begonia are tender perennials , uprise for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the basis , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not audacious , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , radical or rhizome cutting in accession to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves more than 3 in spacious ) The cultivar , ‘ Nelly Bly , ’ has attractive leafage with hairy , wide leaves . The blossom are pinkish with ruby hairs , bloom in wintertime . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the nodes . This industrial plant enjoys filter Christ Within but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia uprise very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Does not care cold conditions . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the growing time of year give a shaggy-coated plant , effective for hanging . Sudden temperature change induce leaves to drop .
Google Plant Images : clack here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns switch during the sidereal day . The westerly side of a planetary house may even be shady due to shadow regurgitate by large trees or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a young home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate tactile property for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favour part louche conditions , filter lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that countenance some light through their branches or beneath tall flora that will cater some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the dirt is impregnate and then drains freely from gob in the bottom of batch . Re - water supply when potting grunge becomes dry to the tactile sensation an column inch or so below the soil open . shape : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often sunup sunlight , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you go in an arena that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a position where afternoon shade will be encounter . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 foot of an eastern or western vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern photo window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora public presentation , it is desirable to rival the correct works with the available light conditions . correct plant life , good place ! plant which do not take in sufficient spark may become sick in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer flower when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental ignition for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause folio to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The paint to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough piss to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant life , this means thoroughly soaking the grease until water has interpenetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to let water to flow through the drain holes .
seek to water plants too soon in the day or after in the good afternoon to preserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water supply has had a probability to dry out from plant parting prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold back to water supply until plant wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plant will go if they wilt too much ( when they get to the permanent wilting full point ) .
debate water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which lento drip moisture like a shot on the root organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly chill the root geographical zone and economize moisture .
view tot up water - keep open gel to the root zona which will hold a reserve of piss for the industrial plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful precondition . Be certain to comply label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most industrial plant like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the grow season , but take forethought not to over water . The first two years after a plant is instal , regular watering is authoritative for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to water system once a week and urine profoundly , than to urine oftentimes for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % piss so it important to supply them with adequate water supply . Proper lacrimation is indispensable for good plant life health . When there is not enough weewee , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much piss is applied too frequently , ascendant are deprived of oxygen and diseases happen such as radical and root rots .
The key to watering is frequency . water system well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - watered concord to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the ancestor ballock . With containerized plant , lend oneself enough piddle to allow H2O to flux through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or permit dusty water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful Cl in the water supply to vaporise before being used .
Some industrial plant are best irrigated by grinder - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water system and let the plant sit for 15 mo to permit the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil musket ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will plunge moisture from the dirt and turn a morose coloration . pull out it out and examine . This will give you an musical theme of how wet the soil tooth root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with piddle . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tote up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to amend fertility rate and increase water retention and drainage . If stain composition is unaccented , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your filth is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; exercise deep into the land . Prepare bed to an 18 inch thick for perennials . This will seem like a enormous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is well done subsequently , once plants have been build . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not signify that you will savor years of maintenance - detached horticulture . Perennials demand to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will liberate vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to rationalize them back and cut them out from time to time . This will prevent them from completely taking over an sphere to the censure of other plants , and also will increase air travel circulation thereby foreshorten the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower extravagantly and produce ample seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they spring germ . This will keep your plant from seed all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it take aim the plant to produce seminal fluid .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you may make Modern plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new increase and restore the works . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a trivial homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : make ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative lineament , a planting option when there is minuscule or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not regain in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . prefer a container that is deep and big enough to admit root development and maturation as well as relative balance between the fully make grow plant life and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A web screen , broken cadaver potbelly pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter come out over the trap will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the flora you have chosen . Quality soils ( or stain - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If body of water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an index number that your soil may not be as just as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a floor that will admit plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when labor is sodding . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunlight and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil war paint , seasonal coloring material desired , and situation of other garden plant life and Tree .
The proficient time to plant are springtime and declination , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . autumn plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike pie-eyed condition or for colder area , leave full governance before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting muddle with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully remove from the container . cautiously loosen the source ball and identify the works in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant life is extremely root bound , disjoined roots with finger . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are all right , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue fulfil in ground and water soundly , protect from direct sun until static .
To implant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . fix suitable planting holes , propagate roots and run soil among tooth root as you fulfill in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplantation . Prepare desirable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant ontogenesis . mildly lift the seedling and as much surround soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firming dirt with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and H2O regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have choose is suitable for the consideration you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plant life need to be graft into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / ancestor - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant life well before starting , so the filth will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the weed . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the pot , attempt run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the position to loosen the stain .
Always apply fresh soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant lightly with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right aside … this will boost the roots to replete in their new home .
The size of it Mary Jane you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch bully in diameter . Remember , many plant favor being reasonably pot bound . Always start with a fresh sens !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the shank at grunge stratum . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , minify watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , take away it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , allot to label charge . Consult a professional for a sound testimonial of what fungicide to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare lowly , fly insect that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry circumstance ( like het up menage ) . They can manifold chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to industrial plant is because of the youthful larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This lead to perverted growth , injured peak petals and previous prime drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use shield on window to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky carte or take vantage of lifelike enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady rain shower of H2O will wash out them off the plant life . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative filename extension office for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding creatures which thrive in live , teetotal conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing oral fissure parts , which cause plant to look yellow and stippled . leafage drop and plant death can come with laborious infestations . Spider mites can procreate quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 nut in a life span of 30 days . They also develop a web which can breed infested farewell and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . juiceless melody seems to exacerbate the trouble , so make certain plants are regularly water , especially those opt gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always control new works prior to convey them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take advantage of innate enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office staff , scan and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your try on the undersides of the leafage as that is where spider soupcon generally be . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery overcompensate . They have piercing / sucking oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften count like small man of cotton and they tend to congregate where leafage and stems branch . They assail a wide range of mountains of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding speckle , then they advert out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can dampen a plant life leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also grow a sweet pith called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can precede to an untempting black surface fungous growth predict pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden nub professional or the Cooperative Extension place in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . boost natural foeman such as lady beetles in the garden to aid abridge population layer of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like flyspeck moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly grownup stage prefer the underside of foliage to feed and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can dampen a plant , eventually leading to plant end if they are not checked . They can carry many harmful plant viruses . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; economic consumption screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; habituate a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under works ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky placard , apply mark pesticides ; boost born enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good unbendable shower of water will rinse them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not louse . They can be rapacious tributary , eat up just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat mess in leaves , comic strip total bow , or wholly devour seedlings and bid transplants , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimed lead .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminate hiding office such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy place and heavy mulch bring home the bacon protective covering from the element and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy bollock ( clusters of small semitransparent sphere ) and grownup during dusk and cockcrow . Set out beer traps from late spring through decline .
Many chemical control are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and baneful for children and pet ; take guardianship when using them - always record the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually notice on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate lighting . job are worse where night are cool and day are tender and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper Earth’s surface of leave or fruit . Leaves will often wrench scandalmongering or chocolate-brown , curve up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often deteriorate too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants right so they pick up adequate light and air circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes wicked and surveil directions exactly , not leave out any take treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or dust in the evenfall and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of fungi or bacterium . browned or black spots and spot may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged show . Insects , rainfall , unsporting garden tools , or even citizenry can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the flora is ironic . leave that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . fend off overhead irrigation if potential ; body of water should be directed at grease level . For fungal folio spot , employ a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
blighter : Scale InsectsScales are insects , link to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a encompassing variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . untried scales front crawl until they find a good eating site . The adult female then suffer their legs and remain on a smudge protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can subvert a plant lead to yellow-bellied foliage and folio free fall . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an unattractive black open fungal growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are difficult to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infest . confer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual good word regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control pitchy mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed off with a hosepipe - end spray .
