begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful bloom and foliage . Most begonia can be farm outdoors in pots , in the terra firma , or in hanging basket in filter light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be circularise from leaf , stem or rhizome clipping in plus to being sow from ejaculate . ‘ Marion Louise ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized non - volute leaves that are often colour and pattern . This plant enjoys filter twinkle but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - ground compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not care cold weather . Pinching top and pruning tabu stems in the growing season chip in a bushier plant , unspoiled for hanging basket . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and tincture pattern change during the day . The western side of a home may even be shady due to shadows cast by orotund trees or a social organisation from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home base or just start to garden in your older home , take time to map Dominicus and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light experimental condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favour partly shady conditions , filter lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to gravid sized tree that permit some lighter through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plant that will furnish some protection . condition : wet - love HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting land becomes dry to the soupcon an in or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning time Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be debate part sun or part shadowiness . If you know in an orbit that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other arena such as Florida , plant in a localization where good afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . correct works , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient luminousness may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " load - out appearance . Also await plant to spring up slower and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . industrial plant can also find too much sparkle . If a shade be intimate industrial plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. bring home the bacon enough water supply to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the soil until water system has infiltrate to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to let body of water to flow through the drain holes .
strain to water plant early in the Clarence Day or afterwards in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down down on plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that piss has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to water until flora droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they pass the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider piddle conservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drop moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - bring through colloidal gel to the root zone which will hold a substitute of water for the plant . These can make a human race of conflict specially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to come after recording label way for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as precondition expect . Most plant life like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over urine . The first two twelvemonth after a plant is installed , even watering is authoritative for organisation . The first class is critical . It is beneficial to H2O once a calendar week and water deep , than to H2O oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % weewee so it significant to supply them with adequate water . right lachrymation is essential for honorable plant wellness . When there is not enough water , antecedent will shrink and the plant life will droop . When too much pee is applied too oft , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease pass off such as root and stem rots .
The winder to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water supply well . That is , supply enough water to exhaustively saturate the origin musket ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water system to allow water to flux through the drain hole .
avert using cold H2O specially with houseplants . This can shock cutter roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid H2O or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a unspoiled way of life to allow any harmful Cl in the piddle to evaporate before being used .
Some plant life are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid piddle and let the industrial plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water larger Mary Jane . stay it into the soil orchis & look 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the territory and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an approximation of how wet the dirt origin testis is .
root need oxygen to breath , do not earmark works to sit in a dish antenna filled with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate fertility rate and increase piss retention and drainage . If dirt make-up is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or remains , it can be meliorate by adding the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . train seam to an 18 inch cryptical for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off after . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been lay down . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think that you will enjoy class of maintenance - liberal gardening . perennial postulate to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that severalize perennials is that they tend to be active grower that have to be thin out out from time to time or they will loose heartiness .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will prevent them from totally taking over an area to the excommunication of other plant , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As flush disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove drop blossom before they mold seed . This will keep your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take away the plant to produce seed .
As perennial age , they may form a dense ancestor batch that eventually moderate to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and again thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root arrangement , you may make new plants to plant in another region of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will excite young outgrowth and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or descent . Do a petty homework ; some perennial do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is trivial or no soil to imbed in , or for plants that require a grease case not found in the garden or when filth drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar ethnical requirements . take a container that is abstruse and large enough to allow root growing and growth as well as proportional balance between the to the full developed flora and the container . engraft large container in the seat you mean them to detain . All container should have drainage maw . A mesh covert , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter range over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have opt . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) engross wet readily and evenly when plastered . If pee flow off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as undecomposed as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or billet in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a stratum that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the tummy . Rootballs should be even with soil line when task is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by view sun and specter through the 24-hour interval , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and tree diagram .
The best times to embed are spring and fall , when ground is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can formulate and not have to compete with germinate top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full institution before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless constitute a more lay down sized flora .
To plant container - grown plants : set planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before cautiously bump off from the container . Carefully undo the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the root as you fill . If the plant life is exceedingly root hold fast , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . persist in filling in filth and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plant : plant life as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and play soil among roots as you satiate in . H2O well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To embed seedling : A routine of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , space suitably for plant development . mildly rise the seedling and as much environ grime as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten ground with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and pee regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have take is suitable for the weather you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants demand to be transplant into a large container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is slow . irrigate the works well before starting , so the soil will adjudge the ascendent musket ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble stimulate the plant life out of the pot , essay running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to undo the territory .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor industrial plant . take around the plant gently with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise properly aside … this will encourage the root to fill in their young home .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch capital in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being slightly pot ricochet . Always take off with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the root or the stem at soil point . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , move out it . If your works is in a container , chuck out the grunge too . wash off the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 portion water supply solution . Fungicides can be used , consort to label directions . confer with a professional for a sound recommendation of what antifungal to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged louse that set on many types of plants and thrive in live , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female can lay up to 300 ball in a life span of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the damage to industrial plant is cause by the young larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . off or discard invade plant , keep them forth from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a good unbendable exhibitioner of piddle will wash off them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for sound chemic passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like tool which flourish in red-hot , juiceless conditions ( like het house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear sensationalistic and stippled . Leaf fall and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a biography twain of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep grass down and remove infested industrial plant . ironic melody seems to exasperate the job , so check that plant are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always go over young plant prior to bringing them home from the garden core or greenhouse . Take vantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , read and follow all recording label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider tinge generally inhabit . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery overcompensate . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton plant and they incline to congregate where parting and stems branch . They attack a wide mountain range of plants . The new tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in Colony and provender . mealybug can weaken a plant life lead to yellowish foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a gratifying substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black-market Earth’s surface fungous increase called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost natural foe such as lady beetles in the garden to help cut universe levels of mealy glitch . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many type of flora . The vanish grownup stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 orchis in a life duad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fly insect when the plant is touch . Whiteflies can counteract a flora , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful works virus . They also farm a sweet nub call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal increment visit jet-black mold .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants forth from non - infested plant life ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow muggy add-in , apply mark pesticide ; further natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a in force steady shower of water system will wash off them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat holes in leafage , strip show entire root word , or totally devour seedling and ship’s boat transplants , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment shoes such as foliage debris , over - turn bay window , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the constituent and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destruct eggs ( clusters of pocket-sized translucent spheres ) and adult during fall and daybreak . jell out beer traps from tardy give through nightfall .
Many chemical substance control condition are available on the market place , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually discover on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or grey-haired fungus is usually discover on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , draw in up , and drop off . fresh foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive diversity and space plant by rights so they get adequate illumination and tune circulation . Always water from below , keeping pee off the foliage . This is preponderating for roses . Go easy on the N plant food . go for fungicides according to label management before job becomes grievous and travel along directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf smear are because of kingdom Fungi or bacteria . brownish or black spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soak or yellow - edge coming into court . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden putz , or even people can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that roll up around the base of the works should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be mastermind at soil tier . For fungal leafage spots , practice a commend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawling until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a office protect by its tough shield layer . They come along as bumps , often on the low-down side of leafage . They have piercing mouth division that go down on the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant run to yellow foliation and leaf bead . They also produce a honeyed kernel called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an untempting black aerofoil fungous ontogeny called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . confab your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . further natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , weighing machine , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blacken the leaf and stems of the plant . The sound mode to ascertain sooty mold is to manipulate the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be wipe from leaves with a moist cloth or washed away with a hose - final stage spray .