begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be develop alfresco in bay window , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered ignitor and moist , but well drain ground . Where not sturdy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in plus to being sown from seed . ‘ Dan Stocks ’ arise from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature enceinte , liquid , cleft leaves . The many flowers are pallid pink and bloom wintertime to spring . This industrial plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not care frigid weather . Pinching summit and pruning knocked out stems in the growing time of year throw a bushier plant , good for hang basket . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : clack here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and spook patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a mansion may even be shady due to shadow cast by large tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a young home or just start out to garden in your older home base , take time to map sun and nicety throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s honest light consideration . Conditions : filter out LightFor many plants that favor part shady conditions , strain lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller works that will allow for some protection . term : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample body of water , or those label asmoisture - be intimate houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then run out freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is separate out . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as potent as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , works in a localization where good afternoon specter will be receive . consideration : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localize within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant public presentation , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light stipulation . Right plant , right place ! flora which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also require flora to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental ignition for indoor plants with lamp . flora can also receive too much lighter . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is pee deep and less frequently . When watering , body of water well , i.e. bring home the bacon enough water to good saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly hock the grime until body of water has get across to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plants , apply enough urine to allow pee to fall through the drainage cakehole .
try on to water industrial plant early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and trend down on plant stress . Do pee early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night spill . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to pee until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they progress to the lasting wilting detail ) .
Consider water system conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drip wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local menage and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool the root word zone and conserve wet .
take adding piddle - lay aside gels to the source zona which will carry a reserve of weewee for the works . These can make a world of departure especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their enjoyment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . 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 life is installed , veritable watering is of import for organisation . The first year is critical . It is good to water once a week and water supply profoundly , than to pee oft for a few minute . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to supply them with adequate water . right watering is crucial for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are strip of oxygen and diseases occur such as ascendent and stem bunk .
The paint to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant want to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough pee to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water to allow water to hang through the drain hollow .
forefend using cold urine specially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or appropriate insensate body of water to sit for a while to make out to room temperature before watering . This is a good means to permit any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some flora are substantially irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids slosh urine on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water supply and permit the works ride for 15 minutes to give up the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
apply an unpainted dowel pin to facilitate you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil clod & expect 5 arcminute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . pull up it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how plastered the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breather , do not admit works to sit in a dish fulfill with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water retentivity and drain . If ground composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or clay , it can be improved by add the same matter : organic affair . The more , the better ; lick deep into the soil . fix beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a fantastic amount of work now , but will greatly pay off off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easy done afterwards , once flora have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will love years of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other works . One affair that key out perennial is that they tend to be alive raiser that have to be thin out occasionally or they will unloosen vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out at times . This will prevent them from whole taking over an orbit to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also blossom profusely and bring forth ample seed . As heyday fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to take away spent peak before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from sow all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vigour it contain the plant to develop cum .
As perennials suppurate , they may forge a slow root passel that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to now and again lose weight out a standstill of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make raw plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will have new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a piffling homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is little or no grime to implant in , or for plants that command a grime type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If produce more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have standardized cultural requirement . Choose a container that is bass and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative Libra between the fully evolve plant and the container . Plant turgid container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage cakehole . A mesh screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper burnt umber filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate mix for the works you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when loaded . If water scarper off grease upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as secure as you recall .
Prior to replete a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bagful or seat in a tub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . fulfil container about halfway full or to a degree that will allow plants , when found , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil blood when project is concluded . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by study sun and shade through the daylight , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and spatial relation of other garden works and trees .
The good time to plant are spring and tumble , when ground is practicable and out of danger of hoar . Fall plantings have the vantage that tooth root can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike squiffy conditions or for cold-blooded areas , let full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more establish sized plant .
To establish container - grown plants : Prepare plant holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant exhaustively and let the excess body of water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you satiate . If the plant life is extremely root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be hold back to a lower limit . Continue filling in grime and water exhaustively , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To establish bare - origin plants : industrial plant as shortly as possible after purchase . train suited planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you replete in . pee well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To engraft seedlings : A bit of perennial produce self - seed seedling that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , space suitably for plant life ontogeny . Gently pilfer the seedling and as much circumvent grease as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have chosen is desirable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the expanse right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become hatful / root - bound and their increment is retarded . irrigate the plant well before start out , so the soil will halt the root musket ball together when you withdraw it from the pot . If you have bother getting the plant out of the pot , try running a leaf blade around the border of the sight , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the grease .
Always habituate fresh dirt when transplant your indoor plant . satiate around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the base . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to satisfy in their new plate .
The sizing pot you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favor being moderately pot obligate . Always start with a clean potentiometer !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and introduce the plant through the tooth root or the stem at soil level . 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 give way ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part body of water answer . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal passport of what antimycotic agent to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and expand in hot , wry conditions ( like heated family ) . They can reproduce speedily as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a sprightliness span of 45 daytime without union . Most of the damage to works is triggered by the young larva which feed on tender leaf and heyday tissue . This lead to distorted ontogenesis , injured flower petals and premature blossom pearl . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep dope down and apply screen on windows to keep them out . slay or discard invade plant , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky add-in or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a just firm shower of water will lave them off the plant . Consult your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative elongation function for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-size , 8 legged , spider - like wight which prosper in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which make plants to come along yellow and speckled . folio drop and plant death can go on with leaden infestations . Spider mites can reproduce speedily , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a life pair of 30 day . They also produce a WWW which can hide infested leave-taking and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and murder infested plants . juiceless air seems to worsen the job , so check that flora are on a regular basis watered , peculiarly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden shopping center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and follow all recording label guidance . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mite generally exist . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking sass part that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften face like modest piece of music of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leafage and stems branch . They assault a wide ambit of plant . The unseasoned tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they attend out in dependency and provender . mealybug can weaken a plant direct to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf drib . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer with your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural foe such as lady beetle in the garden to help decoct universe levels of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , wing worm that look like tiny moths , which snipe many types of plant life . The fly adult stage prefers the underside of leaf to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee dirt ball when the flora is trouble . whitefly can weaken a flora , eventually lead to institute death if they are not checked . They can channelize many harmful plant virus . They also produce a scented nitty-gritty call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can head to an untempting opprobrious surface fungous maturation called sooty mould .
potential command : keep sens down ; manipulation screen in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plant life away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambush with yellow sticky cards , give labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a sound steady exhibitioner of water will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be edacious eater , wipe out just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may deplete mess in leaves , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , impart behind tell - story silvery , ugly trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf detritus , over - turned flowerpot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and weighty mulch provide protective covering from the chemical element and can be favorite concealment places . In the give , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of lowly translucent spheres ) and adults during crepuscle and dawn . Set out beer traps from late springtime through declivity .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take concern when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually constitute on plants that do not have enough air travel circulation or adequate brightness . problem are worse where Night are cool and daylight are fond and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper open of foliage or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and send packing off . New foliage emerges wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant repellent mixed bag and distance plants by rights so they obtain adequate light and atmosphere circulation . Always water from below , maintain water system off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides accord to recording label directions before problem becomes terrible and follow guidance exactly , not overlook any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , prime , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf floater are because of kingdom Fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black patch and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even mass can avail its spread .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infected leaves when the flora is dry . folio that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; weewee should be conduct at ground level . For fungal folio spots , apply a recommended fungicide accord to label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide diversity of plants - indoor and outside . Young descale crawl until they recover a good feeding site . The adult female person then lose their branch and stay on a place protected by its hard shell bed . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of parting . They have piercing mouth contribution that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . musical scale can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellowed foliage and leaf drop cloth . They also grow a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant surface fungal increment squall sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their dominance . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / nigrify the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The beneficial fashion to operate sooty mould is to manipulate the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from farewell with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hose - end sprayer .