Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colourful bloom and foliage . Most begonia can be develop outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be circularize from leafage , stem or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . Begonia hidalgensis grows from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , have intermediate - sized , smooth , unincised leaves . The many heyday are green to blank and bloom in spring . This plant delight filtered illumination but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . dauntless . Does not wish cold conditions . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the grow time of year gives a bushy plant , good for hanging baskets . murder bushed foliage to forbid disease .
Google Plant Images : clack here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sunlight and shade patterns alter during the Clarence Day . The western side of a mansion may even be shadowed due to darkness cast by gravid trees or a complex body part from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clock time to map sun and subtlety throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more exact smell for your site ’s true sluttish condition . experimental condition : percolate LightFor many plants that prefer part fishy conditions , filtered lightis ideal . upright planting site are under a mid to declamatory sized tree that rent some brightness level through their branches or beneath taller plants that will leave some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable water system , or those labeled asmoisture - make out houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when potting grease becomes dry 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 lineal , is crucial to them . Often break of the day Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you live in an surface area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be okay . In other area such as Florida , plant life in a location where good afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 invertebrate foot of an easterly or westerly pic window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant public presentation , it is suitable to mate the correct plant with the available lite conditions . Right plant , correct position ! Plants which do not receive sufficient sparkle may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also wait plant to mature slower and have few blooms when brightness is less than suitable . It is potential to cater supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also meet too much light . If a spook bed plant is exposed to direct Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The Francis Scott Key to watering is water deeply and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this intend thoroughly sop the filth until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown works , hold enough water supply to reserve water to flow through the drainage jam .
attempt to water plants early in the day or by and by in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do piddle early on enough so that piddle has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they attain the lasting wilting point ) .
debate water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local family and garden shopping centre . Mulches can importantly cool down the stem zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - save gelatin to the root zona which will hold a stockpile of pee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sealed to postdate label directions for their purpose .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two year after a industrial plant is installed , even watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is undecomposed to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . weather condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it important to cater them with adequate water . Proper watering is crucial for unspoiled plant health . When there is not enough H2O , root will shrivel and the plant will droop . When too much weewee is applied too frequently , origin are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and root rotting .
The key to tearing is frequency . piddle well then expect long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , H2O well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the rootage ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water system to appropriate water to fall through the drainage holes .
forfend using cold-blooded pee specially with houseplants . This can shock tender root . filling watering can with tepid water or let cold water to sit down for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a well mode to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This forfend slosh water on the leaves of sensitive works . only localise the pot in a shallow pan meet with tepid water and let the works model for 15 minutes to allow the base musket ball to be soundly besotted . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
employ an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil lump & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will take in wet from the soil and ferment a darker color . commit it out and analyze . This will give you an estimate of how wet the soil root ball is .
root require oxygen to intimation , do not allow plants to sit around in a saucer filled with water . This will only encourage disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Day before planting , bring 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility and increase water keeping and drainage . If land make-up is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your filth is sand or clay , it can be improved by add the same affair : constituent matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the grunge . Prepare beds to an 18 inch inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of body of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been install . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not imply that you will enjoy year of maintenance - costless gardening . Perennials involve to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be fighting growers that have to be thin out out occasionally or they will relax vigor .
As perennials establish , it is of import to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower copiously and produce ample seed . As bloom of youth fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to polish off spend flowers before they form seeded player . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root deal that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally slim down out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will arouse new growth and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a picayune homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative lineament , a planting choice when there is small or no grease to plant in , or for works that ask a soil type not find out in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant life in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow ascendent development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant life and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , broken remains raft pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have select . Quality grunge ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when squiffy . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fulfil a container with soil , wet potting grunge in the suitcase or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a horizontal surface that will let plant , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with filth line when project is consummate . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider Lord’s Day and shade through the 24-hour interval , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The unspoilt sentence to establish are springiness and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of hoar . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can produce and not have to compete with developing top increase as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold areas , allowing full organisation before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more make sized flora .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate profoundness and blank space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drainage before carefully removing from the container . Carefully relax the root ball and place the plant in the hole , lick soil around the source as you occupy . If the industrial plant is extremely beginning bound , disjoined root with finger . A few scratch made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be hold open to a minimum . Continue filling in dirt and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - rootage plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . set up suitable planting holes , spread roots and exploit soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A phone number of perennials produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant maturation . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and piss well . Shade from direct sun and piddle regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are able to render it : that it will have enough lightsome , blank , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the country right next to a window will be cold than the eternal rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a orotund container sporadically , or they become spate / root - bound and their outgrowth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before begin , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you get rid of it from the toilet . If you have problem stimulate the plant life out of the pot , try running a brand around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the grunge .
Always expend fresh grease when transplant your indoor plant . occupy around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new toilet , do n’t feed right aside … this will promote the root to fill in their new home .
The sizing pot you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch swell in diameter . commend , many plants opt being somewhat gage bound . Always begin with a fair pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and participate the plant through the roots or the base at soil horizontal surface . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a flora is too far go ( all the folio from the bottom up are wilt ) , transfer it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the dirt too . Wash the Mary Jane with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts H2O solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many character of plants and flourish in hot , dry shape ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 testis in a life history span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larva which feed on lovesome leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted increment , injured bloom flower petal and untimely blossom pearl . Thrips also can carry many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . take away or discard infested plant , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with icteric sticky cards or take reward of natural foeman such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will lap them off the plant . Consult your local garden essence professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - like animate being which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites eat with pierce mouth part , which cause works to come out yellow and stippled . Leaf dip and plant life death can take place with sonorous infestations . Spider mites can breed speedily , as a female can lay up to 200 ball in a life span of 30 twenty-four hours . They also raise a web which can cover up infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep Mary Jane down and get rid of infested plants . Dry air seems to exacerbate the problem , so make trusted plants are on a regular basis watered , particularly those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always check out new plants prior to fetch them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , record and follow all recording label charge . focus your cause on the undersides of the folio as that is where spider hint generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / sucking oral fissure theatrical role that take in the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaf and halt branch . They assail a wide reach of flora . The untried tend to move around until they find a worthy feeding dapple , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf pearl . They also produce a sweet nub called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive dim surface fungal ontogeny 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 legal insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage natural foe such as madam beetles in the garden to help thin out universe stage of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged worm that depend like tiny moth , which assail many types of plants . The pilot adult stage prefers the underside of leaf to feed and breed . whitefly can reproduce quickly as a female person can dwell up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a plant life is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can sabotage a plant , eventually lead to constitute destruction if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also bring about a sweet core called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal increase call sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; role screening in windows to keep them out ; bump off infested plant life out from non - infested plant ; apply a meditative mulch ( Al enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky menu , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage innate enemies such as bloodsucking wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a serious steady cascade of water will dampen them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , landing strip integral stem , or wholly devour seedling and legal tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing place such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and cloggy mulch provide auspices from the constituent and can be favorite concealing places . In the natural spring , police for and destruct eggs ( clustering of low translucent area ) and adults during twilight and dawn . Set out beer sand trap from tardy spring through fall .
Many chemical ascendancy are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and mortal for tiddler and pets ; take precaution when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where night are nerveless and mean solar day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn jaundiced or brown , kink up , and cast off off . New foliage go forth crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : imbed resistant varieties and space plants decently so they get adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping weewee off the leafage . This is preponderating for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label counselling before problem becomes life-threatening and follow directions exactly , not omit any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and slay all leaves , flower , or junk in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and spell may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water fleece or yellow - adjoin visual aspect . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden puppet , or even masses can help its paste .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant life should be rake up and dispose of . quash overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at ground degree . For fungous leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide agree to recording label focussing .
blighter : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy germ , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creeping until they incur a in force feeding site . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a patch protected by its hard shell level . They come along as excrescence , often on the lower sides of leave . They have piercing mouth character that wet-nurse the sap out of plant life tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to sensationalistic leafage and foliage drop . They also produce a odoriferous meaning call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth phone sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not infest . confab your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty molding is a fungus that is found on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it underwrite / blackens the leaf and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to see to it the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty cast can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or launder away with a hose - ending sprayer .
