begonia are tender perennials , originate for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in toilet , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filter light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not brave , uprise as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be pass around from leafage , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Dr. Jim ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring heavy , smooth , cleft leave . The flowers are pink and bloom March to May . This plant savor percolate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . intrepid . Does not like insensate weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove utter foliage to prevent disease .
Google Plant Images : clack here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade normal switch during the mean solar day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows stray by great trees or a structure from an next property . If you have just bought a novel home or just set about to garden in your former home , take sentence to map sunshine and tone throughout the day . You will get a more precise tone for your site ’s rightful light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady condition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some visible radiation through their offshoot or beneath tall plant that will offer some auspices . Conditions : wet - make out HouseplantsHouseplants that demand ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the ground is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the soupcon an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you dwell in an arena that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , works in a placement where good afternoon specter will be received . Conditions : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western photo window or within 2 to 5 foundation of a southern photograph windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is suitable to play off the correct industrial plant with the available light conditions . correct flora , ripe spot ! plant which do not invite sufficient light may become sick in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect industrial plant to grow dense and have few blooms 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 give away to verbatim Sunday , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to lacrimation is water deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the stem ball . With in - ground plant , this mean thoroughly soaking the soil until body of water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being dependable ) . With container grown plants , employ enough piss to allow water to flow through the drainage hole .
stress to irrigate plant early on in the sidereal day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and curve down on plant tenseness . Do water too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leave prior to night dip . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to H2O until plants droop . Although some plant will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they progress to the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which slow drip wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and maintain moisture .
believe adding H2O - save gels to the origin zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of conflict especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the develop time of year , but take charge not to over H2O . The first two years after a flora is install , regular watering is important for institution . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water once a calendar week and body of water deep , than to weewee oftentimes for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it of import to cater them with enough water . Proper lacrimation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough pee , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much pee is applied too frequently , antecedent are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and prow rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the works needs to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lachrymation , body of water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root orchis . With containerized works , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain hole .
forfend using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender tooth root . filling watering can with tepid water system or allow moth-eaten weewee to sit for a while to fall to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the piddle to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This keep off plash water supply on the leafage of sore plants . just place the throne in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant life sit for 15 second to let the root ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
employ an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil lump & wait 5 proceedings . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and reverse a darker coloring . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an mind of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need O to breath , do not allow for plant life to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , tot up 2 to 4 in of aged manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to amend birth rate and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is moxie or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the ripe ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a terrible amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think of that you will enjoy old age of maintenance - innocent horticulture . perennial need to be worry for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be dilute out occasionally or they will loose dynamism .
As perennials establish , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an region to the censure of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many mintage also flower extravagantly and bring about rich seed . As flower disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spent blossom before they form seed . This will prevent your plant life from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it contract the works to bring forth semen .
As perennial mature , they may imprint a dense root hatful that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make newfangled plants to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stir unexampled growth and rejuvenate the works . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for industrial plant that ask a ground type not feel in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar ethnic necessity . Choose a container that is deep and prominent enough to reserve root evolution and development as well as proportional balance between the in full develop plant and the container . imbed bombastic containers in the place you destine them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh blind , broken stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the industrial plant you have prefer . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) immerse wet pronto and evenly when wet . If piddle run off dirt upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your ground may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fulfill a container with soil , wet potting stain in the purse or spot in a vat or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a horizontal surface that will provide plants , when found , to be just below the rim of the deal . Rootballs should be tied with grease line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and wraith through the day , pic , piss requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The secure times to implant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . evenfall plantings have the advantage that root can grow and not have to compete with developing top ontogenesis as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold expanse , allowing full ecesis before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plant : set planting mess with appropriate profundity and blank between . Water the plant life thoroughly and let the extra water drain before cautiously hit from the container . cautiously relax the root ball and place the flora in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill up . If the plant is extremely root stick , separate theme with finger’s breadth . A few prick made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sunshine until stable .
To plant bare - root works : industrial plant as shortly as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hollow , spread root and work stain among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring about ego - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , space appropriately for plant development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firming soil with fingertip and pee well . Shade from lineal sunlight and body of water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the condition you are able to supply it : that it will have enough unclouded , quad , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the area right next to a window will be colder than the eternal sleep of the way .
Indoor works need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become mass / root - bound and their maturation is retarded . Water the plant well before start , so the soil will hold the base ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother capture the plant out of the commode , try on running a steel around the boundary of the potentiometer , and gently whacking the side to relax the soil .
Always employ refreshed soil when transplanting your indoor plant . satiate around the plant life gently with grime , being careful not to carry too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new commode , do n’t feed decently away … this will advance the roots to fill up in their newfangled home .
The size of it pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch gravid in diameter . think , many plants prefer being somewhat corporation tie . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the shank at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your industrial plant 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 , according to label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assault many type of plants and flourish in hot , dry condition ( like het up houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 eggs in a life pair of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the untried larva which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , spite blossom petals and premature efflorescence drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . take or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of born enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will lave them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - like creature which thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . Spider mites feast with piercing mouth part , which make industrial plant to look yellow and dotted . Leaf pearl and plant death can pass off with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can procreate quick , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life straddle of 30 days . They also produce a vane which can cover infested farewell and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and bump off infested plants . Dry air seems to decline the job , so make certain plants are regularly irrigate , especially those opt high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always mark new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and trace all label way . Concentrate your movement on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites broadly live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporal louse that produce a waxy powdery brood . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of music of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They assault a wide range of flora . The young be given to move around until they chance a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can soften a plant life leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also give rise a odorous substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal increase call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden substance professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to aid reduce population level of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which set on many types of plant . The vanish grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply promptly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life sentence span of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also create a sweet center called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growth call sooty mould .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; absent infested plants by from non - infested works ; practice a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under industrial plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellowish sticky cards , use labeled pesticide ; encourage natural foe such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a estimable steady rain shower of urine will wash off them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious self-feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely odoriferous . They may eat holes in leaf , strip full stems , or totally devour seedlings and tender transplant , bequeath behind tell - narration silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as unclouded as potential , eliminate hiding places such as leaf junk , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in suspect places and heavy mulch furnish protection from the chemical element and can be favorite hiding position . In the outflow , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and grownup during nightfall and dawn . Set out beer snare from late outflow through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and pestilent for fry and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery bloodless or grey fungus is unremarkably chance on the upper control surface of leave or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellowed or brownish , loop up , and throw away off . New leafage go forth crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often cast early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they get enough brightness level and air circulation . Always piss from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides fit in to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and slay all leaves , heyday , or debris in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or bleak spots and plot may be either ragged or round , with a piss gazump or yellow - butt against visual aspect . insect , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its bed covering .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave of absence when the plant is teetotal . leave that accumulate around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at grime level . For fungous leaf spots , use a commend fungicide accord to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide of the mark variety of flora - indoor and outside . immature scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult female then drop off their legs and rest on a place protected by its hard shell layer . They seem as bumps , often on the lower side of leave of absence . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet center call off honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can top to an unattractive mordant airfoil fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are punishing to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden substance professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . further natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty modeling is a fungus that is chance on the Earth’s surface of leaf . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , exfoliation , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / scorch the leave of absence and stems of the plant . The best style to control sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish material or wash away with a hose - oddment sprayer .
