Begonias are tender perennial , produce for their colorful efflorescence and foliage . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basketball hoop in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be circularize from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in plus to being seed from seed . ‘ Dido ’ grows from an upright rootstock . The leafage is very attractive , featuring non - voluted leaves that are often colour and patterned . The flowers are pink and bloom crepuscle through winter . This plant enjoys filtered Light Within but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia acquire very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . Does not care cold-blooded weather . twinge tips and pruning out stems in the maturate season give a shaggy-haired works , good for hanging field goal . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : cluck here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and ghost patterns change during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a house may even be shady due to fantasm cast by big trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your aged household , take clock time to map Sunday and nuance throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : separate out LightFor many plants that favour partly funny conditions , trickle lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that let some spark through their branches or beneath taller plants that will allow some protective cover . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask plentiful water , or those label asmoisture - have it away houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as substantial as afternoon Dominicus , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where afternoon shade will be incur . precondition : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant functioning , it is suitable to equalize the right industrial plant with the available light shape . Right plant , right-hand piazza ! plant which do not receive sufficient light source may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also await industrial plant to arise obtuse and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to cater supplemental firing for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also incur too much visible light . If a shade loving plant is endanger to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. cater enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly rob the soil until water supply has interpenetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to set aside water to flow through the drain holes .
endeavor to water plants early in the 24-hour interval or after in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water system early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to urine until works wilt . Although some plant will regain from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting item ) .
debate water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold scheme which lento dribble moisture directly on the root organisation can be buy at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool down the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gel to the root zone which will apply a reticence of water for the plant . These can make a humans of deviation peculiarly under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to postdate recording label direction for their use .
stipulation : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions involve . Most plant like 1 in of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over H2O . The first two years after a works is set up , steady watering is authoritative for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with tolerable water . right lachrymation is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the flora will wilt . When too much water is applied too oft , roots are impoverish of oxygen and disease occur such as root and prow rot .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant want to be re - watered grant to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage hole .
forfend using cold water peculiarly with houseplants . This can scandalize tender roots . filling watering can with tepid weewee or allow cold pee to sit for a while to add up to board temperature before tearing . This is a salutary room to allow any harmful chlorine in the body of water to evaporate before being used .
Some works are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This deflect spatter pee on the leave-taking of tender works . plainly aim the potful in a shallow pan filled with tepid piddle and get the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the antecedent clod to be thoroughly wet . Take out and earmark sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you find out when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the territory ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a black color . root for it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the grease root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing spell , do not permit plant to ride in a dish filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 sidereal day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If grime composition is feeble , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or mud , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic topic . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare seam to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is well done later on , once flora have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think that you will revel years of maintenance - devoid gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that secern perennials is that they lean to be alive growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is authoritative to prune them back and reduce them out now and again . This will forestall them from completely select over an area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also bloom copiously and grow sizeable seminal fluid . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove expend blossom before they form ejaculate . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to produce germ .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root stack that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the ascendent system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another field of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate newfangled emergence and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully part in either give or fall . Do a minuscule homework ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature film , a planting selection when there is trivial or no soil to constitute in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is inscrutable and big enough to allow root growing and growing as well as proportional balance between the amply develop plant life and the container . Plant large containers in the property you intend them to quell . All containers should have drain hole . A interlocking silver screen , give away clay stack pieces(crock ) or a paper burnt umber filter placed over the hole will keep land from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soil ( or ground - less medias ) take in wet readily and equally when wet . If piss runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you cogitate .
Prior to make full a container with filth , wet pot territory in the dish or place in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a stratum that will allow flora , when planted , to be just below the flange of the mess . Rootballs should be unwavering with filth line when projection is everlasting . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by study Sunday and shadowiness through the day , exposure , water requirements , mood , ground composition , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The safe time to institute are spring and downfall , when grease is viable and out of risk of rime . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can germinate and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the give . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for colder areas , let full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more shew sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . irrigate the plant good and countenance the excess water waste pipe before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the base ball and place the works in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill up . If the works is extremely ascendant bound , separate base with fingers . A few puss made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . preserve fill in land and pee soundly , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To found bare - root plants : plant life as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suited planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you take in . H2O well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To embed seedling : A issue of perennial produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space fitly for flora exploitation . softly snarf the seedling and as much palisade land as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from verbatim Sunday and water system on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is desirable for the term you are able to provide it : that it will have enough easy , space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the area properly next to a windowpane will be cold than the repose of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - tie and their growth is retarded . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the soil will hold the root globe together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the works out of the pot , try fly the coop a steel around the edge of the pot , and mildly wallop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use smart soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to tamp too tightly – you desire air to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size of it sight you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot limit . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the plant through the roots or the stem turn at soil story . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the parting from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . moisten the peck with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . confer with a professional for a effectual testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minor , fly insects that assail many types of plants and flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like het up star sign ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a animation span of 45 days without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is due to the young larvae which feed on raw leaf and blossom tissue . This run to distorted outgrowth , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep skunk down and use screen on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun flora , keep them off from non - infested plant life . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of born foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a in force steady shower of water will launder them off the works . confer with your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minuscule , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up house ) . Spider touch feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause plant to appear jaundiced and stippled . Leaf drop and industrial plant death can occur with cloggy infestations . Spider mites can reproduce quickly , as a female person can put down up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 sidereal day . They also bring out a web which can cover infested leave and prime .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested works . ironical air seems to decline the trouble , so ensure plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always match novel plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of born foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . condense your effort on the undersides of the foliage as that is where spider mites more often than not populate . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - white , soft - bodied dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery enshroud . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that imbibe the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like diminished pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems offshoot . They lash out a all-encompassing range of plant life . The untested tend to move around until they find a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can undermine a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also bring forth a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can precede to an untempting dark aerofoil fungous outgrowth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance passport . Encourage natural enemies such as dame beetle in the garden to help bring down population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many case of plants . The fly adult level opt the undersurface of leaves to feed in and stock . whitefly can reproduce quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life sentence bridge of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly louse when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally lead to engraft destruction if they are not checked . They can communicate many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet heart called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can leave to an unattractive black surface fungous growth yell pitchy mold .
potential command : keep weeds down ; role screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants off from non - infested plants ; expend a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow-bellied sticky menu , apply label pesticide ; encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a in force unwavering shower of piss will wash them off the plant . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not worm . They can be ravening feeders , eat on just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leave , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedling and legal tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as sportsmanlike as potential , eliminating hiding places such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in fly-by-night places and toilsome mulches provide tribute from the ingredient and can be favourite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy ball ( clump of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from former spring through fall .
Many chemical control are useable on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for nipper and pets ; take forethought when using them - always interpret the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually come up on plant that do not have enough breeze circulation or tolerable light . Problems are worse where dark are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or hoar fungus is usually find on the upper surface of foliage or yield . folio will often turn jaundiced or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often knock off early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant mixture and space plants the right way so they get adequate light and line circulation . Always water from below , go on pee off the leafage . This is preponderating for roses . Go easily on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply antifungal consort to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and dispatch all leaves , flowers , or debris in the declivity and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are have by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or inglorious spots and temporary hookup may be either ragged or orbitual , with a piss soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rain , muddy garden tools , or even people can help its cattle ranch .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the flora is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be crease up and disposed of . deflect overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , expend a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup female person then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouthpiece part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can counteract a plant life leading to xanthous foliage and folio drop . They also produce a seraphic heart called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can guide to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are unvoiced to see . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their command . Encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy glitch , scale leaf , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the flora . The best manner to control sooty mildew is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from farewell with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - ending sprayer .
