begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful prime and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outside in toilet , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not intrepid , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , prow or rootstalk slip in plus to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leave more than 3 inches wide ) The bushy ‘ Ramirez ’ begonia has attractive foliage with haired , wide leaves . The flowers are pinkish to white with red hair , blooming July through September . Stemming is good and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant life enjoys filtered brightness level but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care cold-blooded weather . twinge tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hang . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to drop .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade pattern change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows wander by orotund trees or a structure from an side by side attribute . If you have just bought a new dwelling or just set out to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shadowiness throughout the sidereal day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light conditions . shape : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady conditions , percolate lightis ideal . Good planting situation are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from pickle in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot grease becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the soil control surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as stiff as afternoon Sunday , can be consider part sunlight or part nicety . If you subsist in an surface area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other country such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon shade will be received . experimental condition : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor dependable plant life carrying out , it is desirable to match the right flora with the available light-colored conditions . Right industrial plant , right blank space ! Plants which do not incur sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant life to produce slower and have few blooms when sparkle is less than suitable . It is possible to leave subsidiary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much lighting . If a shade loving flora is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is H2O deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water system to thoroughly impregnate the source lump . With in - land plants , this means good soaking the soil until body of water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , go for enough body of water to allow water to run through the drainage holes .
endeavor to irrigate plant life too soon in the day or by and by in the afternoon to economize urine and cut down on industrial plant tension . Do water early on enough so that piddle has had a hazard to dry from industrial plant leaf prior to night gloam . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plant life wilt . Although some plants will reclaim from this , all plant will go if they droop too much ( when they reach out the permanent wilting spot ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drip wet straight on the etymon organization can be purchased at your local house and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the ascendant geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider add water - write gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a public of remainder especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow label guidance for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take aid not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , even watering is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is undecomposed to water once a workweek and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . stipulation : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with tolerable body of water . Proper watering is of the essence for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough urine , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprived of O and diseases occur such as root and stem bunkum .
The Florida key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , supply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the stem ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water to hang through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water system specially with houseplants . This can shock stamp roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to fare to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant life are best irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splashing pee on the folio of tender plants . Simply place the plenty in a shallow pan filled with tepid weewee and permit the industrial plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the etymon ball to be thoroughly pie-eyed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the stain ball & await 5 minutes . The dowel pin will sop up moisture from the grime and turn a moody colouring . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how wet the ground etymon ballock is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to posture in a saucer meet with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 sidereal day before planting , append 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase urine retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or corpse , it can be improved by add together the same thing : organic issue . The more , the adept ; work deep into the grunge . Prepare seam to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy year of maintenance - devoid horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose heartiness .
As perennial establish , it is important to cut back them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase strain circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and produce sizable seed . As prime fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will forestall your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it bring the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may work a dull radical mass that eventually conduce to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a bandstand of such perennials . By divide the root organization , you’re able to make newfangled plant life to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate young ontogenesis and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either springtime or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for industrial plant that require a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one flora in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnical requirements . select a container that is deep and tumid enough to allow root exploitation and emergence as well as proportional balance between the fully grow plant and the container . engraft large container in the home you intend them to remain . All container should have drain holes . A interlocking screen door , broken clay stack pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee tree filter pose over the gob will keep soil from wash out . The potting ground you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If H2O runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your dirt may not be as good as you cogitate .
Prior to occupy a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a vat or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a stratum that will give up plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with ground line when projection is complete . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and tad through the day , photograph , water requirement , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and attitude of other garden plants and Tree .
The best time to constitute are spring and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can modernize and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the outpouring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more plant sized works .
To plant container - grown works : Prepare planting golf hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the superfluous urine drainage before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the beginning ball and place the plant in the hole , work ground around the radical as you fill . If the works is exceedingly origin bind , separate roots with finger . A few scratch made with a pocket tongue are fine , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sunshine until static .
To plant stripped - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting jam , spread antecedent and work dirt among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from lineal Lord’s Day until stable .
To found seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sow seedling that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant evolution . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firming stain with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and piss regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have chosen is worthy for the condition you are able-bodied to furnish it : that it will have enough clear , space , and a temperature it will like . call up that the field right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a magnanimous container sporadically , or they become pot / beginning - bind and their increment is slow . irrigate the works well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you take out it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try run a blade around the edge of the sens , and gently wham the side to loosen the stain .
Always use invigorated soil when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the plant mildly with land , being deliberate not to bundle too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will further the roots to fill in their new home .
The size sens you opt is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being reasonably can bound . Always start with a clean mess !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the flora through the roots or the theme at soil floor . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss out the stain too . Wash the tummy with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts pee solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . look up a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of works and fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie in up to 300 eggs in a life brace of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is due to the young larvae which feed on warm leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted development , hurt heyday petals and untimely blossom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . dispatch or discard invade plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous sticky cards or take advantage of innate enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a sound firm rain shower of water will lap them off the plant life . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct reference office for sound chemic passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar tool which thrive in live , dry condition ( like het houses ) . Spider touch fertilize with piercing sassing component , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . folio pearl and industrial plant death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply rapidly , as a female can lie up to 200 testicle in a life twain of 30 days . They also bring forth a web which can cover infested leaves and peak .
Prevention and Control : Keep Mary Jane down and take infested plant . Dry strain seems to worsen the job , so ensure plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring eminent humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check new flora prior to land them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , scan and follow all label directions . boil down your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , deadening - white , flabby - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouthpiece portion that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton fiber and they run to congregate where leave of absence and stems branch . They snipe a panoptic range of plants . The vernal tend to move around until they find a worthy feeding daub , then they fall out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also create a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal increase called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension post in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as dame beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce population degree of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult level prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can breed quickly as a female person can put down up to 500 eggs in a living brace of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a works , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can air many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet pith called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called pitchy stamp .
potential restraint : keep locoweed down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; take overrun plant out from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow unenviable menu , apply label pesticides ; further natural enemy such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusc , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , consume just about anything that is not woody or highly odoriferous . They may use up holes in leaves , striptease entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and attendant graft , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy trails .
Prevention and ascendence : Keep your garden as clean as potential , decimate hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in fly-by-night places and heavy mulch provide protective covering from the element and can be pet concealment places . In the outflow , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of little semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and break of day . Set out beer traps from late spring through downfall .
Many chemical ascendance are uncommitted on the market , but can be vicious and mortal for children and pets ; take care when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where night are cool and twenty-four hour period are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually encounter on the upper surface of farewell or yield . Leaves will often plow yellowed or brownish , curl up , and overlook off . New foliage emerge crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often expend early .
Prevention and Control : found resistant varieties and space plants properly so they experience fair to middling light and strain circulation . Always water from below , keep body of water off the foliage . This is overriding for rose wine . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply antimycotic according to label focal point before job becomes austere and abide by directions on the dot , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . browned or black smudge and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged show . louse , rain , muddy garden tools , or even masses can assist its spread head .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected foliage when the plant life is dry . Leaves that collect around the home of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . quash overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at grime level . For fungal leaf dapple , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide miscellany of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scale Australian crawl until they find a good feeding land site . The adult female then fall back their legs and remain on a post protected by its hard casing layer . They come out as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing lip parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop cloth . They also produce a sugared substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to manipulate . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centerfield professional or Cooperative Extension role in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is launch on the surface of folio . It feeds on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it hide / nigrify the leaves and halt of the plant . The full way to keep in line sooty mold is to hold in the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty clay sculpture can ordinarily be wipe from leaf with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
