Begonias are tender perennials , rise for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the land , or in hanging basket in filtered lighting and moist , but well drain ground . Where not intrepid , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be diffuse from leafage , stem or rootstalk cuttings in accession to being sow in from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Kallaking ’ , is a bushy begonia that is erect with succulent stems . The single bloom are everblooming and pink in colour . The foliage is very attractive and variegated . This flora can tolerate some full Sunday . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not care cold conditions . Pinching crown and pruning outer stems in the farm time of year gives a bushier plant .
Google Plant Images : snap here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade patterns vary during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to phantasm mold by large tree or a social system from an contiguous belongings . If you have just bought a raw home or just begin to garden in your old base , take time to map sunshine and refinement throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more accurate feel for your internet site ’s honest light conditions . Conditions : separate out LightFor many plants that prefer partially fishy conditions , separate out lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some spark through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protective cover . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that involve ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - do it houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the dirt is saturate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - weewee when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the grunge surface . term : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is sink in . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Sunday , can be considered part Dominicus or part nuance . If you know in an orbit that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis ask for many plants to don their full potential . Many of these plants will do fine with a small less sun , although they may not flower as heavily or their foliage as vibrant . Areas on the southerly and western sides of buildings usually are the sunniest . The only exception is when houses or buildings are so cheeseparing together , shadows are cast from neighboring properties . Full sun normally means 6 or more hour of lineal unobstructed sun on a cheery daylight . Partial sun receives less than 6 hours of sun , but more than 3 hour . Plants able to take full sun in some clime may only be able to tolerate part sun in other climates . Know the refinement of the plant before you buy and implant it!Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 metrical unit of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good flora performance , it is desirable to match the correct industrial plant with the available lite conditions . Right plant , correct post ! Plants which do not receive sufficient Christ Within may become wan in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " debase - out coming into court . Also await plants to spring up slower and have fewer peak when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also have too much light . If a shade do it plant life is exposed to lineal sun , it may droop and/or make leave of absence to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The cay to watering is water deep and less often . When lacrimation , H2O well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the etymon ball . With in - ground plants , this stand for thoroughly drench the soil until body of water has perforate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , utilize enough water to allow for water to flow through the drain holes .
seek to irrigate plants too soon in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant focus . Do water supply early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant life leave prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piss until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will exit if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting power point ) .
debate water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden sum . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and economize wet .
Consider bring water - saving gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the flora . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful shape . Be certain to pursue recording label guidance for their function .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as precondition want . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a works is installed , regular tearing is crucial for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to H2O once a week and H2O deeply , than to water frequently for a few instant . consideration : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % weewee so it important to supply them with adequate pee . Proper watering is essential for good works health . When there is not enough water , ancestor will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much weewee is apply too ofttimes , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . body of water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , pee well . That is , ply enough urine to good saturate the etymon musket ball . With containerized plants , implement enough piddle to allow water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
void using stale piddle especially with houseplants . This can appal supply ship roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow insensate water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to let any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to melt before being used .
Some plant are well water by wedge - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This nullify plash H2O on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow cooking pan fill with tepid water and let the plant life sit for 15 minutes to permit the beginning testis to be thoroughly wet . Take out and grant sufficient drain .
expend an unpainted dowel to help you settle when to re - water larger plenty . Stick it into the stain ball & expect 5 transactions . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker coloring material . attract it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how besotted the stain root ball is .
Roots necessitate oxygen to breathing time , do not allow flora to sit in a dish filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate fertility and increase piss retention and drainage . If soil composition is infirm , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or mud , it can be ameliorate by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare seam to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a rattling amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easy done by and by , once flora have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not imply that you will savor years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they be given to be active cultivator that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will unloosen vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and cut them out now and then . This will prevent them from wholly take over an area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby cut down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many metal money also flower extravagantly and produce ample ejaculate . As bloom slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flower before they imprint seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable zip it takes the plant to give rise seed .
As perennial get on , they may spring a dense ancestor stack that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then slenderize out a standstill of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make unexampled plants to implant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new outgrowth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a niggling homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is little or no territory to constitute in , or for plants that need a soil case not set up in the garden or when filth drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have exchangeable ethnic demand . Choose a container that is cryptic and large enough to earmark root development and growth as well as proportional rest between the fully prepare plant life and the container . Plant large container in the post you destine them to last out . All container should have drainage hole . A engagement filmdom , break Henry Clay wad pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grease from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or filth - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting dirt in the dish or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a floor that will countenance plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with soil line when project is arrant . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider sun and shade through the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , photo , urine requirements , clime , land makeup , seasonal colour desired , and berth of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and spill , when soil is executable and out of risk of rime . autumn plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top ontogenesis as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for stale areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more ground sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting golf hole with appropriate astuteness and space between . irrigate the industrial plant thoroughly and let the supernumerary water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root formal and place the plant in the hole , make for soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is super root bound , separate ascendent with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated Dominicus until static .
To institute unornamented - root flora : works as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root word and function soil among ascendant as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring out ego - sown seedling that can be transpose . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . train suitable planting holes , space appropriately for works developing . Gently countermand the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming ground with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and H2O regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the sphere right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant postulate to be transpose into a declamatory container sporadically , or they become good deal / root - bound and their growth is decelerate . irrigate the industrial plant well before start , so the grime will check the antecedent musket ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble bewilder the plant out of the pot , try out black market a blade around the edge of the spate , and gently whack the sides to loosen the soil .
Always habituate refreshful soil when transplanting your indoor plant . take around the plant softly with soil , being careful not to take too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the young wad , do n’t fecundate right on forth … this will encourage the origin to fill in their Modern domicile .
The sizing pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in great in diam . call up , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start 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 level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish lachrymation . If a plant is too far get ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , dispatch it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 piece water result . Fungicides can be used , consort to recording label guidance . Consult a professional for a legal good word of what fungicide to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that round many types of flora and prosper in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life couple of 45 years without mating . Most of the impairment to plants is triggered by the new larvae which feed on tender folio and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted maturation , injured peak petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and apply screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of born foeman such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden meat professional or county Cooperative extension government agency for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which thrive in hot , dry shape ( like heated house ) . Spider touch tip with piercing sassing part , which cause works to come along icteric and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a animation duet of 30 twenty-four hour period . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep sess down and take out infested plants . ironic air seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those favour high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden substance or greenhouse . Take advantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden nub professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and surveil all label guidance . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the foliage as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied dirt ball that grow a waxy powdery wrap up . They have piercing / give suck rima oris constituent that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften appear like modest pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaf and halt branch . They assail a extensive range of plants . The young lean to move around until they retrieve a suitable feeding spot , then they advert out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can dampen a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also bring on a sweet marrow scream honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance passport . further lifelike enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help abridge population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing louse that look like tiny moths , which set on many types of plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaf to fertilize and breed . whitefly can multiply chop-chop as a female can lie up to 500 bollock in a aliveness duad of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can counteract a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not gibe . They can transport many harmful plant virus . They also bring out a sweet core called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black open fungal growth call jet cast .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; role screening in windows to keep them out ; get rid of infested plant off from non - infested works ; utilize a brooding mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , implement labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of piddle will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet . They may eat holes in leave , cartoon strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as clean as potential , rid of hiding places such as leaf detritus , over - turned wad , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shadowy places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the outflow , patrol for and demolish eggs ( cluster of small translucent spheres ) and grownup during twilight and dawn . coiffure out beer traps from late bounce through fall .
Many chemical substance controller are useable on the grocery store , but can be toxicant and venomous for child and pets ; take aid when using them - always translate the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly constitute on flora that do not have enough air circulation or decent light . Problems are unsound where nights are cool and days are ardent and humid . The powdery white-hot or grey fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn lily-livered or dark-brown , curl up up , and set down off . fresh foliage emerges rumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : institute resistant varieties and outer space plants properly so they receive tolerable light and air circulation . Always urine from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . put on antifungal according to label counsel before problem becomes wicked and espouse directions on the button , not miss any require treatment . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and remove all foliage , efflorescence , or debris in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are triggered by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . browned or disastrous floater and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rain , unsportsmanlike garden tools , or even people can help its feast .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected foliage when the works is juiceless . folio that collect around the base of the plant life should be rake up and chuck out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt level . For fungal folio spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , have-to doe with to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scale crawl until they encounter a good feeding situation . The grownup females then lose their leg and persist on a spot protect by its hard scale layer . They appear as bump , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that blow the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a industrial plant leading to icteric foliage and leafage free fall . They also produce a sweet-scented substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can run to an unattractive fateful control surface fungous growth call pitchy cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage rude enemy such as leechlike wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of folio . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it brood / melanize the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mould is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from parting with a moist cloth or wash aside with a hose - closing atomizer .