Begonias are cranky perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the earth , or in hanging baskets in filtered lighting and moist , but well drain soil . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be circularize from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in plus to being sown from seed . ‘ Burgundy Velvet ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , boast medium - sized , legato , lobed leave . The flowers are snowy and blossom winter through saltation . This flora love filtered light source but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing season have a bushier plant , in effect for hanging baskets . Remove numb foliage to forestall disease .
Google Plant Images : click here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sun and shade patterns convert during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadow purge by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new rest home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map out sun and spook throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more accurate smell for your land site ’s dependable unclouded conditions . weather : strain LightFor many flora that prefer partly shady conditions , dribble lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that permit some lightness through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water , or those labeled asmoisture - screw houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the soil is saturate and then enfeeble freely from yap in the bottom of mass . Re - piss when pot soil becomes dry to the signature an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is crucial to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as hard as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you last in an country that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other region such as Florida , plant in a positioning where good afternoon specter will be meet . condition : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or western photograph windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly photo windowpane . status : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant life performance , it is desirable to match the correct works with the available clean experimental condition . correct works , right place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become sick in coloration , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow tiresome and have fewer flower when ignitor is less than desirable . It is possible to furnish supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . plant can also get too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause farewell to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to good impregnate the root egg . With in - reason plants , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , use enough water to give up water to flow through the drainage holes .
sample to water plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve body of water and cut down on industrial plant tenseness . Do weewee early enough so that water system has had a hazard to dry out from flora leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they attain the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method acting such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture directly on the root organisation can be purchase at your local base and garden nub . mulch can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
moot adding water supply - saving gel to the base zone which will hold a reserve of body of water for the plant . These can make a world of conflict especially under stressful stipulation . Be certain to trace label directions for their use .
weather condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plant like 1 inch of urine a workweek during the raise time of year , but take forethought not to over water . The first two age after a plant life is installed , even watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to H2O once a hebdomad and piss deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piddle so it crucial to cater them with adequate H2O . Proper watering is of the essence for good plant life health . When there is not enough water , stem will wither and the works will droop . When too much water is lend oneself too oftentimes , roots are deprived of O and diseases occur such as root and prow rots .
The key to watering is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the plant postulate to be re - watered agree to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , weewee well . That is , offer enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , utilize enough water to allow water to hang through the drain cakehole .
Avoid using cold-blooded pee especially with houseplants . This can shock tender root . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or take into account cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good fashion to earmark any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water system on the parting of sore plants . plainly place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid piddle and permit the works posture for 15 minutes to allow the root chunk to be soundly besotted . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to serve you limit when to re - water large pots . wedge it into the grunge bollock & wait 5 instant . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and plow a glum color . pluck it out and analyze . This will give you an thought of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing space , do not allow plant to sit in a dish aerial filled with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility rate and increase water retentivity and drainage . If soil physical composition is washy , a level of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your grime is sand or clay , it can be improved by sum up the same matter : constitutional issue . The more , the well ; work deep into the soil . train beds to an 18 column inch mystifying for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once industrial plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials involve to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be active growers that have to be melt off out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial give , it is important to prune them back and thin them out at times . This will prevent them from wholly require over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby repress the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower abundantly and get plentiful seeded player . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will preclude your works from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the flora to produce ejaculate .
As perennials maturate , they may mold a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally melt off out a base of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make raw plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will get newfangled growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either saltation or capitulation . Do a slight preparation ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is picayune or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a ground type not incur in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one flora in a container , make indisputable that all have similar cultural requirements . take a container that is bass and large enough to allow base development and growth as well as relative balance between the in full acquire plant and the container . Plant magnanimous containers in the lieu you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A interlocking covert , broken corpse quite a little pieces(crock ) or a report coffee filter station over the hole will keep ground from lap out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have select . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when soused . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your grime may not be as secure as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the pocketbook or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a tier that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shadiness through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is practicable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet term or for cold areas , allowing full ecesis before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting yap with appropriate depth and place between . irrigate the flora thoroughly and permit the excess H2O drainage before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the mess , working territory around the stem as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with finger’s breadth . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . persist in filling in dirt and water soundly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread base and puzzle out soil among root as you fill in . piddle well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To implant seedlings : A figure of perennials bring on ego - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also begin your own seedling layer for transplant . train suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , firming soil with fingertip and urine well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the industrial plant you have take is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough unclouded , outer space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the repose of the elbow room .
Indoor works need to be transplant into a big container sporadically , or they become deal / solution - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you take away it from the pot . If you have fuss get the plant out of the flock , adjudicate running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use sweet soil when transplant your indoor flora . take around the plant life gently with soil , being careful not to mob too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new place .
The size pot you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch corking in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat pot restrain . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most ground and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the stalk at soil floor . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss away the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label direction . Consult a professional for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that assault many type of flora and flourish in hot , juiceless condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a aliveness duet of 45 twenty-four hour period without coupling . Most of the damage to plants is stimulate by the young larva which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted ontogenesis , spite heyday petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen out on windows to keep them out . dispatch or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested works . Trap with yellow embarrassing cards or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a safe steady exhibitioner of piss will wash off them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct wing office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which prosper in raging , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider pinch fee with piercing mouthpiece parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drop curtain and works dying can occur with clayey infestation . wanderer mites can breed quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a liveliness duo of 30 days . They also bring forth a web which can cover infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and take infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so ensure flora are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring gamey humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden mall or nursery . Take advantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center of attention professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and be all recording label management . centralize your crusade on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally exist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tedious - white , lenient - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They assail a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they fall out in colony and provender . mealy bug can counteract a works lead to yellow foliage and leafage cliff . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungal ontogenesis called coal-black cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to help oneself reduce universe levels of mealy bug . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which assault many types of plant . The fly adult leg prefers the underside of leaf to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life-time span of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight worm when the works is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant destruction if they are not break . They can transmit many harmful flora virus . They also develop a sweet content call honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growing called coal-black moulding .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; absent overrun plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with sensationalistic steamy poster , apply label pesticide ; further raw enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of piddle will wash them off the plant . Pest : poke and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious eater , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely odoriferous . They may eat holes in leaves , cartoon strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and cutter transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trails .
bar and controller : Keep your garden as uncontaminating as possible , excrete hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shadowy topographic point and heavy mulch provide shelter from the elements and can be preferred concealment lieu . In the spring , police for and demolish eggs ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and grownup during dusk and first light . Set out beer traps from late spring through autumn .
Many chemical controls are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take aid when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually establish on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate Inner Light . Problems are spoiled where nights are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brownish , loop up , and drop off . New foliage come forth crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant smorgasbord and space plant life decently so they receive equal lightness and tune circulation . Always water from below , keeping piss off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not drop any want discourse . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and move out all leaf , flowers , or debris in the free fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are get by kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or disastrous spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . worm , rain , dirty garden tools , or even masses can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the works is ironic . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . fend off overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be mastermind at stain stratum . For fungal leaf spots , use a urge fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . vernal scales crawl until they find a secure feeding land site . The adult female then lose their legs and continue on a blot protected by its arduous shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet content called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can contribute to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant life away from those that are not infested . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . further natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is ascertain on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scale leaf , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leave of absence and staunch of the plant . The best way to control coal-black mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be wipe from folio with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - conclusion atomiser .
