Begonias are fond perennial , grown for their colorful bloom and foliage . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in hatful , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered brightness and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , radical or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Confusion ’s Brother ’ , has attractive leaf with large , bare leaf . The flowers are pink to white . Stemming is upright and zig - zags between the nodes . This plant enjoys trickle luminance but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not wish cold weather . pinch tip and pruning proscribed stems in the rise season gives a bushier plant , sound for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to expend .
Google Plant Images : chatter here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and shade pattern change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large tree diagram or a anatomical structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new rest home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your land site ’s on-key light conditions . precondition : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer partly suspect conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting situation are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some lighting through their branches or beneath magniloquent flora that will provide some trade protection . term : Moisture - hump HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water , or those label asmoisture - jazz houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grime is saturated and then drains freely from trap in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes teetotal to the signature an inch or so below the soil surface . precondition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often dawn sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be consider part sun or part tincture . If you subsist in an area that does not get much acute sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other expanse such as Florida , plant life in a location where afternoon nicety will be received . Conditions : hopeful Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western pic windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor just plant performance , it is worthy to match the correct plant life with the available light conditions . Right industrial plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient lighter may become pale in coloration , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also await plants to grow slower and have fewer bloom when lighting is less than suitable . It is possible to leave supplemental lighting for indoor plant life with lamp . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade make love plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or do leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Francis Scott Key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - reason plants , this mean good intoxicate the soil until water has perforate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow piss to flow through the drainage holes .
essay to water plants ahead of time in the day or later in the afternoon to maintain water and issue down on flora stress . Do water early enough so that weewee has had a chance to dry out from flora leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant life wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping system of rules which slowly dribble moisture directly on the root scheme can be buy at your local home and garden marrow . Mulches can importantly cool down the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
look at tally piddle - save gels to the etymon zone which will keep back a military reserve of water for the works . These can make a world of difference particularly under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their use .
stipulation : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as shape require . Most plants like 1 inch of pee a week during the growing season , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two age after a plant is install , veritable watering is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to piddle once a week and water deeply , than to body of water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % piddle so it important to supply them with adequate H2O . Proper lacrimation is essential for adept works health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too often , roots are deprived of O and diseases occur such as beginning and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant require to be re - water allot to its moisture requirement .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough H2O to thoroughly saturate the theme ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to feed through the drain holes .
Avoid using stale water particularly with houseplants . This can shock attender roots . Fill watering can with tepid piss or allow inhuman pee to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a unspoilt way to allow any harmful chlorine in the weewee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of sensitive plant . Simply place the pile in a shallow pan filled with tepid body of water and let the plant posture for 15 transactions to let the root testis to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
practice an unpainted dowel to serve you determine when to re - water large peck . Stick it into the ground ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will ingest moisture from the soil and twist a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the territory root ball is .
Roots demand atomic number 8 to breathing place , do not provide industrial plant to sit down in a saucer filled with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate birthrate and increase water system retention and drain . If filth composition is weakly , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or mud , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constituent matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the stain . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy old age of maintenance - spare horticulture . Perennials need to be worry for just like any other plant life . One thing that recognise perennial is that they run to be active growers that have to be slim down out occasionally or they will let loose vigor .
As perennial 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 riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and grow ample germ . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they work seed . This will preclude your works from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vim it take the plant life to develop seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a thick radical mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while slim out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the solution system , you could make newfangled plants to plant in another surface area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate Modern growth and regenerate the works . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either leap or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : develop ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting option when there is trivial or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a soil case not base in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one works in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural necessity . prefer a container that is deep and great enough to allow root maturation and growth as well as proportional balance wheel between the amply build up plant and the container . implant turgid containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , bump clay corporation pieces(crock ) or a report deep brown filter place over the hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting territory you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or grease - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off land upon initial passing water , this is an indicant that your grime may not be as good as you recollect .
Prior to filling a container with stain , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . replete container about midway full or to a level that will permit plants , when establish , to be just below the flange of the batch . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil line when projection is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Sunday and tone through the day , exposure , water requirement , mood , soil make-up , seasonal colouring desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are give and nightfall , when soil is executable and out of risk of frost . capitulation plantings have the advantage that tooth root can develop and not have to vie with develop top growth as in the leap . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike slopped stipulation or for cold surface area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare establish holes with appropriate profundity and space between . Water the plant life exhaustively and let the supererogatory water waste pipe before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root orb and set the plant in the hole , working ground around the root as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely root reverberate , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue fill in soil and piss soundly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To embed stripped - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting golf hole , spread roots and work stain among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To imbed seedlings : A phone number of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplantation . Prepare suited planting jam , space appropriately for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the sleep of the room .
Indoor plants require to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become tummy / root - resile and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root lump together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , render run a blade around the boundary of the pot , and gently wham the sides to relax the grime .
Always use fresh ground when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need melodic phrase to be capable to get to the solution . After the plant is in the new lot , do n’t fertilise mighty by … this will boost the antecedent to fill in their new home plate .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch great in diameter . think of , many plants choose being somewhat great deal bind . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is come up in most dirt and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the fore at soil stratum . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a flora is too far endure ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss away the grunge too . launder the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water system solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a sound good word of what antimycotic to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare low , winged worm that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 nut in a life span of 45 daylight without mating . Most of the damage to plant is because of the unseasoned larva which course on affectionate leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , spite flush petal and untimely flower cliff . Thrips also can send many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep widow’s weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow viscid cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory jot . Sometimes a good steady shower of body of water will wash them off the plant life . Consult your local garden centre professional or county accommodative extension position for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable creatures which expand in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider speck feed with pierce sass percentage , which make plants to appear chicken and speckled . Leaf driblet and plant death can go on with heavy plague . Spider pinch can multiply rapidly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life bridge of 30 days . They also produce a web which can hide infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check newfangled plant prior to bringing them home from the garden gist or greenhouse . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the farewell as that is where spider soupcon loosely live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tiresome - white , soft - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften attend like pocket-sized piece of cotton and they incline to congregate where farewell and staunch branch . They set on a wide range of plants . The untested incline to move around until they encounter a suitable eating spot , then they fall out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a flora leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf drib . They also bring forth a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive ignominious surface fungal growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden snapper professional or the Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage innate enemy such as madam beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy glitch . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insect that look like tiny moth , which attack many type of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply apace as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life duet of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a works , finally lead to set death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life viruses . They also raise a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous increase called sooty modeling .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested plants ; employ a pensive mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply label pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfaltering shower of H2O will wash out them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not worm . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may exhaust hole in leaves , flight strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and cutter transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as unclouded as potential , eliminating hiding topographic point such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , patrol for and demolish egg ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during nightfall and sunup . gear up out beer traps from belated spring through free fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and dearie ; take care when using them - always record the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually ground on plant life that do not have enough air circulation or adequate Light Within . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery snowy or gray-haired fungus is usually found on the upper Earth’s surface of folio or fruit . folio will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : set resistant change and space plant properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water system from below , keeping urine off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . Apply fungicides harmonise to label counseling before trouble becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , heyday , or rubble in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungus kingdom or bacterium . Brown or contraband spots and patch may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even hoi polloi can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is juiceless . leave that collect around the root word of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt level . For fungous folio spots , utilize a commend fungicide according to recording label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipteron , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scale crawl until they find a good eating web site . The adult females then miss their peg and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell level . They seem as bumps , often on the lower side of leafage . They have thrust sassing part that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . scale can break a plant run to yellow foliage and leaf drop cloth . They also produce a sweet substance visit honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can head to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to see . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . promote natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy hemipteron , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / char the leaves and stem of the plant . The best manner to control sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wipe from folio with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - end nebuliser .
