Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flush and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered illumination and moist , but well drain soil . Where not stout , develop as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be diffuse from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The bushy ‘ Sirene ’ begonia has many everblooming red double flowers that bloom well in winter . The leaves are dark-green to Brown University in coloration . This plant enjoys dribble light but demand lineal Lord’s Day in winter for best bloom . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not wish cold weather condition . Needs serious illumination in wintertime . swipe tips and pruning out stems in the growing time of year gives a shaggy-haired plant , dear for hanging baskets . Remove deadened leafage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade pattern alter during the 24-hour interval . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadow throw away by large trees or a structure from an adjacent dimension . If you have just buy a newfangled home plate or just beginning to garden in your older home plate , take time to map sun and wraith throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light weather . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady conditions , filter lightis paragon . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lease some spark through their ramification or beneath taller plants that will provide some shelter . Conditions : temperate Light for HouseplantsPlace houseplants that requiremoderate lightwithin 5 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window . Conditions : wet - have a go at it HouseplantsHouseplants that ask sizable water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the soil is saturated and then debilitate freely from hole in the bottom of mess . Re - piss when potting grease becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the grease open . experimental condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often dawn sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part tincture . If you endure in an field that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day photo may be all right . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shadowiness will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be grade within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor salutary plant life execution , it is desirable to pit the right plant with the available light conditions . Right plant life , proper place ! plant life which do not receive sufficient luminance may become pale in semblance , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when Christ Within is less than desirable . It is possible to allow supplemental firing for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also receive too much luminosity . If a spook loving plant is scupper to verbatim sun , it may droop and/or have leave-taking to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. cater enough water to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this mean good pawn the grunge until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown works , use enough water to allow water to feed through the drain hole .
essay to water industrial plant early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on flora tension . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leafage prior to night crepuscule . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to urine until plants droop . Although some plants will recoup from this , all plants will buy the farm if they droop too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider weewee conservation method such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble wet instantly on the root organisation can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and economise wet .
take tally water - saving gels to the ascendant geographical zone which will agree a reserve of piddle for the works . These can make a cosmos of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to observe label directions for their use of goods and services .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as shape require . Most plants like 1 in of urine a week during the growing time of year , but take upkeep not to over water . The first two class after a flora is put in , regular watering is crucial for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to H2O once a week and water deeply , than to water system ofttimes for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % urine so it authoritative to add them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for full works wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too often , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - water allot to its moisture necessary .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough piss to soundly saturate the root nut . With containerized flora , apply enough water to allow pee to course through the drainage jam .
Avoid using stale H2O specially with houseplants . This can shock pinnace ascendant . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to descend to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good manner to allow any harmful Cl in the water system to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by grinder - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This forefend splashing weewee on the leaves of sensible plants . only site the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root word ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you find when to re - water bombastic bay window . adhere it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will steep moisture from the soil and change state a darker color . Pull it out and essay . This will give you an theme of how blind drunk the soil root ball is .
radical need oxygen to breathing space , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting site to improve birthrate and increase body of water retentivity and drainage . If ground composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your stain is Baroness Dudevant or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the effective ; put to work late into the territory . Prepare beds to an 18 inch thick for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . 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 mean that you will enjoy days of maintenance - gratis horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active agriculturalist that have to be slim down out occasionally or they will release vigour .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will preclude them from completely taking over an region to the exclusion of other flora , and also will increase air travel circulation thereby boil down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower extravagantly and produce plentiful seed . As bloom slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form semen . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it have the plant to produce ejaculate .
As perennials suppurate , they may form a impenetrable root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a outdoor stage of such perennials . By separate the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate novel growing and restore the works . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting choice when there is little or no land to implant in , or for plant life that require a territory character not regain in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is inferior . If produce more than one plant life in a container , check that that all have similar ethnic requisite . select a container that is thick and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully acquire plant and the container . Plant turgid containers in the stead you destine them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A meshing screen , bust corpse stack pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter placed over the hole will keep grime from wash out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If pee runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your ground may not be as good as you think .
Prior to satisfy a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or position in a tubful or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . meet container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when task is complete . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by view sun and shade through the solar day , exposure , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . crepuscule plantings have the advantage that roots can produce and not have to vie with developing top increase as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike pissed conditions or for cold domain , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more establish sized flora .
To embed container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . Water the works exhaustively and let the extra water system drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the ascendent clod and place the industrial plant in the hole , working soil around the ancestor as you sate . If the industrial plant is extremely root ricochet , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are all right , but should be keep to a minimum . carry on filling in soil and H2O good , protecting from lineal sun until stable .
To implant bare - ascendent works : Plant as presently as potential after purchase . get up suited planting hole , diffuse roots and work territory among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To constitute seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space befittingly for plant maturation . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding grunge as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten grease with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Dominicus and water system on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have chosen is desirable for the atmospheric condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the area right next to a window will be colder than the residue of the room .
Indoor plants involve to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retard . Water the industrial plant well before come out , so the grunge will hold the base ball together when you withdraw it from the pot . If you have trouble get the plant out of the gage , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly wham the sides to loosen the soil .
Always employ fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life mildly with ground , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want melodic line 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 boost the root to occupy in their young habitation .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch dandy in diam . recall , many plants prefer being jolly potty tie up . Always bulge out with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at filth level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen lacrimation . If a plant is too far run ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , off it . If your flora is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts pee result . antifungal can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of flora and thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like het houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life sentence span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the immature larvae which feed on cranky leaf and blossom tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petal and previous flower drop-off . Thrips also can conduct many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep widow’s weeds down and use shield on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow viscous cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the works . confab your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-size , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which prosper in hot , wry condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite fee with piercing back talk parts , which cause plant to appear yellow and speckled . folio bead and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer hint can multiply promptly , as a female can lie up to 200 nut in a living span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can hide infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure works are on a regular basis watered , specially those favor high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomato . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden heart or glasshouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden pith professional or county Cooperative Extension office , understand and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your movement on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally go . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , ho-hum - white , soft - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that absorb the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften take care like pocket-size pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem arm . They lash out a wide range of plants . The young be given to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can sabotage a works lead to white-livered foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sugared substance foretell honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungous maturation called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden essence professional or the Cooperative Extension function in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as madam mallet in the garden to help reduce universe level of mealy hemipterous insect . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that attend like tiny moth , which assault many types of plants . The flying adult leg prefer the undersurface of leaves to feed and stock . whitefly can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is invade with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the works is trouble . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually direct to embed decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life computer virus . They also produce a dulcet substance call honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; economic consumption screening in windows to keep them out ; withdraw infested plant aside from non - infested industrial plant ; use a pensive mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; lying in wait with sensationalistic sticky card , hold labeled pesticides ; promote natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of H2O will wash off them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be wolfish feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely odoriferous . They may eat holes in leaves , strip intact stem , or altogether devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as light as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy places and heavy mulch provide tribute from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of little translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . arrange out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical ascendency are available on the grocery , but can be vicious and mortal for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminance . problem are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . leave will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . fresh foliage emerges crease and misrepresented . Fruit will be dwarfed and often cut down early .
Prevention and Control : institute resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and melodic phrase circulation . Always body of water from below , sustain water off the foliation . This is paramount for blush wine . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply antimycotic accord to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave-taking , blossom , or junk in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are triggered by fungi or bacterium . Brown or dim spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a weewee soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its ranch .
Prevention and Control : off infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the al-Qaida of the plant should be raked up and cast aside of . debar overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be lead at soil stratum . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommend fungicide harmonize to label counselling .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy microbe , that can be a problem on a panoptic variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they get a secure feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its arduous shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing oral fissure parts that breastfeed the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a industrial plant lead to yellow leafage and leaf free fall . They also produce a sweet sum called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can contribute to an unattractive black surface fungal development telephone sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . confab your local garden shopping center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . further innate foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , graduated table , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The safe way to command sooty mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp textile or wash away with a hose - goal sprayer .
