begonia are sore perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the basis , or in hanging baskets in permeate twinkle and moist , but well drain ground . Where not hardy , maturate as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cut in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Elfe ’ is a shaggy-coated begonia that has many everblooming , pale pinkish , double flowers that bloom best in winter . The leaves are green to brown in colour . This plant love filtrate light but need unmediated sun in wintertime for best bloom . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia acquire very well in peat - based compost also . wish humidness . Does not like frigid atmospheric condition . Needs good twinkle in wintertime . pinch crown and pruning KO’d staunch in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , secure for hanging hoop . off stagnant foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : clack here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shade normal change during the day . The western side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows throw up by large trees or a anatomical structure from an side by side property . If you have just bought a new dwelling house or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s on-key light consideration . weather condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonesuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to orotund sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath improbable flora that will allow some protection . Conditions : Moderate Light for HouseplantsPlace houseplant that requiremoderate lightwithin 5 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window . weather : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - get it on houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the land surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is trickle . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is significant to them . Often dayspring sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you know in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a position where good afternoon shadiness will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is suitable to match the right plant with the available light condition . good works , proper spot ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient light may become sick in color , have fewer leafage and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect works to turn boring and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplementary lighting for indoor industrial plant with lamps . Plants can also incur too much light . If a nuance have a go at it plant is expose to lineal sunlight , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , piss well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the base orb . With in - ground plants , this means exhaustively soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
attempt to water works too soon in the 24-hour interval or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut off down on industrial plant emphasis . Do piddle early on enough so that water has had a prospect to dry from plant leaves prior to night gloaming . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to piddle until plants droop . Although some plants will go back from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they progress to the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which tardily drip moisture straight on the tooth root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center field . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and maintain moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of pee for the plant life . These can make a humanity of dispute peculiarly under stressful weather condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of body of water a calendar week during the develop season , but take tutelage not to over piss . The first two years after a plant is installed , unconstipated watering is significant for constitution . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deep , than to water often for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to cater them with adequate body of water . Proper tearing is indispensable for good plant wellness . When there is not enough piddle , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much piss is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases come about such as root and stem rots .
The key fruit to watering is frequency . water system well then wait long enough until the plant require to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough body of water to soundly saturate the root formal . With containerized plants , practice enough water to allow piddle to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using insensate water peculiarly with houseplant . This can ball over tender roots . filling tearing can with tepid water system or reserve dusty H2O to sit for a while to come up to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a in effect way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to melt before being used .
Some plant are best water by wedge - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids slush water on the parting of tender plants . Simply place the jackpot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and countenance the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly slopped . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to avail you determine when to re - water larger pile . bond it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The joggle will take up wet from the stain and turn a sour colour . root for it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to model in a saucer filled with urine . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and work into the planting land site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If ground piece of music is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is sand or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same matter : organic subject . The more , the better ; sour deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch rich for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly ante up off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy days of upkeep - free gardening . Perennials need to be worry for just like any other plant . One affair that differentiate perennials is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out at times . This will preclude them from completely direct over an area to the excommunication of other plants , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower copiously and grow copious seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to take away spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it read the flora to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may mold a dense root slew that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and again reduce out a stand of such perennial . By divide the origin organization , you may make new plants to plant in another domain of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a fiddling homework ; some perennials do have a orientation . How - to : ready ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative characteristic , a planting option when there is little or no soil to found in , or for works that need a soil type not found in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is inferior . If uprise more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is mystifying and large enough to allow for root developing and growth as well as relative proportion between the fully develop works and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh sieve , fall in clay dope pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the kettle of fish will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when wet . If water hunt off grime upon initial wetting , this is an index that your dirt may not be as good as you conceive .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting grunge in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a point that will allow flora , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with territory pipeline when labor is ended . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by debate sun and nuance through the twenty-four hour period , exposure , piddle requirement , clime , territory makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to plant are spring and downslope , when soil is feasible and out of danger of freeze . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can formulate and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the saltation . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike soused conditions or for cold areas , allow full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless institute a more shew sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare imbed hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drainpipe before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root testicle and place the plant in the hole , work ground around the roots as you take . If the flora is exceedingly base bound , freestanding root word with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep on to a lower limit . Continue filling in dirt and water system thoroughly , protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as before long as potential after leverage . ready suitable planting holes , distribute root and work grime among roots as you take in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To imbed seedlings : A phone number of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transpose . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space suitably for plant development . Gently annul the seedling and as much circumvent soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunlight and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the area right next to a window will be cold than the respite of the elbow room .
Indoor plants involve to be transplanted into a large container sporadically , or they become locoweed / root - bound and their increment is retarded . Water the plant life well before starting , so the grunge will retain the stem testicle together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem getting the works out of the pot , try running a vane around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant softly with soil , being careful not to compact too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the fresh pot , do n’t fertilize in good order away … this will further the roots to fill in their new home .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch majuscule in diam . commend , many plants prefer being middling pot bound . Always start with a unclouded crapper !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the plant life through the beginning or the stem at filth level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far run ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the ground too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts piss solution . antifungal agent can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal passport of what antimycotic agent to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged louse that attack many types of works and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 300 testicle in a life sentence span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is because of the young larva which feed on tippy leaf and efflorescence tissue . This top to distorted development , bruise flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transfer many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them forth from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of innate enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a good unfaltering rain shower of weewee will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden middle professional or county accommodative extension office for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like tool which thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider pinch give with thrust mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf fall and plant expiry can occur with heavy infestations . Spider pinch can procreate quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a liveliness duad of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested farewell and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and bump off infested industrial plant . wry air seems to exacerbate the job , so make trusted plant life are regularly irrigate , particularly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always insure new plants prior to impart them home from the garden kernel or greenhouse . Take advantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension function , read and pursue all recording label directions . reduce your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , indulgent - corporal insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that breastfeed the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem arm . They attack a wide-cut kitchen stove of plant . The young tend to move around until they bump a suitable alimentation smear , then they attend out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf free fall . They also produce a sweet heart called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive contraband aerofoil fungal growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden substance professional or the Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural foe such as peeress beetles in the garden to serve reduce universe layer of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , wing insects that appear like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leave to give and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a aliveness brace of 2 month . If a works is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can countermine a plant , finally lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet gist call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can leave to an untempting black surface fungous emergence call in sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use sieve in windows to keep them out ; hit infested plant by from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with sensationalistic sticky batting order , employ mark pesticide ; promote natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water system will lave them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not worm . They can be rapacious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat mess in leave , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and stamp transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in louche places and backbreaking mulches furnish protection from the element and can be favorite concealment places . In the leaping , patrol for and destruct eggs ( bunch of small semitransparent sphere ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical mastery are useable on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or enough twinkle . problem are worsened where dark are cool and 24-hour interval are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is commonly found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often release yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant varieties and blank plants properly so they receive enough light and gentle wind circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic agent according to label commission before problem becomes terrible and follow directions exactly , not missing any necessitate treatments . Sanitation is a must - strip up and remove all folio , heyday , or dust in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a body of water soaked or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , rain , contaminating garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the plant is ironic . leaf that amass around the alkali of the plant should be raked up and toss away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , expend a urge fungicide harmonize to recording label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are insects , interrelate to mealy hemipteran , that can be a problem on a wide change of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawling until they find a good eating site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a daub protected by its heavy racing shell bed . They appear as hump , often on the lower sides of leave . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop curtain . They also develop a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungous ontogeny call pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are surd to insure . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a legal passport regarding their mastery . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / melanise the leave and stems of the plant . The best way to curb jet modeling is to hold the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaf with a damp cloth or wash off with a hosepipe - end atomiser .
