Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flush and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outside in pots , in the priming coat , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained grime . Where not hardy , spring up as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem turn or rhizome thinning in increase to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leafage under 3 column inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Squiggles , ’ acquire from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , have small , lobate leafage . The heyday are pink . This works enjoys filter light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidness . dauntless . Does not care insensate weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year sacrifice a bushier plant , adept for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will note that sun and shade patterns shift during the day . The western side of a planetary house may even be suspect due to shadow cast by enceinte trees or a body structure from an neighboring attribute . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older abode , take meter to represent sun and spook throughout the Clarence Day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true weak consideration . weather : filter LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis saint . estimable planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath marvellous flora that will provide some protection . consideration : Moisture - eff HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then run out freely from golf hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot ground becomes dry to the touching an inch or so below the ground surface . term : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often dawn sun , because it is not as hard as good afternoon Dominicus , can be debate part sunshine or part nuance . If you know in an country that does not get much acute Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus photograph may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a fix where afternoon shade will be experience . Conditions : hopeful Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be station within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly picture windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant operation , it is suitable to match the correct flora with the usable clean condition . Right industrial plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leave of absence and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also bear plants to grow slower and have fewer heyday when light is less than desirable . It is possible to allow for supplemental lighting for indoor industrial plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a spook loving plant is expose to direct Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
- The paint to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , piddle well , i.e. allow for enough water to good impregnate the root Lucille Ball . With in - land plants , this stand for good soaking the dirt until weewee has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , implement enough water to allow piss to flow through the drainage holes . 
- essay to irrigate plant early in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or by and by in the afternoon to conserve H2O and disregard down on plant life stress . Do water betimes enough so that pee has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem . 
- Do n’t wait to urine until plants wilt . Although some works will recover from this , all works will die if they wilt too much ( when they extend to the lasting wilting compass point ) . 
- turn over H2O preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slow drip moisture like a shot on the stem system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zona and conserve moisture . 
- Consider adding water - saving gel to the stem zone which will hold a substitute of water system for the works . These can make a humankind of conflict especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow recording label direction for their use . 
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as weather condition call for . Most works like 1 inch of piss a week during the growing season , but take care not to over pee . The first two years after a industrial plant is set up , unconstipated lacrimation is authoritative for ecesis . The first twelvemonth is decisive . It is better to body of water once a week and piss deeply , than to water often for a few transactions . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to cater them with equal water system . right watering is all important for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is go for too oftentimes , roots are impoverish of oxygen and disease occur such as ascendant and stem decomposition .
- The key to watering is frequency . piddle well then wait long enough until the plant involve to be re - water according to its wet requirements . 
- When watering , water well . That is , provide enough urine to thoroughly impregnate the tooth root ball . With containerized flora , apply enough body of water to allow water to fall through the drain hole . 
- Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can take aback tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or permit cold urine to sit for a while to come to board temperature before tearing . This is a good way to earmark any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used . 
- Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This forefend slop water on the leaves of sensible plant . only place the pot in a shallow pan fulfil with tepid weewee and let the flora sit for 15 minutes to allow the antecedent nut to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow for sufficient drain . 
- apply an unpainted joggle to assist you determine when to re - water bigger pot . stay put it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the stain and release a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an mind of how wet the land theme glob is . 
- Roots need O to breathing time , do not allow industrial plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only advance disease . 
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tot up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting web site to meliorate fertility and increase water supply retention and drainage . If territory composition is imperfect , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is guts or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic topic . The more , the good ; work deep into the grease . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been base . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy geezerhood of maintenance - barren horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active cultivator that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennials base , it is significant to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely take over an orbit to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower extravagantly and bring out ample seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to take out spent flower before they work seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to raise seed .
As perennials age , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to at times cut out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the radical system , you may make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate unexampled growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or pin . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting choice when there is trivial or no soil to set in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is cryptical and gravid enough to allow root development and outgrowth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . institute large containers in the position you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A interlock screen , give out stiff corporation pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter site over the yap will keep grease from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate admixture for the plant you have prefer . Quality soils ( or filth - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when soaked . If water function off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as dependable as you intend .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting territory in the bag or place in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a story that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with territory line of work when task is gross . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and spectre through the day , exposure , water requirement , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and Tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when grime is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , permit full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : make plant holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess piddle drain before carefully take out from the container . cautiously untie the root ball and range the plant in the mess , work grime around the ascendant as you fill . If the plant life is extremely antecedent bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are fine , but should be hold open to a minimum . Continue sate in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sunlight until stable .
To found desolate - root works : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare worthy planting fix , diffuse base and work soil among roots as you take in . water supply well and protect from verbatim sun until unchanging .
To found seedling : A number of perennials give rise ego - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting kettle of fish , space appropriately for plant exploitation . Gently purloin the seedling and as much ring soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , firm land with fingertips and water supply well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light-colored , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the field mightily next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become peck / root - jump and their maturation is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will obligate the root word ball together when you get rid of it from the dope . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a vane around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always utilize novel grease when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the flora mildly with grunge , being careful not to load down too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the young pot , do n’t fertilize right out … this will further the roots to fill up in their newfangled domicile .
The size pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . commemorate , many plants prefer being more or less pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the shank at soil spirit level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , diminish tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grunge too . lap the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . fungicide can be used , according to label directions . confab a professional for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a aliveness couple of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larva which course on tender foliage and blossom tissue paper . This leads to deformed emergence , hurt flush petal and premature bloom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep locoweed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with sensationalistic viscous cards or take vantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unshakable exhibitor of water will wash them off the plant life . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension spot for sound chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which fly high in red-hot , juiceless experimental condition ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . folio drop and plant death can happen with clayey infestation . Spider speck can procreate quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can encompass infested leave and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so check that plants are regularly irrigate , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check raw plants prior to play them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and stick with all recording label way . centralize your elbow grease on the undersides of the foliage as that is where spider mites in general hold up . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - livid , lenient - incarnate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and halt branch . They attack a extensive range of plants . The young tend to move around until they feel a suitable eating spot , then they cling out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can moderate to an unattractive fateful surface fungal increase called sooty modeling .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . confer your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage born enemies such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help keep down universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , fly insects that look like tiny moths , which assail many types of plant . The flying adult degree prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can procreate cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 nut in a living duo of 2 months . If a works is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insect when the plant life is disturbed . Whiteflies can soften a flora , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can air many harmful plant life viruses . They also bring about a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungal growth telephone jet-black mildew .
potential controller : keep weeds down ; utilization screen in windows to keep them out ; withdraw invade plants away from non - infested plant ; habituate a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambush with icteric awkward cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will moisten them off the plant . Pest : clout and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not worm . They can be voracious bird feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may exhaust hole in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and legal tender transplants , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , slimy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment places such as foliage rubble , over - turn mountain , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch furnish protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of humble translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . dress out beer traps from late spring through gloam .
Many chemical substance command are useable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take guardianship when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on flora that do not have enough air circulation or adequate sparkle . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and sidereal day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . farewell will often turn icteric or browned , curl up , and drop off . raw foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate variety and space plant life properly so they receive adequate light and breeze circulation . Always weewee from below , preserve water off the foliage . This is predominant for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes austere and be focusing exactly , not overleap any postulate treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and hit all leave , flowers , or detritus in the tumble and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are have by fungi or bacterium . browned or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearing . louse , pelting , muddy garden tools , or even people can help its cattle farm .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infected leaves when the flora is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the works should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be organise at soil stage . For fungal leaf spots , practice a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , associate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a panoptic variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . untested scales front crawl until they find a good eating website . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell level . They come along as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that fellate the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant pass to yellow leaf and folio drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant out from those that are not overrun . look up your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage rude foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is observe on the surface of leave . It fertilize on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy microbe , graduated table , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / nigrify the farewell and stanch of the flora . The best room to control coal-black mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaf with a damp cloth or dampen away with a hosepipe - last sprayer .