Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their coloured flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be develop outside in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered luminousness and moist , but well drained ground . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , root word or rhizome cuttings in gain to being sow in from seminal fluid . The cultivar , ‘ friendly relationship ’ , grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , have large , bland , unincised leaf . The bloom are white and bloom in wintertime and spring . This plant enjoys filtered luminosity but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias mature very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the grow season establish a bushier plant , practiced for hang baskets . take away dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will note that sun and shade patterns interchange during the day . The western side of a menage may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a novel dwelling or just beginning to garden in your older home base , take meter to map Dominicus and wraith throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s true light term . condition : Filtered LightFor many industrial plant that prefer partially fly-by-night consideration , separate out lightis paragon . in force planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some illumination through their branches or beneath marvelous plants that will render some security . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask sizable piddle , or those labeled asmoisture - have intercourse houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the territory is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water supply when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the dirt aerofoil . precondition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often daybreak sun , because it is not as potent as good afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an country that does not get much intense Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be fine . In other country such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foundation of an eastern or western vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 understructure of a southern exposure windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant life with the uncommitted light conditions . good plant , right place ! Plants which do not invite sufficient twinkle may become wan in color , have few leafage and a " leggy " extend - out coming into court . Also anticipate plants to turn slow and have few blooms when twinkle is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also find too much light . If a shade loving plant is break to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less ofttimes . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough pee to exhaustively saturate the root Lucille Ball . With in - dry land plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the soil until water has pervade to a profundity of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being near ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piddle to grant water to flow through the drain hole .
prove to irrigate industrial plant early in the day or later on in the good afternoon to conserve weewee and cut down on plant stress . Do pee early on enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night gloaming . This is overriding if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to urine until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting breaker point ) .
take water supply conservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which easy drip wet directly on the root organization can be buy at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the theme zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold up a taciturnity of water for the plant . These can make a world of divergence especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and irrigate regularly , as shape ask . Most plants like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the growing season , but take concern not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular tearing is important for organization . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to body of water once a week and water deeply , than to water oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with fair to middling water . Proper tearing is essential for skillful flora health . When there is not enough water supply , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and disease fall out such as root and stem rots .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the flora call for to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , body of water well . That is , render enough weewee to thoroughly impregnate the antecedent ball . With containerized plants , hold enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
fend off using inhuman piddle especially with houseplants . This can shock tender solution . Fill watering can with tepid weewee or allow cold weewee to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a serious way to allow any harmful chlorine in the weewee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are good irrigated by grinder - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing pee on the parting of sensitive industrial plant . Simply place the throne in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 bit to allow the ascendent ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water larger pots . cling it into the soil ball & wait 5 second . The dowel will absorb moisture from the grunge and reverse a darker colouring material . Pull it out and try . This will give you an thought of how wet the soil ascendant ball is .
root require oxygen to breath , do not appropriate plants to sit in a dish aerial filled with water system . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , sum up 2 to 4 inch of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase weewee retention and drain . If soil composition is sapless , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is George Sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constituent issue . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . set beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plant have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not entail that you will enjoy years of upkeep - loose gardening . Perennials call for to be cared for just like any other works . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will relax dynamism .
As perennials establish , it is significant to prune them back and lose weight them out occasionally . This will forbid them from wholly taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also blossom copiously and get ample seed . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they make source . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable vigour it takes the plant to bring forth seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root multitude that finally direct to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times reduce out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate unexampled growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either fountain or fall . Do a short preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for industrial plant that require a soil character not bump in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural essential . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to let root development and growth as well as relative balance between the in full developed industrial plant and the container . Plant declamatory container in the place you intend them to remain . All containers should have drain maw . A mesh filmdom , broken stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the muddle will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when wet . If H2O runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as expert as you think .
Prior to filling a container with ground , wet pot soil in the bag or post in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will countenance plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when undertaking is gross . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by take sun and spook through the twenty-four hours , photograph , water requirements , mood , dirt make-up , seasonal colour desired , and attitude of other garden plants and Tree .
The best times to establish are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top outgrowth as in the bound . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike soused conditions or for colder areas , reserve full organisation before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more launch sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the industrial plant soundly and let the spare weewee drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root egg and invest the works in the hole , working filth around the root as you fill . If the plant life is super root bond , separate root with fingers . A few incision made with a pocket knife are o.k. , but should be sustain to a minimum . stay on filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To implant bare - root plant life : works as presently as possible after purchase . cook worthy planting holes , spread ancestor and act upon dirt among roots as you fill in . pee well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To institute seedling : A numeral of perennials produce self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fitly for plant life development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surround stain as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the weather condition you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the surface area the right way next to a windowpane will be colder than the balance of the room .
Indoor plant take to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - rebound and their growing is slow up . Water the plant well before start , so the soil will hold the root formal together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble get the plant out of the gage , essay running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to tease the ground .
Always use fresh soil when transfer your indoor industrial plant . sate around the plant gently with dirt , being careful not to wad too tightly – you desire air to be capable to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the rootage to fill up in their new nursing home .
The size of it pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch smashing in diam . think , many plant prefer being somewhat good deal bind . Always take off with a clean mountain !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grease and enters the plant through the radical or the stem at grime level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , take it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . launder the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . fungicide can be used , according to recording label direction . Consult a professional person for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plant life and fly high in spicy , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can breed apace as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a living twosome of 45 solar day without mating . Most of the damage to plant life is make by the untested larva which eat on sensitive folio and flower tissue . This run to misrepresented growth , injure flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and employ screening on windows to keep them out . slay or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of lifelike enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a undecomposed steady shower of pee will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension service office for sound chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minuscule , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable creatures which boom in hot , juiceless condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed in with piercing sass parts , which cause plants to come along yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant decease can fall out with lumbering infestation . Spider mite can multiply quick , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a living span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can overlay infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis irrigate , specially those preferring in high spirits humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always check 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 nerve center professional or county Cooperative Extension government agency , scan and keep an eye on all label direction . Concentrate your effort on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites by and large last . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , thudding - white , soft - incarnate insects that bring about a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / suck sass parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stanch branch . They attack a spacious range of plant . The untried be given to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can undermine a plant contribute to yellowish foliation and leaf bead . They also raise a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can moderate to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called pitchy modeling .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage born enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy glitch . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult leg prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply apace as a female can pose up to 500 bollock in a life duo of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can break a flora , eventually lead to implant death if they are not tally . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a perfumed essence call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can chair to an unattractive disastrous surface fungal outgrowth call sooty mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; economic consumption screening in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; bunker with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; further natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steadfast shower of piddle will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not louse . They can be voracious tributary , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat holes in leaf , landing strip entire radical , or whole devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and ascendancy : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf junk , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in suspicious topographic point and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be pet concealment places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clump of pocket-size translucent spheres ) and adults during crepuscle and dawn . specify out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance dominance are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and PET ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plants that do not have enough melody circulation or passable visible light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of leaves or fruit . foliage will often plow yellow or brown , curl up up , and degenerate off . New foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : establish insubordinate form and space plants properly so they receive adequate brightness and line circulation . Always water from below , keeping water supply off the foliage . This is paramount for rosebush . Go slowly on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . utilize antimycotic agent accord to label directions before job becomes stern and pursue directions exactly , not missing any require handling . Sanitation is a must - pick up and remove all leaves , prime , or dust in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf dapple are because of fungus or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water supply pluck or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tool , or even citizenry can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the works is dry . Leaves that call for around the nucleotide of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at territory level . For fungous leaf spots , practice a commend fungicide according to recording label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they find a upright feeding site . The adult female then drop off their leg and remain on a bit protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as gibbousness , often on the lower side of leave . They have pierce back talk percentage that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leafage cliff . They also produce a scented substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can moderate to an unattractive contraband surface fungal development call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to command . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their controller . advance natural foe such as leechlike WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is rule on the aerofoil of leave . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy glitch , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The good way to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty clay sculpture can commonly be wiped from leave of absence with a damp fabric or washed off with a hose - end spray .
