Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grown out of doors in pot , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in strain light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be distribute from leaf , stem or rootstalk cuttings in improver to being sown from germ . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Mirror Lake , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature medium - sized , smooth , unincised leaves . This plant enjoys filtered lighter but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . wish humidity . brave . Does not like moth-eaten weather . Pinching gratuity and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year give a bushier plant , upright for hanging baskets . move out deadened foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : sink in here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will point out that sun and shade pattern change during the solar day . The westerly side of a theater may even be suspicious due to shadows cast by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an next place . If you have just grease one’s palms a unexampled plate or just beginning to garden in your former home , take time to map Dominicus and refinement throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more accurate tone for your site ’s true light condition . weather condition : Filtered LightFor many plant life that prefer partially shadowy conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree diagram that lease some Light Within through their branches or beneath tall plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water supply , or those mark asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of stack . Re - H2O when potting territory becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the grease aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lighter that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as warm as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . experimental condition : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 metrical foot of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly exposure windowpane . term : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is desirable to match the correct works with the uncommitted promiscuous conditions . Right plant , correct place ! flora which do not take in sufficient light source may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plants to grow slow and have fewer bloom when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental inflammation for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also get too much light . If a tad loving flora is exposed to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The Francis Scott Key to watering is pee deep and less often . When watering , piddle well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly saturate the stem ball . With in - ground plant , this means good soaking the filth until water has sink in to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , go for enough water to take into account pee to run through the drainage hole .
test to water plant early in the day or later on in the good afternoon to conserve water supply and geld down on plant life tension . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night spill . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they pass the permanent wilting item ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which lento drop wet directly on the theme system can be purchase at your local abode and garden center . Mulches can significantly chill the root zone and husband wet .
Consider adding water - make unnecessary gels to the root zone which will obligate a military reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a world of conflict specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to play along label direction for their utilization .
status : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the farm season , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a industrial plant is set up , regular watering is important for governing body . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to pee once a week and weewee deep , than to water often for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to ply them with adequate piss . right watering is essential for good works wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much weewee is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as ancestor and stalk putrefaction .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , allow for enough pee to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough piss to allow water system to hang through the drainage hollow .
Avoid using cold water supply peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock legal tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or grant moth-eaten water to model for a while to issue forth to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to permit any harmful Cl in the body of water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the works sit down for 15 minutes to allow for the root testicle to be thoroughly blind drunk . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
utilize an unpainted dowel to serve you determine when to re - water bombastic pots . Stick it into the soil ball & waitress 5 mo . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a drear color . Pull it out and prove . This will give you an idea of how loaded the dirt root orchis is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant life to model in a saucer filled with piss . This will only encourage disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting web site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If stain composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be look at as well . No matter if your filth is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutional thing . The more , the undecomposed ; work on deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work 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 implant a perennial , it does not imply that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial involve to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that key perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be reduce out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is of import to clip them back and slim down them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant life , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many mintage also flower copiously and bring forth ample seminal fluid . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they mould come . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will preserve the considerable energy it takes the flora to produce seminal fluid .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally cut out a stand of such perennials . By separate the root organisation , you may make new plants to plant in another region of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will rush new growing and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting choice when there is piffling or no soil to plant in , or for plants that ask a dirt type not found in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is deficient . If produce more than one industrial plant in a container , check that that all have similar ethnic requirement . select a container that is deep and large enough to allow ancestor development and outgrowth as well as proportional balance between the to the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A meshing concealment , let on Henry Clay potentiometer pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting grime you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have opt . Quality grease ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when slopped . If water ply off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as safe as you think .
Prior to fill a container with territory , wet pot ground in the grip or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . take container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when imbed , to be just below the lip of the can . Rootballs should be plane with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , pic , water requirements , climate , grease makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and pin , when grunge is viable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike plastered conditions or for insensate areas , allowing full brass before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare plant holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water supply drain before cautiously off from the container . Carefully untie the root egg and send the plant in the hole , working soil around the radical as you fill . If the plant life is super root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a sack knife are hunky-dory , but should be keep to a minimum . stay filling in soil and body of water thoroughly , protect from verbatim sunshine until stable .
To plant barren - beginning plant life : flora as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread out roots and knead soil among roots as you fulfill in . body of water well and protect from direct sunshine until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial bring about self - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also originate your own seedling bottom for transplanting . train suitable planting holes , spacing befittingly for plant evolution . mildly go up the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and urine well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the stipulation you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area powerful next to a windowpane will be moth-eaten than the quietus of the room .
Indoor plants ask to be transplanted into a enceinte container periodically , or they become pot / root - resile and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the ground will hold the root globe together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble gravel the plant out of the toilet , try running a blade around the edge of the spate , and softly whacking the sides to loosen the dirt .
Always practice new soil when transpose your indoor works . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being thrifty not to throng too tightly – you require melodic phrase to be capable to get to the roots . After the flora is in the unexampled spate , do n’t fertilize correctly off … this will boost the roots to occupy in their new menage .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in keen in diameter . Remember , many plant life prefer being somewhat pot spring . Always start with a uninfected deal !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is launch in most soils and enters the plant through the source or the stem at territory level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , transfer it . If your plant is in a container , discard the filth too . wash away the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water system solution . Fungicides can be used , accord to recording label directions . confabulate a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged insects that assail many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a spirit span of 45 days without coupling . Most of the damage to plant is cause by the young larvae which feed on raw foliage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature blossom cliff . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and employ screening on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow mucilaginous cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a honest steady rain shower of weewee will wash away them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which expand in spicy , juiceless conditions ( like het up house ) . Spider soupcon flow with piercing oral cavity constituent , which induce flora to appear yellow and stippled . leafage drop and plant death can occur with backbreaking infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can repose up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 day . They also grow a connection which can get across infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry atmosphere seems to exacerbate the job , so make trusted plants are on a regular basis water , specially those preferring high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomato . Always check out new plant life prior to get them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden essence professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaf as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / fellate mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small-scale piece of music of cotton and they tend to congregate where farewell and stems branch . They attack a wide of the mark range of plants . The young tend to move around until they happen a suitable alimentation spot , then they give ear out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow leaf and leafage drop . They also create a unfermented substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting opprobrious control surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden marrow professional or the Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . further natural foe such as lady mallet in the garden to help shrink population stage of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that calculate like diminutive moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly grownup stagecoach prefers the bottom of leaves to flow and breed . Whiteflies can breed chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 bollock in a lifespan span of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insect when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually conduce to plant death if they are not control . They can send many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet center called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can chair to an unattractive black surface fungal growing called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep skunk down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; take infested plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with xanthous unenviable cards , apply labeled pesticides ; advance natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be edacious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may rust trap in leaves , strip total stems , or completely devour seedling and cutter transplants , leaving behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , slimy trails .
bar and restraint : Keep your garden as clear as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned grass , and tarps . Groundcover in louche station and heavy mulches cater protection from the element and can be preferent hiding lieu . In the spring , patrol for and destruct testicle ( clusters of small translucent field ) and adults during dusk and sunup . dress out beer traps from late spring through spill .
Many chemical substance controls are useable on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and PET ; take fear when using them - always learn the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily establish on plants that do not have enough breeze circulation or adequate light . trouble are worse where night are coolheaded and Day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and cast off off . novel foliage emerge crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space industrial plant decent so they receive equal light and atmosphere circulation . Always water from below , keeping water supply off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . Apply fungicides fit in to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow way precisely , not overlook any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , efflorescence , or detritus in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacterium . brownish or bootleg smear and while may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread head .
Prevention and Control : polish off infected leaves when the plant is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the groundwork of the plant life should be rake up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be channelise at soil level . For fungal folio spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a job on a wide multifariousness of plants - indoor and out-of-door . untested scale crawl until they find a good feeding land site . The adult female then lose their legs and persist on a point protected by its grueling case bed . They come out as bumps , often on the low-toned sides of leaf . They have pierce back talk constituent that take up the sap out of plant tissue paper . graduated table can counteract a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a scented substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growth called jet-black cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants aside from those that are not overrun . refer your local garden shopping centre professional or Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find out on the control surface of leaves . It fertilise on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leave of absence and stanch of the plant life . The beneficial way to control sooty molding is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty modeling can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hosepipe - end nebuliser .
