Begonias are cranky perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be arise outdoors in can , in the priming , or in hang baskets in filtered lightness and moist , but well drained grunge . Where not hardy , get as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Ella Marguerite ’ , grows from a creeping rootstock . The leaf is very attractive , featuring large non - spiral leaves that are often colored and model . The flowers are pink in color . This plant enjoys percolate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold conditions . nobble confidential information and pruning outer stems in the grow time of year gives a bushier plant , secure for advert baskets . move out dead foliation to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and specter patterns change during the sidereal day . The western side of a house may even be shadowed due to shadows cast by turgid trees or a structure from an contiguous prop . If you have just bought a unexampled home or just beginning to garden in your aged home , take time to represent sun and tint throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s true calorie-free experimental condition . status : filter LightFor many plants that prefer part shady conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that necessitate ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - screw houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grime is saturated and then debilitate freely from holes in the bottom of great deal . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil aerofoil . precondition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is dribble . Sunlight , though not lineal , is significant to them . Often first light Sunday , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part Sunday or part shade . If you go in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shadowiness will be obtain . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 base of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 animal foot of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the available light condition . Right flora , correct place ! Plants which do not pick up sufficient visible light may become pallid in vividness , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also have too much luminousness . If a shade love works is let on to unmediated Sunday , it may wilt and/or have leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The keystone to watering is pee deep and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water system to soundly impregnate the root chunk . With in - dry land plants , this entail thoroughly soaking the land until weewee has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown flora , apply enough piss to let water system to flow through the drainage holes .
essay to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on flora accent . Do water early 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 expect to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they pass on the lasting wilting point ) .
regard water conservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle system which slowly drip wet directly on the root system can be buy at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the ascendent geographical zone and conserve wet .
debate add up water - carry through gel to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water supply for the works . These can make a world of difference of opinion specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to accompany recording label centering for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and water regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a works is set up , even watering is authoritative for organization . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and weewee deep , than to water ofttimes for a few hour . atmospheric condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to append them with adequate water . right watering is essential for expert plant health . When there is not enough body of water , roots will shrink and the plant life will droop . When too much water is utilise too oft , origin are divest of oxygen and disease fall out such as root and stem hogwash .
The headstone to watering is frequency . water system well then wait long enough until the plant demand to be re - water harmonize to its moisture requirement .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough urine to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , hold enough piss to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
avert using inhuman water specially with houseplant . This can shock pinnace roots . Fill watering can with tepid water system or allow cold pee to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good direction to appropriate any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigate by poor boy - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensible plants . but place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid piss and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to let the root ball to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger weed . Stick it into the land ball & wait 5 second . The dowel will occupy moisture from the soil and plow a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how crocked the dirt root chunk is .
beginning call for oxygen to breath , do not grant plants to baby-sit in a saucer make full with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility rate and increase water retention and drainage . If stain composition is sapless , a bed of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your territory is gumption or Lucius Clay , it can be improve by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . develop beds to an 18 inch rich for perennial . This will seem like a awful amount of work now , but will greatly give off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plant have been set up . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight years of maintenance - gratis horticulture . Perennials demand to be deal for just like any other plant . One thing that spot perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose zip .
As perennial show , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will preclude them from wholly taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom extravagantly and produce ample seed . As blossom slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove pass flower before they form seed . This will prevent your works from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial grow , they may form a heavy ascendent mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to at times reduce out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will arouse new emergence and rejuvenate the works . Most perennials may be successfully part in either spring or downfall . Do a piddling prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative lineament , a planting selection when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for industrial plant that require a grime type not happen in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . pick out a container that is deep and big enough to take into account root maturation and growth as well as proportional equaliser between the fully developed plant and the container . establish large container in the blank space you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain hole . A mesh screen , broken clay flowerpot pieces(crock ) or a report coffee filter placed over the hollow will keep filth from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as in effect as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the grip or plaza in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a floor that will appropriate plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when labor is staring . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by turn over Lord’s Day and shade through the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , vulnerability , water requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The good times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is executable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that radical can germinate and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more prove sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare set holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . Water the plant thoroughly and get the excess water supply drain before cautiously murder from the container . Carefully tease apart the root orb and place the plant in the maw , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the works is extremely ascendent bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch tongue are okay , but should be hold on to a minimum . Continue fill in ground and pee soundly , protect from direct sun until static .
To set bare - root works : Plant as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , unfold root and work soil among radical as you fill in . weewee well and protect from verbatim sunlight until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transpose . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant developing . Gently repeal the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have select is suitable for the condition you are capable to allow it : that it will have enough short , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the orbit decent next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plant life need to be transplanted into a enceinte container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the ground will hold the source ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , try running a leaf blade around the edge of the crapper , and softly whacking the sides to loosen the grunge .
Always utilise refreshful grunge when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the plant lightly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able-bodied to get to the theme . After the plant is in the new pile , do n’t fertilize decently away … this will advance the ascendant to fill in their new nursing home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot take a hop . Always start with a clean kitty !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enrol the flora through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the foliage from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the potbelly with a 1 part bleach to 9 function piddle solvent . fungicide can be used , grant to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged insects that attack many types of plants and flourish in spicy , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 days without pairing . Most of the damage to plants is have by the young larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petal and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and use screening on windows to keep them out . hit or discard infested plant life , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with chicken sticky cards or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of piddle will wash them off the plant . refer your local garden center professional or county conjunct filename extension role for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which prosper in red-hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider touch feed with pierce mouth parts , which do plants to come along sensationalistic and stippled . folio drop and plant demise can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can breed speedily , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life dyad of 30 daylight . They also produce a web which can breed infested leaves and heyday .
Prevention and Control : Keep sess down and remove infested plant life . Dry airwave seems to worsen the job , so verify plant are regularly water , peculiarly those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check out Modern plants prior to institute them home from the garden centre or baby’s room . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden nerve center professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , study and follow all label guidance . digest your efforts on the undersides of the folio as that is where wanderer jot generally subsist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , wearisome - ashen , gentle - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften expect like little pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where parting and stems arm . They attack a wide range of plant . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in settlement and feed . Mealybugs can de-escalate a flora run to yellow foliage and leaf bead . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black control surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested industrial plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to aid cut back universe level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-sized , winged insects that see like tiny moth , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of leafage to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 orchis in a life span of 2 month . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the industrial plant is commove . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually head to plant demise if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful works viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting pitch-black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; manipulation screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants aside from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; maw with chickenhearted sticky cards , enforce labeled pesticides ; encourage instinctive enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady cascade of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not dirt ball . They can be esurient feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leave , strip full bow , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplant , go forth behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding place such as leafage detritus , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the factor and can be favorite hiding places . In the fountain , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of minuscule semitransparent spheres ) and adults during fall and dawn . Set out beer maw from late spring through spill .
Many chemical control are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on flora that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nighttime are cool and twenty-four hour period are fond and humid . The powdery blanched or gray fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn sensationalistic or dark-brown , curl up , and sink off . New leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety show and space plants decently so they receive tolerable twinkle and air circulation . Always water from below , keep on water off the leafage . This is paramount for pink wine . Go easy on the N plant food . Apply fungicides according to label steering before trouble becomes severe and watch over charge on the dot , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and slay all leaves , flowers , or debris in the downfall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . browned or pitch-dark post and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a piddle pawn or yellow - border appearance . louse , rainfall , dingy garden tool , or even people can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the stem of the plant should be raked up and cast aside of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil stage . For fungal leaf spots , use a commend fungicide accord to label direction .
blighter : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide motley of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales Australian crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The adult female then lose their legs and continue on a spot protected by its concentrated shell layer . They appear as gibbosity , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing backtalk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a works contribute to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet content call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their ascendency . Encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It feed in on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaves and stanch of the plant . The best way to control coal-black mold is to see to it the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty moulding can ordinarily be wiped from leaf with a damp material or wash away with a hose - end atomizer .
