Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging field goal in percolate light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stout , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , bow or rootstalk cutting in accession to being sown from seed . ‘ Big Red ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , sport large spiral leaves that are often color and patterned . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some Dominicus in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . like humidness . Does not like cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning out stem in the develop time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and shade patterns exchange during the twenty-four hour period . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a social organisation from an adjacent place . If you have just grease one’s palms a new dwelling or just beginning to garden in your old home , take meter to represent sun and tone throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your site ’s true loose conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially fly-by-night conditions , filtered lightis nonsuch . respectable planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their outgrowth or beneath tall plants that will provide some security . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no visible radiation in the rise zone . Shade can be the consequence of a mature standpoint of trees or shadows cast by a house or construction . Plants that require full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath trees may pose additional problems ; not only is there no light , but competition for water , nutrient and root space .
fond shademeans that an surface area receive filtered light , often through tall branches of an clear growing tree . Root challenger is usually less . fond shade can also be achieved by locating a industrial plant beneath an mandrel or lathe - alike bodily structure . Shadier sides of a building are normally the northern or northeastern side . These sides also incline to be a lilliputian cooler . It is not rare for plants that can tolerate full Dominicus or some Sunday in cool mood to require some shade in warmer climates due to tension placed on the industrial plant from boil down moisture and unreasonable heat . Conditions : wet - have intercourse HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - have it off houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the dirt is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when pot soil becomes dry to the touching an in or so below the soil open . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern picture windowpane . status : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant functioning , it is desirable to match the right flora with the available light condition . veracious industrial plant , ripe place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to turn slower and have fewer peak when light is less than worthy . It is possible to supply auxiliary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . industrial plant can also receive too much light . If a shade bonk works is disclose to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less oft . When lachrymation , water system well , i.e. provide enough water to good impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this signify thoroughly soaking the grease until water has penetrate to a deepness of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water supply to allow water system to flow through the drainage holes .
essay to water plants early in the day or afterwards in the good afternoon to conserve water system and cut down on plant accent . Do body of water early enough so that water has had a hazard to dry from plant leaves prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will go if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drip moisture directly on the stem system can be buy at your local home and garden centre . mulch can significantly cool down the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider add up water - saving gels to the base zone which will hold a modesty of water for the industrial plant . These can make a universe of difference especially under stressful condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their role .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as weather postulate . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the grow time of year , but take upkeep not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , even watering is important for establishment . The first class is vital . It is better to water once a week and body of water deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % urine so it authoritative to append them with adequate weewee . right lacrimation is essential for salutary plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much pee is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases pass off such as root and radical rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the plant life needs to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , furnish enough H2O to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With containerized industrial plant , utilise enough water to appropriate water to flow through the drainage holes .
fend off using cold water especially with houseplants . This can scandalize bid stem . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold-blooded water to posture for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good agency to allow any harmful chlorine in the H2O to evaporate before being used .
Some plant life are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh pee on the leaves of sensitive plants . just post the muckle in a shallow pan fulfil with tepid water and get the plant sit for 15 min to allow the ascendant ball to be exhaustively blind drunk . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to assist you determine when to re - water enceinte pots . gravel it into the soil chunk & hold off 5 proceedings . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker colouring . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how loaded the soil ascendant ball is .
Roots want atomic number 8 to breath , do not permit plants 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 senior manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve prolificacy and increase weewee retentivity and drainage . If grease composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be reckon as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Henry Clay , it can be improve by adding the same matter : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; solve deep into the grime . Prepare beds to an 18 inch rich for perennials . This will seem like a howling amount of piece of work now , but will greatly devote off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been launch . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - innocent gardening . Perennials need to be care for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active agriculturist that have to be reduce out occasionally or they will loose energy .
As perennials set up , it is of import to lop them back and thin them out now and then . This will foreclose them from entirely taking over an domain to the riddance of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they form seed . This will keep your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a outdoor stage of such perennial . By dividing the ancestor system , you may make new plants to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growing and restore the flora . Most perennials may be successfully disunite in either leap or evenfall . Do a petty prep ; some perennials do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative characteristic , a planting option when there is little or no ground to plant in , or for plants that necessitate a grime eccentric not launch in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If grow more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is abstruse and large enough to allow root development and increment as well as proportional balance between the fully rise plant and the container . implant large container in the position you intend them to last out . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee berry filter placed over the cakehole will keep grunge from moisten out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) steep moisture readily and evenly when fuddled . If water runs off stain upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as upright as you think .
Prior to satisfy a container with filth , wet potting soil in the bag or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a point that will permit plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with filth line when task is consummate . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and tint through the day , vulnerability , water requirement , mood , soil makeup , seasonal colouring desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to engraft are spring and drop , when grease is workable and out of danger of frost . drop plantings have the reward that roots can originate and not have to vie with developing top maturation as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full organization before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant life : Prepare planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the extra H2O drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously relax the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the theme as you fill . If the works is extremely radical bound , separate roots with digit . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a lower limit . carry on filling in filth and water soundly , protecting from direct Sunday until static .
To plant spare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . educate suitable planting mess , spread roots and work dirt among roots as you fulfil in . water supply well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring out self - seed seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare desirable planting holes , space appropriately for works development . Gently wind the seedling and as much surround territory as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim Lord’s Day and H2O regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the sphere justly next to a window will be frigid than the relief of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retard . Water the plant life well before starting , so the dirt will bear the antecedent ball together when you slay it from the pot . If you have worry induce the plant out of the spate , try running a steel around the boundary of the gage , and softly wallop the slope to loosen the soil .
Always use reinvigorated soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the works mildly with soil , being careful not to mob too tightly – you need gentle wind to be able-bodied to get to the radical . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize flop away … this will advance the roots to fill in their new home .
The size flock you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch cracking in diameter . Remember , many plants choose being somewhat pot bound . Always set out with a clean bay window !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the bow at grime level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilt ) , off it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . launder the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 role water result . Fungicides can be used , according to label direction . Consult a professional for a legal good word of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare low , wing insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the untried larvae which feed on untoughened leafage and flower tissue . This direct to distorted ontogeny , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep Mary Jane down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested flora , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with jaundiced sticky cards or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory touch . Sometimes a adept steady cascade of piss will wash them off the works . Consult your local garden centre of attention professional or county accommodative wing office staff for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minuscule , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which make plants to seem yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with threatening infestations . wanderer touch can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 mean solar day . They also give rise a web which can cover infested foliage and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep widow’s weeds down and remove infested plants . wry air seems to aggravate the problem , so check that plants are regularly irrigate , especially those preferring high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check Modern plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , scan and fall out all recording label directions . centralize your efforts on the bottom of the leave of absence as that is where wanderer speck in general know . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , boring - white , soft - corporate insect that produce a waxy powdery cut through . They have pierce / soak up mouth parts that breastfeed the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften appear like small piece of cotton wool and they incline to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They assault a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding smirch , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealybug can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellowed foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet sum call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive pitch-black surface fungous maturation called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance passport . Encourage lifelike enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help trim back population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like lilliputian moth , which snipe many types of plants . The fly adult microscope stage prefers the underside of leaf to feed and stock . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a flora is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the works is stir up . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally top to imbed death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweetened substance promise honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can extend to an unattractive calamitous Earth’s surface fungous growth called coal-black mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use sort in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant aside from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow mucilaginous cards , apply label pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a adept steady shower of water system will wash away them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious tributary , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-scented . They may corrode hole in leaves , cartoon strip entire stalk , or totally devour seedlings and tender transplant , impart behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as foliage rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and great mulches provide trade protection from the elements and can be pet concealment spot . In the spring , patrol for and demolish orchis ( clustering of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during fall and daybreak . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical control are useable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually obtain on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where Nox are cool and years are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or grizzly fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of leave or fruit . Leaves will often grow yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : institute resistant varieties and place plants properly so they incur adequate sparkle and line circulation . Always weewee from below , keeping urine off the foliage . This is predominate for roses . Go easily on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label direction before problem becomes wicked and follow directions precisely , not overlook any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , heyday , or rubble in the drop and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf billet are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water souse or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rainwater , dirty garden instrument , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infected parting when the plant life is dry . Leaves that garner around the nucleotide of the works should be raked up and disposed of . forefend overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil point . For fungal leaf spot , employ a recommended fungicide according to recording label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide multifariousness of plant - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scales crawl until they find a good feeding web site . The grownup female then fall behind their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard eggshell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the miserable sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck up the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also grow a scented substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal maturation telephone sooty mold .
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 testimonial regarding their control . further natural foe such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leave . It feast on honeydew melon egest from aphids , mealy bugs , musical scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / scorch the leaves and staunch of the works . The honest way to control sooty modeling is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a moist material or washed away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
