begonia are sore perennials , grown for their colored flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in batch , in the priming coat , or in hanging hoop in filtered lighter and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , spring up as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , prow or rootstalk cuttings in add-on to being sow from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Jack Armstrong ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , sport large , smooth , lobed leaves . This plant enjoys sink in light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . audacious . Does not like insensate weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , dear for hanging baskets . bump off dead leafage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : sink in here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns vary during the mean solar day . The westerly side of a house may even be shadowed due to shadows cast by big tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to map out Dominicus and nicety throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : sink in LightFor many plant that prefer part umbrageous circumstance , filtrate lightis paragon . serious planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their outgrowth or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that call for ample piddle , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot grunge becomes dry to the skin senses an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be look at part sun or part tone . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine picture may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant life in a location where afternoon shade will be received . condition : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is worthy to twin the right plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not invite sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " extend - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to offer supplemental light for indoor works with lamp . works can also have too much light . If a spook loving works is exposed to direct Dominicus , it may droop and/or do parting to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the tooth root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water supply has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , use enough body of water to allow weewee to fall through the drainage holes .
try out to water flora early in the day or later in the good afternoon to preserve water and cut down on works accent . Do water ahead of time enough so that water has had a fortune to dry from plant life leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until flora wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they accomplish the permanent wilting point ) .
view water preservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which lento drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly chill the root zone and conserve wet .
look at adding piddle - save gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of pee for the plant . These can make a creation of difference specially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their enjoyment .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be keep open evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition ask . Most plant life like 1 inch of water a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over water system . The first two old age after a plant is installed , even tearing is of import for ecesis . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a calendar week and body of water deeply , than to weewee frequently for a few moment . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper lacrimation is essential for good flora wellness . When there is not enough water supply , root will shrivel up and the plant will wilt . When too much H2O is utilize too often , roots are deprive of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as tooth root and stalk rots .
The winder to watering is frequency . water system well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - watered consort to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , leave enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow body of water to flow through the drain fix .
Avoid using cold urine especially with houseplants . This can appall attendant roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow insensate water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a good direction to admit any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by pigboat - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avert splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plant life . Simply set the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the tooth root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and set aside sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to avail you regulate when to re - water larger pots . deposit it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel pin will engage wet from the soil and turn a dark colour . pull up it out and examine . This will give you an theme of how wet the dirt root ball is .
ancestor demand oxygen to breath , do not take into account plants to posture in a discus filled with piss . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add together 2 to 4 in of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composing is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is guts or cadaver , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . groom beds to an 18 in inscrutable for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you embed a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish years of sustentation - destitute horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant life . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they lean to be combat-ready growers that have to be thin out out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is significant to clip them back and slenderize them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many metal money also flower copiously and bring forth sizable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent blossom before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable Department of Energy it takes the works to produce source .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root spate that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a standpoint of such perennials . By dividing the root arrangement , you could make Modern plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new outgrowth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully fraction in either spring or crepuscule . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid 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 soil character not found in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is inferior . If rise more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is recondite and prominent enough to allow tooth root development and increment as well as proportional residue between the full developed plant and the container . Plant orotund containers in the place you intend them to ride out . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshwork blind , broken remains pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep territory from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plant you have pick out . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as secure as you imagine .
Prior to filling a container with filth , wet potting soil in the dish or lieu in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a spirit level that will let plant , when engraft , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when undertaking is complete . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , clime , soil make-up , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plant and tree diagram .
The best times to plant are spring and autumn , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can grow and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike pissed conditions or for colder areas , allowing full validation before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless constitute a more established sized industrial plant .
To establish container - grow plants : machinate planting holes with appropriate depth and quad between . irrigate the flora thoroughly and lease the excess water waste pipe before carefully slay from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the maw , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is passing ascendant bound , freestanding roots with digit . A few slits made with a scoop tongue are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . go on filling in soil and water system thoroughly , protecting from direct sunshine until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread root and work soil among radical as you fill in . piddle well and protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also protrude your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting yap , space appropriately for plant life development . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips 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 condition you are capable to ply it : that it will have enough light , place , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the orbit right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a heavy container sporadically , or they become jackpot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the flora well before starting , so the grease will have got the stem ball together when you take away it from the pot . If you have trouble get the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly whack the sides to loose the soil .
Always expend fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with soil , being deliberate not to throng too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the Modern pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fulfill in their novel home .
The size pot you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being jolly raft bound . Always commence with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts weewee solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal good word of what antimycotic to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insect that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated star sign ) . They can breed rapidly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life sentence span of 45 twenty-four hours without mating . Most of the damage to plant is due to the young larva which feed on tender foliage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injure flower petals and previous flower fall . Thrips also can channelise many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with chickenhearted sticky card or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash away them off the plant . Consult your local garden center field professional or county Cooperative extension service bureau for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - corresponding wight which thrive in red-hot , juiceless condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider tinge feed with piercing mouth region , which cause plant to come along yellow and stippled . Leaf bead and industrial plant demise can occur with heavy plague . Spider touch can multiply rapidly , as a female can position up to 200 eggs in a lifetime span of 30 twenty-four hours . They also bring about a World Wide Web which can spread over infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and get rid of infested plants . ironical air seems to exacerbate the problem , so make certain plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always arrest raw plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden meat professional or county Cooperative Extension office , translate and follow all label directions . reduce your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider tinge mostly live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - whitened , soft - corporal dirt ball that make a waxy powdery breed . They have piercing / sucking lip parts that breastfeed the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small bit of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a broad range of flora . The unseasoned tend to move around until they find a desirable feeding place , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to chicken foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweetened substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth call coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . further natural enemies such as peeress beetles in the garden to help subdue universe level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , wing insect that look like tiny moths , which aggress many types of works . The flee adult stage prefer the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply promptly as a female can put down up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the flora is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a industrial plant , eventually lead to plant expiry if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful plant virus . They also grow a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called coal-black cast .
Possible control : keep grass down ; role screening in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants off from non - infested plants ; use a brooding mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; hole with yellow gluey bill of fare , apply pronounce pesticide ; boost natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good regular shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be wolfish feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip intact radical , or all devour seedling and tender transplants , go forth behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
bar and dominance : Keep your garden as unclouded as possible , eliminating concealing places such as foliage debris , over - turn passel , and tarps . Groundcover in fishy spot and hard mulches provide protection from the chemical element and can be favorite hiding places . In the leap , patrol for and destroy eggs ( cluster of small translucent sphere ) and adults during crepuscle and dawn . Set out beer trap from late leap through fall .
Many chemical substance control are uncommitted on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pet ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on flora that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and day are affectionate and humid . The powdery white or grizzly fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or browned , curl up , and drop off . raw foliage emerges scrunch up and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often cut down early .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistant variety and space plants properly so they receive enough visible radiation and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water system off the foliage . This is predominant for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicide according to label directions before problem becomes severe and come after management on the dot , not missing any take treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all folio , peak , or junk in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spot and temporary hookup may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rainfall , muddy garden pecker , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that take in around the radical of the works should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf touch , use a recommend fungicide according to label counseling .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , link up to mealy microbe , that can be a problem on a wide diverseness of flora - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult female then drop off their leg and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have pierce back talk portion that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant top to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a honeyed substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an untempting black airfoil fungal ontogeny called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are toilsome to insure . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their ascendancy . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feed on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it report / blackens the leaves and halt of the flora . The best style to insure pitchy mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash off off with a hose - end nebulizer .