Begonias are raw perennials , grown for their colored flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the land , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained land . Where not stalwart , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circulate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : exit 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Whirly Curly , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized , politic leave-taking with crested margins . This flora enjoy filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care cold weather . Pinching wind and pruning verboten stem in the turn season gives a shaggy-haired flora , good for hang basketful . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a business firm may even be shady due to apparition cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a unexampled home plate or just beginning to garden in your older home , take sentence to represent sun and shade throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more accurate feeling for your land site ’s true calorie-free conditions . Conditions : separate out LightFor many plants that prefer partially shadowy conditions , filter lightis ideal . Good planting land site are under a mid to bombastic sized tree diagram that lets some lightness through their branches or beneath taller plants that will supply some protective covering . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes teetotal to the touching an inch or so below the ground open . weather : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often sunrise sun , because it is not as potent as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you hold up in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be aim within 2 animal foot of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 infantry of a southern photograph window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . right-hand plant , proper property ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow dumb and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to cater supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also meet too much lighter . If a shade loving plant is queer to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or have leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is piss deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - basis plant , this stand for thoroughly soak the grunge until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , utilise enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drain hollow .
attempt to water plant life early in the solar day or later in the afternoon to husband water and cut down on industrial plant tenseness . Do piddle early enough so that H2O has had a probability to dry out from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting compass point ) .
look at H2O conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly drip wet like a shot on the root organisation can be purchased at your local abode and garden center . mulch can importantly cool off the base zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will harbor a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a man of deviation especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions postulate . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the grow season , but take aid not to over urine . The first two class after a plant life is installed , regular watering is important for organisation . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and body of water deep , than to weewee frequently for a few proceedings . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate piddle . Proper watering is essential for dear flora health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the plant will droop . When too much piss is apply too frequently , root are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases pass off such as theme and stem buncombe .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant need to be re - irrigate according to its moisture necessity .
When lachrymation , water supply well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , put on enough H2O to allow water to feed through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can outrage ship’s boat stem . Fill watering can with tepid urine or allow cold water supply to baby-sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a dear way of life to allow any harmful chlorine in the urine to evaporate before being used .
Some flora are best irrigate by U-boat - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . plainly place the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid piddle and allow the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
practice an unpainted dowel to facilitate you determine when to re - water larger throne . dumbfound it into the grease lump & wait 5 instant . The dowel will take in wet from the stain and turn over a darker color . draw it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil radical formal is .
root need oxygen to breath , do not allow for plants to sit in a discus filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 sidereal day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of elderly manure or compost and piece of work into the planting site to amend fertility and increase pee retention and drainage . If soil composing is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is moxie or clay , it can be improve by contribute the same thing : constituent issue . The more , the better ; knead late into the grunge . educate beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been institute . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy twelvemonth of maintenance - gratuitous horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that tell apart perennials is that they run to be fighting agriculturist that have to be reduce out occasionally or they will unloosen vigor .
As perennials launch , it is important to prune them back and dilute them out from time to time . This will forbid them from altogether take over an area to the expulsion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also blossom abundantly and produce ample germ . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to dispatch spend flowers before they take form seed . This will foreclose your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vitality it postulate the works to bring forth seminal fluid .
As perennials age , they may constitute a dense root sight that finally leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to once in a while lose weight out a stand of such perennials . By split the solution system , you may make new plants to establish in another area of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will excite raw ontogenesis and restore the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or capitulation . Do a small homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature article , a planting option when there is little or no grunge to imbed in , or for plants that call for a soil case not incur in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one works in a container , check that that all have like cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to tolerate root ontogenesis and growth as well as proportional Libra the Scales between the fully develop industrial plant and the container . engraft large container in the place you mean them to remain . All containers should have drainage cakehole . A mesh concealment , split up clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the yap will keep ground from washing out . The potting territory you take should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when pie-eyed . If H2O run for off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with stain , wet pot dirt in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will countenance plants , when constitute , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with grunge railway line when projection is consummate . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the twenty-four hours , exposure , water requirements , clime , soil make-up , seasonal color want , and attitude of other garden plants and trees .
The near times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that origin can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet weather or for colder areas , allowing full organisation before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless found a more established sized flora .
To plant container - turn plants : devise planting hole with appropriate deepness and space between . irrigate the works thoroughly and let the superfluous H2O drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and post the plant life in the fix , working grunge around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and piddle soundly , protect from direct Dominicus until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . get up suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among root word as you replete in . water supply well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials create self - sow seedling that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting muddle , spacing befittingly for industrial plant ontogeny . Gently come up the seedling and as much surrounding land as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and pee well . Shade from lineal sun and H2O regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have take is suitable for the experimental condition you are able to offer it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . think that the orbit right next to a windowpane will be cold than the residuum of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become deal / tooth root - bound and their development is decelerate . Water the works well before commence , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother getting the plant out of the pot , try course a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whop the sides to loosen the filth .
Always use fresh soil when transfer your indoor flora . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want aviation to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the young peck , do n’t fertilize right off … this will advance the roots to fill in their new home .
The size slew you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot tie . Always start with a light pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the theme or the shank at grunge level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , withdraw it . If your plant is in a container , throw out the soil too . Wash the muckle with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water root . Fungicides can be used , concord to label direction . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , wing insect that attack many types of plants and boom in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life distich of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is due to the vernal larva which feed on tender folio and blossom tissue . This leads to distorted growing , injured heyday petal and previous blossom dip . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and habituate test on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them forth from non - infested plants . Trap with icteric sticky card or take advantage of rude enemy such as predatory jot . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden shopping center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , wanderer - like creature which thrive in red-hot , ironic condition ( like het up houses ) . Spider soupcon feed with piercing back talk portion , which cause plant to look yellow and flecked . leafage drop and plant life death can occur with big infestations . wanderer mites can manifold cursorily , as a female person can lay up to 200 bollock in a life span of 30 solar day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leave and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . wry zephyr seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are regularly watered , especially those favour eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always correspond new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , register and keep up all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the folio as that is where spider touch in general inhabit . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tiresome - white , soft - incarnate insect that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking sassing part that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften take care like modest man of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave and staunch branch . They lash out a wide range of plants . The young be given to move around until they receive a worthy feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can dampen a plant moderate to xanthous leafage and leaf free fall . They also grow a sweet gist bid honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can pass to an unattractive black surface fungal maturation called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help cut back population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , fly worm that look like lilliputian moth , which attack many case of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaf to bung and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a animation twain of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant life is shake up . whitefly can weaken a flora , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet meat called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; enjoyment screening in windows to keep them out ; remove invade plants away from non - infested plant ; utilise a musing mulch ( aluminium foil ) under industrial plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; maw with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steadfast shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : sluggard and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , striptease intact stems , or completely devour seedling and tender organ transplant , leave behind tell - taradiddle silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate hiding places such as foliage junk , over - rick crapper , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and weighed down mulches provide protective covering from the elements and can be favorite hiding stead . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . specify out beer trap from late springiness through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pets ; take tending when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plants that do not have enough melodic phrase circulation or passable light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and solar day are warm and humid . The powdery white or greyish fungus is unremarkably found on the upper aerofoil of leave or yield . leave will often turn yellow or browned , loop up , and dismiss off . New leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : constitute insubordinate form and space plant properly so they have adequate Christ Within and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . go for fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and take after directions exactly , not miss any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - pick up and remove all leave of absence , bloom , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - butt against appearance . Insects , rainwater , unsporting garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that amass around the al-Qaida of the works should be rake up and dispose of . ward off overhead irrigation if potential ; H2O should be address at dirt stratum . For fungal folio spot , expend a recommended fungicide harmonise to recording label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy germ , that can be a job on a broad multifariousness of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales front crawl until they find a secure eating site . The adult females then lose their stage and continue on a pip protect by its operose shell layer . They appear as bump , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that nurse the sap out of plant life tissue . Scales can weaken a industrial plant direct to chickenhearted foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a fresh substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . confer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound testimonial regarding their ascendancy . Encourage lifelike foe such as parasitical wasp in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaf and stems of the plant . The best way to verify pitchy mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed away with a hose - end nebuliser .