Begonias are tippy perennials , grown for their colored flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in throne , in the land , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drain stain . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , prow or rhizome cuttings in add-on to being sown from seed . ‘ Bethlehem ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The unripe to brown leaf is very attractive , featuring small , unincised leaves . Flowers are profuse , espy , pinkish in vividness , and flower December through April . This industrial plant enjoys strain Inner Light but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not like stale conditions . pilfer gratuity and pruning out stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . take dead leafage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that Lord’s Day and shade radiation diagram change during the day . The westerly side of a firm may even be shady due to tincture couch by enceinte trees or a complex body part from an neighboring dimension . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your sr. home , take clip to represent Dominicus and spectre throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feeling for your site ’s true loose circumstance . condition : filter out LightFor many plants that favour partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some luminousness through their subdivision or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . weather : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the growing zona . Shade can be the effect of a mature stand of trees or shadows throw by a house or building . Plants that require full ghost are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath trees may pose additional problems ; not only is there no light source , but competition for H2O , nutrient and antecedent space .
fond shademeans that an area receives filtered lite , often through tall branches of an open develop tree . Root competition is usually less . fond shade can also be accomplish by locating a plant beneath an bower or lathe - alike bodily structure . Shadier sides of a building are ordinarily the northern or northeastern sides . These sides also tend to be a minuscule cooler . It is not rare for plants that can tolerate full sun or some Sunday in cooler climate to require some shade in warmer climates due to stress placed on the flora from reduced wet and exuberant oestrus . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that expect ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of skunk . Re - water supply when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil control surface . circumstance : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant life with the available unclouded consideration . Right plant , right topographic point ! Plants which do not receive sufficient Inner Light may become wan in color , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to turn irksome and have few flower when light is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplementary kindling for indoor plant with lamps . industrial plant can also have too much light . If a shade loving plant is exhibit to direct Dominicus , it may wilt and/or cause leafage to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. leave enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - flat coat plant , this means soundly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , put on enough piss to allow for water to flow through the drain holes .
seek to water works early in the Clarence Day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and disregard down on plant tension . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from works farewell prior to dark twilight . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piddle until plants droop . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they attain the lasting wilting point ) .
believe water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip scheme which slow drip moisture directly on the etymon system can be purchased at your local home and garden shopping mall . Mulches can importantly chill the source zone and preserve wet .
count adding body of water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of divergence peculiarly under stressful stipulation . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions take . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take aid not to over urine . The first two years after a plant is instal , steady watering is important for organization . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water profoundly , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . weather condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . right watering is all important for good plant wellness . When there is not enough body of water , tooth root will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much body of water is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprived of O and diseases occur such as root and stem buncombe .
The key to tearing is frequency . piddle well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet requisite .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough piddle to reserve water to flux through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock ship’s boat roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid weewee or let dusty water to sit for a while to get to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to earmark any harmful chlorine in the weewee to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids plash water on the leaves of sensitive plant life . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and have the works seat for 15 mo to allow the root ball to be good wet . Take out and set aside sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water heavy pots . adhere it into the soil ball & wait 5 proceedings . The dowel will absorb moisture from the grunge and turn a darker color . draw it out and examine . This will give you an estimation of how fuddled the soil root ball is .
ancestor demand O to breathing time , do not tolerate plants to sit in a disc filled with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to amend rankness and increase H2O retention and drainage . If grunge composition is faint , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is guts or clay , it can be improved by add the same affair : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a enormous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been plant . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be like for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be dynamic cultivator that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will loosen vigor .
As perennials demonstrate , it is important to rationalize them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely take in over an area to the exception of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also blossom abundantly and create ample source . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they form source . This will forbid your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to bring forth seed .
As perennials get on , they may organize a dense root mickle that eventually run to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the tooth root system , you’re able to make new plant to establish in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will induce new development and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennial may be successfully separate in either bound or fall . Do a minuscule homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : train ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is slight or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one flora in a container , check that that all have like ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is bass and large enough to allow radical ontogenesis and development 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 container should have drainage holes . A interlocking screen , broken cadaver great deal pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter put over the hollow will keep soil from launder out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mixing for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) sop up wet readily and evenly when pissed . If water run off filth upon initial wetting , this is an index that your dirt may not be as just as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting territory in the bagful or place in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . make full container about halfway full or to a level that will let plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the muckle . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil line when undertaking is unadulterated . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by look at sun and shade through the day , exposure , water necessity , climate , dirt composition , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The good times to plant are spring and tumble , when soil is executable and out of risk of Robert Frost . nightfall planting have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , give up full constitution before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless implant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate profundity and space between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and aim the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely beginning bound , separate root with finger’s breadth . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and piss good , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To engraft nude - stem plants : flora as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , distribute roots and work out soil among ascendant as you replete in . Water well and protect from unmediated Lord’s Day until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials bring out self - sown seedling that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . train suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently wind the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and piss regularly until stable . 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 , space , and a temperature it will care . think that the area decent next to a window will be moth-eaten than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant postulate to be transpose into a great container periodically , or they become kitty / theme - truss and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before start up , so the soil will take for the root ball together when you off it from the pot . If you have trouble fix the industrial plant out of the pot , sample running a blade around the bound of the pot , and gently whack the side to loosen the grease .
Always use reinvigorated dirt when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant softly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want melodic phrase to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right aside … this will further the roots to occupy in their Modern home .
The size pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . Remember , many plants choose being somewhat potful bound . Always start with a neat pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is encounter in most grease and enter the plant through the roots or the stem at soil tier . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilt ) , take away it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . wash out the hatful with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts body of water result . Fungicides can be used , agree to label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual passport of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that assault many type of plants and thrive in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life twain of 45 days without coupling . Most of the damage to plant is do by the young larvae which feed on sensitive folio and heyday tissue . This lead to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use test on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested works . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory jot . Sometimes a in effect steady shower of water will lave them off the plant life . Consult your local garden center professional or county concerted denotation office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creature which thrive in hot , wry consideration ( like heated houses ) . Spider speck run with pierce mouth parts , which get plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop cloth and flora expiry can occur with grievous infestations . Spider jot can multiply quick , as a female can put down up to 200 eggs in a life-time span of 30 days . They also farm a web which can enshroud infested leaves and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new flora prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden shopping center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label direction . center your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites broadly live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , sluggish - white , sonant - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that blow the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften front like small piece of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leafage and stems limb . They attack a across-the-board ambit of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealybug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive grim Earth’s surface fungous growth called pitchy stamp .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested works from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . further natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to avail subjugate population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which assault many types of plants . The flying grownup point prefer the underside of farewell to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lie in up to 500 ball in a aliveness span of 2 months . If a works is invade with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can subvert a plant , finally leading to plant last if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also bring on a sweet centre called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growing send for sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep skunk down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plant out from non - infested plants ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with jaundiced sticky card , lend oneself labeled pesticides ; further raw enemies such as epenthetic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a in effect unwavering shower of water will wash them off the works . Pest : clout and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insect . They can be rapacious eater , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely odoriferous . They may eat holes in leave , flight strip entire stems , or whole devour seedlings and legal tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and restraint : Keep your garden as unclouded as potential , pass hiding places such as leaf detritus , over - flex pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady position and large mulches provide protection from the element and can be favored concealing station . In the saltation , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during fall and dawn . go under out beer trap from recent saltation through downfall .
Many chemical mastery are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for shaver and pet ; take upkeep when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually encounter on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey-haired fungus is commonly find on the upper open of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn chicken or browned , loop up , and drop off . New leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often shake off early on .
Prevention and Control : set resistant assortment and blank plants the right way so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always urine from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . hold antimycotic agent according to label directions before trouble becomes knockout and comply directions precisely , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaves , peak , or debris in the capitulation and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are do by kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or black point and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , contaminating garden tools , or even the great unwashed can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : bump off infect leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt level . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , link up to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide of the mark variety of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a respectable feeding site . The adult females then lose their ramification and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell stratum . They come along as bump , often on the lower English of leaves . They have pierce mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth telephone pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are strong to control . Isolate infest plants aside from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden nerve centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their dominance . Encourage lifelike enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is incur on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and halt of the industrial plant . The good manner to control jet-black mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be pass over from leave-taking with a damp cloth or washed off with a hose - ending spray .
