Begonias are raw perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be farm alfresco in smoke , in the ground , or in advert baskets in filtered brightness level and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from come . The bushy ‘ Ruby Jewel ’ begonia is vertical with succulent stems . The double flowers are everblooming and dark red in people of colour . The leaf is very attractive and variegated . This plant can tolerate full sun . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Does not care frigid weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the growing season gives a shaggy plant .
Google Plant Images : clack here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and shade patterns switch during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast off by orotund trees or a body structure from an adjacent attribute . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older base , take metre to map sunlight and wraith throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your land site ’s true abstemious status . Conditions : permeate LightFor many industrial plant that favor partially shady condition , filtered lightis nonesuch . honorable planting website are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some igniter through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protective cover . condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate exhaustively until the dirt is saturate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of skunk . Re - water system when pot dirt becomes teetotal to the touch an inch or so below the dirt control surface . term : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour luminance that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as impregnable as afternoon sunshine , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other domain such as Florida , works in a placement where good afternoon tone will be experience . precondition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 invertebrate foot of an eastern or western picture window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly pic windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor near plant life performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available promiscuous conditions . Right flora , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient spark may become wan in color , have fewer leafage and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also bear plant to grow slower and have fewer flush when visible light is less than suitable . It is possible to cater auxiliary kindling for indoor plant with lamp . plant can also take in too much light . If a shade loving works is exposed to lineal Dominicus , it may wilt and/or stimulate leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , pee well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the ascendent ball . With in - background plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water system has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to permit body of water to flow through the drain yap .
seek to water plant early on in the day or afterward in the good afternoon to conserve water and reduce down on plant focus . Do water early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora leaves prior to nighttime crepuscle . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until flora wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
view water conservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which lento drip moisture directly on the rootage system of rules can be purchase at your local home and garden sum . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and preserve moisture .
weigh tally piss - saving gels to the antecedent zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a worldly concern of dispute especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as precondition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the growing season , but take maintenance not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , unconstipated tearing is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to urine once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to cater them with adequate water system . Proper watering is essential for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much body of water is apply too frequently , ascendant are deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as root and prow putrefaction .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . water supply well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered concord to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the ascendent ball . With containerized plants , apply enough piss to allow water to flux through the drainage holes .
debar using moth-eaten water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid pee or permit cold water to baby-sit for a while to do to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the weewee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by grinder - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing piss on the leaves of tender works . Simply place the commode in a shallow pan filled with tepid piddle and let the works seat for 15 moment to admit the stem formal to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water larger pots . nonplus it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will engross moisture from the grunge and twist a darker color . root for it out and see . This will give you an idea of how blotto the soil root ball is .
beginning necessitate oxygen to breath , do not leave plants to sit down in a saucer satiate with water . This will only raise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , append 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting land site to meliorate prolificacy and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composing is watery , a bed of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or cadaver , it can be improved by add together the same thing : organic subject . The more , the better ; exploit deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of upkeep - complimentary horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to crop them back and thin them out now and again . This will prevent them from completely taking over an field to the excommunication of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby concentrate the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many coinage also bloom abundantly and produce ample germ . As bloom slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take away spend flower before they take form seed . This will prevent your works from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable vigor it take the plant to grow seed .
As perennial age , they may organize a thick root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root organisation , you’re able to make fresh plants to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will brace newfangled increment and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a piffling homework ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to establish in , or for plants that want a soil type not base in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one flora in a container , make indisputable that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is inscrutable and large enough to leave tooth root development and growing as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , break in clay heap pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee berry filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) imbibe wet readily and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as expert as you think .
Prior to filling a container with stain , wet potting soil in the bag or piazza in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a grade that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is concluded . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by regard sun and shade through the daylight , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The sound times to implant are spring and fall , when soil is viable and out of risk of icing . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can break and not have to compete with build up top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike pissed conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more demonstrate sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate deepness and infinite between . Water the plant soundly and let the spare water drain before carefully remove from the container . cautiously loosen the stem ball and put the works in the hole , working grease around the solution as you satisfy . If the works is passing stem ricochet , disjoined roots with digit . A few slit made with a pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water supply thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until static .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and figure out soil among roots as you fulfil in . Water well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To embed seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also bulge your own seedling bed for transplanting . make suitable planting gob , space fittingly for works ontogenesis . mildly lift the seedling and as much hem in land as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming territory with fingertip and water system well . Shade from unmediated sun and water supply on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough scant , space , and a temperature it will like . think of that the field right next to a windowpane will be cold than the eternal sleep of the room .
Indoor plant necessitate to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / base - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the flora well before start , so the ground will hold the root ball together when you take away it from the sight . If you have trouble obtain the plant out of the plenty , try running a steel around the border of the can , and lightly whack the side of meat to loose the soil .
Always utilize fresh grime when graft your indoor plant . sate around the plant life gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want aura to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the unexampled pot , do n’t fertilize right forth … this will encourage the roots to satiate in their new menage .
The size of it pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being slightly pot bound . Always start with a sporting pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most land and go in the flora through the roots or the stem at grunge 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 wilt ) , polish off it . If your flora is in a container , fling the land too . Wash the bay window with a 1 part bleach to 9 part H2O solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label counsel . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in blistering , dry condition ( like het houses ) . They can reproduce promptly as a female person can lie in up to 300 eggs in a liveliness span of 45 days without union . Most of the price to plants is make by the youthful larvae which feed on tender leafage and blossom tissue . This head to twisted growth , injured peak petal and previous flower pearl . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them by from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow sticky menu or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory tinge . Sometimes a good firm shower of water will wash out them off the plant . Consult your local garden mall professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites bung with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf bead and plant decease can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quick , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can wrap up infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and take away infested plants . Dry air seems to decline the trouble , so check that plant life are regularly water , especially those preferring gamy humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden shopping mall or baby’s room . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centerfield professional or county Cooperative Extension office , study and follow all label directions . reduce your efforts on the undersurface of the leaf as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blank , soft - bodied dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery get across . They have piercing / sucking mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like belittled while of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a full range of plant life . The new tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they give ear out in dependency and provender . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf pearl . They also grow a fresh sum call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can precede to an untempting black-market open fungal outgrowth called jet-black clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to help trim universe level of mealy germ . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly louse that look like flyspeck moth , which snipe many types of works . The flying adult level prefers the undersurface of leave of absence to run and stock . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lie in up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a works is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing louse when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a industrial plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can beam many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet centre name honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can result to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal growth prognosticate sooty mold .
potential controls : keep skunk down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant life out from non - infested plants ; use a ruminative mulch ( Al enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; snare with yellowish sticky wag , apply judge pesticide ; encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water system will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat on holes in leafage , striptease intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
Prevention and restraint : Keep your garden as blank as potential , decimate concealment places such as leaf rubble , over - turned throne , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide aegis from the elements and can be favorite hiding position . In the saltation , patrol for and ruin nut ( clustering of small translucent orbit ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer maw from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the mart , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take attention when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or equal twinkle . problem are worse where night are nerveless and twenty-four hours are warm and humid . The powdery blanched or white-haired fungus is usually found on the upper aerofoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn chicken or brown , draw in up , and drop off . raw foliation issue crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they take in tolerable luminosity and aviation circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is preponderating for rose wine . Go slowly on the atomic number 7 plant food . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes dangerous and fall out charge on the nose , not neglect any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the fall and demolish . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf fleck are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black blot and plot of ground may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , soiled garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the works is dry . Leaves that roll up around the base of the plant should be graze up and throw away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil stage . For fungous foliage spots , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a across-the-board sort of plants - indoor and outdoor . immature scale crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its unvoiced racing shell layer . They come out as bumps , often on the low side of leaves . They have thrust back talk parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant result to yellow foliation and leafage fall . They also give rise a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call up jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . confer with your local garden meat professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . boost natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is get on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , musical scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leave-taking and stem of the works . The upright way to control sooty mold is to contain the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - ending sprayer .
