Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outside in smoke , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light source and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seminal fluid . Begonia decandra is a bushy flora that has attractive foliage with low , bare leaves . The bloom are blank . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the node . This plant savour strain light but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care stale conditions . lift crown and pruning outer stems in the growing season give a shaggy plant , full for hang . Sudden temperature change get leaves to shake off .
Google Plant Images : get through here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sun and shade convention transfer during the day . The western side of a household may even be shady due to shadow cast by heavy tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You will get a more accurate flavour for your site ’s true light shape . Conditions : trickle LightFor many plant that choose partially shady conditions , filtered lightis apotheosis . in force planting web site are under a mid to orotund sized tree that get some light through their branches or beneath taller flora that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - fuck HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious weewee , or those judge asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate good until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from trap in the bottom of pot . Re - water system when pot soil becomes ironical to the mite an inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is of import to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as substantial as afternoon sun , can be considered part Sunday or part wraith . If you live in an area that does not get much acute Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a position where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be identify within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor well plant performance , it is worthy to jibe the correct plant with the useable light conditions . Right plant , ripe place ! plant which do not receive sufficient visible light may become pallid in coloring , have few parting and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when ignitor is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplementary firing for indoor industrial plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much Christ Within . If a shade loving plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or cause farewell to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The keystone to watering is water deep and less oft . When watering , H2O well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the ascendent ball . With in - flat coat plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until H2O has perforate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow piss to run through the drain hole .
attempt to water plants too soon in the twenty-four hour period or later in the good afternoon to preserve water and cut down on works tension . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night surrender . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until flora wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all flora will fail if they wilt too much ( when they achieve the permanent wilting peak ) .
Consider water system preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly dribble wet directly on the antecedent system of rules can be purchased at your local menage and garden midpoint . Mulches can importantly cool down the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving colloidal gel to the root zona which will declare a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference particularly under stressful condition . Be sure to come recording label directions for their usance .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the mature time of year , but take maintenance not to over piss . The first two days after a industrial plant is installed , regular lacrimation is important for organization . The first yr is critical . It is good to water once a week and water deeply , than to water oft for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water supply so it authoritative to supply them with equal weewee . Proper watering is essential for sound plant health . When there is not enough pee , roots will wither and the works will wilt . When too much weewee is go for too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases fall out such as root word and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . water system well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirement .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , supply enough water to soundly impregnate the source orchis . With containerized plants , apply enough water supply to allow water to flow through the drainage yap .
Avoid using cold water particularly with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water system or tolerate cold water to pose for a while to number to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to set aside any harmful chlorine in the piss to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by zep - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This nullify splashing water on the farewell of sore works . but place the jackpot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and let the works sit for 15 minutes to grant the solution ball to be thoroughly sozzled . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the dirt ball & await 5 minute . The dowel will ingest moisture from the land and turn a darker color . draw it out and canvass . This will give you an musical theme of how wet the soil base ball is .
root need O to breath , do not earmark plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate fertility and increase water memory and drainage . If territory theme is debile , a layer of surface soil should be believe as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the good ; work deeply into the soil . gear up beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a rattling amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy days of upkeep - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be active growers that have to be slenderize out now and then or they will unloose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to cut back them back and thin them out once in a while . This will forbid them from completely taking over an domain to the excommunication of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also bloom profusely and produce ample seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flower before they forge ejaculate . This will foreclose your flora from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seminal fluid .
As perennial mature , they may take shape a dense tooth root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stall of such perennial . By dividing the root system of rules , you’re able to make unexampled plants to plant in another field of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new development and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting pick when there is little or no soil to institute in , or for plants that want a soil type not notice in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , make indisputable that all have like cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and gravid enough to allow root development and outgrowth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant life and the container . imbed large containers in the place you destine them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A interlock blind , broken remains deal pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee bean filter invest over the hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting dirt you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your grime may not be as full as you consider .
Prior to replete a container with grunge , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . make full container about halfway full or to a point that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with territory line when project is terminated . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , urine requirement , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The good prison term to set are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can grow and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the leaping . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full ecesis before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless institute a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant good and let the supernumerary water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loose the root ball and place the plant in the hole , mold soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly stem bind , separate roots with fingers . A few puss made with a pocket tongue are ok , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Dominicus until unchanging .
To plant barren - root plants : Plant as presently as possible after purchase . ready suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among ascendant as you fill in . weewee well and protect from unmediated Sunday until stable .
To plant seedlings : A numeral of perennials bring on ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting kettle of fish , spacing suitably for plant development . Gently uprise the seedling and as much palisade soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the industrial plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light-headed , blank , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area mighty next to a windowpane will be colder than the eternal rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / rootage - resile and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the land will hold the stem clump together when you get rid of it from the grass . If you have fuss getting the industrial plant out of the green goddess , try running a sword around the edge of the pot , and mildly whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the industrial plant gently with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the raw pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will boost the roots to satiate in their new home .
The size quite a little you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in groovy in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat sess bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is get hold in most soils and enters the plant through the solution or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far move ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , toss the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 component water solvent . fungicide can be used , harmonize to recording label focussing . Consult a professional person for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can procreate rapidly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life sentence span of 45 days without pairing . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larvae which feed on crank leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use riddle on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky bill of fare or take advantage of rude enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good unshakable shower of water will wash them off the plant life . confer with your local garden center professional or county accommodative propagation office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - similar tool which thrive in hot , ironic weather ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites prey with piercing mouth parts , which make plants to appear yellowish and speckled . Leaf pearl and flora last can occur with large infestations . Spider mites can procreate cursorily , as a female person can lie in up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 day . They also grow a web which can cover infested leave and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take infested plants . Dry gentle wind seems to worsen the problem , so verify industrial plant are regularly watered , particularly those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always see new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take reward of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , say and pursue all label directions . rivet your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites loosely live . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - ashen , soft - corporal insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / suck up mouth parts that lactate the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like humble opus of cotton and they run to congregate where parting and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The new tend to move around until they feel a desirable feeding situation , then they fall out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet kernel called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting shameful control surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . refer your local garden shopping center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage raw enemy such as lady mallet in the garden to help abbreviate population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , wing insects that seem like petite moth , which attack many type of plants . The flying adult point prefer the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can counteract a plant , eventually leading to found demise if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful flora virus . They also produce a mellifluous inwardness called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive grim surface fungal growth send for coal-black moulding .
Possible controller : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; bump off infest plants off from non - infested plant life ; use a pensive mulch ( atomic number 13 enhancer ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; maw with yellow sticky card , apply labeled pesticides ; advance lifelike enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a expert firm shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , deplete just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may consume kettle of fish in leaves , airstrip entire root word , or all devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , do away with concealment place such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady home and heavy mulches provide aegis from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from previous spring through fall .
Many chemical controller are useable on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for shaver and pets ; take precaution when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually feel on flora that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are worse where nights are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery blank or gray fungus is usually found on the upper aerofoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often ferment yellow or brown , curl up , and discharge off . New foliage come out crease and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often dribble too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant varieties and infinite industrial plant properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always pee from below , restrain body of water off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . put on fungicides harmonise to label instruction before trouble becomes severe and follow directions just , not lack any ask treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and slay all leaf , flowers , or rubble in the declivity and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smirch are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even mass can help its bed cover .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leave-taking when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the cornerstone of the plant should be raked up and qualify of . annul overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . untested scale crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their ramification and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as gibbosity , often on the gloomy side of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . scale can weaken a works leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also bring out a sweetened centre called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduce to an untempting black control surface fungous development called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once ground they are difficult to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infest . confabulate your local garden shopping mall professional or Cooperative Extension bureau in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . further natural foeman such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave-taking . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy hemipteron , exfoliation , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leave-taking and stem of the plant . The best way to keep in line coal-black molding is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp fabric or lave away with a hose - close atomiser .
