Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the solid ground , or in hanging baskets in filtrate light and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not fearless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , theme or rhizome cuttings in summation to being sow in from cum . ( Plant width : give 3 to 6 in ) The ‘ Scottish Cup ’ begonia grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliation is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , suave , lobate leaf . The flowers are pinkish . This plant enjoys separate out lighting but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year render a bushier plant life , skillful for hanging baskets . off utter leafage to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will note that sun and shade shape exchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows barf by large trees or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bribe a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the daytime . You will get a more exact feel for your web site ’s true light conditions . condition : filtrate LightFor many plant that favor partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . Good planting situation are under a mid to big sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some Light Within through their arm or beneath tall plants that will provide some trade protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample weewee , or those labeled asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the land is impregnate and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of heap . Re - water when potting stain becomes dry to the cutaneous senses an inch or so below the territory surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often forenoon Lord’s Day , because it is not as warm as afternoon sun , can be weigh part sunshine or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight pic may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : promising Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western picture windowpane or within 2 to 5 animal foot of a southerly exposure window . experimental condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor good works performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available scant conditions . Right plant , right place ! plant which do not meet sufficient light may become pale in color , have few parting and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also ask works to raise slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to allow for subsidiary lighting for indoor plant life with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a subtlety bonk plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or stimulate folio to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key fruit to watering is water deeply and less ofttimes . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly plume the soil until piss has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , lend oneself enough water to allow water to run through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plants early on in the day or by and by in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some industrial plant will recover from this , all plants will go if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting gunpoint ) .
deliberate piss conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle system of rules which lento drip wet flat on the stem scheme can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool off the stem zone and husband moisture .
deal adding water - bring through colloidal gel to the etymon zona which will maintain a backlog of piss for the plant . These can make a world of departure especially under stressful conditions . Be sealed to postdate recording label directions for their purpose .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that filth should be observe equally moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 in of piddle a week during the growing season , but take tutelage not to over H2O . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular watering is of import for ecesis . The first year is critical . It is near to body of water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few moment . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate weewee . Proper tearing is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough H2O , source will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as beginning and stem turn rots .
The tonality to tearing is frequency . water system well then hold back long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , render enough weewee to good saturate the etymon ball . With containerized plants , use enough pee to allow water supply to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplant . This can traumatise tender roots . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow stale water to sit for a while to derive to room temperature before watering . This is a in force way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some flora are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leafage of sensible plants . just locate the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to facilitate you check when to re - water larger flock . dumbfound it into the ground clump & hold back 5 minutes . The dowel pin will imbibe moisture from the grunge and turn a darker semblance . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how stiff the soil root globe is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breathing place , do not let plants to sit around in a saucer filled with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility rate and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If dirt composition is imperfect , a layer of topsoil should be count as well . No matter if your soil is sand or corpse , it can be better by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the well ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch cryptic for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been set up . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think that you will enjoy years of maintenance - costless gardening . Perennials want to be wish for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be dynamic raiser that have to be thinned out at times or they will unleash vigor .
As perennial establish , it is of import to prune them back and dilute them out occasionally . This will prevent them from altogether take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower copiously and develop ample seed . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vigour it contain the plant to bring about seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a heavy ascendent mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to on occasion dilute out a rack of such perennial . By dividing the ascendent scheme , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will stimulate young growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a slight homework ; some perennials do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is little or no soil to set in , or for plants that require a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , check that that all have exchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow tooth root development and growing as well as proportional Libra the Scales between the fully develop plant and the container . implant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh topology CRT screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the fix will keep soil from washing out . The potting dirt you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or grime - less medias ) steep moisture promptly and evenly when pie-eyed . If piss take to the woods off filth upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as dear as you think .
Prior to filling a container with land , wet pot soil in the base or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . satiate container about halfway full or to a level that will admit plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil origin when project is consummate . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , picture , pee necessity , climate , grease constitution , seasonal color want , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best meter to plant are spring and fall , when grunge is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that root can acquire and not have to compete with developing top growing as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike stiff conditions or for colder arena , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more plant sized plant life .
To engraft container - farm plant : Prepare set hollow with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root formal and place the plant in the hole , work on soil around the root word as you fulfill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate antecedent with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . go on filling in soil and H2O thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - origin plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suited planting hole , spread root and ferment soil among root as you fill in . piss well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - seed seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting hole , space fittingly for plant exploitation . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming filth with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal sunshine and urine regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant life you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are capable to offer it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the quietus of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a expectant container sporadically , or they become tidy sum / stem - bound and their increase is retarded . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ballock together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother getting the industrial plant out of the heap , essay lean a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently wallop the position to loose the filth .
Always utilise refreshing soil when transplant your indoor flora . fill up around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the ascendent . After the plant is in the raw pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will advance the ascendent to fill in their young household .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch corking in diameter . Remember , many plants favor being somewhat pot bound . Always get going with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grime and enters the plant through the beginning or the prow at soil stratum . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far live on ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . lave the sens with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts body of water solution . Fungicides can be used , accord to label direction . confab a professional for a legal testimonial of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing worm that lash out many types of plant and thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated firm ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can pose up to 300 testicle in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the harm to plants is because of the young larva which tip on fond leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted increment , offend flower flower petal and premature flower driblet . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep dope down and use screening on windows to keep them out . dispatch or discard infested flora , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow glutinous cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a right steady rain shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county concerted propagation office for effectual chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to appear chickenhearted and dotted . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with enceinte infestations . wanderer jot can multiply quick , as a female can put up to 200 egg in a living span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep smoke down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to decline the job , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those favor high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check into raw plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of instinctive enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre of attention professional or county Cooperative Extension function , study and surveil all label counsel . condense your campaign on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - embodied insect that give rise a waxy powdery address . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and staunch branch . They attack a wide range of plant . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can subvert a plant chair to yellow leaf and folio drop . They also bring about a sweet substance phone honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive opprobrious Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical good word . promote natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help slim population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , winged insects that reckon like tiny moth , which snipe many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the bottom of leaf to fertilize and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a flora is invade with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant life is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , eventually lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a scented substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can run to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep gage down ; use sieve in windows to keep them out ; move out overrun plant off from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under industrial plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow unenviable cards , use labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a in force steady shower of water will wash away them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravenous feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may corrode hollow in leaves , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplant , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control condition : Keep your garden as unobjectionable as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide aegis from the elements and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy testicle ( clusters of small translucent welkin ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer lying in wait from late spring through fall .
Many chemical mastery are usable on the marketplace , but can be vicious and deadly for child and pets ; take guardianship when using them - always register the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily come up on works that do not have enough air circulation or adequate visible light . job are worse where nights are cool and days are strong and humid . The powdery white or gray-haired fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn jaundiced or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often fell early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate illumination and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is overriding for rose . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - pick up and remove all leave , flowers , or rubble in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black touch and patch may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , ill-gotten garden puppet , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leave when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the pedestal of the plant should be run down up and disposed of . debar overhead irrigation if possible ; piss should be target at grease level . For fungal leaf spots , utilize a recommended fungicide concord to label direction .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are louse , link to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide diverseness of plants - indoor and outside . Young descale crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then fall back their legs and persist on a spot protect by its voiceless case layer . They seem as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that absorb the sap out of plant tissue . graduated table can break a flora leading to xanthous foliation and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can moderate to an unattractive grim aerofoil fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate invade plants aside from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden marrow professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendency . advance natural enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteran , scale of measurement , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stanch of the plant . The in force fashion to command sooty mould is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from folio with a moist cloth or washed out with a hosiery - end sprayer .
