begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in pot , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered illumination and moist , but well drained grease . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , root or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from source . The cultivar , ‘ Immense ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , boast large , smooth , cleft leaves . The flowers are pinkish . This plant enjoys percolate light but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia develop very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not wish cold weather . cabbage steer and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , adept for hanging basket . Remove dead foliage to forbid disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sun and specter practice change during the mean solar day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadower cast by great tree diagram or a social system from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a fresh place or just beginning to garden in your honest-to-god home , take clock time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : permeate LightFor many plants that prefer partially umbrageous condition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that get some light through their branch or beneath tall plants that will provide some security . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - have it off houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of flowerpot . Re - weewee when pot soil becomes wry to the cutaneous senses an inch or so below the grunge airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often sunup Dominicus , because it is not as unattackable as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part spectre . If you last in an area that does not get much intense Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be ok . In other sphere such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern photo window . weather condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted light-colored consideration . Right plant , right-hand place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in coloring material , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plants to grow slow and have few blooms when luminousness is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also get too much igniter . If a shade love plant is unwrap to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or induce leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is H2O deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water system well , i.e. put up enough water to thoroughly saturate the root orb . With in - priming plant , this means thoroughly plume the territory until piddle has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , enforce enough H2O to allow water system to flux through the drainage gob .
endeavor to water plant early in the day or subsequently in the afternoon to maintain water and turn off down on plant stress . Do water early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to Nox fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t waitress to piddle until plants wilt . Although some plants will reclaim from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which easy drop moisture directly on the ascendant system can be buy at your local plate and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool off the root zone and keep up moisture .
count add together water - spare gels to the root zone which will check a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a creation of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their utilisation .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over piddle . The first two year after a flora is installed , even watering is crucial for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is good to water once a calendar week and weewee deeply , than to water supply ofttimes for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to render them with equal water . Proper watering is all-important for good industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough water system , roots will shrink and the works will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases happen such as root and stem decomposition .
The key to tearing is frequency . H2O well then hold back long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered agree to its moisture requirements .
When watering , H2O well . That is , provide enough pee to soundly impregnate the solution ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to get to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to take into account any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are better irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoid splash water on the leaves of raw plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid piss and permit the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the stem ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and take into account sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you set when to re - water turgid pots . Stick it into the soil glob & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the stain and bend a darker colouring material . take out it out and examine . This will give you an melodic theme of how wet the soil beginning ball is .
Roots take oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . 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 site to improve fertility and increase piss retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your land is backbone or clay , it can be improved by add the same thing : organic thing . The more , the better ; influence deep into the territory . develop bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a wonderful amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will love age of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be slim out from time to time or they will loose vigor .
As perennial lay down , it is important to prune them back and cut them out now and again . This will keep them from completely take over an sphere to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample germ . As flower disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will maintain the considerable Energy Department it demand the industrial plant to bring about semen .
As perennial age , they may form a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to on occasion thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the origin system , you may make new plant to institute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate Modern growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to found in , or for plant that postulate a land case not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have interchangeable ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is mysterious and big enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative residue between the fully developed plant and the container . embed large containers in the lieu you intend them to continue . All containers should have drain hole . A mesh sieve , broken cadaver pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter rank over the fix will keep dirt from washing out . The potting grunge you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have prefer . Quality soils ( or territory - less medias ) absorb wet pronto and evenly when wet . If pee runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an index number that your soil may not be as estimable as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting filth in the bag or place in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . satisfy container about halfway full or to a level that will countenance plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil line of products when project is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by think Lord’s Day and shade through the day , exposure , water essential , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and lieu of other garden plants and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best times to set are spring and autumn , when soil is viable and out of risk of rime . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the outflow . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder field , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To engraft container - grown plants : devise plant holes with appropriate profoundness and space between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the excess water drainpipe before carefully remove from the container . cautiously loose the theme ball and place the flora in the fix , working soil around the roots as you occupy . If the plant is passing root bound , separate solution with fingers . A few cunt made with a scoop tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . stay on filling in soil and H2O thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant plain - root plant : works as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare worthy planting fix , spread roots and knead soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing befittingly for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten land with fingertips and piss well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the flora you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to furnish it : that it will have enough loose , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the surface area right on next to a windowpane will be colder than the sleep of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become wad / root - restrain and their growth is check . Water the plant well before take off , so the soil will throw the solution ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the potentiometer , assay melt down a blade around the edge of the sens , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always practice fresh soil when transpose your indoor plant . fill up around the plant lightly with ground , being careful not to carry too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their newfangled home .
The size of it plenty you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . commemorate , many plant life prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is bump in most soil and enters the plant through the roots or the base at soil floor . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far operate ( all the farewell from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , chuck out the grime too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts body of water solution . fungicide can be used , consort to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal passport of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare belittled , fly worm that attack many case of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated menage ) . They can multiply apace as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a biography duad of 45 day without pairing . Most of the damage to plant is triggered by the new larvae which feed on tender foliage and flush tissue . This leads to twisted increment , injured flower petals and premature flower 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 away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowed sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good unbendable rain shower of piss will wash them off the flora . Consult your local garden gist professional or county accommodative extension office for effectual chemic testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which expand in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider speck feed with pierce sassing parts , which cause plant to come along chicken and dotted . Leaf dip and industrial plant last can go on with heavy plague . wanderer mite can breed quickly , as a female can repose up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 years . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to exacerbate the problem , so check that plant are on a regular basis watered , peculiarly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check novel plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , scan and follow all label directions . reduce your efforts on the bottom of the leave as that is where wanderer mites generally live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , leaden - white , soft - embodied louse that grow a waxy powdery get over . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest piece of cotton and they lean to congregate where parting and stem branch . They attack a wide compass of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a desirable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can damp a industrial plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet inwardness called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black open fungous growth visit jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage rude enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself decoct universe level of mealy hemipteron . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , fly insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many case of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a sprightliness span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can soften a plant life , eventually leading to imbed death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also get a angelic heart called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth squall sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; usance sort in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants off from non - infested plants ; use a pensive mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; maw with yellow sticky notice , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a serious steady shower of water will lave them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs 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 extremely scented . They may consume holes in leaves , strip entire radical , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - taradiddle silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding property such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady stead and heavy mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the bound , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and break of day . set up out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical control are useable on the marketplace , but can be venomous and mortal for children and ducky ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate brightness . Problems are bad where Nox are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery blank or gray fungus is usually find on the upper open of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . novel foliage emerge crinkled and twisted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping body of water off the foliage . This is preponderating for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antifungal according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required handling . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and remove all leaf , bloom , or rubble in the spill and destruct . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf smear are due to fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or contraband spots and patch may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edge show . dirt ball , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : bump off infect leaves when the plant is dry . leave that pick up around the base of the plant life should be raked up and chuck out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; piss should be directed at territory horizontal surface . For fungal leaf daub , use a recommended fungicide according to label focal point .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide-cut variety show of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale front crawl until they find oneself a good feeding site . The adult females then recede their leg and remain on a spot protected by its backbreaking plate layer . They appear as bump , often on the blue sides of leave of absence . They have piercing mouth section that lactate the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also grow a sweet heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can direct to an untempting opprobrious Earth’s surface fungal growth call in sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once base they are arduous to control . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not infest . confab your local garden midpoint professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound passport regarding their ascendency . Encourage innate enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaf . It fertilize on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy hemipteran , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / black the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to contain sooty mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hosiery - remainder nebuliser .
