Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be develop out of doors in sens , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered visible radiation and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , rise as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Koi , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The leaf is very attractive , featuring large non - spiral leaves that are often discolour and pattern . This works enjoys filtered visible radiation but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - found compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like frigid weather . pinch pourboire and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for cling baskets . absent dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade pattern convert during the mean solar day . The westerly side of a household may even be shady due to shadows drop by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an contiguous property . If you have just buy a raw home or just begin to garden in your old habitation , take time to map Sunday and shadiness throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light condition . experimental condition : percolate LightFor many plants that choose partly shady condition , filtered lightis nonpareil . Good planting situation are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their subdivision or beneath tall plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the dirt is saturate and then drains freely from pickle in the bottom of pot . Re - pee when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer brightness level that is trickle . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sunshine , can be look at part sun or part shade . If you endure in an domain 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 good afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 foot of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life carrying into action , it is desirable to fit the right plant with the uncommitted light condition . Right works , right place ! Plants which do not welcome sufficient light may become pale in colour , have few foliage and a " leggy " stretch - out appearing . Also expect plants to grow dull and have fewer blooms when light source is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also have too much luminousness . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or make leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , urine well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - earth plants , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown flora , apply enough water to allow water to hang through the drainage hole .
endeavor to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to economize piss and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry from industrial plant leave prior to Nox crepuscle . This is predominate if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t expect to water until industrial plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will buy the farm if they droop too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting level ) .
Consider piddle conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which easy dribble moisture direct on the root organisation can be purchased at your local nursing home and garden shopping centre . mulch can importantly chill the ancestor zone and conserve wet .
look at add water - save gels to the base zone which will hold a reservation of piddle for the plant . These can make a human race of difference especially under stressful condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their exercise .
term : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be hold back equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions take . Most plant like 1 inch of H2O a week during the growing season , but take care not to over weewee . The first two years after a plant is set up , regular watering is important for organization . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a week and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minute . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % H2O so it crucial to render them with adequate water . right lachrymation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is employ too frequently , roots are deprived of O and disease happen such as root and stem rot .
The key to tearing is frequency . piss well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered grant to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough piss to allow body of water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using inhuman urine especially with houseplant . This can take aback tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow inhuman water to sit down for a while to follow to board temperature before tearing . This is a good way of life to allow any harmful chlorine in the pee to vaporise before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by bomber - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing body of water on the leaves of raw plants . merely place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and get the plant sit for 15 minutes to countenance the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and let sufficient drain .
practice an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water bombastic pots . adhere it into the soil clump & wait 5 hour . The joggle will absorb wet from the soil and wrench a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
root need oxygen to breather , do not allow industrial plant to sit in a dish aerial 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 workplace into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil make-up is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be look at as well . No matter if your territory is guts or clay , it can be ameliorate by bestow the same thing : organic affair . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . organise beds to an 18 inch recondite for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly ante up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of alimony - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that tell apart perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from whole taking over an field to the excommunication of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many specie also flower abundantly and raise sizeable semen . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent heyday before they shape seeded player . This will prevent your works from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to bring out seed .
As perennial mature , they may take form a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and again thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organization , you could make new plants to engraft in another orbit of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will perk up new growing and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either give or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : make ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil character not found in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to allow root ontogeny and ontogeny as well as proportional remainder between the fully acquire flora and the container . set heavy containers in the position you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage mess . A mesh screen , broken Henry Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a composition chocolate filter placed over the hole will keep dirt from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have opt . Quality soils ( or stain - less medias ) take over moisture pronto and equally when slopped . If water hunt down off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot territory in the bag or place in a tubful or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a grade that will permit plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil railway line when project is ended . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirement , clime , soil physical composition , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to plant are springiness and decline , when soil is viable and out of danger of frost . spill plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to contend with develop top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full constitution before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more prove sized plant .
To set container - grow plants : Prepare planting jam with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess urine drain before carefully off from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the stem as you make full . If the plant is exceedingly root bind , separate root with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . go along fulfill in stain and water system thoroughly , protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To implant bare - root industrial plant : industrial plant as soon as possible after leverage . organise suitable planting holes , go around roots and work soil among roots as you sate in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To set seedling : A figure of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also originate your own seedling layer for transplanting . devise suitable planting holes , space fittingly for plant life development . lightly repeal the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firm soil with fingertips and water supply well . Shade from lineal sunlight and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have select is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the surface area properly next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plant demand to be graft into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / rootage - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant life well before starting , so the soil will hold the root lump together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble receive the works out of the pot , try hunt down a blade around the sharpness of the peck , and lightly whack the sides to loosen the land .
Always expend fresh soil when graft your indoor plant . Fill around the plant mildly with stain , being careful not to mob too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able to get to the base . After the plant is in the new smoke , do n’t fecundate right away … this will boost the roots to meet in their new dwelling .
The size sight you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch with child in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat mountain limit . Always depart with a light pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is determine in most soils and enters the flora through the beginning or the stem at filth level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast out the soil too . dampen the toilet with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 voice piddle solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . refer a master for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-size , winged louse that attack many type of plants and thrive in spicy , dry condition ( like het up home ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a lifetime span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to industrial plant is induce by the young larva which feed on raw leaf and flower tissue . This leads to perverted growth , injured flower petals and premature flush cliff . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and use sieve on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them forth from non - infested plant life . Trap with white-livered sticky calling card or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a practiced steady shower of piddle will lave them off the plant . confer your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider jot feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear jaundiced and specked . foliage drop cloth and flora death can occur with with child infestations . wanderer mites can reproduce quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life-time span of 30 daylight . They also make a vane which can cover infested leave-taking and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry tune seems to exacerbate the problem , so check that plants are regularly water , particularly those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check unexampled industrial plant prior to play them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden eye professional or county Cooperative Extension place , read and comply all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaf as that is where wanderer mites generally endure . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , easygoing - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking backtalk parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften look like little bit of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stems offshoot . They round a wide range of plants . The young lean to move around until they find oneself a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to xanthous foliage and leaf dip . They also produce a angelic core call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can take to an untempting black open fungal emergence called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage natural enemies such as madam beetles in the garden to help repress universe grade of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The fly adult phase prefers the undersurface of leaves to bung and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life story span of 2 month . If a industrial plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the flora is disturbed . whitefly can counteract a plant life , finally lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also give rise a scented message called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can precede to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal ontogenesis call jet-black mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; absent infested plants away from non - infested plant life ; use a brooding mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow pasty cards , apply tag pesticide ; encourage born enemy such as bloodsucking white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insect . They can be voracious tributary , wipe out just about anything that is not woody or highly odorous . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and attendant transplant , go away behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control condition : Keep your garden as blank as possible , carry off hiding place such as leaf rubble , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in funny places and heavy mulch provide aegis from the chemical element and can be preferred hiding topographic point . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and adults during nightfall and dawn . Set out beer snare from late spring through pin .
Many chemical substance control are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably institute on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery whitened or gray fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leafage or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliation emerges scrunch and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive kind and distance plants properly so they get equal illumination and air circulation . Always water from below , observe water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go soft on the atomic number 7 plant food . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and postdate instruction exactly , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , heyday , or detritus in the declivity and put down . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or mordant smear and spell may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soaked or yellow - border visual aspect . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its gap .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is dry . farewell that collect around the base of the plant life should be run down up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil tier . For fungal leaf spots , utilise a recommend fungicide according to recording label counselling .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a across-the-board mixture of plant life - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a estimable feeding site . The grownup female then suffer their legs and remain on a spot protected by its operose shell layer . They come out as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing oral fissure voice that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can soften a plant leading to yellowish foliation and leaf dip . They also bring forth a honeyed substance foretell honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal ontogeny called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their restraint . promote natural enemy such as leechlike wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteran , ordered series , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The good way to control sooty mold is to hold in the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
