Begonias are warm perennial , grow for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the undercoat , or in cling baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , stem or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sow in from seed . ‘ Burgundy Queen ’ farm from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , bland , lobate leaves . The flower are white to pink and bloom January through May . This works revel filtered brightness but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - establish compost also . Likes humidness . brave . Does not wish cold weather . top hint and pruning outer halt in the grow season yield a bushy plant , good for hang baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and tad patterns switch during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by prominent Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new place or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunshine and spook throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more accurate feel for your internet site ’s genuine light status . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady weather , sink in lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to great sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some shelter . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that postulate rich weewee , or those label asmoisture - know houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from muddle in the bottom of muckle . Re - piss when potting soil becomes wry to the hint an inch or so below the soil surface . weather condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often cockcrow Dominicus , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part refinement . If you subsist in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine vulnerability may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tint will be received . stipulation : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 groundwork of an eastern or western photograph window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted light conditions . Right flora , ripe place ! Plants which do not encounter sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when visible light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary inflammation for indoor plants with lamps . industrial plant can also get too much visible light . If a shade loving works is exposed to unmediated Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is weewee deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , piddle well , i.e. provide enough water supply to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until weewee has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being secure ) . With container grown plants , use enough body of water to allow piss to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plant life early in the day or later in the good afternoon to keep up pee and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry out from plant folio prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until works wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant life will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting stage ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet direct on the root arrangement can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
deliberate adding water - save gelatin to the etymon zone which will hold a backlog of H2O for the plant life . These can make a worldly concern of difference peculiarly under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to succeed recording label directions for their use .
atmospheric condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most flora like 1 column 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 industrial plant is installed , regular lachrymation is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to piss once a week and water 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 enough water . right watering is all-important for good plant health . When there is not enough water supply , source will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much body of water is applied too oft , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease pass such as root and theme bunkum .
The cay to watering is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered harmonise to its moisture demand .
When watering , piddle well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the solution ball . With containerized plant , utilize enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
avert using cold water especially with houseplant . This can blow out of the water tender roots . filling watering can with tepid piss or allow cold water to model for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a undecomposed way to allow any harmful Cl in the pee to vaporise before being used .
Some works are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This forfend splatter water on the farewell of sensitive plant . just invest the pot in a shallow genus Pan fulfil with tepid water and lease the plant life sit for 15 minutes to allow the base ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow for sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & await 5 minute . The dowel will immerse moisture from the dirt and change by reversal a darker colouring material . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how wet the grime root ball is .
root demand atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer satiate with body of water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 24-hour interval before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to amend natality and increase water retention and drain . If grime composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be believe as well . No matter if your soil is sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constitutional matter . The more , the ripe ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you imbed a perennial , it does not think of that you will savor age of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial take to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be active growers that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose zip .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from whole taking over an area to the censure of other plants , and also will increase airwave circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce plenteous seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flower before they form seed . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will maintain the considerable vim it take the plant to raise ejaculate .
As perennials mature , they may mold a slow root mass that eventually extend to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By separate the rootage system , you may make new plant life to imbed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate unexampled growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either springtime or declivity . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a territory type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one works in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . select a container that is bass and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully develop plant life and the container . implant large container in the place you intend them to quell . All container should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , interrupt clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have take . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting grunge in the bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a grade that will allow plant , when plant , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is complete . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and spook through the day , photograph , piddle requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and Tree .
The best time to plant are spring and fall , when soil is practicable and out of risk of rime . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can originate and not have to compete with modernise top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike pixilated conditions or for colder expanse , allowing full constitution before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more lay down sized plant .
To plant container - grow industrial plant : groom plant muddle with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the superfluous water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully untie the root ball and identify the industrial plant in the fix , working grease around the root as you occupy . If the plant is extremely root resile , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch tongue are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sun until static .
To institute bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among base as you replete in . Water well and protect from lineal Sunday until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also depart your own seedling bottom for transplant . Prepare worthy planting kettle of fish , space appropriately for industrial plant developing . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding grime as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough unaccented , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a large container periodically , or they become deal / rootage - recoil and their growth is slow down . Water the plant life well before set about , so the soil will guard the antecedent ball together when you take away it from the pot . If you have difficulty getting the plant out of the deal , try out lam a vane around the edge of the good deal , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant . fill up around the plant life gently with soil , being careful not to compact too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new mountain , do n’t fertilize properly away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their novel home .
The size passel you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch dandy in diam . Remember , many works prefer being passably pile bound . Always start with a neat pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most stain and enters the plant life through the roots or the stem at stain level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , transfer it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the soil too . wash out the deal with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 function body of water solvent . antimycotic can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many types of plants and boom in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 Clarence Day without conjugation . Most of the damage to plant is triggered by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to perverted ontogeny , injured bloom petal and untimely peak drop curtain . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep skunk down and use screening on window to keep them out . take out or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow muggy cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady shower of weewee will wash them off the plant life . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable creatures which thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . Spider mites feed with thrust mouth parts , which do plant life to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop curtain and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a lifetime span of 30 days . They also give rise a WWW which can cover infested farewell and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and bump off infested plant life . Dry air seems to aggravate the trouble , so check that industrial plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always condition new plants prior to bring them home from the garden centre or baby’s room . Take advantage of raw enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension business office , read and fall out all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally dwell . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white-hot , soft - corporal insects that produce a waxy powdery insure . They have piercing / sucking sass parts that nurse the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small small-arm of cotton plant and they incline to congregate where leaves and stems offset . They assail a spacious range of plant . The young tend to move around until they incur a suitable eating touch , then they attend out in dependency and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet subject matter called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can moderate to an untempting smutty surface fungous ontogenesis call jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension post in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help abbreviate population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare low , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which lash out many type of plants . The fly adult stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply cursorily as a female person can lie up to 500 ballock in a life couple of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly louse when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can countermine a industrial plant , finally lead to implant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also create a sweet-scented kernel called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can result to an unattractive fateful surface fungal growth called sooty cast .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; purpose screening in window to keep them out ; slay infested plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow muggy cards , employ label pesticide ; further natural foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable shower of weewee will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaf , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , allow behind tell - story silvery , wretched track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , extinguish concealment places such as leaf debris , over - move around toilet , and tarps . Groundcover in umbrageous places and expectant mulch provide tribute from the elements and can be pet hiding place . In the spring , police for and destroy ballock ( clump of small translucent spheres ) and adults during crepuscle and dawn . coiffe out beer traps from late spring through gloaming .
Many chemical controls are useable on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually base on plants that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling luminousness . trouble are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery blanched or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often deform yellow or brown , curl up , and expend off . New leaf emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : found resistant varieties and outer space plant life properly so they pick up adequate light and atmosphere circulation . Always water from below , keeping piddle off the foliage . This is paramount for rose wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . practice antimycotic agent according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and dispatch all leaves , flowers , or junk in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - border appearing . louse , rainfall , foul garden tools , or even multitude can aid its banquet .
Prevention and Control : transfer infect leaf when the flora is dry . Leaves that compile around the base of operations of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . debar overhead irrigation if possible ; urine should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a advocate fungicide according to label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insects , come to to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a problem on a wide miscellany of plants - indoor and out-of-door . immature scale front crawl until they find a proficient feeding site . The adult female then fall back their legs and stay on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth character that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scurf can step down a plant leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a fresh nitty-gritty forebode honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive pitch-dark control surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once lay down they are hard to control . Isolate overrun plants off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , graduated table , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / black the leaves and stems of the plant . The best mode to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaf with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hosiery - end sprayer .
