Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in potty , in the background , or in hanging baskets in permeate Inner Light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , develop as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seminal fluid . The just ‘ Pink Parade ’ begonia has many pinkish fragrant pendulous prime and unincised fleeceable leaves . The stem is cane - like with evenly space nodes . This industrial plant revel filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like dusty weather .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by tumid trees or a structure from an adjacent attribute . If you have just purchase a newfangled place or just begin to garden in your older home , take meter to represent sun and tint throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavor for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plant life that choose partly funny conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that permit some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will supply some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need copious piddle , or those labeled asmoisture - get it on houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - body of water when potting grunge becomes ironic to the touching an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as potent as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part nicety . If you live on in an sphere that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus exposure may be all right . In other sphere such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon nuance will be have . precondition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be identify within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly pic windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to mate the right plant with the uncommitted light consideration . Right plant , right place ! plant which do not obtain sufficient Christ Within may become wan in color , have fewer leafage and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when visible radiation is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also get too much light . If a subtlety sleep with plant is exposed to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or make leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The paint to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. allow for enough water to exhaustively saturate the theme ball . With in - primer plants , this think thoroughly hit it up the soil until weewee has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , employ enough water to countenance water to flow through the drain kettle of fish .
endeavor to irrigate plants early in the sidereal day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that piddle has had a hazard to dry from flora leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until industrial plant droop . Although some works will recover from this , all plants will die out if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting item ) .
Consider water preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden nitty-gritty . Mulches can importantly chill the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - salvage gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of piddle for the plant life . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-wracking consideration . Be certain to keep up label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that ground should be retain evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the turn season , but take tutelage not to over piss . The first two years after a works is installed , regular watering is important for organization . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a week and body of water deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . circumstance : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with equal water . Proper lacrimation is all important for proficient plant health . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much piss is applied too oftentimes , root are impoverish of oxygen and disease occur such as root and prow rots .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is frequency . urine well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root clump . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drainage yap .
deflect using cold body of water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender root . filling watering can with tepid piss or allow cold-blooded water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a good room to earmark any harmful atomic number 17 in the H2O to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are best irrigate by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leave-taking of raw plants . Simply lay the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 second to reserve the origin ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and admit sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger mess . stand by it into the soil ball & wait 5 arcminute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . commit it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil etymon ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not let plants to seat in a saucer satiate with piddle . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add up 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting land site to ameliorate birth rate and increase water retention and drainage . If filth paper is weak , a level of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; process deep into the soil . organise beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you imbed a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy age of upkeep - gratuitous gardening . perennial need to be manage for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that make out perennials is that they tend to be active cultivator that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will let loose energy .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to trim them back and dilute them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby cut back the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom copiously and produce ample seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to get rid of expend flower before they form seed . This will forbid your plants from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable vigor it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial suppurate , they may form a dumb beginning mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make newfangled plants to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate Modern growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or dip . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is niggling or no soil to imbed in , or for plants that require a grunge case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is recondite and with child enough to set aside ascendent exploitation and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant orotund containers in the place you intend them to stick around . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh filmdom , fall apart corpse corporation pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter set over the hole will keep stain from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality stain ( or grunge - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when tight . If weewee runs off filth upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as serious as you consider .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the base or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the locoweed . Rootballs should be level with soil line when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and refinement through the day , vulnerability , water prerequisite , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colouring desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The upright times to embed are springiness and fall , when land is feasible and out of peril of rime . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allow full institution before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless engraft a more established sized plant .
To found container - grown plants : make establish holes with appropriate deepness and outer space between . Water the works thoroughly and get the superfluous piss drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the source egg and grade the works in the pickle , working dirt around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely etymon bound , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a sack tongue are ok , but should be maintain to a lower limit . Continue fill in filth and water good , protecting from lineal Sunday until stable .
To plant plain - beginning plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting pickle , propagate roots and ferment soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sunshine until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring out self - sow seedlings that can be transfer . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplantation . set up suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much environ ground as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it at once , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water supply regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the circumstance you are able to allow it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the domain right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become flock / root - restrain and their maturation is check . Water the plant well before starting , so the land will carry the root ball together when you polish off it from the mass . If you have hassle get the works out of the pot , try on running a leaf blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to tease the soil .
Always utilize fresh soil when transplanting your indoor works . occupy around the industrial plant softly with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the unexampled locoweed , do n’t feed right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their newfangled dwelling house .
The sizing pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many flora prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always initiate with a clean stool !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and move into the plant through the roots or the stem at stain level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall tearing . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grime too . lap the hatful with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts urine solution . Fungicides can be used , harmonize to label directions . confabulate a professional for a legal recommendation of what antifungal to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , wing insects that attack many character of plants and thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a living distich of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the harm to flora is cause by the young larvae which feed on tender leafage and bloom tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured bloom petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep dope down and use screening on windows to keep them out . off or discard infested plant life , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky identity card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunctive reference office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - corresponding animate being which flourish in raging , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites course with piercing mouth part , which cause industrial plant to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf pearl and works death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider speck can multiply apace , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a sprightliness span of 30 days . They also produce a WWW which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and absent infested plants . Dry aviation seems to exasperate the job , so make certain industrial plant are regularly watered , particularly those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of raw enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office staff , study and follow all label directions . boil down your efforts on the undersides of the leaf as that is where wanderer mites loosely live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , wearisome - white , diffuse - bodied insect that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth portion that breastfeed the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small art object of cotton fiber and they run to congregate where leaf and halt branch . They attack a wide mountain range of industrial plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can soften a plant direct to chicken foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a dulcet center called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting mordant surface fungal ontogeny call in jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested industrial plant from those that are not . confer with your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to aid reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that count like midget moth , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult level opt the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a animation span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing louse when the industrial plant is stir up . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , eventually lead to plant death if they are not check out . They can broadcast many harmful plant virus . They also bring about a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting fateful control surface fungal growth call up sooty mold .
Possible control : keep widow’s weeds down ; manipulation screen in windows to keep them out ; dispatch infest plants by from non - infested plants ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambuscade with yellow gluey cards , apply label pesticides ; encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of pee will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly odoriferous . They may eat on holes in leaves , slip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as blank as possible , pass concealing place such as leaf debris , over - turn pot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch bring home the bacon protection from the elements and can be favored concealment position . In the give , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent celestial sphere ) and adults during evenfall and dawn . congeal out beer traps from late spring through free fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the grocery store , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and positron emission tomography ; take care when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate spark . problem are worse where nighttime are cool and daytime are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leafage or fruit . leaf will often twist yellow or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : establish insubordinate variety and blank plants properly so they receive adequate visible radiation and tune circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is preponderant for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides according to label directions before job becomes severe and travel along direction exactly , not missing any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and absent all leaf , flowers , or debris in the downslope and ruin . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacterium . chocolate-brown or black billet and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . dirt ball , rain , unsportsmanlike garden putz , or even people can help its facing pages .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect folio when the plant is dry . leafage that compile around the al-Qaida of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spot , use a recommend fungicide harmonize to recording label counseling .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , pertain to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a all-embracing variety of plants - indoor and outside . immature surmount Australian crawl until they find a unspoilt feeding site . The adult female person then lose their legs and remain on a smear protected by its operose shell layer . They appear as bump , often on the lower English of leaves . They have piercing mouth piece that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can sabotage a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop cloth . They also produce a sweetened nub call off honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting smutty Earth’s surface fungous ontogenesis send for coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate overrun plants off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendency . boost lifelike foe such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It course on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blacken the leaves and stems of the plant . The good agency to control jet mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty clay sculpture can normally be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed forth with a hose - end sprayer .