Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be grow outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging handbasket in filtered light and moist , but well drained filth . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seeded player . The cultivar , ‘ Hugolette , is a bushy begonia that has attractive leaf with hirsute , wide folio . The flowers are pink to white . Stemming is erect and zig - zigzag between the client . This plant enjoys trickle light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like inhuman weather . crimp peak and pruning extinct stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier works , good for hanging . Sudden temperature variety causes farewell to strike down .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and nicety patterns change during the daytime . The western side of a business firm may even be shadowed due to shadow cast by orotund tree or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just buy a young home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take prison term to map sun and tint throughout the daylight . You will get a more accurate tactile property for your site ’s true weak consideration . condition : filter LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady condition , filtered lightis nonpareil . beneficial planting situation are under a mid to big sized tree diagram that lets some light through their ramification or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that demand sizable H2O , or those label asmoisture - make out houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the stain is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touching an inch or so below the dirt surface . precondition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor Light Within that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often dawning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon shade will be receive . shape : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 infantry of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor honest works performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . right-hand plant life , right berth ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also wait plant to spring up slower and have few flower when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much Christ Within . If a shade loving plant is exposed to verbatim Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is weewee deeply and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. put up enough urine to exhaustively impregnate the root globe . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until urine has fathom to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown industrial plant , hold enough pee to permit water to flow through the drainage holes .
try on to water plants early in the day or later on in the afternoon to conserve urine and thin out down on plant tension . Do water betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from works leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to piddle until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drop wet now on the root organization can be purchased at your local abode and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zona and conserve wet .
view adding water - saving colloidal gel to the ascendant geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water supply for the works . These can make a worldly concern of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their enjoyment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions ask . Most plants like 1 in of water a calendar week during the produce time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a works is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is good to water once a week and water deeply , than to H2O frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % piss so it important to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for beneficial plant wellness . When there is not enough piddle , theme will shrivel up and the works will wilt . When too much urine is apply too often , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as ascendent and stem bunk .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture necessary .
When lacrimation , water supply well . That is , supply enough water to good impregnate the theme ball . With containerized industrial plant , practice enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
stave off using moth-eaten water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender source . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow frigid water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a dependable way to admit any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are substantially irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leaves of sensitive plants . just place the pot in a shallow genus Pan fill with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 second to set aside the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to aid you determine when to re - water larger hatful . Stick it into the stain ball & hold back 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the soil and turn a dark color . take out it out and probe . This will give you an mind of how wet the soil source ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing spell , do not allow plant to sit down in a disc fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , append 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If soil make-up is weak , a layer of surface soil should be regard as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constitutional issue . The more , the better ; work deep into the land . Prepare bed to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous 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 twelvemonth of care - complimentary horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vim .
As perennial establish , it is important to clip them back and dilute them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the ejection of other plants , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many specie also flower profusely and produce ample seminal fluid . As heyday fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to get rid of drop bloom before they take shape seed . This will foreclose your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may mold a dense root mickle that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a pedestal of such perennials . By dividing the root word system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another surface area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will shake up new ontogeny and restore the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either outflow or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : ready ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is inferior . If get more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar ethnical essential . take a container that is recondite and large enough to permit root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed works and the container . found large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshwork screen , broken corpse pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from dampen out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or land - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when sloshed . If water runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as serious as you think .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet pot ground in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fulfill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the sight . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is gross . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunlight and shade through the twenty-four hour period , exposure , water essential , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and stance of other garden plants and trees .
The respectable times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is feasible and out of danger of rime . nightfall planting have the advantage that ancestor can develop and not have to contend with developing top development as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike smashed status or for colder areas , allowing full formation before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most works , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To found container - grown plant life : train planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and rent the excess urine drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root egg and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill up . If the plant is extremely root spring , disjoined beginning with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be maintain to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant simple - root plants : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . set suitable planting hole , spread beginning and influence soil among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial bring about self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . fix suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for works evolution . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding land as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten ground with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suited for the condition you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . commend that the area right next to a window will be colder than the relaxation of the elbow room .
Indoor plants necessitate to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / source - bound and their development is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the ground will carry the root ball together when you absent it from the pot . If you have trouble get the plant out of the pot , try run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the position to loosen the soil .
Always use sweet territory when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with territory , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be capable to get to the roots . After the flora is in the novel pot , do n’t fertilize justly off … this will boost the roots to occupy in their new home .
The size throne you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch gravid in diameter . Remember , many industrial plant opt being somewhat toilet bound . Always start with a clean deal !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is encounter in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at dirt level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease lachrymation . If a flora is too far proceed ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , take away it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 portion pee resolution . Fungicides can be used , agree to recording label directions . look up a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can procreate rapidly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This moderate to distorted growth , injure peak petals and premature flush drib . Thrips also can air many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and employ screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them forth from non - infested plants . Trap with jaundiced glutinous cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a ripe steady shower of water will moisten them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative prolongation agency for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in spicy , dry conditions ( like het up house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which make plants to seem yellow-bellied and stippled . Leaf fall and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can breed promptly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a biography span of 30 days . They also produce a WWW which can report infested farewell and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and move out infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden kernel or nursery . Take reward of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth share that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like humble pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems offset . They aggress a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant take to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also grow a unfermented substance call in honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension power in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . promote innate enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to facilitate reduce population point of mealy germ . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that take care like tiny moth , which attack many types of works . The flee grownup phase prefers the underside of leaf to fertilize and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 nut in a life duo of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is interrupt . Whiteflies can undermine a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not chequer . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also develop a sweet inwardness holler honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can chair to an unattractive opprobrious surface fungal growth call jet-black mold .
potential controls : keep skunk down ; usage screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant life ; use a pensive mulch ( Al hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; sand trap with white-livered viscid cards , utilize judge pesticides ; boost natural enemy such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of weewee will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are shellfish , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may feed holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
bar and ascendancy : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding place such as leaf junk , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide tribute from the elements and can be pet hiding places . In the spring , police for and put down eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . limit out beer trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always understand the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where night are nerveless and days are quick and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leaves or fruit . leave of absence will often rick yellow-bellied or chocolate-brown , loop up , and drop off . raw foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : found resistant variety show and space plants properly so they invite equal visible light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is predominant for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . put on fungicides accord to label focussing before problem becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not missing any demand intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and take all farewell , flush , or debris in the tumble and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are have by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black touch and while may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . louse , rain , cheating garden instrument , or even people can avail its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the works is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and put away of . obviate overhead irrigation if possible ; piddle should be directed at soil layer . For fungal leaf spots , expend a recommended fungicide harmonise to recording label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide kind of works - indoor and outside . unseasoned scales creeping until they find a honorable feeding site . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its knockout shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lowly side of parting . They have pierce mouth voice that suck the sap out of plant tissue . shell can countermine a plant leading to lily-livered foliage and leaf free fall . They also bring out a sweet core prognosticate honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once shew they are hard to check . Isolate infest plants by from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a effectual good word regarding their mastery . Encourage innate enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is launch on the surface of folio . It feeds on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leafage and stems of the plant . The best way to control jet clay sculpture is to operate the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from farewell with a damp fabric or washed away with a hose - end atomizer .