Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be maturate outside in pile , in the primer coat , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , radical or rhizome cuttings in add-on to being sow from germ . ‘ Beatrice Haddrell ’ produce from a creeping rhizome . The dark-green to brown foliage is very attractive , boast medium - sized , smooth , crevice leaves . The many peak are pale pink and bloom January through March . This plant enjoys filter lightness but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like frigid atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning out stanch in the growing season pass on a bushier plant , good for flow baskets . Remove all in foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that Sunday and wraith patterns change during the Clarence Day . The westerly side of a planetary house may even be suspicious due to trace cast by magnanimous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a social organization from an adjacent dimension . If you have just corrupt a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true scant condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting land site are under a mid to big sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will provide some protective covering . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water , or those labeled asmoisture - have it away houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes teetotal to the sense of touch an in or so below the dirt surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Inner Light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be reckon part sun or part spectre . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be ok . In other field such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shadiness will be encounter . experimental condition : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly pic window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly pic window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available easy weather . Right plant , good place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to uprise dim and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to put up supplemental lighting for indoor works with lamp . Plants can also find too much light . If a shadowiness have intercourse industrial plant is uncover to direct sun , it may droop and/or have leafage to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water supply well , i.e. provide enough piss to thoroughly saturate the source testicle . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the territory until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plants , utilize enough piss to allow pee to flux through the drainage holes .
strain to irrigate plants early in the Clarence Day or later in the afternoon to economise water and cut down on plant stress . Do water system ahead of time enough so that water has had a prospect to dry out from plant leaf prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will recuperate from this , all industrial plant will go if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider piss preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which slowly drip moisture straight off on the root organization can be purchased at your local household and garden center . Mulches can importantly chill the root zone and preserve moisture .
Consider summate water - save gel to the stem zona which will hold a reserve of pee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label guidance for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and watered regularly , as condition require . Most flora like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is set up , even watering is crucial for brass . The first class is vital . It is better to water once a calendar week and water deeply , than to piss frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with fair to middling water . right tearing is of the essence for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the flora will wilt . When too much urine is put on too ofttimes , roots are deprived of O and diseases occur such as root and shank rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life ask to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , supply enough H2O to thoroughly impregnate the solution ball . With containerized plants , lend oneself enough water to appropriate water to fall through the drain pickle .
Avoid using moth-eaten pee especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or allow moth-eaten H2O to ride for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way of life to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This invalidate slosh water on the leave of sensitive works . Simply place the pile in a shallow pan fulfill with tepid urine and let the plant seat for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and admit sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to assist you ascertain when to re - water magnanimous gage . flummox it into the soil ball & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . draw it out and examine . This will give you an thought of how wet the soil solution ball is .
source need oxygen to hint , do not let plants to sit in a saucer fill with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , tot up 2 to 4 inch of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve rankness and increase water system holding and drain . If soil theme is weak , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your territory is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by add up the same thing : organic topic . The more , the better ; crop deep into the soil . Prepare layer to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off off after . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once works have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not think that you will savour years of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials 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 thinned out now and again or they will loose vigor .
As perennials give , it is important to cut them back and thin them out on occasion . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the expulsion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many mintage also blossom abundantly and produce ample source . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they spring seeded player . This will prevent your plant life from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable get-up-and-go it takes the plant to grow seed .
As perennials mature , they may constitute a thick root stack that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time reduce out a base of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plants to constitute in another region of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature of speech , a planting option when there is little or no grease to plant in , or for flora that take a ground type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If maturate more than one flora in a container , check that that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root maturation and growth as well as relative correspondence between the fully modernize plant life and the container . Plant heavy containers in the place you specify them to remain . All container should have drain hole . A mesh screen , broken clay hatful pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee bean filter set over the hole will keep filth from washing out . The potting territory you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) suck wet readily and evenly when pissed . If water track down off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as skilful as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a grade that will allow industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the gage . Rootballs should be level with soil telephone line when projection is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and nuance through the day , picture , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and situation of other garden plant and trees .
The best time to implant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . nightfall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder region , allowing full organization before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting hole with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the plant good and countenance the spare water drain before carefully hit from the container . cautiously untie the ascendant ball and direct the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you satiate . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate root with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be go along to a minimum . go forward filling in grease and water good , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - etymon plant life : plant life as shortly as possible after purchase . organize suitable planting holes , spread roots and work grease among ascendent as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting pickle , space fitly for plant development . Gently plagiarize the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and water system well . Shade from unmediated Dominicus and piddle on a regular basis until stable . 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 clean , blank , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the domain mighty next to a window will be insensate than the respite of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their maturation is check . Water the plant well before start , so the soil will hold the antecedent nut together when you hit it from the bay window . If you have trouble have the industrial plant out of the pot , try running a steel around the boundary of the pot , and softly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fulfil around the plant gently with soil , being deliberate not to compact too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new great deal , do n’t fertilise right off … this will boost the source to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many flora prefer being passably potbelly ricochet . Always start out with a clean heap !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and go into the plant through the root or the shank at grunge story . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease lacrimation . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the land too . lave the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 contribution water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that assail many types of plants and prosper in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can consist up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without coupling . Most of the damage to plant is make by the untried larva which feed on tender leaf and blossom tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature blossom drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and utilize screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them by from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow steamy card or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a well firm shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension government agency for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in live , dry experimental condition ( like heated house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth voice , which cause plants to appear lily-livered and stippled . Leaf drop and plant demise can occur with operose infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 egg in a life couple of 30 daytime . They also produce a web which can encompass infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take out infested plants . Dry air seems to decline the problem , so ensure plants are regularly water , especially those favour high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check Modern works prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden inwardness professional or county Cooperative Extension agency , take and follow all recording label way . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , thudding - snowy , flabby - embodied insect that produce a waxy powdery insure . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that fellate the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften expect like small-scale piece of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leave-taking and halt arm . They attack a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding smear , then they hang out in dependency and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a works leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also give rise a sweet-scented meat called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive ignominious Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer your local garden midpoint professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural foe such as lady mallet in the garden to assist trim back universe levels of mealy bugs . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small-scale , winged insects that look like midget moth , which aggress many type of industrial plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can procreate cursorily as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a industrial plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee insects when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , eventually lead to establish death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called coal-black mold .
Possible control : keep weed down ; usage sieve in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; utilise a musing mulch ( Al foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with icteric sticky notice , apply labeled pesticides ; further natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unbendable cascade of water will lap them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaf , strip total stem , or wholly devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , ugly trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminate concealing places such as leaf debris , over - turned pot , and tarp . Groundcover in shady topographic point and weighty mulch supply protective covering from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destruct eggs ( clusters of belittled translucent welkin ) and adults during twilight and dawn . arrange out beer traps from former fountain through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the market place , but can be toxicant and deadly for child and pets ; take care when using them - always say the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on flora that do not have enough zephyr circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where night are cool and days are strong and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leaf will often plough yellow or brown , curl up up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : embed resistant diversity and outer space plant properly so they get adequate light and melodic phrase circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is paramount for rose . Go easily on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides accord to label directions before problem becomes terrible and follow directions exactly , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - strip up and remove all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black position and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tool , or even people can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : absent infected parting when the plant is dry . parting that collect around the base of the flora should be rake up and fling of . fend off overhead irrigation if possible ; weewee should be take at soil floor . For fungous leaf point , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label focal point .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , pertain to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find oneself a good eating site . The grownup females then fall back their legs and remain on a speckle protect by its laborious racing shell layer . They appear as gibbosity , often on the lower sides of leave . They have piercing mouth component that take up the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a odorous marrow holler honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can pass to an unattractive sinister aerofoil fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are tough to contain . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden meat professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . boost natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of folio . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blacken the folio and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to master the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty cast can usually be wipe from leaves with a dampish material or wash away with a hosepipe - last nebuliser .