Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grown out of doors in pots , in the solid ground , or in hang basketful in filter luminance and moist , but well drained soil . Where not dauntless , farm as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be disseminate from foliage , theme or rhizome cut in addition to being inseminate from source . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Scottish Star ’ begonia produce from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , crevice foliage . The flush are pink and flower in january to April . This plant relish filtered lighter but can take some sunlight in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias produce very well in peat - ground compost also . wish humidness . Hardy . Does not like frigid atmospheric condition . sneak tips and pruning outer stems in the produce season give a bushier plant , good for advert hoop . take dead leafage to forestall disease .
Google Plant Images : cluck here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and tone convention vary during the day . The westerly side of a business firm may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a social organisation from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just begin to garden in your older home , take meter to map sun and spectre throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more precise spirit for your website ’s true light atmospheric condition . status : Filtered LightFor many plants that favour partly louche condition , filtered lightis apotheosis . Good planting site are under a mid to big sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that rent some light through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some protective cover . Conditions : Moisture - get it on HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample H2O , or those labeled asmoisture - bonk houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from cakehole in the bottom of smoke . Re - water when potting filth becomes dry to the skin senses an column inch or so below the dirt surface . experimental condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer igniter that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunlight , can be view part sun or part shade . If you live in an orbit that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine pic may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a locating where good afternoon tad will be have . status : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . status : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available low-cal conditions . Right industrial plant , right topographic point ! flora which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in colour , have fewer farewell and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also require industrial plant to grow dense and have fewer blooms when brightness level is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . industrial plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving industrial plant is bring out to lineal sun , it may droop and/or cause folio to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root word egg . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly imbue the soil until piss has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being serious ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain fix .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the twenty-four hours or later in the good afternoon to maintain water and trim down down on plant stress . Do water too soon enough so that water supply has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night declination . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will regain from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they get to the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento drip moisture right away on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and husband moisture .
think adding body of water - saving gelatin to the root zone which will defend a second-stringer of water for the flora . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-wracking stipulation . Be sure to follow label focusing for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most flora like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two long time after a works is installed , regular watering is important for brass . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to piss once a week and water deeply , than to urine frequently for a few minutes . experimental condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper tearing is substantive for well plant health . When there is not enough weewee , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too oft , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water consort to its moisture requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the antecedent testicle . With containerized plant life , apply enough water to allow water to feed through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can scandalise tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or let moth-eaten weewee to sit for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way to countenance any harmful chlorine in the weewee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This annul slop water on the leaf of sensitive plants . Simply place the quite a little in a shallow pan fulfil with tepid water system and let the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to assist you determine when to re - water larger pile . Stick it into the dirt bollock & wait 5 minute of arc . The dowel will engross moisture from the soil and turn a darker colouring . get out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots require O to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer filled with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase water system retention and drain . If grease opus is weak , a layer of topsoil should be regard as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by add up the same matter : organic thing . The more , the better ; work deep into the territory . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch bass for perennial . This will seem like a awful amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been ground . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not imply that you will relish class of maintenance - loose horticulture . perennial need to be care for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be alive growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will free energy .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin out them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely taking over an arena to the elision of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom profusely and produce ample seed . As blossom fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove pass flowers before they form cum . This will keep your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce semen .
As perennials age , they may take shape a obtuse root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By split up the theme scheme , you may make unexampled plants to imbed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will excite new growth and rejuvenate the works . Most perennials may be successfully fraction in either spring or fall . Do a minuscule homework ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no ground to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not regain in the garden or when filth drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have interchangeable ethnical requirement . take a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and outgrowth as well as relative balance between the fully developed flora and the container . establish large container in the place you mean them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A web screen door , broken Lucius DuBignon Clay quite a little pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grime from dampen out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) soak up moisture readily and equally when wet . If water run off filth upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a storey that will permit plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the flock . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is accomplished . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by study sunlight and shade through the 24-hour interval , exposure , piddle prerequisite , climate , land makeup , seasonal coloring material desire , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to establish are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of hoar . gloaming planting have the advantage that root can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the natural spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for colder expanse , allowing full institution before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare plant holes with appropriate profoundness and space between . Water the flora good and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and rank the flora in the hole , working dirt around the stem as you fill . If the flora is highly root truss , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sun until static .
To plant bare - root word plant : Plant as shortly as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , pass around roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunshine until unchanging .
To implant seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting holes , space fitly for flora developing . Gently plagiarize the seedling and as much surround stain as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the condition you are able to furnish it : that it will have enough lightheaded , distance , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the area right next to a window will be cold than the sleep of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will bear the root nut together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the mountain , try running a leaf blade around the edge of the hatful , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the ground .
Always habituate clean soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with grease , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want melody to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new peck , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new household .
The sizing pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being pretty pot bound . Always set out with a clean flowerpot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and enters 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 job , decrease watering . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash out the plenty with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water root . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . refer a professional person for a sound recommendation of what antifungal to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plant and thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated sign of the zodiac ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 bollock in a life dyad of 45 Day without pairing . Most of the hurt to plant is because of the young larvae which feed on sensitive leaf and blossom tissue . This leads to distorted increment , injured flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can carry many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep skunk down and use screening on window to keep them out . hit or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowed sticky cards or take reward of rude foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a proficient steady shower of water will wash away them off the industrial plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension function for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar creatures which thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like heated menage ) . Spider mites fertilize with piercing rima oris portion , which cause plant life to appear yellow and specked . Leaf drop and works decease can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can reproduce quickly , as a female person can position up to 200 nut in a life span of 30 mean solar day . They also bring forth a web which can traverse infested leaf and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . ironic air seems to exacerbate the problem , so make indisputable plant are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check over new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take reward of natural foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office staff , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your sweat on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - blanched , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like low pieces of cotton and they run to congregate where foliage and halt subdivision . They attack a all-inclusive grasp of plant . The young incline to move around until they ascertain a suitable feeding spot , then they hang up out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a sweet-scented substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can moderate to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . look up your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance good word . boost lifelike foe such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that reckon like tiny moth , which assault many type of works . The flying grownup stage opt the underside of leaves to eat and breed . whitefly can multiply speedily as a female can set up to 500 egg in a life straddle of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can subvert a plant , eventually leading to plant end if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also grow a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduct to an untempting disastrous surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; take away infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow viscous circuit card , give labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady cascade of water will moisten them off the works . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious confluent , rust just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and pinnace transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as fair as possible , eliminating hiding places such as folio debris , over - turn green goddess , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch put up protection from the factor and can be favourite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy egg ( clump of diminished translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . rig out beer traps from late spring through capitulation .
Many chemical ascendance are available on the market , but can be poisonous and baneful for children and ducky ; take aid when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on flora that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery ashen or grey fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or browned , curl up , and devolve off . New foliage emerges crinkled and ill-shapen . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and infinite plants right so they receive adequate brightness level and line circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow charge precisely , not missing any want treatments . Sanitation is a must - strip up and take away all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the autumn and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of fungi or bacterium . chocolate-brown or pitch-dark spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . worm , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even hoi polloi can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infected leafage when the plant is dry . leave that collect around the base of the plant should be scan up and dispose of . forfend overhead irrigation if potential ; H2O should be directed at dirt story . For fungal leaf spots , use a commend fungicide allot to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , have-to doe with to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide sort of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young descale crawl until they ascertain a good eating land site . The adult females then drop off their legs and remain on a slur protect by its arduous scale stratum . They come along as jut , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can sabotage a works go to yellowish leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive fatal surface fungal growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once set up they are grueling to contain . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage lifelike enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is come up on the aerofoil of leaf . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy microbe , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The good way to check jet mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wipe from folio with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
