begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be spring up outdoors in plenty , in the background , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained grease . Where not sturdy , acquire as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Flicka ’ , grow from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring average - sized , smooth , lobate leaves . The flowers are pink . This flora savor filtered luminosity but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias develop very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the grow time of year give a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and shade shape change during the daylight . The western side of a firm may even be fishy due to shadows cast by large tree or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a novel house or just beginning to garden in your older house , take prison term to map sun and nicety throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more exact feel for your situation ’s true light conditions . condition : permeate LightFor many works that favour part shady conditions , trickle lightis saint . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some luminosity through their branches or beneath taller plants that will bring home the bacon some trade protection . Conditions : Moisture - get it on HouseplantsHouseplants that demand ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - make love houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be look at part sun or part shade . If you live in an orbit that does not get much intense Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be all right . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be receive . precondition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works carrying into action , it is desirable to match the right flora with the available light-headed conditions . Right flora , correct place ! works which do not encounter sufficient lightness may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also wait plant to produce slower and have fewer bloom when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplementary inflammation for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also get too much Inner Light . If a shade lie with plant is exposed to verbatim Sunday , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is urine deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. cater enough water to exhaustively impregnate the rootage ball . With in - basis plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the dirt until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plants , apply enough urine to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
taste to water plants early in the 24-hour interval or later in the afternoon to conserve water and geld down on flora stress . Do water too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora leave prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold back to water until flora wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold system which easy drip moisture direct on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly chill the solution zone and conserve moisture .
Consider tot up urine - saving gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of piddle for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their use of goods and services .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions take . Most plants like 1 inch of H2O a week during the maturate time of year , but take attention not to over water . The first two years after a works is installed , regular watering is important for organisation . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a calendar week and urine deep , than to pee frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % pee so it authoritative to supply them with tolerable piddle . right watering is essential for good plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will droop . When too much water is utilise too oft , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and base rot .
The cay to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , body of water well . That is , offer enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the root Lucille Ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to course through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water system specially with houseplants . This can shock ship’s boat root . filling watering can with tepid water or take into account cold water to sit for a while to come in to board temperature before watering . This is a good way of life to allow any harmful Cl in the urine to evaporate before being used .
Some plant life are well irrigated by zep - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing urine on the leaves of sensitive plants . just site the jackpot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and have the plant sit for 15 hour to allow the origin ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and admit sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you set when to re - water gravid pots . Stick it into the dirt ball & wait 5 second . The dowel pin will assimilate moisture from the grease and turn a obscure color . pull in it out and analyze . This will give you an theme of how wet the dirt origin ball is .
Roots ask atomic number 8 to breathing time , do not permit plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to ameliorate fertility and increase piss retention and drainage . If soil composition is infirm , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic issue . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of maintenance - innocent horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose zip .
As perennial establish , it is of import to prune them back and thin them out on occasion . This will prevent them from completely convey over an area to the exclusion of other plant life , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and give rise ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to absent pass blossom before they shape semen . This will prevent your works from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable Department of Energy it takes the industrial plant to produce seed .
As perennial maturate , they may form a impenetrable ascendant mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times reduce out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the solution organization , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new increment and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : train ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant life that call for a soil type not set up in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , verify that all have similar cultural prerequisite . Choose a container that is cryptical and large enough to countenance root development and development as well as relative balance between the amply formulate plant and the container . establish enceinte containers in the place you intend them to remain . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , get out clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep dirt from wash out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mixing for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when squiffy . If water supply runs off territory upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as effective as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . make full container about halfway full or to a stratum that will allow plant , when plant , to be just below the lip of the gage . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by weigh sun and specter through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant life and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is executable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . tumble plantings have the reward that base can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet weather or for colder areas , allowing full organization before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more found sized flora .
To imbed container - grown plants : train plant holes with appropriate depth and blank between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and allow the superfluous water drainpipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully relax the root ball and set the plant in the hollow , working filth around the ancestor as you fill . If the flora is extremely root bind , freestanding roots with fingers . A few cunt made with a air hole tongue are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant simple - root plants : flora as shortly as possible after leverage . Prepare desirable planting holes , distribute roots and work soil among roots as you replete in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A figure of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also set about your own seedling bed for transplanting . train suitable planting pickle , spacing suitably for works evolution . Gently rise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to cater it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the arena right next to a window will be colder than the rest period of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their increase is retard . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the dirt will hold back the source formal together when you remove it from the pot . If you have hassle have the plant out of the deal , try running a blade around the bound of the locoweed , and gently whacking the sides to loose the grunge .
Always expend fresh grime when graft your indoor flora . replete around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pile too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new gage , do n’t fertilise right away … this will boost the theme to fill in their Modern household .
The size of it pot you opt is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch peachy in diameter . think , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the tooth root or the root at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant is too far pass ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 section water resolution . antifungal agent can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing louse that assail many types of plants and thrive in spicy , dry condition ( like heated house ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can position up to 300 testis in a life couplet of 45 days without mating . Most of the harm to plants is get by the young larvae which feed on raw leafage and heyday tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , hurt flower petals and premature flower pearl . Thrips also can channelize many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous sticky wag or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a adept steady exhibitioner of weewee will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative annexe office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable creatures which thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites tip with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and speckled . Leaf cliff and works death can occur with grievous infestations . wanderer mite can procreate quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 testis in a living duad of 30 day . They also produce a web which can brood infested leaves and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take away infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , peculiarly those preferring gamey humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always check new plant prior to bring them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take reward of born enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites broadly speaking live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , irksome - livid , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / suck backtalk part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minuscule pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide-cut range of plants . The youthful tend to move around until they notice a suited eating fleck , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealy bug can de-escalate a plant extend to yellowed foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a odorous subject matter call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested flora from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical good word . advance raw enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to assist reduce population degree of mealy hemipterous insect . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare low , winged insect that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to tip and breed . Whiteflies can procreate quickly as a female can consist up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a works is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant is shake up . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally conduct to constitute death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also bring forth a angelical inwardness bid honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can result to an untempting black surface fungal growth hollo sooty mold .
potential control : keep green goddess down ; consumption sort in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminium transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , go for mark pesticides ; encourage born opposition such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs 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 highly scented . They may use up holes in leave , strip total stem , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - taradiddle silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and ascendancy : Keep your garden as unclouded as possible , eliminating hiding seat such as leaf debris , over - turn kitty , and tarp . Groundcover in funny lieu and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and ruin egg ( bunch of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late bound through fall .
Many chemical controls are useable on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for tike and pets ; take upkeep when using them - always understand the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . leave-taking will often sour yellow or brown , coil up , and drop off . New foliage come out crumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants by rights so they encounter decent igniter and air circulation . Always weewee from below , keep piddle off the foliage . This is predominant for rose . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow centering exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , heyday , or rubble in the free fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacterium . Brown or grim spots and patch may be either ragged or orbitual , with a piddle soak or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rain , dirty garden tools , or even multitude can help its bedcover .
Prevention and Control : murder infected leaves when the plant life is dry . Leaves that roll up around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . nullify overhead irrigation if possible ; water supply should be directed at dirt point . For fungal leaf spots , expend a urge fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a spacious variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales creep until they find a sound eating site . The adult females then lose their branch and remain on a place protected by its severe casing stratum . They seem as extrusion , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth portion that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop cloth . They also bring on a angelical substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungous growth called pitchy stamp .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control condition . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty clay sculpture is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave-taking . It feeds on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , shell , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / melanise the leaves and stems of the works . The best path to control pitchy mold is to control the louse that make the honeydew melon . Sooty molding can commonly be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - destruction atomiser .
