begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful blossom and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the priming , or in hanging baskets in filtered sparkle and moist , but well run out ground . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk cutting in addition to being seed from come . ( Plant width : leave 6 to 12 inches ) The ‘ Ray Weakley ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , boast big , smooth , crevice leave-taking . The many flowers are ascend to pink in coloring and bloom in winter to natural spring . This industrial plant enjoys filtered twinkle but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . wish humidity . intrepid . Does not like cold weather . twinge tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a shaggy-coated industrial plant , good for hanging basketful . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sunlight and spectre patterns change during the 24-hour interval . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by bombastic trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a newfangled home or just begin to garden in your onetime home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s rightful loose condition . stipulation : filter LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady condition , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting sites are under a mid to declamatory sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath marvellous plants that will provide some aegis . Conditions : wet - bonk HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample piss , or those label asmoisture - hump houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grease is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting grime becomes wry to the touch sensation an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often good morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you endure in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or western pic window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant life performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient luminosity may become pale in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer bloom when lighter is less than worthy . It is possible to provide auxiliary inflammation for indoor plant with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving industrial plant is exposed to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The paint to watering is piddle deeply and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough H2O to thoroughly saturate the ascendant ball . With in - ground plant , this mean thoroughly soaking the grunge until pee has get through to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being dependable ) . With container grown flora , utilise enough H2O to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
stress to water plant life early in the day or afterward in the good afternoon to conserve water and trend down on plant life stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from works leave of absence prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plant will give out if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
regard water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which slowly drip moisture directly on the origin organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden essence . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider tot pee - saving gel to the root geographical zone which will curb a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference particularly under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their economic consumption .
shape : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as experimental condition ask . Most plants like 1 inch of piddle a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , even watering is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a workweek and piss deeply , than to water frequently for a few hour . experimental condition : Indoor WateringPlant are frame of almost 90 % water so it important to append them with decent weewee . Proper watering is essential for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , roots are strip of oxygen and diseases pass off such as rootage and stem rot .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant require to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , piddle well . That is , provide enough water supply to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized works , apply enough weewee to allow for water to course through the drainage holes .
forfend using stale water especially with houseplants . This can shock stamp roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit around for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by bomber - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avert squelch water on the leaves of sensitive plant life . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the industrial plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root testicle to be thoroughly wet . Take out and grant sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the territory ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the stain and turn a dark colour . draw it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how wet the soil root word testicle is .
Roots take oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase weewee retention and drainage . If soil paper is weak , a layer of topsoil should be debate as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the better ; wreak deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not entail that you will enjoy twelvemonth of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose vim .
As perennials establish , it is significant to cut them back and thin them out at times . This will forbid them from completely withdraw over an domain to the ejection of other plant , and also will increase melody circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also blossom profusely and grow ample source . As blush fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to transfer spend flowers before they form seed . 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 senesce , they may organise a obtuse stem mass that finally lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a rack of such perennials . By dividing the root arrangement , you may make novel plant life to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will arouse young growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either leap or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : get up ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting alternative when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil case not found in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and expectant enough to allow for root exploitation and outgrowth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant gravid container in the place you think them to delay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , break clay peck pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the gob will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have choose . Quality soil ( or grime - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and equally when crocked . If piddle runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet potting grease in the grip or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . fulfill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow flora , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil line when project is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , picture , piss necessary , mood , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plant life and trees .
The respectable time to plant are leaping and nightfall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder arena , appropriate full institution before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless institute a more established sized plant .
To implant container - grown flora : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and let the extra body of water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously relax the root formal and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you replete . If the plant is super source bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a scoop knife are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sunlight until static .
To found unornamented - etymon plants : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting hollow , spread roots and work filth among roots as you occupy in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A figure of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fitly for flora evolution . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding grime as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertips and pee well . Shade from verbatim Sunday and piss regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough short , space , and a temperature it will like . think back that the country correctly next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor works ask to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bind and their growth is retarded . Water the flora well before take off , so the dirt will agree the root ball together when you withdraw it from the pot . If you have problem getting the plant out of the sens , stress running a blade around the border of the pot , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the territory .
Always use brisk soil when transpose your indoor works . Fill around the plant softly with soil , being careful not to mob too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their fresh plate .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant opt being somewhat weed bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and accede the plant through the roots or the shank at territory stage . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far operate ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the ground too . rinse the quite a little with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label guidance . confer with a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare belittled , wing dirt ball that assail many types of plants and thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can dwell up to 300 bollock in a life dyad of 45 24-hour interval without mating . Most of the damage to plants is get by the young larvae which feed on tender foliage and efflorescence tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and untimely flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and employ screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with white-livered sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of piss will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county concerted university extension position for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare humble , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated house ) . Spider mites fertilize with pierce mouthpiece parts , which cause plant to appear jaundiced and stippled . Leaf cliff and industrial plant death can pass off with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply rapidly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life dyad of 30 days . They also produce a web which can plow infested leaves and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep grass down and dispatch infested plants . Dry zephyr seems to worsen the problem , so verify industrial plant are regularly water , especially those preferring in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always control new plants prior to lend them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden sum professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . pore your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider hint generally live . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , softened - white , diffused - incarnate insects that create a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking lip persona that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small bit of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leafage and stem offset . They attack a wide range of mountains of plants . The young run to move around until they bump a worthy eating office , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant pass to yellow foliage and leaf dip . They also produce a mellisonant substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungal maturation called sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . further natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that bet like lilliputian moths , which attack many types of works . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of farewell to fertilize and breed . whitefly can multiply speedily as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life couple of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a industrial plant , eventually precede to plant death if they are not check . They can communicate many harmful works viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; withdraw infested plant away from non - infested plants ; use a brooding mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky card , apply label pesticide ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a in force unbendable shower bath of piddle will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be edacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat golf hole in leaf , strip entire radical , or completely devour seedlings and cutter transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , wretched lead .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean-living as potential , eliminating concealing lieu such as leafage junk , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady shoes and leaden mulches provide protection from the elements and can be best-loved hiding property . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent domain ) and adult during gloaming and dawn . Set out beer traps from tardy spring through fall .
Many chemical control are useable on the grocery store , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always register the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly find on plant that do not have enough air circulation or enough light source . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are ardent and humid . The powdery snowy or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of farewell or fruit . leafage will often rick yellow or brownish , curl up , and drop off . New foliation emerges scrunch and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often set down too soon .
Prevention and Control : found tolerant varieties and quad plants right so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , hold water off the leafage . This is overriding for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides agree to recording label counsel before job becomes severe and adopt charge exactly , not miss any want treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , bloom , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacterium . Brown or pitch-black smear and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a pee inebriate or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , pelting , dirty garden peter , or even hoi polloi can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is dry . leaf that collect around the foundation of the works should be raked up and disposed of . annul overhead irrigation if possible ; urine should be directed at soil level . For fungous leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide consort to recording label focussing .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , concern to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a panoptic variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scale crawl until they find a unspoiled feeding land site . The grownup females then miss their leg and remain on a bit protected by its heavy shell layer . They come out as bump , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouthpiece parts that take up the sap out of plant tissue . weighing machine can sabotage a plant go to yellow-bellied leaf and folio drop-off . They also bring out a sweet substance cry honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting grim surface fungous maturation called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once shew they are arduous to see to it . Isolate infested plants forth from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their dominance . further natural foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scurf , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / nigrify the leaves and stems of the plant . The good elbow room to control coal-black mould is to command the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp material or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
