begonia are raw perennials , grow for their colourful flush and foliage . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang basket in percolate visible radiation and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , mature as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be disseminate from foliage , stem turn or rootstalk cuttings in improver to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 in ) The cultivar , ‘ Moorea , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring big voluted leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys percolate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the develop season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove stagnant foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and nicety pattern commute during the day . The western side of a house may even be louche due to shadow cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just start to garden in your elder home , take time to map sun and nicety throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your situation ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that favor partially louche condition , filtered lightis ideal . unspoilt planting website are under a mid to enceinte sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some auspices . condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need plentiful water system , or those labeled asmoisture - eff houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the land is saturated and then run out freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the tinge an column inch or so below the soil surface . consideration : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose spark that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often first light sun , because it is not as stiff as good afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part Dominicus or part wraith . If you experience in an domain that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a localization where afternoon subtlety will be received . term : hopeful Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor unspoiled plant performance , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the uncommitted light-headed conditions . Right flora , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leave and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also require plants to produce slower and have few blooms when Light Within is less than suitable . It is potential to render supplemental firing for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sunlight , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. furnish enough piss to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this means soundly soak the soil until water has permeate to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , employ enough water to permit body of water to flow through the drainage muddle .
attempt to water plant life betimes in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve piss and cut down on plant emphasis . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold off to piss until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die out if they wilt too much ( when they gain the lasting wilting tip ) .
Consider weewee preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip arrangement which slowly drop moisture right away on the antecedent organization can be purchased at your local household and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and economize moisture .
Consider adding piss - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a taciturnity of urine for the plant . These can make a globe of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sealed to follow label management for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 column inch of water a hebdomad during the growing season , but take charge not to over water . The first two class after a works is installed , veritable watering is important for organisation . The first year is decisive . It is good to water once a week and water deep , than to water often for a few minutes . weather : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with decent water . Proper watering is of the essence for right industrial plant health . When there is not enough weewee , base will shrivel up and the works will droop . When too much water is lend oneself too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The tonality to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered allot to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root word glob . With containerized plants , apply enough water system to leave water to flux through the drainage kettle of fish .
obviate using stale water peculiarly with houseplant . This can shock supply ship origin . filling tearing can with tepid water or allow cold water to posture for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to take into account any harmful chlorine in the piss to vaporise before being used .
Some plant are good irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of sensitive works . plainly range the pot in a shallow pan satiate with tepid body of water and get the plant sit for 15 minutes to earmark the etymon chunk to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow for sufficient drainage .
practice an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water large pots . wedge it into the soil ball & waitress 5 arcminute . The dowel will suck up moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the grunge root ball is .
root word take atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow flora to posture in a saucer fill with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 solar day before planting , add together 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve prolificacy and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is faint , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or mud , it can be ameliorate by adding the same matter : constitutive affair . The more , the good ; mould deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch mystifying for perennials . This will seem like a enormous amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off later on . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy twelvemonth of sustainment - costless horticulture . Perennials want to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active cultivator that have to be slim out now and again or they will unleash vigor .
As perennial demonstrate , it is important to trim them back and thin them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and bring about ample germ . As bloom of youth fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent bloom before they form seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it select the plant to produce germ .
As perennial mature , they may form a thick root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally melt off out a point of view of such perennial . By disunite the root system of rules , you may make new plants to implant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will rush new outgrowth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either natural spring or capitulation . Do a minuscule prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : organize ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is little or no soil to embed in , or for plants that require a grime type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have standardized cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow antecedent development and increment as well as relative balance between the fully originate industrial plant and the container . Plant prominent containers in the spot you mean them to delay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh covert , break clay raft pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter site over the hole will keep territory from lave out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) sop up moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water run off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your land may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fulfill a container with territory , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a bathtub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . meet container about halfway full or to a level that will allow industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the mickle . Rootballs should be level with dirt line of business when undertaking is complete . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by take sun and tone through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and attitude of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to embed are bound and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that ascendent can develop and not have to compete with get top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , reserve full institution before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - raise plants : Prepare plant cakehole with appropriate astuteness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and grade the plant in the maw , exploit soil around the ascendant as you fill . If the plant is highly root bound , freestanding root with digit . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be observe to a minimum . Continue fill up in land and piddle thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant stripped - root plant : flora as soon as potential after purchase . train desirable planting hole , circularize roots and work out grease among ancestor as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To implant seedling : A figure of perennial produce self - inseminate seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . get up suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . softly pilfer the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm dirt with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have take is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , place , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the region right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant life need to be transplanted into a tumid container periodically , or they become pot / root - adhere and their ontogenesis is retard . Water the industrial plant well before originate , so the soil will view as the tooth root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble catch the plant out of the pot , judge run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to relax the soil .
Always use fresh territory when transplant your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with dirt , being careful not to tamp too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the works is in the Modern stack , do n’t fertilize right forth … this will encourage the roots to fulfill in their new menage .
The size can you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch gravid in diam . call back , many plants opt being pretty pot rebound . Always go with a clean crapper !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most stain and enroll the plant through the roots or the stem at territory level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , take it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the quite a little with a 1 part bleach to 9 piece water solution . antifungal can be used , grant to label directions . Consult a pro for a sound recommendation of what antifungal to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged insects that attack many types of plants and fly high in blistering , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can put up to 300 eggs in a living straddle of 45 days without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is triggered by the youthful larvae which feed on fond leaf and bloom tissue paper . This head to ill-shapen growth , injure bloom petals and untimely heyday drop . Thrips also can carry many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use shield on window to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested plant life . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a adept steadfast shower of water will lave them off the works . Consult your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative telephone extension part for effectual chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - same brute which thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites fertilize with pierce backtalk parts , which cause industrial plant to appear yellow and speckled . leafage driblet and plant dying can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can procreate promptly , as a female person can lay up to 200 bollock in a living duad of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and remove infested industrial plant . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so make trusted plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always mark off new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and survey all label directions . reduce your drive on the undersides of the leave of absence as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - whitened , voiced - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / take up mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften seem like modest piece of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The immature tend to move around until they receive a worthy eating touch , then they fall out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf cliff . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage born enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to aid thin out universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that face like flyspeck moth , which assail many types of plants . The vanish grownup degree prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can reproduce quickly as a female can dwell up to 500 eggs in a liveliness bridge of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant life is trouble . whitefly can de-escalate a plant , eventually leading to set dying if they are not checked . They can convey many harmful industrial plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet substance forebode honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can chair to an untempting black surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
potential controls : keep widow’s weeds down ; usage screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest industrial plant away from non - infested plant life ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with xanthous sticky cards , apply mark pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower bath of pee will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious self-feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly odorous . They may eat up maw in leaves , strip entire stalk , or completely devour seedlings and supply ship transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , extinguish concealment places such as leaf debris , over - turned skunk , and tarps . Groundcover in shady station and heavy mulches provide aegis from the component and can be best-loved hiding berth . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from previous outpouring through free fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the grocery store , but can be toxicant and deadly for youngster and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate sparkle . problem are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery ashen or white-haired fungus is usually observe on the upper aerofoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New leafage emerges crinkled and misrepresented . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and outer space plants properly so they get adequate light and melody circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for pink wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilize fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow direction precisely , not lack any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and transfer all leaves , bloom , or junk in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf place are because of fungi or bacterium . Brown or fateful spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even citizenry can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is dry . leaf that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . forefend overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be channelise at grease stage . For fungous leaf topographic point , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of flora - indoor and outdoor . immature scales crawl until they find a honest feeding site . The grownup females then lose their legs and rest on a spot protect by its punishing casing stratum . They come along as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have piercing sassing parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a unfermented sum anticipate honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can contribute to an untempting grim surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once plant they are tough to control . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . promote innate enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty cast is a fungus that is find out on the surface of leave of absence . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteron , shell , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blacken the leaves and stems of the plant . The best means to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty modeling can usually be pass over from leaves with a moist fabric or wash out forth with a hose - end sprayer .