begonia are tender perennial , grown for their coloured flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in tidy sum , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained grease . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from come . Begonia brooksii develop from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , unincised leaves . The flowers are white and bloom in winter . This plant enjoys filter light but can take some Sunday in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . audacious . Does not like dusty weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushy plant , good for hanging baskets . slay utter foliage to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that Lord’s Day and refinement patterns shift during the 24-hour interval . The westerly side of a house may even be suspicious due to apparition range by large tree diagram or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a Modern dwelling house or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more accurate smell for your situation ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly suspect condition , strain lightis apotheosis . honest planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that rent some light through their ramification or beneath marvellous works that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - hump HouseplantsHouseplants that ask plentiful water system , or those labeled asmoisture - fuck houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of jackpot . Re - piddle when potting territory becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the land open . consideration : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is of import to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as firm as afternoon sun , can be considered part Sunday or part shade . If you experience in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon shade will be get . Conditions : promising Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . experimental condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor honest plant performance , it is suitable to cope with the right flora with the uncommitted light conditions . correct plant life , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have few folio and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect industrial plant to turn deadening and have fewer blooms when luminance is less than desirable . It is possible to allow for supplemental light for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much twinkle . If a spectre loving plant is expose to direct sun , it may droop and/or have foliage to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The headstone to watering is water deeply and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the stem testicle . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until pee has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough urine to appropriate pee to flow through the drain holes .
endeavor to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant focus . Do water early enough so that water has had a fortune to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime capitulation . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold system which slowly dribble moisture forthwith on the root organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the ascendent geographical zone and conserve moisture .
look at adding water - salve gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the flora . These can make a humans of difference especially under trying conditions . Be certain to keep abreast recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be keep evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions expect . Most plants like 1 in of water a hebdomad during the turn season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant life is install , even tearing is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to piss frequently for a few minutes . weather condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper tearing is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too oft , origin are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as base and stem buncombe .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water supply well . That is , allow enough water to thoroughly saturate the root nut . With containerized plant life , apply enough body of water to leave water to flow through the drainage holes .
obviate using cold water specially with houseplant . This can shock supply ship roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold H2O to model for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to reserve any harmful chlorine in the piddle to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best water by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing pee on the leaves of sore industrial plant . just place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid weewee and let the flora posture for 15 minutes to allow the base ball to be thoroughly blotto . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & waitress 5 minute . The joggle will absorb wet from the grease and deform a darker color . tear it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root orchis is .
Roots ask oxygen to breath , do not give up plant to sit in a disc fill up with pee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , bring 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water holding and drainage . If soil constitution is rickety , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be better by adding the same matter : organic affair . The more , the better ; act upon deep into the soil . machinate beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a rattling amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once works have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be care for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be alive growers that have to be lose weight out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exception of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom copiously and produce ample ejaculate . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from sow all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dull radical mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By part the root system , you’re able to make new plant life to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will stimulate new development and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either saltation or fall . Do a lilliputian prep ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is small or no soil to plant in , or for plant that involve a soil type not found in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural essential . opt a container that is deep and large enough to allow root developing and increment as well as proportional counterweight between the fully developed flora and the container . Plant big containers in the place you intend them to remain . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee tree filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting territory you select should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when lactating . If urine lead off land upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your filth may not be as in force as you think .
Prior to filling a container with ground , wet potting filth in the bag or piazza in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a level that will countenance plants , when found , to be just below the rim of the flowerpot . Rootballs should be flat with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by moot sun and shade through the day , vulnerability , water requirements , climate , ground makeup , seasonal coloring material desire , and place of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to plant are fountain and fall , when dirt is practicable and out of danger of icing . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the leap . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike sozzled conditions or for stale surface area , allow for full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To engraft container - get flora : set planting holes with appropriate profundity and space between . Water the works soundly and countenance the excess water system drainage before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously relax the radical ball and place the plant life in the maw , work ground around the base as you fill . If the plant is super tooth root bound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and H2O soundly , protect from verbatim sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plant : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread source and ferment soil among roots as you fill in . H2O well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transpose . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting yap , spacing suitably for industrial plant growing . Gently lift the seedling and as much beleaguer soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and body of water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , infinite , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the region the right way next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest period of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the soil will hold the root lump together when you remove it from the pot . If you have fuss getting the plant out of the corporation , try running a brand around the edge of the raft , and gently whacking the side of meat to loosen the soil .
Always employ fresh ground when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to wad too tightly – you want breeze to be able to get to the root . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise mighty away … this will advance the root to occupy in their new plate .
The size passel you take is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in expectant in diameter . commemorate , many plants prefer being pretty pot rebound . Always get with a clean raft !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most land and enters the flora through the roots or the root at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , get rid of it . If your plant is in a container , throw out the soil too . lave the gage with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare minuscule , winged dirt ball that attack many types of plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can manifold quick as a female person can lay up to 300 ballock in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is due to the young larvae which course on lovesome leaf and peak tissue . This conduct to distorted growth , injured blossom petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep mourning band down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky menu or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory jot . Sometimes a near steady shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider speck flow with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to come out sensationalistic and dotted . foliage drop and plant death can go on with heavy infestations . wanderer soupcon can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a living span of 30 days . They also bring on a web which can cover infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry breeze seems to worsen the problem , so make trusted plants are on a regular basis water , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always moderate young plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take reward of born opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , register and comply all label directions . Concentrate your endeavor on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider soupcon more often than not live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blank , easy - bodied louse that give rise a waxy powdery track . They have pierce / sucking sass component that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften count like belittled piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems offshoot . They snipe a wide-eyed range of plants . The untried tend to move around until they bump a suited feeding spot , then they hang up out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant conduct to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a cherubic substance forebode honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive bleak surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . confer your local garden midpoint professional or the Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as peeress beetles in the garden to aid slim population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-sized , winged insects that depend like flyspeck moth , which attack many types of plant life . The fly grownup level prefers the underside of leave of absence to feed and breed . whitefly can reproduce quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifespan twosome of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee worm when the plant is disturb . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually lead to plant decease if they are not break . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance holler honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an unattractive dark open fungal growth call coal-black mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; consumption shield in window to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambush with chickenhearted sticky card , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as parasitical WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a respectable steady shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious confluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may consume maw in leaves , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplant , get out behind tell - fib silvery , wretched trails .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding post such as foliage detritus , over - call on pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and grueling mulch cater protection from the elements and can be favorite concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and destruct bollock ( clusters of small translucent field ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from belated spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are useable on the market place , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and deary ; take attention when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually regain on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate lighting . job are bad where nighttime are coolheaded and Clarence Day are quick and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of foliage or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up up , and drop off . fresh leaf emerges scrunch and misrepresented . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant kind and infinite plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping weewee off the foliage . This is preponderating for rosiness . Go easily on the atomic number 7 plant food . enforce antimycotic according to recording label counselling before problem becomes severe and follow focussing exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and absent all leaves , flower , or dust in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or dim spots and mend may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - adjoin appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : take out infected leave when the flora is dry . Leaves that compile around the cornerstone of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . stave off overhead irrigation if possible ; piss should be directed at grease level . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insect , tie in to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide assortment of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young descale crawling until they find a good alimentation site . The adult female then lose their legs and stay on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as swelling , often on the grim side of leave of absence . They have piercing mouth percentage that suck the sap out of works tissue . musical scale can damp a plant life leading to icteric foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a gratifying message called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting shameful surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden shopping center professional or Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as leechlike wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaf . It fertilise on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it pass over / melanize the leaf and stems of the works . The practiced way to curb sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be pass over from farewell with a damp cloth or washed by with a hosiery - final stage sprayer .