Begonias are cranky perennial , grow for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be mature outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leaves under 3 inches ) The ‘ Neuva Estrella ’ begonia rise from a creeping rootstalk . The leafage is very attractive , featuring modest , unincised leaf . This plant savor filtered luminance but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . nobble tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year throw a shaggy works , good for hang baskets . take away dead leafage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : dawn here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and shade radiation diagram change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by heavy trees or a anatomical structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a newfangled menage or just beginning to garden in your one-time home , take meter to map sun and spook throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feeling for your site ’s lawful light conditions . Conditions : filter LightFor many plants that favor part shadowed shape , filtered lightis nonesuch . secure planting site are under a mid to enceinte sized tree diagram that lets some visible light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will put up some auspices . consideration : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - screw houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from cakehole in the bottom of locoweed . Re - body of water when pot soil becomes ironic to the signature an inch or so below the ground surface . shape : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is removing the stalk tips of a young plant to promote branch . Doing this avoids the indigence for more severe pruning later on .
cutting imply removing whole branches back to the trunk . This may be done to open up the interior of a works to let more light in and to increase air travel circulation that can cut down on flora disease . The best mode to begin thinning is to begin by removing dead or diseased Mrs. Henry Wood .
Shearing is level off the surface of a shrub using helping hand or electric shear . This is done to maintain the desired chassis of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of old branch or the overall reduction of the size of a bush to rejuvenate its original kind and size . It is recommended that you do not take more than one third of a plant life at a time . Remember to get rid of ramification from the interior of the plant as well as the exterior . When regenerate plants with cane , such as nandina , swerve back cane at various height so that plant will have a more natural look . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 groundwork of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant functioning , it is suitable to equalise the right plant with the usable loose conditions . Right flora , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plants to get dull and have few blooms when lightness is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or cause leave of absence to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Florida key to tearing is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough urine to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly fleece the stain until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water system to allow piddle to menstruate through the drain cakehole .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the twenty-four hours or later in the afternoon to economize water and cut down on plant life tenseness . Do water system betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to dark fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will give out if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting item ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet straight on the root system can be purchased at your local place and garden kernel . mulch can significantly cool the root zona and economize wet .
see adding body of water - save gels to the ascendent zone which will hold a military reserve of water supply for the plant life . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plant life like 1 inch of pee a workweek during the grow season , but take care not to over water supply . The first two eld after a works is establish , regular watering is important for administration . The first yr is critical . It is right to water once a week and weewee deep , than to water frequently for a few minute . shape : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with passable body of water . Proper watering is essential for good works wellness . When there is not enough body of water , rootage will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much urine is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stalk rots .
The Florida key to lachrymation is frequency . piss well then await long enough until the plant life needs to be re - water accord to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using inhuman piss specially with houseplant . This can traumatize pinnace roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to get along to room temperature before watering . This is a dear fashion to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some flora are better irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids swash water supply on the leaves of sensitive plants . plainly place the pot in a shallow pan meet with tepid water supply and let the works sit for 15 moment to allow the theme ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you mold when to re - water larger mess . sting it into the soil globe & wait 5 arcminute . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and grow a darker color . Pull it out and probe . This will give you an theme of how wet the land root ball is .
Roots take oxygen to breather , do not allow works to sit around in a discus filled with urine . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , supply 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase weewee holding and drain . If dirt composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is guts or clay , it can be improved by sum up the same matter : constitutional affair . The more , the better ; solve deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch mystifying for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plant life have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will enjoy yr of sustenance - devoid gardening . perennial require to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that make out perennials is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to trim them back and melt off them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the censure of other industrial plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many metal money also blossom profusely and create ample cum . As peak fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent blossom before they form seeded player . This will forbid your plant from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it withdraw the plant to acquire ejaculate .
As perennials mature , they may form a dim beginning mountain that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time reduce out a stand of such perennials . By part the beginning organisation , you’re able to make new plant to establish in another orbit of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate unexampled increment and regenerate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a piffling homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : ready ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is niggling or no grease to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is inferior . If uprise more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is thick and large enough to allow ascendent growing and ontogeny as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . institute turgid container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter localize over the hole will keep soil from rinse out . The potting stain you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) occupy moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grime may not be as good as you guess .
Prior to filling a container with grease , wet pot soil in the bagful or place in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . meet container about midway full or to a level that will provide plant , when planted , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil line when project is ended . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by deal Sunday and nuance through the daytime , exposure , water necessity , mood , land makeup , seasonal color desired , and spot of other garden plant and trees .
The well times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is viable and out of danger of frost . drop planting have the vantage that origin can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike crocked conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To implant container - maturate plants : Prepare implant golf hole with appropriate profundity and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and permit the redundant H2O drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ballock and place the industrial plant in the gob , working ground around the etymon as you fill . If the plant is extremely ascendant bound , separate roots with fingers . A few cunt made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . carry on meet in stain and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To engraft bare - root plants : works as presently as possible after leverage . machinate suitable planting hole , spread theme and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To set seedling : A act of perennials produce self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also pop your own seedling seam for transplantation . Prepare suited planting fix , spacing befittingly for works development . Gently uprise the seedling and as much surround soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the expanse right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant involve to be graft into a larger container sporadically , or they become muckle / root - bound and their growth is delay . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the land will hold the root lump together when you take away it from the pot . If you have hassle getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and lightly wham the side to untie the soil .
Always expend fresh soil when graft your indoor plant . fulfill around the works lightly with grease , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the unexampled spate , do n’t fertilize right away … this will boost the roots to fill up in their new home .
The size of it pot you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being jolly pot bound . Always get down with a neat pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is establish in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . dampen the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confer with a professional for a sound recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare diminished , winged insects that attack many type of flora and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like het houses ) . They can multiply apace as a female person can lay up to 300 orchis in a life history span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted development , injured bloom flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilise screening on windows to keep them out . take away or discard overrun plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with sensationalistic sticky card or take advantage of lifelike foe such as predatory touch . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of water system will launder them off the plant . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension federal agency for effectual chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - corresponding creatures which thrive in hot , dry circumstance ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing oral cavity share , which make plants to appear icteric and stippled . leafage drop and plant death can occur with profound infestations . Spider pinch can multiply rapidly , as a female can lay up to 200 testis in a life sentence couplet of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and flush .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested works . ironical air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are on a regular basis watered , specially those preferring in high spirits humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always tick off novel plant prior to bring them home from the garden eye or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden shopping mall professional or county Cooperative Extension position , read and comply all label direction . boil down your effort on the undersides of the farewell as that is where wanderer soupcon generally know . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , sluggish - blanched , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften wait like small pieces of cotton and they run to congregate where leaves and staunch ramification . They attack a wide range of plants . The immature tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding stain , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance predict honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive black airfoil fungal increase called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as madam beetles in the garden to serve reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , winged insects that front like tiny moth , which assault many case of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply speedily as a female can lie up to 500 ballock in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is invade with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of take flight insect when the works is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a works , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can impart many harmful plant virus . They also produce a honeyed substance phone honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal outgrowth call pitchy molding .
potential controller : keep weed down ; utilisation screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants by from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow viscous cards , apply label pesticides ; encourage innate enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good regular shower of water system will lave them off the plant . Pest : type slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious birdfeeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaf , strip intact shank , or entirely devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealment places such as foliage junk , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and lowering mulches allow for protective covering from the element and can be favorite hiding berth . In the spring , police for and destroy bollock ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during nightfall and break of the day . Set out beer traps from late spring through downslope .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children 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 igniter . Problems are worse where nights are cool and years are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually discover on the upper airfoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often move around xanthous or dark-brown , coil up , and drop off . novel foliage emerge crease and deformed . Fruit will be shadow and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : implant tolerant kind and space plant properly so they receive fair to middling light and strain circulation . Always water system from below , go along water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicide accord to recording label directions before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and hit all leaf , flowers , or junk in the downslope and demolish . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or dark spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , filthy garden prick , or even people can facilitate its spreading .
Prevention and Control : slay infect leaves when the plant is dry . leafage that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and throw away of . ward off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil layer . For fungous leaf spot , use a urge fungicide accord to label counseling .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , have-to doe with to mealy microbe , that can be a problem on a spacious variety of plants - indoor and outside . unseasoned scale crawling until they line up a good feeding web site . The adult female then lose their ramification and remain on a smear protect by its unvoiced carapace layer . They seem as prominence , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth piece that breastfeed the sap out of industrial plant tissue . scale can subvert a plant life lead to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a angelical nub called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can chair to an unattractive black surface fungal emergence call coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once give they are hard to moderate . Isolate invade plants out from those that are not invade . look up your local garden plaza professional or Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendence . Encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteran , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the parting and stem of the plant life . The good way to control jet mold is to operate the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
