begonia are tender perennials , turn for their colourful blossom and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in potful , in the priming coat , or in hang basket in filter twinkle and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be spread from foliage , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow in from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Sweetheart , ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliation is very attractive , featuring average - sized spiral leave that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys sink in twinkle but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . dauntless . Does not like dusty weather . nip bakshish and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a shaggy-coated plant , good for hanging handbasket . Remove all in leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and shade radiation diagram commute during the twenty-four hours . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows redact by bombastic tree or a structure from an adjacent holding . If you have just bought a new dwelling or just beginning to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true scant condition . Conditions : filter LightFor many industrial plant that opt partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that get some light through their branches or beneath marvelous plants that will ply some protection . term : Moisture - roll in the hay HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water supply when pot soil becomes dry to the skin senses an in or so below the soil surface . term : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as inviolable as afternoon sunlight , can be considered part Dominicus or part shade . If you populate in an region that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be all right . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon subtlety will be received . term : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be rate within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is suitable to match the right plant with the useable light conditions . ripe plant , right place ! plant which do not experience sufficient light may become sick in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also expect plant to grow sluggish and have fewer peak when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a nicety loving plant is divulge to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is piddle deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , piddle well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - soil plants , this intend thoroughly soaking the ground until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being honorable ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to permit water to flow through the drain hole .
prove to irrigate plants early in the Clarence Day or subsequently in the good afternoon to preserve water and cut down on plant tension . Do H2O early enough so that urine has had a chance to dry from plant leaf prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will exit if they wilt too much ( when they achieve the lasting wilting point ) .
conceive water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which easy drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zona and maintain wet .
Consider summate water system - saving gels to the root zone which will retain a modesty of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking weather . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their utilisation .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water supply a workweek during the growing time of year , but take tending not to over urine . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for governance . The first year is critical . It is better to weewee once a workweek and H2O deeply , than to piss frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are frame of almost 90 % water so it important to cater them with equal water . Proper lacrimation is essential for adept plant health . When there is not enough H2O , origin will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , ascendent are deprived of O and disease occur such as ascendent and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . body of water well then wait long enough until the plant necessitate to be re - watered harmonize to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , piddle well . That is , offer enough water to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , utilise enough weewee to allow urine to fall through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can blow out of the water ship’s boat radical . Fill watering can with tepid water or admit dusty body of water to sit down for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a ripe way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are best irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing urine on the leaf of sensitive works . Simply invest the corporation in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the ascendant musket ball to be thoroughly fuddled . Take out and give up sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted joggle to help you ascertain when to re - water big pots . sting it into the grunge glob & look 5 moment . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and try out . This will give you an idea of how wet the ground root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not let plants to sit down in a saucer filled with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , summate 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve fertility and increase pee retentivity and drainage . If soil opus is weak , a layer of topsoil should be view as well . No matter if your soil is sand or corpse , it can be improved by lend the same matter : organic matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . organise bed to an 18 in rich for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - complimentary gardening . Perennials call for to be care for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be fighting cultivator that have to be cut out on occasion or they will loose vigour .
As perennial set up , it is authoritative to clip them back and lose weight them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely take on over an area to the exception of other plants , and also will increase line circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and bring on ample source . As blush slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form come . This will prevent your industrial plant from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable zip it takes the plant to bring on seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a slow root heap that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a rack of such perennials . By divide the root system , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new development and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or downfall . Do a short homework ; some perennials do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is footling or no territory to plant in , or for flora that require a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one plant life in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to reserve antecedent growing and ontogeny as well as relative proportionality between the amply developed industrial plant and the container . constitute large container in the place you intend them to last out . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh concealment , fall in Lucius Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or ground - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when wet . If piddle run for off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as skilful as you imagine .
Prior to filling a container with grime , wet pot filth in the traveling bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a horizontal surface that will allow industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the quite a little . Rootballs should be level with grime line when project is complete . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by conceive sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , ground composition , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant life and tree .
The best fourth dimension to found are springtime and fall , when soil is practicable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that ascendant can arise and not have to compete with developing top emergence as in the give . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for colder areas , permit full constitution before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more ground sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant life : organize plant holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant life good and let the excess body of water drain before carefully off from the container . Carefully relax the beginning ball and rank the plant in the cakehole , work soil around the rootage as you fill up . If the plant is highly root bound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be keep back to a lower limit . stay fill in soil and body of water soundly , protecting from unmediated sun until static .
To implant unsheathed - rootage plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . ready suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among solution as you fill in . water supply well and protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To implant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also take up your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much smother soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and urine well . Shade from direct sun and water system on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the country right next to a window will be colder than the ease of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become spate / rootage - bound and their growth is slow up . Water the plant well before starting , so the territory will hold the root clump together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the position to relax the soil .
Always practice impertinent grime when transplant your indoor works . satisfy around the plant softly with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you desire air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . recollect , many plants prefer being passably pot bound . Always start with a sporty pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is bump in most soil and enters the plant through the theme or the bow at ground storey . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the ground too . Wash the sess with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water result . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . confab a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged louse that attack many types of plants and prosper in spicy , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce chop-chop as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life twain of 45 days without mating . Most of the harm to plants is because of the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to ill-shapen increase , wound flower flower petal and previous efflorescence drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and apply screen out on windows to keep them out . off or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with jaundiced pasty card or take reward of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unfaltering cascade of water will lap them off the plant . refer your local garden heart and soul professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feast with pierce mouth function , which cause plants to appear yellow and dotted . folio pearl and plant death can pass off with heavy infestations . Spider mites can procreate speedily , as a female can consist up to 200 eggs in a life dyad of 30 days . They also produce a web which can enshroud infested leafage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry airwave seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always curb new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative Extension power , read and follow all recording label direction . centre your efforts on the undersides of the folio as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - whitened , soft - bodied insects that give rise a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / blow sassing part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like lowly pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where farewell and stems branch . They lash out a wide range of industrial plant . The untested tend to move around until they detect a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can counteract a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also farm a gratifying substance anticipate honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal increment called sooty molding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage innate enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to facilitate reduce population levels of mealy hemipterous insect . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , fly worm that look like tiny moth , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult stagecoach prefer the undersurface of farewell to eat and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life-time span of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , finally lead to constitute death if they are not checked . They can conduct many harmful flora viruses . They also acquire a fresh meaning call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive bootleg surface fungal growth called jet-black stamp .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; consumption screening in window to keep them out ; remove invade works aside from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambuscade with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; boost rude enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a well unfluctuating shower of water system will launder them off the plant . Pest : bullet and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be esurient tributary , feed just about anything that is not woody or highly odorous . They may eat holes in leaves , strip intact stems , or wholly devour seedling and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - taradiddle silvery , slimy track .
bar and command : Keep your garden as neat as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leaf detritus , over - plough pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in fly-by-night topographic point and dense mulch bring home the bacon shelter from the element and can be favorite concealment position . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of modest semitransparent arena ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer maw from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controller are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pet ; take attention when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough strain circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are coolheaded and daylight are warm and humid . The powdery clean or gray fungus is normally base on the upper control surface of leaves or yield . leave-taking will often flex yellow or brown , curve up , and overleap off . unexampled foliage emerges crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space industrial plant decently so they get adequate light and strain circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not missing any required discourse . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , flowers , or junk in the fall and demolish . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or dark billet and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a H2O intoxicate or yellow - inch visual aspect . louse , rain , dirty garden tools , or even hoi polloi can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect folio when the works is dry . leaf that hoard around the base of the industrial plant should be scan up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal foliage spots , expend a urge fungicide according to recording label direction .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a encompassing variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they happen a near alimentation site . The adult females then mislay their leg and continue on a situation protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing lip parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop-off . They also produce a angelic center called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can direct to an untempting opprobrious surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are difficult to ensure . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension place in your county for a legal good word regarding their dominance . Encourage lifelike enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best mode to control sooty mold is to moderate the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty stamp can normally be wipe from leaves with a moist cloth or wash away with a hosiery - ending atomizer .
