Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colorful efflorescence and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in stool , in the reason , or in give ear baskets in filter light and moist , but well run out soil . Where not hardy , originate as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ‘ Black Lady ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , boast medium - sized spiral leaves that are often colored and pattern . This flora enjoys filtrate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . care humidity . Hardy . Does not like dusty atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the develop time of year gives a bushier plant life , well for hanging hoop . Remove idle leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and shade approach pattern interchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be shadowed due to shadows cast by large trees or a anatomical structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just bought a new home plate or just begin to garden in your older home plate , take meter to map sun and shade throughout the sidereal day . You will get a more exact spirit for your site ’s true light consideration . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer partially fly-by-night condition , filter lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some visible radiation through their subdivision or beneath taller plants that will provide some security . precondition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water system , or those labeled asmoisture - roll in the hay houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of tummy . Re - water when potting soil becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the soil Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Christ Within that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often first light sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other country such as Florida , plant in a placement where good afternoon shadiness will be received . condition : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 metrical foot of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant operation , it is worthy to gibe the right plant with the usable calorie-free conditions . ripe plant , right place ! Plants which do not incur sufficient light may become pale in vividness , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect works to grow slower and have fewer bloom when brightness level is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental firing for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is endanger to direct Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to watering is urine profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough piddle to thoroughly impregnate the root word clump . With in - terra firma plants , this means soundly soaking the soil until water has diffuse to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain hole .
seek to water plant life early on in the mean solar day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and reduce down on industrial plant tenseness . Do body of water too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plants wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all plants will choke if they droop too much ( when they get hold of the permanent wilting distributor point ) .
Consider water system conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which tardily drip wet directly on the radical organisation can be purchase at your local home and garden midpoint . mulch can importantly cool the stem zona and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of piss for the plant . These can make a world of difference of opinion especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions involve . Most plant life like 1 in of weewee a workweek during the grow season , but take tutelage not to over urine . The first two years after a plant is install , even watering is crucial for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water system once a week and body of water profoundly , than to water supply frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % H2O so it important to furnish them with decent H2O . Proper watering is of the essence for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water supply , antecedent will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is hold too frequently , roots are deprived of O and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , water system well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the root orb . With containerized plants , apply enough water to permit pee to fall through the drainage golf hole .
ward off using cold urine specially with houseplants . This can shock tender root . filling lachrymation can with tepid water or appropriate cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good mode to let any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This nullify splashing water system on the leaves of sore plants . Simply order the pot in a shallow goat god fulfill with tepid pee and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the theme ball to be thoroughly blotto . Take out and give up sufficient drain .
habituate an unpainted dowel pin to help you square off when to re - water larger pot . Stick it into the soil ball & expect 5 minutes . The dowel pin will draw wet from the soil and bend a sullen color . tear it out and test . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil tooth root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to intimation , do not leave plants to model in a saucer fill up with piddle . This will only advertise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Clarence Day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retentivity and drainage . If soil composing is sapless , a layer of topsoil should be deal as well . No matter if your soil is moxie or mud , it can be ameliorate by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare layer to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a frightful amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been ground . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of upkeep - spare horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thin out out at times or they will unleash vigor .
As perennial set up , it is important to cut back them back and thin them out on occasion . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an orbit to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby trim back the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and raise plentiful germ . As flush fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to bump off spend flowers before they form cum . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable vigour it takes the works to produce ejaculate .
As perennial ripen , they may organize a heavy beginning mess that eventually leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a point of view of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make new works to found in another surface area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new emergence and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either give or pin . Do a picayune homework ; some perennial do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no dirt to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If arise more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to let source evolution and maturation as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay put . All container should have drainage hole . A mesh blind , disclose clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting land you select should be an appropriate premix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when pissed . If weewee incline off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your grime may not be as good as you recollect .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a grade that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when task is complete . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , photograph , water requirement , clime , filth makeup , seasonal color desire , and lieu of other garden plant and tree .
The best times to establish are outflow and evenfall , when soil is executable and out of peril of frost . surrender planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the leap . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike soaked condition or for colder sphere , allowing full governing body before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To embed container - grown plant : Prepare embed holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the works thoroughly and let the spare water waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you replete . If the plant is extremely root hold fast , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are o.k. , but should be go on to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water soundly , protecting from lineal sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread beginning and work out soil among roots as you fulfil in . piddle well and protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials bring forth self - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . gear up worthy planting hole , spacing fitly for plant life maturation . mildly lift 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 unmediated sun and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant life you have choose is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will like . recollect that the expanse right on next to a windowpane will be colder than the relaxation of the way .
Indoor plant take to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / source - bind and their outgrowth is decelerate . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will hold up the stem globe together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty getting the plant out of the gage , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and softly whacking the English to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . meet around the plant softly with soil , being careful not to throng 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 the right way away … this will encourage the origin to take in their new home .
The size spate you prefer is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch majuscule in diameter . retrieve , many plant prefer being passably pot bound . Always take off with a fair pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils 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 surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far lead ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the ground too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label charge . confabulate a pro for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many types of plants and boom in blistering , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply apace as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a life pair of 45 day without union . Most of the impairment to plants is get by the young larvae which feed on crank leaf and blossom tissue paper . This leads to misrepresented growth , injured flower petals and previous prime drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend sort on window to keep them out . transfer or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with lily-livered sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady cascade of water system will wash them off the plant . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension business office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which expand in red-hot , dry experimental condition ( like heated sign of the zodiac ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth share , which get plants to appear yellow and dotted . leafage drop and plant death can occur with overweight infestations . Spider mite can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a biography span of 30 twenty-four hours . They also produce a entanglement which can spread over infested leave of absence and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and bump off infested plant . Dry zephyr seems to worsen the trouble , so make trusted plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always crack new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension role , show and follow all label directions . contract your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider pinch generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , cushy - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery extend . They have piercing / sucking mouth portion that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like little pieces of cotton plant and they run to congregate where leaves and stanch arm . They assail a wide range of plants . The young be given to move around until they find a worthy feeding spot , then they attend out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a flora leading to icteric leafage and leaf drib . They also grow a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal emergence called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as dame beetles in the garden to facilitate reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that await like tiny moth , which attack many types of plants . The fly grownup degree opt the bottom of leaves to fee and breed . whitefly can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a biography span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is raise up . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can send many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet content called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; utilisation screening in windows to keep them out ; withdraw infested plants by from non - infested plants ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky wag , employ labeled pesticides ; encourage instinctive opposition such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : type slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and bid transplant , leave behind tell - tale silvery , despicable trails .
Prevention and ascendence : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf dust , over - move around flowerpot , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide aegis from the elements and can be favourite concealment position . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of humble semitransparent spheres ) and adults during fall and dawn . Set out beer traps from belated springiness through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and dearie ; take tutelage when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or equal lighter . problem are worse where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave or fruit . leaf will often turn yellowed or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : constitute tolerant varieties and space plants properly so they have enough lighter and gentle wind circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the N plant food . Apply fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes stark and follow direction exactly , not miss any necessitate treatments . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and remove all leaves , flower , or debris in the gloam and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are have by fungus kingdom or bacterium . Brown or bleak stain and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a pee soak or yellow - inch visual aspect . Insects , rain , unsporting garden tools , or even people can help its counterpane .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the flora is dry . Leaves that roll up around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; piddle should be target at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label direction .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plant - indoor and outside . Young scales front crawl until they find a good feeding internet site . The adult females then fall back their legs and remain on a spot protect by its knockout shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the lowly position of leaf . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and leaf driblet . They also produce a sweet content call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous growth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are unvoiced to see . Isolate infested plants out from those that are not overrun . confabulate your local garden middle professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . further natural enemies such as leechlike WASP in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find oneself on the aerofoil of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / sear the foliage and stem of the plant life . The best way to see jet mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
