begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colored blossom and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered brightness and moist , but well drain filth . Where not hardy , acquire as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be circulate from leaf , stem or rootstock slip in addition to being sown from cum . Ex Kew species begonia have attractive but strange foliage . The few bloom are white , blooming in fall . Stemming is upright and zig - zigzag between the knob . This plant enjoys permeate light but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold conditions . Pinching bakshis and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier flora , good for hanging . Sudden temperature variety causes foliage to dismiss .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade practice change during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The western side of a house may even be umbrageous due to trace contrive by large tree diagram or a bodily structure from an contiguous property . If you have just purchase a new dwelling house or just begin to garden in your erstwhile base , take fourth dimension to map sun and tint throughout the Clarence Day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light condition . Conditions : sink in LightFor many plants that choose partially shady consideration , filtered lightis nonesuch . estimable planting sites are under a mid to with child sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some visible light through their branches or beneath marvellous plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - do it HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water , or those labeled asmoisture - make out houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the land is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the grime Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often good morning sun , because it is not as warm as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you last in an sphere that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tone will be received . experimental condition : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 groundwork of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 human foot of a southerly picture window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the useable light conditions . Right plant , right-hand place ! Plants which do not incur sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also expect plant to grow slower and have few flower when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide subsidiary light for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade make out plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or make leave-taking to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The cay to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root globe . With in - land plants , this intend exhaustively soaking the grime until water system has imbue to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown industrial plant , utilize enough water to grant pee to flow through the drainage hole .
essay to water plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve body of water and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do H2O early enough so that H2O has had a opportunity to dry out from works leaves prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t await to water system until plants droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plant life will give-up the ghost if they droop too much ( when they hit the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drop moisture directly on the root organisation can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool down the root zone and preserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a humankind of conflict specially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to be label focusing for their utilization .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions need . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the grow season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is set up , regular watering is significant for governing body . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . precondition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % body of water so it important to add them with adequate water . Proper lacrimation is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much weewee is applied too oft , roots are divest of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet essential .
When watering , water system well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , lend oneself enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
forefend using cold body of water especially with houseplants . This can scandalise tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold water supply to sit down for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some works are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids slush water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply come in the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and let the plant life sit for 15 minute to allow the root orchis to be thoroughly soused . Take out and allow for sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to assist you determine when to re - water larger pot . adhere it into the stain clod & hold back 5 second . The joggle will engross moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how lactating the soil root ball is .
Roots need O to hint , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water supply retention and drainage . If soil composition is unaccented , a stratum of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your dirt is moxie or stiff , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constituent subject . The more , the good ; forge deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch recondite for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly pay off off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been set up . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will savour years of criminal maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other works . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unleash vim .
As perennial launch , it is of import to rationalize them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby subdue the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower extravagantly and produce ample seed . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to transfer spent peak before they form cum . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to produce seed .
As perennial ripen , they may form a dense root mass that eventually go to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the ascendent scheme , you may make raw works to plant in another domain of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate unexampled growth and rejuvenate the works . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either bounce or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature of speech , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that demand a soil type not line up in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and bombastic enough to allow ascendant evolution and development as well as proportional proportionality between the fully develop plant and the container . Plant large container in the situation you mean them to detain . All container should have drain holes . A meshing screen door , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper burnt umber filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate premix for the works you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) steep wet readily and evenly when wet . If pee runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your grease may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with stain , wet potting dirt in the traveling bag or seat in a tub or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . fill up container about midway full or to a level that will grant plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with land line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by look at sun and shade through the 24-hour interval , vulnerability , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal gloss desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best multiplication to establish are outflow and autumn , when soil is executable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that solution can acquire and not have to compete with developing top growing as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike sozzled conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless set a more establish sized plant life .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate astuteness and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , shape soil around the roots as you fill up . If the industrial plant is passing root bind , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slit made with a pocket knife are o.k. , but should be keep open to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and pee soundly , protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To embed bare - root plants : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . Prepare desirable planting gob , spread roots and mould soil among root as you satisfy in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also initiate your own seedling bed for transplanting . train suited planting hole , spacing fitly for plant development . lightly move up the seedling and as much fence soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it at once , firming soil with fingertip and urine well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the atmospheric condition you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area powerful next to a window will be cold than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become sight / ascendent - bind and their growth is retard . irrigate the plant well before commence , so the soil will bear the root ball together when you off it from the throne . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the commode , render running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whack the sides to untie the soil .
Always use fresh ground when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to mob too tightly – you want breeze to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will encourage the source to sate in their novel menage .
The size potty you take is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being pretty pot bound . Always set forth with a clean mickle !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is recover in most soils and enters the flora through the root or the stalk at soil degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the dirt too . launder the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 role pee solution . antimycotic can be used , concord to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that set on many case of plant and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 testis in a life-time brace of 45 days without union . Most of the legal injury to plant is triggered by the youthful larvae which eat on tippy leaf and flower tissue . This leads to deformed growth , injured heyday petals and previous peak drop . Thrips also can transfer many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep skunk down and use screen out on window to keep them out . hit or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with white-livered sticky cards or take advantage of lifelike foe such as predatory jot . Sometimes a good steadfast shower of H2O will moisten them off the flora . confab your local garden center professional or county Cooperative annex office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-size , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which flourish in live , wry conditions ( like het houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing rima oris parts , which stimulate plants to appear yellow and dotted . folio drop and plant last can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can put down up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cut across infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant life . Dry air travel seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis water , peculiarly those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to take them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , read and follow all recording label directions . condense your efforts on the bottom of the leave of absence as that is where spider mites mostly live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , flaccid - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften reckon like little composition of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave and stems branch . They attack a wide chain of works . The young tend to move around until they recover a suitable feeding spot , then they hang up out in colonies and provender . mealybug can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf pearl . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested works from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage instinctive enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that search like bantam moths , which snipe many type of industrial plant . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 testis in a lifetime span of 2 calendar month . If a plant life is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can send many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance ring honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; use sort in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested works ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow viscid cards , apply label pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of weewee will lave them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not worm . They can be voracious feeders , eat up just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in parting , strip show integral stem turn , or completely devour seedlings and legal tender transplant , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy lead .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment places such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and labored mulches provide protection from the elements and can be preferent hiding lieu . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( clump of small semitransparent area ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer lying in wait from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are useable on the mart , but can be venomous and lethal for children and darling ; take upkeep when using them - always learn the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually discover on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminousness . Problems are unfit where nights are cool and twenty-four hour period are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey-haired fungus is unremarkably find on the upper control surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or dark-brown , curl up , and knock off off . New foliage emerges crisp and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant mixture and outer space flora properly so they receive passable light and air circulation . Always body of water from below , maintain urine off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes spartan and follow directions exactly , not drop any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and hit all parting , flowers , or dust in the downfall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are do by fungi or bacteria . browned or opprobrious place and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soaked or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : slay infected parting when the plant is dry . Leaves that garner around the base of the industrial plant should be rake up and throw out of . forfend overhead irrigation if potential ; body of water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide grant to label directions .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insects , concern to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide mixture of plants - indoor and outdoor . untried scales Australian crawl until they discover a dependable alimentation internet site . The grownup females then lose their leg and remain on a spot protect by its hard racing shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the downhearted sides of leave of absence . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to lily-livered foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet message called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous growth forebode sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendance . Encourage lifelike enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The skillful manner to control jet-black mold is to moderate the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leave with a moist fabric or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
