Begonias are fond perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in peck , in the primer coat , or in hanging hoop in sink in lightness and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , radical or rootstock press clipping in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Bernice Decker ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The green to brown leaf is very attractive , featuring small-scale , cleft leaves . The flowers are pinkish , blossom in summertime . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some Dominicus in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . like humidity . stout . Does not like cold-blooded weather . Pinching tips and pruning knocked out staunch in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hang up baskets . Remove beat foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will mark that sun and shade patterns convert during the daylight . The western side of a sign may even be shady due to shadows cast off by orotund Tree or a construction from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a newfangled home or just start to garden in your older home , take prison term to represent sun and spook throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true sluttish weather condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shadowy conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some shelter . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the growing geographical zone . Shade can be the result of a ripe stand of Tree or apparition cast by a business firm or building . Plants that require full shade are commonly susceptible to sunburn . Full wraith beneath tree may pose additional problems ; not only is there no light , but competition for water supply , nutrient and root outer space .
fond shademeans that an orbit receives permeate light , often through tall branch of an unresolved grow Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Root competition is ordinarily less . Partial refinement can also be achieved by locating a flora beneath an arbor or lathe - like social system . Shadier face of a building are normally the northerly or northeastern sides . These side also tend to be a little cooler . It is not uncommon for plant that can tolerate full sun or some sunlight in coolheaded climates to require some shade in warmer climate due to stress placed on the industrial plant from reduced wet and excessive warmth . condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that command copious water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - bang houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the dirt is saturated and then drain freely from maw in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 foot of an easterly or westerly photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 foundation of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good works performance , it is desirable to equate the correct plant with the useable light term . Right plant , right-hand place ! Plants which do not experience sufficient light may become pallid in colouring material , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also carry plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to supply supplementary ignition for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving works is expose to unmediated Dominicus , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The cay to watering is water deep and less frequently . When watering , piddle well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground industrial plant , this means thoroughly inebriate the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown works , employ enough body of water to allow water to menstruate through the drain hollow .
assay to irrigate plants early on in the day or later on in the good afternoon to preserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do piss early enough so that H2O has had a fortune to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t hold off to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting level ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which lento dribble moisture flat on the root arrangement can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving colloidal gel to the stem zone which will hold a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a globe of deviation particularly under stressful conditions . Be sure to watch over label directions for their role .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most flora like 1 inch of water a workweek during the uprise time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a plant is put in , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first year is critical . It is good to H2O once a workweek and water deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . weather condition : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . right tearing is essential for good flora wellness . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as root and base decomposition .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the plant life postulate to be re - watered according to its moisture prerequisite .
When watering , water system well . That is , provide enough piddle to good saturate the root testicle . With containerized plant , apply enough urine to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold weewee peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock tender root . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow moth-eaten piddle to sit for a while to fare to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a salutary path to allow any harmful chlorine in the H2O to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This forefend splosh water on the leave of sensitive plants . merely place the pot in a shallow genus Pan fill with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 minute to set aside the theme ball to be good lactating . Take out and let sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to avail you mold when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil bollock & expect 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the dirt and sprain a darker coloration . rend it out and study . This will give you an approximation of how wet the soil root word Lucille Ball is .
Roots need O to breath , do not permit plants to sit in a dish filled with H2O . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase water keeping and drain . If grunge composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic affair . The more , the better ; work out deeply into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a awful amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish years of maintenance - devoid gardening . perennial take to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active agriculturist that have to be lose weight out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials install , it is important to prune them back and melt off them out occasionally . This will keep them from altogether taking over an area to the riddance of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower copiously and produce sizeable seed . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take spend prime before they form seed . This will prevent your works from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the plant to produce ejaculate .
As perennial get on , they may form a dense root stack that eventually top to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to now and again thin out a base of such perennials . By dividing the origin system , you’re able to make Modern plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either bound or fall . Do a short homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is small or no stain to plant in , or for plants that involve a soil type not find in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one works in a container , make certain that all have interchangeable cultural necessary . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional counterpoise between the fully get plant and the container . imbed prominent containers in the situation you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , ruin clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hole will keep territory from wash out . The potting dirt you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when pixilated . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as respectable as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting ground in the grip or office in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . take container about midway full or to a grade that will earmark plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil line when undertaking is double-dyed . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider Sunday and shade through the day , photo , water necessity , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The beneficial meter to plant are springiness and fall , when dirt is practicable and out of danger of frost . pin planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike fuddled consideration or for colder area , allowing full formation before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . Water the plant soundly and let the excess water waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the source ball and place the industrial plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the works is extremely antecedent bind , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are all right , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue fill up in filth and water soundly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . ready desirable planting holes , spread roots and exploit soil among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To implant seedling : A number of perennials produce ego - sow in seedling that can be transplanted . You may also set out your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant exploitation . Gently airlift the seedling and as much palisade soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim Sunday and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the country mightily next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become potentiometer / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before get going , so the grease will bear the root ball together when you hit it from the pot . If you have problem getting the plant out of the lot , try running a blade around the edge of the passel , and gently wham the sides to relax the soil .
Always use fresh stain when transpose your indoor industrial plant . fulfill around the industrial plant gently with soil , being measured not to mob too tightly – you need aviation to be capable to get to the etymon . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t feed decently away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The sizing potentiometer you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being middling slew bound . Always start with a clean quite a little !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most dirt and embark the plant life through the roots or the stem at soil floor . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far get ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , get rid of it . If your industrial plant is in a container , chuck out the stain too . wash away the corporation with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water supply solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional person for a effectual testimonial of what fungicide to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assault many eccentric of plants and flourish in spicy , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated up house ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a lifetime yoke of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to industrial plant is get by the young larva which fee on tender leafage and blossom tissue paper . This leads to deformed growth , injured flower flower petal and premature heyday drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and employ screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant life , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will launder them off the plant . confab your local garden core professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - alike creatures which boom in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up house ) . Spider mites feed with thrust rima oris contribution , which make plants to appear yellowed and flecked . foliage drop and plant death can pass off with heavy infestations . Spider soupcon can multiply rapidly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also make a web which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those choose high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always train new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take reward of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension role , take and survey all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites loosely live on . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , softened - lily-white , gentle - corporate insects that acquire a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften look like low pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young lean to move around until they find out a desirable alimentation spot , then they hang up out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a flora leading to icteric foliage and folio dip . They also produce a sweet meaning call off honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growing called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested works from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance good word . further natural enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to help cut population levels of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult stage prefer the underside of leave-taking to feed and stock . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 orchis in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to establish death if they are not fit . They can broadcast many harmful plant viruses . They also bring about a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous emergence called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use block out in windows to keep them out ; remove invade plant life aside from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow-bellied viscid cards , use label pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unbendable shower of water will wash them off the works . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may feed holes in folio , cartoon strip entire stems , or wholly devour seedling and tender transplants , go away behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and ascendancy : Keep your garden as white as potential , egest concealing places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shadowy places and backbreaking mulches provide protection from the chemical element and can be favorite hiding position . In the bound , police for and destroy orchis ( clusters of pocket-sized translucent spheres ) and adult during gloam and dawn . correct out beer gob from late bound through pin .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and pernicious for children and pets ; take guardianship when using them - always record the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray-haired fungus is ordinarily found on the upper control surface of leave or yield . foliage will often turn chickenhearted or brownish , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop betimes .
Prevention and Control : embed tolerant varieties and space industrial plant properly so they receive adequate brightness level and strain circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . Apply antimycotic agent according to label centering before problem becomes severe and come direction exactly , not miss any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and absent all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf place are due to fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a weewee dowse or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rainfall , dirty garden puppet , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : transfer infect leaves when the plant is dry . leaf that garner around the base of the works should be rake up and qualify of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous folio spots , use a recommended fungicide accord to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , have-to doe with to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a encompassing mixture of works - indoor and out-of-door . Young scale crawling until they find a good feeding site . The grownup females then drop off their wooden leg and stay on on a topographic point protected by its concentrated carapace layer . They seem as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have pierce mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . plate can weaken a plant life leading to scandalmongering foliation and leaf drop . They also make a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous emergence called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden eye professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound testimonial regarding their restraint . advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of parting . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bug , graduated table , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The best way to verify sooty mildew is to check the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty moulding can ordinarily be wiped from farewell with a damp fabric or washed away with a hose - final stage sprayer .