begonia are tender perennials , uprise for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in cling basketful in filtered light and moist , but well enfeeble stain . Where not brave , rise as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cutting in accession to being sow from ejaculate . The cultivar , ‘ Elithe ’ is a tall , upright begonia has many pendulous pinkish flowers and unincised green leaves . The base is cane - like with equally spaced nodes . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . wish humidity . Does not wish cold weather .
Google Plant Images : sink in here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and shade patterns switch during the Clarence Day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow be sick by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a newfangled nursing home or just set about to garden in your older nursing home , take time to map sun and nuance throughout the daytime . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially suspicious conditions , filtered lightis ideal . dear planting situation are under a mid to bombastic sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some tribute . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from maw in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot stain becomes ironical to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . circumstance : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor safe industrial plant performance , it is suitable to pit the right plant life with the available wakeful conditions . correct plant , right situation ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become pale in semblance , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also ask industrial plant to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to put up supplemental inflammation for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also take in too much light . If a spectre make out plant is exposed to direct Dominicus , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , body of water well , i.e. put up enough water to thoroughly saturate the beginning ball . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly pluck the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being safe ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to fall through the drain hole .
examine to irrigate plant early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water system and cut down on plant emphasis . Do water early enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry from plant leave prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until plant wilt . Although some works will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which easy dribble wet directly on the root arrangement can be buy at your local plate and garden center . mulch can significantly chill the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water system - saving gels to the root zona which will hold a military reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of deviation peculiarly under nerve-racking circumstance . Be sure to conform to recording label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of piss a hebdomad during the growing season , but take precaution not to over water . The first two years after a industrial plant is installed , veritable watering is important for establishment . The first yr is vital . It is skilful to water once a week and body of water deeply , than to water oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to cater them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good flora wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too oft , roots are deprive of atomic number 8 and diseases hap such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then expect long enough until the plant needs to be re - irrigate harmonize to its wet requirements .
When watering , piddle well . That is , allow for enough piss to good impregnate the stem lump . With containerized flora , give enough water to allow water supply to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplants . This can appal tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold water to pose for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a adept way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by U-boat - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaf of sensitive plant life . Simply localise the mickle in a shallow pan filled with tepid water supply and permit the works sit for 15 bit to appropriate the ascendant clump to be soundly soaked . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to avail you determine when to re - water larger pots . sting it into the ground ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will take up moisture from the dirt and sour a darker color . Pull it out and test . This will give you an thought of how smashed the soil root bollock is .
Roots require oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to pose in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , sum up 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to better fertility and increase water system retention and drainage . If soil composing is weakly , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or corpse , it can be ameliorate by adding the same affair : organic issue . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . organize bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly devote off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial require to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be alive growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is of import to prune them back and slenderize them out at times . This will prevent them from completely consider over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase aura circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As flower slice it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to dispatch spent flower before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will keep up the considerable vigor it take the plant to produce seed .
As perennial grow , they may work a dense etymon mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to now and then cut out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the antecedent organisation , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will provoke Modern growth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a piffling prep ; some perennial do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a land type not witness in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and with child enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative equaliser between the fully formulate works and the container . Plant big containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A interlocking screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter rate over the mess will keep soil from wash away out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when sloshed . If water supply course off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as skilful as you think .
Prior to occupy a container with dirt , wet potting land in the bag or place in a bath or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . sate container about halfway full or to a level that will permit plants , when establish , to be just below the rim of the great deal . Rootballs should be tied with soil stock when projection is double-dyed . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shadowiness through the day , exposure , water necessary , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden flora and Tree .
The best times to plant are leap and fall , when grunge is practicable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the bound . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full ecesis before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow industrial plant : Prepare implant hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the works thoroughly and let the surplus water supply drain before carefully dispatch from the container . cautiously loose the theme ball and identify the flora in the yap , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is exceedingly root bound , separate tooth root with finger . A few slits made with a air pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be hold open to a lower limit . persist in filling in soil and pee thoroughly , protecting from direct sunshine until static .
To establish bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . organise desirable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among ancestor as you fill in . water supply well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To engraft seedlings : A turn of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also originate your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant evolution . Gently lift the seedling and as much wall grime as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming grime with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and weewee regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have select is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to put up it : that it will have enough weak , space , and a temperature it will wish . think of that the field right next to a window will be colder than the eternal sleep of the way .
Indoor plant life need to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become bay window / origin - tie up and their ontogeny is slow up . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will hold the root glob together when you off it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the works out of the stack , stress running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to relax the soil .
Always utilise fresh land when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant life softly with dirt , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the unexampled crapper , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the origin to fill in their new home .
The size slew you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being more or less pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grime and enters the plant through the roots or the bow at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 role weewee solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confab a professional for a legal passport of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many eccentric of plants and thrive in spicy , ironical condition ( like heated mansion ) . They can breed cursorily as a female person can lay up to 300 testis in a animation bridge of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is because of the vernal larvae which feed on tender foliage and heyday tissue . This leads to distorted growing , hurt bloom flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep pot down and expend screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with chicken viscid identity card or take advantage of lifelike enemy such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a good steadfast cascade of piddle will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden meat professional or county Cooperative extension billet for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - same creature which expand in hot , dry weather condition ( like heated mansion ) . Spider touch feed with piercing mouth function , which cause plants to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider soupcon can multiply promptly , as a female can lie down up to 200 eggs in a life sentence span of 30 days . They also raise a web which can pass over infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep gage down and remove infested industrial plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain industrial plant are regularly water , peculiarly those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always go over new plants prior to institute them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden kernel professional or county Cooperative Extension office , record and follow all label directions . centre your effort on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider mites generally know . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , easygoing - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften seem like modest piece of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where foliage and stems branch . They attack a spacious range of plant . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can sabotage a plant leading to yellow-bellied leaf and folio drop . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty address honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive bootleg surface fungous increase called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . confer with your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as madam beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that bet like tiny moths , which assail many eccentric of plants . The wing adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life straddle of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the plant life is disturb . Whiteflies can subvert a works , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checker . They can beam many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet-scented substance call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can take to an unattractive sinister surface fungal emergence called coal-black mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; bump off infested plants away from non - infested plants ; employ a meditative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under flora ( this repels whitefly ) ; bunker with yellow muggy cards , apply mark pesticides ; further innate enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitor of H2O will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not louse . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may run through muddle in leave-taking , strip entire radical , or completely devour seedlings and ship’s boat transplants , entrust behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as sporty as possible , eliminate hiding place such as leafage debris , over - turned stool , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy places and big mulch offer shelter from the elements and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and put down eggs ( cluster of small translucent spheres ) and adults during evenfall and dawn . Set out beer traps from former give through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for shaver and pets ; take attention when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually launch on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are bad where night are cool and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery blank or gray fungus is usually find on the upper aerofoil of leave or fruit . foliage will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crease and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop off early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and quad plant the right way so they receive tolerable light and air travel circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go slow on the nitrogen fertiliser . employ antimycotic according to label direction before problem becomes severe and follow directions just , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - strip up and transfer all leaves , blossom , or debris in the fall and demolish . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are get by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black maculation and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged visual aspect . dirt ball , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its scatter .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the fundament of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . avert overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt spirit level . For fungal leaf spots , use a advocate fungicide according to label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , associate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . untested scales crawling until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and continue on a post protect by its hard cuticle layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of parting . They have piercing rima oris parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant precede to yellow foliation and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting bleak control surface fungal maturation called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are operose to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . look up your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual good word regarding their control . Encourage innate enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty moulding is a fungus that is found on the surface of leafage . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteron , musical scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and stem of the works . The best way to control coal-black mold is to see the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wipe from leafage with a dampish fabric or wash away with a hose - end atomiser .
