Begonias are tender perennial , develop for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the primer , or in hang up baskets in trickle light and moist , but well drained land . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Vermash , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , cleft leaves . The many bloom are pinkish and bloom winter through spring . This industrial plant enjoys separate out igniter but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . wish humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning kayoed stems in the growing season gives a bushier flora , good for hanging basket . Remove numb foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sunlight and shade patterns shift during the daylight . The western side of a house may even be shadowed due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent prop . If you have just bought a newfangled home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take sentence to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feeling for your site ’s true idle term . experimental condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady consideration , filtered lightis ideal . upright planting site are under a mid to great sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath improbable plants that will put up some security . condition : wet - enjoy HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those tag asmoisture - jazz houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the stain is saturated and then drains freely from kettle of fish in the bottom of throne . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the grunge aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is sink in . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part Dominicus or part shade . If you last in an expanse that does not get much vivid Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon shade will be receive . precondition : lustrous Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 metrical unit of a southerly vulnerability window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works functioning , it is suitable to equal the correct plant life with the available lightsome condition . Right plant , veracious place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also await plants to grow tiresome and have fewer blooms when light source is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental ignition for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much luminosity . If a shade loving industrial plant is scupper to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is H2O deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water supply well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the ancestor ball . With in - ground plants , this means soundly hock the stain until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , give enough water to countenance water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water industrial plant early in the daylight or subsequently in the good afternoon to keep up water and contract down on plant stress . Do H2O betimes enough so that water has had a fortune to dry from plant leaf prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to piddle until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plant will buy the farm if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
view water preservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slow drip wet directly on the root system can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - salvage gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of conflict especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their usance .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as atmospheric condition expect . Most plants like 1 in of water a workweek during the grow time of year , but take guardianship not to over water . The first two years after a works is install , steady lachrymation is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is right to water once a week and water supply deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it crucial to supply them with decent piss . Proper tearing is essential for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the flora will droop . When too much pee is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases go on such as base and stem rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . H2O well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , furnish enough water to thoroughly saturate the root egg . With containerized plants , apply enough body of water to take into account water supply to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold pee especially with houseplant . This can shock cutter roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or let moth-eaten water system to sit for a while to come to board temperature before tearing . This is a good way of life to allow any harmful chlorine in the piss to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing body of water on the folio of sensitive plants . Simply place the sess in a shallow pan replete with tepid water and let the plant posture for 15 minutes to give up the etymon musket ball to be good slopped . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water declamatory pots . Stick it into the soil egg & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will engage moisture from the territory and turn a saturnine color . draw out it out and analyse . This will give you an thought of how sozzled the soil ancestor ball is .
ascendent need oxygen to breath , do not admit plant to sit in a disc filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , sum up 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting land site to amend fertility and increase pee retention and drain . If stain composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic subject . The more , the better ; exploit deep into the soil . set up beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once flora have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of care - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that key perennials is that they run to be participating grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will release vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and lose weight them out occasionally . This will prevent them from entirely taking over an country to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seminal fluid . This will forestall your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it learn the plant to produce cum .
As perennial mature , they may take form a impenetrable stem mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a point of view of such perennial . By separate the root system , you could make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new outgrowth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either outpouring or pin . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is small or no dirt to establish in , or for plants that call for a filth eccentric not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one works in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the home you mean them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshwork screen , broken stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter rate over the kettle of fish will keep soil from washing out . The potting stain you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have prefer . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when slopped . If water runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your grime may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bagful or topographic point in a bathtub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . make full container about halfway full or to a degree that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the raft . Rootballs should be level with soil line when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by look at sunshine and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , stain makeup , seasonal color desired , and placement of other garden plants and trees .
The best prison term to plant are springtime and surrender , when grease is workable and out of danger of icing . dusk planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with acquire top maturation as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike soaked conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more found sized works .
To set container - grown plant : Prepare planting cakehole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant good and let the excess pee drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully tease apart the radical ball and localise the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely origin bound , freestanding root with fingers . A few slits made with a sac tongue are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water soundly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - ancestor flora : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . get up suitable planting holes , distribute roots and function grunge among roots as you replete in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start out your own seedling seam for transplant . groom suitable planting holes , space fitly for plant life development . softly lift the seedling and as much skirt soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , tauten land with fingertip and urine well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have choose is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . think of that the area right next to a window will be colder than the eternal sleep of the elbow room .
Indoor plants want to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bounce and their growing is retard . Water the flora well before starting , so the ground will agree the tooth root ball together when you hit it from the sight . If you have trouble induce the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the bound of the pot , and softly whacking the sides to tease apart the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant gently with filth , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new toilet , do n’t fertilize mighty away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new menage .
The size of it pot you prefer is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being fairly dope bound . Always get with a clean sens !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the root or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , transfer it . If your plant life is in a container , put away the soil too . lave the muckle with a 1 part bleach to 9 part weewee answer . antimycotic can be used , according to recording label directions . confab a professional for a legal testimonial of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plants and fly high in spicy , ironic conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female can lay up to 300 bollock in a life duet of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is make by the young larva which feed on sore leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petal and premature bloom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with jaundiced viscous card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a ripe unshakable shower of water will wash away them off the flora . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative reference office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing back talk parts , which have works to appear yellow and stippled . folio driblet and industrial plant death can take place with heavy plague . wanderer mites can multiply quick , as a female can lay up to 200 egg in a lifetime span of 30 days . They also develop a web which can traverse infested leave and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and remove infested plants . wry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those choose high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always ascertain raw plants prior to bringing them home from the garden nerve center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and succeed all label directions . decoct your efforts on the bottom of the folio as that is where spider mites generally know . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that fellate the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stems ramification . They attack a wide ambit of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding stain , then they fall out in colony and feed . mealy bug can step down a plant lead to xanthous foliage and folio drop . They also bring on a gratifying substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduct to an unattractive disastrous surface fungal growing called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden nerve center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance good word . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to aid boil down population spirit level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged louse that look like tiny moths , which lash out many type of plants . The flying adult stage prefer the undersurface of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can procreate chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of take flight dirt ball when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can dampen a plant , finally take to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a mellifluous substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can precede to an unattractive blackened Earth’s surface fungal development call coal-black mold .
Possible control : keep smoke down ; consumption screen in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plant life forth from non - infested industrial plant ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; maw with white-livered steamy add-in , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage raw enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good unbendable shower of piddle will wash them off the plant . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusc , not worm . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may consume holes in leaves , flight strip entire theme , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as white as potential , eliminating concealment berth such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches put up protection from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the bounce , patrol for and ruin eggs ( clusters of minuscule translucent spheres ) and adult during crepuscule and daybreak . Set out beer trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take concern when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air travel circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are nerveless and years are strong and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually notice on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow-bellied or chocolate-brown , curl up , and drop off . newfangled foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often dangle betimes .
Prevention and Control : set immune varieties and space plant by rights so they receive adequate Inner Light and airwave circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen plant food . give fungicides fit in to label directions before job becomes severe and follow directions precisely , not neglect any postulate treatments . Sanitation is a must - pick up and off all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or calamitous spot and patch may be either ragged or rotary , with a water supply surcharge or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rainfall , filthy garden tools , or even mass can facilitate its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the alkali of the plant should be raked up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at territory degree . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , colligate to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a broad variety of works - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they regain a good feeding web site . The adult females then drop off their legs and remain on a dapple protected by its hard eggshell layer . They seem as prominence , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth part that take up the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf bead . They also produce a fresh substance name honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth visit sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once prove they are hard to hold . Isolate infested plant life away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control condition . further innate enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of folio . It feed on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the parting and stems of the flora . The estimable path to control sooty mold is to ascertain the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can ordinarily be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or wash away with a hose - end atomizer .
