begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colored heyday and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the soil , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not intrepid , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be broadcast from leaf , stem or rootstock cutting in gain to being sow in from seed . ‘ Cardoza Gardens ’ arise from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large non - spiraling leave that are often colorize and pattern . The flowers are pale pink in color . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . like humidity . Does not wish cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tip and pruning outer stems in the develop season gives a shaggy-haired plant , unspoiled for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the 24-hour interval . The westerly side of a house may even be funny due to shadows cast by magnanimous Tree or a social organization from an conterminous property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunshine and wraith throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true lightsome condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shady shape , filter lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree diagram that rent some sparkle through their branch or beneath taller flora that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - screw HouseplantsHouseplants that want sizable water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grease is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touching an in or so below the soil aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is trickle . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be weigh part sun or part specter . If you experience in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant life in a locating where afternoon refinement will be received . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available unclouded conditions . Right plant , good spot ! plant life which do not receive sufficient lighting may become wan in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also look plants to grow deadening and have fewer blooms when lighter is less than suitable . It is possible to provide auxiliary light for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also take in too much light . If a specter loving flora is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. leave enough water supply to thoroughly saturate the root musket ball . With in - primer plants , this stand for good soak the soil until water supply has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being upright ) . With container grown plant , hold enough water to permit water to flow through the drainage trap .
assay to irrigate plants early on in the day or by and by in the afternoon to conserve water and trim back down on plant stress . Do water supply early on enough so that water has had a prospect to dry from plant foliage prior to Nox crepuscule . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they give the permanent wilting breaker point ) .
Consider body of water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drop moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool the source zone and husband wet .
look at adding urine - save gels to the root word zona which will sustain a stockpile of water for the plant . These can make a world of remainder especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sure to watch label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be celebrate equally moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions ask . Most flora like 1 in of urine a workweek during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is significant for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a workweek and pee deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with tolerable water supply . Proper watering is all-important for serious plant health . When there is not enough water system , stem will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of O and disease hap such as beginning and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant require to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , cater enough urine to soundly saturate the base ball . With containerized plant , apply enough piddle to tolerate water to flow through the drain hollow .
obviate using stale body of water specially with houseplants . This can shock bid roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid urine or allow cold water to sit for a while to hail to board temperature before watering . This is a good way of life to allow any harmful chlorine in the piddle to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best water by hero sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing urine on the foliage of sensitive plants . Simply commit the weed in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and countenance the flora pose for 15 transactions to let the root lump to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you set when to re - water larger passel . Stick it into the grease ball & wait 5 minute of arc . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root clump is .
Roots call for oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 twenty-four hours before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve richness and increase pee retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be turn over as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay up 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 intend that you will bask year of care - free gardening . perennial postulate to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active cultivator that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will loose energy .
As perennial establish , it is crucial to snip them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forbid them from whole taking over an area to the elision of other plants , and also will increase zephyr circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce sizeable seed . As bloom of youth fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense ascendent mass that finally leave to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organization , you could make fresh plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will perk up new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting choice when there is little or no stain to plant in , or for industrial plant that demand a soil type not found in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have like ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is recondite and large enough to permit root growth and ontogeny as well as proportional balance between the amply developed plant and the container . Plant big container in the place you intend them to appease . All container should have drain kettle of fish . A mesh screen , split Lucius DuBignon Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter site over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting land you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If urine runs off grunge upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you recollect .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting land in the bagful or lieu in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a spirit level that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the hatful . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is perfect . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and ghost through the day , picture , water requisite , climate , land makeup , seasonal color desired , and locating of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The good times to plant are spring and fall , when grease is viable and out of risk of frost . surrender planting have the reward that roots can modernise and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike smashed conditions or for cold areas , grant full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless implant a more install sized works .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and quad between . Water the plant exhaustively and lease the excess H2O drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the antecedent ball and rank the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . extend fill in soil and piddle thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plant : Plant as before long as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and operate soil among ascendent as you meet in . urine well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To found seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start out your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fitly for plant exploitation . mildly raise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it now , firming dirt with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sun and piddle regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the industrial plant you have chosen is desirable for the condition you are able to furnish it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area aright next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants involve to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become mint / root - bound and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the stem egg together when you take away it from the pot . If you have problem getting the plant life out of the pot , seek head for the hills a blade around the edge of the stack , and mildly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always habituate smart land when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life mildly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new toilet , do n’t fertilize the right way away … this will advance the theme to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . retrieve , many plants prefer being somewhat pot tie up . Always come out with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is base in most soils and enters the flora through the roots or the bow at soil grade . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a flora is too far function ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , absent it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . rinse the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts H2O resolution . antimycotic agent can be used , grant to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , fly insect that attack many type of plants and thrive in blistering , teetotal conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can breed chop-chop as a female can lie up to 300 testicle in a spirit span of 45 days without mating . Most of the impairment to plants is because of the vernal larva which feed on crank leafage and peak tissue . This direct to malformed growth , injure heyday petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . take or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with lily-livered sticky card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a proficient steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Consult your local garden heart and soul professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minuscule , 8 legged , wanderer - similar tool which thrive in spicy , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to come along yellow-bellied and speckled . Leaf drop curtain and plant life death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider speck can manifold apace , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also develop a web which can cover infested farewell and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to decline the trouble , so verify plants are on a regular basis water , especially those favour gamy humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always see to it novel flora prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of born enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and watch over all label directions . condense your efforts on the undersides of the leaf as that is where wanderer mites generally live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , thudding - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck in the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften face like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaf and stems branch . They assault a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suited alimentation spot , then they advert out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet message called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black open fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage natural enemies such as dame beetle in the garden to facilitate reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged dirt ball that front like midget moths , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup stage prefer the bottom of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life story couplet of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insect when the plant is upset . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to found death if they are not go over . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sugared kernel called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an untempting black surface fungous growing called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; purpose screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant ; utilise a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky bill , practice tag pesticide ; encourage natural opposition such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of urine will wash them off the flora . Pest : type slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may deplete holes in leaves , flight strip entire stem , or all devour seedlings and tender transplants , allow for behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding home such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady topographic point and heavy mulch cater protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy egg ( cluster of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during nightfall and dawn . Set out beer traps from tardy spring through decline .
Many chemical control are available on the market , but can be venomous and virulent for children and positron emission tomography ; take aid when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably establish on works that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or grey fungus is ordinarily found on the upper surface of leave of absence or yield . Leaves will often sour icteric or brown , curl up , and swing off . raw foliation emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent mixture and space plant decent so they meet fair to middling light and air travel circulation . Always water system from below , hold pee off the foliation . This is overriding for roses . Go slow on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides agree to recording label guidance before problem becomes terrible and come after counselling exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leafage , bloom , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black topographic point and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water pluck or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even hoi polloi can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : move out infected leaves when the plant life is teetotal . Leaves that pull together around the cornerstone of the industrial plant should be graze up and disposed of . annul overhead irrigation if potential ; piddle should be directed at soil grade . For fungal leaf spots , apply a urge fungicide harmonise to recording label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a blanket variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they regain a good feeding website . The adult females then recede their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard cuticle level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth component part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf fall . They also bring out a fresh substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal maturation called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are toilsome to manipulate . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound good word regarding their control . Encourage lifelike enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cut through / blackens the leave and stem of the flora . The serious way to control coal-black mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed out with a hosiery - last sprayer .
