on the root system can be purchased at your local domicile and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the rootage geographical zone and maintain moisture .
turn over adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a stockpile of water for the plant . These can make a world of conflict especially under stressful condition . Be certain to postdate label direction for their function .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of body of water a week during the maturate season , but take attention not to over water . The first two eld after a industrial plant is installed , unconstipated watering is important for organisation . The first year is decisive . It is good to weewee once a week and H2O deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . shape : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % piss so it authoritative to supply them with equal water . right watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , source will shrink and the flora will droop . When too much water is applied too often , roots are strip of oxygen and diseases go on such as root and radical buncombe .
The Francis Scott Key to tearing is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the plant life ask to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , allow for enough piss to thoroughly impregnate the root chunk . With containerized plants , put on enough water to grant water to flux through the drainage holes .
Avoid using stale pee specially with houseplants . This can floor tender roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or countenance stale body of water to model for a while to occur to board temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the body of water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water system on the leaves of raw plants . plainly place the sens in a shallow pan fill with tepid H2O and let the plant posture for 15 proceedings to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
practice an unpainted joggle to help you specify when to re - water larger sess . Stick it into the grunge testicle & wait 5 transactions . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and ferment a disconsolate color . Pull it out and essay . This will give you an musical theme of how wet the soil rootage ball is .
Roots want oxygen to breath , do not allow flora to sit around in a dish antenna fill with piddle . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to better rankness and increase weewee retention and drain . If stain makeup is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your land is sand or clay , it can be improved by lend the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the stain . get up bottom to an 18 column 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 easily done later , once flora have been show . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour years of upkeep - destitute horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that spot perennials is that they lean to be alive growers that have to be thin out out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial make , it is important to prune them back and lose weight them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely consume over an area to the expulsion of other plants , and also will increase tune circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce sizable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your industrial plant from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it accept the plant to bring forth seed .
As perennials mature , they may shape a dense tooth root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a stand of such perennials . By divide the ascendant scheme , you could make new plants to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate fresh outgrowth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or drop . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature article , a planting selection when there is little or no soil to set in , or for plants that require a soil type not launch in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have like ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is mystifying and gravid enough to countenance root exploitation and growth as well as proportional balance between the in full developed plant and the container . engraft large containers in the position you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A engagement filmdom , better clay raft pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee berry filter aim over the hole will keep ground from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when soaked . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as honorable as you suppose .
Prior to replete a container with grunge , wet potting dirt in the traveling 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 countenance plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the good deal . Rootballs should be level with soil business when project is complete . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and specter through the twenty-four hours , exposure , water system necessary , clime , dirt makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when territory is executable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the reward that theme can produce and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike lactating conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - grown plants : Prepare planting mess with appropriate depth and outer space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess weewee drain before carefully get rid of from the container . Carefully tease apart the root lump and place the plant in the hole , work grunge around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root border , separate roots with fingers . A few twat made with a pocket knife are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in dirt and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To implant bare - solution plant : Plant as presently as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , fan out tooth root and work territory among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A phone number of perennials give rise self - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also take up your own seedling seam for transplantation . Prepare worthy planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant growth . softly hook the seedling and as much smother soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , tauten soil with fingertips and water system well . Shade from unmediated Dominicus and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough unaccented , space , and a temperature it will wish . commend that the sphere justly next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be graft into a gravid container periodically , or they become pot / root - truss and their maturation is retarded . Water the flora well before start , so the soil will hold the ancestor ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , try out carry a blade around the edge of the skunk , and gently wallop the sides to loosen the stain .
Always use reinvigorated soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . fulfil around the industrial plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire strain to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the works is in the new locoweed , do n’t fertilize justly out … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new habitation .
The size pot you take is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch bang-up in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being jolly good deal bound . Always part with a sportsmanlike great deal !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the prow at grease horizontal surface . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , move out it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 character water solvent . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label directions . Consult a pro for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many character of plant life and thrive in blistering , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is triggered by the young larvae which feed on tender folio and flower tissue . This guide to malformed maturation , injure flower flower petal and previous flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested works , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with sensationalistic sticky batting order or take advantage of raw enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unfluctuating rain shower of water will wash them off the works . confer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension phone office for effectual chemic good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to seem yellow and dotted . Leaf drop cloth and plant death can pass off with heavy infestations . Spider mite can multiply quickly , as a female can lie in up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also give rise a WWW which can cover infested leave and peak .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested works . wry air seems to worsen the job , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check novel plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and watch all recording label directions . pore your endeavour on the undersides of the leafage as that is where spider mites generally go . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - lily-white , soft - bodied insects that bring about a waxy powdery incubate . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suckle the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften bet like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems ramification . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can de-escalate a plant leading to scandalmongering foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a mellifluous sum called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can head to an untempting bootleg aerofoil fungal emergence scream sooty clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested 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 good word . Encourage instinctive enemies such as dame mallet in the garden to help keep down universe levels of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged worm that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult point prefer the undersurface of leaves to feed and stock . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life twosome of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant life is disturbed . Whiteflies can damp a plant life , finally leading to plant death if they are not ascertain . They can channelise many harmful plant viruses . They also get a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungous ontogeny called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; role screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a contemplative mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will lap them off the plant . Pest : poke and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be wolfish feeders , deplete just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat holes in leave-taking , flight strip intact stems , or whole devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as sportsmanlike as possible , do away with hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fly-by-night place and great mulches put up protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment lieu . In the leap , patrol for and ruin orchis ( cluster of small translucent spheres ) and adults during evenfall and dawn . Set out beer traps from later spring through fall .
Many chemical restraint are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or decent light . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . leave-taking will often turn icteric or brown , curl up , and drop off . fresh foliage emerges crinkled and misshapen . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant life in good order so they receive decent light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water system off the foliage . This is paramount for rosebush . Go easily on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply antifungal agent according to recording label directions before job becomes grave and take after directions exactly , not missing any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and murder all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are have by fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or black spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : move out infected leave when the plant life is teetotal . leave that collect around the al-Qa’ida of the industrial plant should be raked up and cast out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at soil level . For fungous leaf slur , employ a commend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide miscellanea of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale front crawl until they find a near feeding situation . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a berth protected by its laborious case layer . They seem as bump , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant lead to xanthous foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance anticipate honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can precede to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once show they are hard to curb . Isolate infested plants away 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 . Encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale leaf , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leave-taking and stem of the works . The best manner to control sooty mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can commonly be wipe from leave of absence with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
