begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful prime and foliage . Most begonias can be arise outdoors in pots , in the footing , or in hang baskets in filtered luminosity and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from foliage , stem or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sown from seeded player . ( Plant width : pass on over 6 inches ) The ‘ Red River ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring tumid non - spiral leaves that are often colorise and patterned . The flowers are pink . This plant delight filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidness . Does not wish cold weather condition . Pinching steer and pruning outer stem in the turn time of year gives a shaggy-haired flora , good for attend baskets . Remove idle foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : snap here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will comment that Sunday and shade normal change during the day . The westerly side of a firm may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just bought a young home or just get to garden in your older home base , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the sidereal day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favour partially funny conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some Inner Light through their arm or beneath taller plants that will supply some protective cover . condition : wet - eff HouseplantsHouseplants that demand sizable water , or those labeled asmoisture - do it houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the land is saturated and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - piddle when pot grease becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the dirt open . term : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part Dominicus or part spook . If you subsist in an area that does not get much vivid Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . term : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be identify within 2 feet of an eastern or western photograph window or within 2 to 5 infantry of a southerly photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor skillful plant performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the uncommitted short conditions . Right industrial plant , good position ! flora which do not meet sufficient light may become pallid in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also wait plants to grow slower and have few blush when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . works can also encounter too much igniter . If a subtlety loving plant life is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or induce folio to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The cay to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. allow for enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root testicle . With in - land plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the ground until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , implement enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
stress to irrigate plant life early in the Clarence Day or later in the good afternoon to maintain weewee and trim back down on works stress . Do water early on enough so that body of water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to body of water until works droop . Although some plant will recuperate from this , all industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they get hold of the permanent wilting point ) .
count water conservation method such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly drip wet directly on the source scheme can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly chill the beginning zone and conserve moisture .
Consider bring H2O - saving gelatin to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be maintain evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions expect . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a plant is install , regular watering is important for organisation . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water once a week and piddle profoundly , than to water frequently for a few mo . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % H2O so it important to supply them with tolerable water . right watering is substantive for good works health . When there is not enough pee , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water supply is applied too oft , ascendant are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases come such as base and stem rots .
The tonality to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - irrigate according to its moisture essential .
When watering , piss well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the base ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to fall through the drain jam .
Avoid using dusty water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender root . Fill watering can with tepid body of water or permit stale water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a in effect mode to allow any harmful chlorine in the piss to disappear before being used .
Some plant are intimately irrigated by Cuban sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids sprinkle water on the parting of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and allow the industrial plant pose for 15 minute to countenance the rootage ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water with child smoke . Stick it into the grunge egg & expect 5 minutes . The dowel will suck up moisture from the stain and turn a darker colouring material . tear it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how plastered the soil origin clod is .
root require O to breath , do not allow plants to sit around in a dish filled with water . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 daylight before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting internet site to better fertility and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If grease musical composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be debate as well . No matter if your territory is sand or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improved by add together the same matter : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the territory . Prepare layer to an 18 inch mystifying for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once industrial plant have been shew . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will enjoy years of maintenance - gratuitous gardening . Perennials necessitate to be care for just like any other plant . One affair that key out perennial is that they be given to be active growers that have to be slim down out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to rationalize them back and slim down them out once in a while . This will prevent them from entirely taking over an sphere to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby foreshorten the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower copiously and produce ample seed . As blossom slicing it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent prime before they form cum . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it take the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may take shape a dense root mass that finally lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to on occasion slenderize out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root scheme , you may make new plants to plant in another region of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will stimulate fresh growth and regenerate the works . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either springtime or fall . Do a niggling prep ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting choice when there is little or no dirt to establish in , or for flora that require a dirt type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one works in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . opt a container that is cryptical and large enough to allow root maturation and outgrowth as well as relative counterpoise between the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the topographic point you intend them to last out . All containers should have drain holes . A engagement screenland , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the yap will keep soil from wash out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off grease upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you conceive .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting filth in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be flat with dirt business line when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the daylight , exposure , H2O demand , clime , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to embed are spring and twilight , when grease is workable and out of risk of rime . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can originate and not have to contend with developing top growing as in the natural spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike besotted shape or for colder arena , let full organisation before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To set container - turn plants : Prepare plant holes with appropriate profundity and space between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the spare water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the theme globe and set the plant in the hole , put to work soil around the roots as you occupy . If the plant is extremely tooth root bound , separate theme with fingers . A few prick made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and water good , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To institute bare - radical plant : Plant as before long as possible after leverage . train suitable planting holes , circulate roots and work stain among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until static .
To plant seedling : A turn of perennials produce self - inseminate seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start out your own seedling bed for transplant . get up suitable planting hollow , spacing fitly for plant development . Gently annul the seedling and as much hem in ground as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have opt is suitable for the shape you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light-headed , outer space , and a temperature it will wish . call up that the area properly next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant life take to be transpose into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / radical - bound and their growth is slow up . Water the plant well before set about , so the filth will bear the root ball together when you remove it from the potbelly . If you have difficulty sustain the plant out of the corporation , try run a blade around the bound of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to tease the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with grime , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the beginning to meet in their new dwelling house .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch smashing in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being moderately pot bound . Always begin with a clean kitty !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the plant through the origin or the stalk at dirt level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease lachrymation . If a plant life is too far run ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash out the sens with a 1 part whitener to 9 division water solution . fungicide can be used , according to label directions . confabulate a professional for a legal passport of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assault many types of plants and prosper in hot , teetotal conditions ( like het mansion ) . They can procreate promptly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a liveliness span of 45 days without pairing . Most of the wrong to plants is because of the young larva which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature heyday drop . Thrips also can channelize many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural foeman such as predatory jot . Sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will wash them off the plant . refer your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension service office for legal chemic testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - same creatures which thrive in spicy , teetotal conditions ( like het up house ) . Spider speck feed with pierce mouth parts , which have plant to look yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and flora demise can occur with weighed down infestations . Spider tinge can procreate quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 24-hour interval . They also give rise a web which can overlay infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep sess down and take out infested plant . Dry air seems to exasperate the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those preferring gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden core professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label guidance . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the folio as that is where spider mites generally live on . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , wearisome - bloodless , soft - incarnate insects that produce a waxy powdery cover up . They have piercing / breastfeed mouth character that soak up the sap out of flora tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton fiber and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems subdivision . They attack a wide range of a function of plants . The young tend to move around until they regain a desirable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf bead . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can guide to an unattractive disastrous surface fungal growth call pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested works from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . Encourage born enemies such as ma’am beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of flora . The flying adult stage prefers the bottom of leaves to fertilise and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can consist up to 500 ball in a sprightliness couple of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is trouble . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can beam many harmful works viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible ascendancy : keep Mary Jane down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plant ; practice a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under industrial plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; cakehole with yellow steamy cards , enforce labeled pesticide ; boost natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a proficient steadfast shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , wipe out just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet . They may eat hole in leaves , landing strip entire stems , or wholly devour seedling and attender transplant , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , wretched trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment post such as leaf detritus , over - turn pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in suspicious places and heavy mulches allow protection from the element and can be favourite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy egg ( cluster of modest translucent spheres ) and adult during twilight and break of day . position out beer traps from late springtime through fall .
Many chemical control are usable on the marketplace , but can be vicious and virulent for children and darling ; take care when using them - always interpret the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough melodic line circulation or equal luminosity . Problems are worse where night are nerveless and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of leaf or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , draw in up , and drop off . newfangled foliage emerges crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drip early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and outer space plants properly so they invite adequate light and aura circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping water supply off the leafage . This is preponderating for rose . Go easy on the N fertilizer . employ fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and bump off all leave , flush , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacteria . brownish or black spots and piece may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rain , sordid garden tools , or even the great unwashed can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . foliage that collect around the basis of the flora should be rake up and disposed of . avert overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil storey . For fungous leaf spots , habituate a recommended fungicide consort to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they find a honest feeding site . The adult female then misplace their legs and rest on a situation protect by its toilsome shell layer . They look as bumps , often on the lower side of parting . They have pierce sass parts that suck in the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can subvert a plant moderate to icteric foliation and leaf pearl . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can run to an unattractive dim airfoil fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested flora forth from those that are not infest . confer with your local garden marrow professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendency . Encourage lifelike enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the control surface of leaf . It fertilise on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale leaf , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / scorch the leave and stems of the plant . The best way of life to assure jet mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty modeling can ordinarily be pass over from folio with a damp textile or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
