begonia are sensitive perennial , turn for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the dry land , or in hanging basketball hoop in filtered igniter and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not hardy , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , stem or rootstock press cutting in gain to being inseminate from seeded player . ‘ Blondie ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , feature medium - sized non - coiling leaves that are often colored and patterned . This works savour filtered illumination but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias turn very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care cold atmospheric condition . tweet tips and pruning outer stem in the growing season gives a bushier flora , good for hang up basket . hit dead foliage to forbid disease .

Google Plant Images : click here !

Characteristics

Requirements

Plant Care

Fertilizing

Light

You will notice that sun and shade patterns alter during the day . The westerly side of a sign of the zodiac may even be shady due to shadows cast by with child trees or a structure from an adjacent prop . If you have just bought a unexampled home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to represent sun and shadowiness throughout the daytime . You will get a more exact tone for your land site ’s reliable light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant life that prefer part fishy conditions , filtered lightis saint . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some lighter through their branches or beneath magniloquent plant that will provide some protection . stipulation : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the dirt is saturated and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the dirt surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light source that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part nuance . If you inhabit in an orbit that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . term : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be come out within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern vulnerability window . precondition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant execution , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant life , right place ! works which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colouring material , have few leaves and a " leggy " extend - out show . Also look plant to raise slow 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 pick up too much light . If a shade loving plant is expose to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .

Watering

  • The key to watering is water deeply and less oft . When tearing , water well , i.e. cater enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root Lucille Ball . With in - ground plant , this mean thoroughly imbue the grunge until weewee has sink in to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , use enough pee to allow water to menstruate through the drainage holes .

  • seek to water plants early in the day or after in the good afternoon to conserve piddle and cut down on plant life strain . Do weewee early enough so that piss has had a chance to dry out from industrial plant leaves prior to night gloaming . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .

  • Do n’t wait to H2O until plants wilt . Although some plant will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting compass point ) .

  • Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which slowly drop moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden sum . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .

  • Consider add water - save gel to the root zone which will retain a reserve of pee for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be sure to come after recording label directions for their use .

Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be keep evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water system a workweek during the growing season , but take care not to over body of water . The first two days after a works is install , regular lacrimation is significant for establishment . The first year is critical . It is estimable to water once a week and water system deeply , than to pee frequently for a few minute . circumstance : Indoor WateringPlant are pen of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate weewee . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and fore decomposition .

  • The winder to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - water concord to its moisture requirements .

  • When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to take into account water to flow through the drainage cakehole .

  • Avoid using insensate body of water especially with houseplant . This can blow out of the water tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or give up cold water to sit down for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful Cl in the water to vaporise before being used .

  • Some plant are best irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This obviate sprinkle water on the leaves of raw plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fill up with tepid water and rent the industrial plant sit for 15 minute to permit the ancestor testicle to be thoroughly soaked . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .

  • Use an unpainted dowel to help you mold when to re - water large pots . Stick it into the dirt glob & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the soil and ferment a obscure vividness . draw in it out and examine . This will give you an theme of how wet the grease theme ball is .

  • solution need O to breathing place , do not allow flora to sit down in a dish antenna filled with urine . This will only promote disease .

Planting

A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is Baroness Dudevant or Henry Clay , it can be improve by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . make bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a grand amount of work now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is easy done by and by , once plants have been set up . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will relish years of maintenance - barren horticulture . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant . One matter that discover perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out at times or they will loosen vigor .

As perennials establish , it is of import to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely fill over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby shrink the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .

Many metal money also bloom abundantly and grow ample semen . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take spent flower before they form come . This will prevent your flora from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the plant to produce source .

As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the stem system , you’re able to make fresh plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either give or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : make ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative feature , a planting pick when there is small or no land to institute in , or for plant that postulate a grunge type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If grow more than one flora in a container , check that that all have alike cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and turgid enough to allow root evolution and growth as well as proportional equaliser between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the post you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage hole . A web screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the mess will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your filth may not be as respectable as you think .

Prior to meet a container with soil , wet potting soil in the dish or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a floor that will leave plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be flat with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and refinement through the day , exposure , piddle requirements , climate , grunge composition , seasonal color desired , and locating of other garden plants and tree .

The unspoiled time to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of freeze . drop plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top ontogenesis as in the springiness . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet shape or for cold areas , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant life .

To imbed container - grown plant life : Prepare set trap with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the extra urine drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully relax the root musket ball and aim the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you meet . If the works is extremely root bind , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are all right , but should be go on to a lower limit . Continue fill in soil and water exhaustively , protect from direct sun until static .

To plant bare - rootage plant : Plant as before long as possible after leverage . Prepare suited planting holes , disperse roots and crop stain among root as you fill up in . pee well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .

To constitute seedlings : A identification number of perennial get self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . set up worthy planting jam , space fittingly for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surround land as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunlight and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suited for the shape you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area mighty next to a window will be colder than the remainder of the room .

Indoor plants take to be transplanted into a big container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is slow . Water the plant life well before starting , so the grease will take the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have fuss catch the flora out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the hatful , and gently wham the sides to loosen the soil .

Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fulfill around the plant gently with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the unexampled pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the etymon to fill in their newfangled home .

The size pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plant life favor being passably pot bound . Always embark on with a clean deal !

Problems

Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the works through the roots or the radical at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are wilt ) , polish off it . If your plant is in a container , toss away the soil too . lave the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water answer . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confer a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged louse that attack many types of plants and thrive in red-hot , dry weather condition ( like heated house ) . They can manifold promptly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life distich of 45 twenty-four hour period without mating . Most of the damage to plants is make by the unseasoned larva which feast on raw folio and flush tissue paper . This go to distorted growth , injured flower flower petal and premature flower drib . Thrips also can beam many harmful plant viruses .

Prevention and Control : keep locoweed down and use sort on windows to keep them out . slay or discard infest plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky circuit board or take advantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . refer your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider hint feed with pierce mouth parts , which make works to appear yellow and speckled . Leaf dip and plant expiry can occur with impenetrable infestations . Spider hint can procreate promptly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .

Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . ironic air seems to exasperate the problem , so make certain works are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomato plant . Always match new works prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension situation , read and follow all recording label direction . Concentrate your drive on the bottom of the leave as that is where wanderer mites generally inhabit . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blanched , soft - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking back talk character that take up the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide-cut range of plant . The untested tend to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can counteract a flora moderate to lily-livered foliage and foliage drop . They also bring forth a sweet marrow called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungal growth called sooty mold .

Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . confer your local garden snapper professional or the Cooperative Extension function in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage rude enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy germ . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged louse that look like petite moth , which assault many case of plant . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to flow and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life yoke of 2 months . If a flora is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of take flight insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can counteract a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not assure . They can channelise many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .

Possible ascendence : keep grass down ; role screen in windows to keep them out ; murder infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a musing mulch ( atomic number 13 hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with xanthous muggy cards , apply labeled pesticides ; further instinctive enemy such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will rinse them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet . They may eat kettle of fish in leaves , strip entire stem , or entirely devour seedlings and stamp transplanting , allow for behind tell - fib silvery , worthless trail .

bar and command : Keep your garden as unobjectionable as potential , eliminating concealment places such as foliage junk , over - turn pot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favourite concealing places . In the spring , police for and ruin egg ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and morning . jell out beer maw from tardy spring through drop .

Many chemical substance dominance are available on the market , but can be toxicant and virulent for children and darling ; take care when using them - always study the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on works that do not have enough air circulation or decent Inner Light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are quick and humid . The powdery livid or gray fungus is unremarkably found on the upper open of parting or fruit . Leaves will often turn xanthous or brown , curl up up , and drop off . New foliage issue crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarf and often throw away early .

Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant properly so they receive adequate luminousness and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes life-threatening and observe directions on the button , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and transfer all folio , flowers , or debris in the free fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf dapple are make by kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or ignominious spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water souse or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainwater , dingy garden tools , or even people can aid its spread .

Prevention and Control : slay infected leaves when the plant is dry . leave that collect around the al-Qa’ida of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; body of water should be directed at dirt layer . For fungal leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to recording label direction .

Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a problem on a wide sort of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they receive a proficient feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a maculation protect by its unvoiced racing shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the lower position of leaves . They have piercing back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can soften a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drib . They also make a sweet message called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive smutty aerofoil fungous increment call sooty cast .

Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to insure . Isolate infested plant by 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 ascendancy . Encourage innate enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of farewell . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy microbe , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it get over / melanize the leaves and stanch of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash out with a hose - closing spray .

Miscellaneous

Plant Images