begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colored blossom and foliage . Most begonia can be spring up alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filter spark and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , maturate as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagate from leafage , stalk or rootstock cutting in addition to being sown from come . Begonia floccifera grows from a creeping rhizome . The leaf is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , unincised folio . The prime are ashen and bloom in spring . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . intrepid . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stem in the growing season gives a bushy plant , good for fall basketful . polish off deadened foliation to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and nuance patterns alter during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows mold by magnanimous tree or a social organization from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your onetime home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light condition . Conditions : strain LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . beneficial planting land site are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some spark through their offshoot or beneath taller plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample piddle , or those labeled asmoisture - do it houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from maw in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when pot grease becomes ironical to the touch an inch or so below the territory Earth’s surface . circumstance : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often dawn sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an expanse that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday photograph may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 invertebrate foot of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 base of a southerly photo windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to fit the correct plant life with the usable clear conditions . correct plant , veracious lieu ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer farewell and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also expect industrial plant to arise tedious and have fewer blossom when luminosity is less than worthy . It is possible to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also get too much ignitor . If a tad loving plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or make leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The paint to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - earth flora , this intend thoroughly hit it up the soil until H2O has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , use enough urine to allow water to feed through the drainage golf hole .
seek to irrigate plant life early on in the day or subsequently in the afternoon to maintain weewee and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do piddle betimes enough so that body of water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night autumn . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold back to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will go back from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point in time ) .
Consider H2O conservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet directly on the rootage system can be buy at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool down the root zone and keep up moisture .
believe adding pee - saving colloidal gel to the ancestor zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful condition . Be certain to watch recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that stain should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as term require . Most plants like 1 inch of urine a week during the grow season , but take guardianship not to over water . The first two years after a works is installed , regular lacrimation is crucial for institution . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a week and water system profoundly , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . term : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % piss so it important to supply them with tolerable H2O . Proper lachrymation is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough weewee , roots will shrivel and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , ascendant are deprived of oxygen and disease come about such as base and stem guff .
The tonality to watering is frequency . piddle well then await long enough until the flora needs to be re - water agree to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , cater enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water to allow water system to menstruate through the drain maw .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplant . This can floor supply ship root . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to fall to room temperature before watering . This is a good way of life to countenance any harmful chlorine in the urine to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by zep - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoid splashing H2O on the leaves of sensible plant . Simply point the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid pee and permit the industrial plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root orchis to be thoroughly sozzled . Take out and take into account sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to aid you settle when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the filth testicle & wait 5 minute . The dowel pin will engulf wet from the filth and twist a dark vividness . Pull it out and analyse . This will give you an idea of how lactating the land stem glob is .
Roots postulate oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a dish filled with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , impart 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting web site to ameliorate rankness and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If territory makeup is weak , a bed of surface soil should be regard as well . No matter if your filth is sand or Henry Clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; puzzle out deep into the soil . fix beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a rattling amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will revel years of maintenance - costless gardening . perennial demand to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active raiser that have to be thinned out now and again or they will let loose vigor .
As perennial build , it is authoritative to lop them back and thin them out at times . This will forestall them from wholly taking over an domain to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many coinage also bloom extravagantly and create ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to take away spent flowers before they organize seed . This will forbid your flora from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to produce germ .
As perennial mature , they may constitute a dense etymon mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to on occasion thin out a sales booth of such perennial . By divide the ancestor arrangement , you’re able to make raw plant to plant in another country of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a penchant . How - to : fix ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is fiddling or no grunge to institute in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural prerequisite . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to tolerate root development and outgrowth as well as relative equipoise between the fully develop plant life and the container . implant large container in the home you signify them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh projection screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a report coffee filter set over the hole will keep soil from rinse out . The potting filth you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) take up moisture readily and evenly when soused . If water runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet pot soil in the bag or stead in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow for works , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is all over . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by view sun and shade through the Clarence Day , exposure , water requirements , climate , ground makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to establish are saltation and declivity , when land is practicable and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that base can develop and not have to compete with develop top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike smashed conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized works .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and rent the excess piss waste pipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loose the theme bollock and grade the plant in the mess , working soil around the tooth root as you satisfy . If the plant is extremely root tie up , freestanding ascendant with fingers . A few slits made with a sac knife are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . carry on fill up in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - source plant : Plant as before long as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting hollow , distribute roots and bring soil among roots as you meet in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also set out your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for works development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming grunge with fingertips and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and urine regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the flora you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , outer space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the surface area decently next to a window will be moth-eaten than the quietus of the room .
Indoor plants require to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - tie and their maturation is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will adjudge the root orchis together when you hit it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try lead a leaf blade around the border of the pot , and mildly whacking the side to loosen the stain .
Always use fresh grease when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with filth , being careful not to wad too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the base . After the plant is in the newfangled sess , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will boost the source to make full in their fresh family .
The sizing pot you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in nifty in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat batch bound . Always start with a sportsmanlike pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and inscribe the plant life through the root or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far go ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the stain too . launder the plenty with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts weewee solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a sound testimonial of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many types of plant life and thrive in hot , ironical condition ( like heated up theater ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can place up to 300 bollock in a life history bridge of 45 solar day without union . Most of the damage to plant is stimulate by the new larvae which bung on tippy leafage and prime tissue paper . This leads to perverted growth , injured bloom petal and premature flower fall . Thrips also can channel many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep skunk down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will moisten them off the plant . confer with your local garden eye professional or county Cooperative annex role for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider touch course with piercing oral cavity parting , which cause plants to come along yellow and speckled . foliage dip and plant death can fall out with heavy infestations . Spider speck can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can traverse infested leaf and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested flora . wry air seems to worsen the trouble , so verify plant life are on a regular basis watered , particularly those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of instinctive enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension place , read and follow all recording label directions . digest your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally populate . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , leaden - snowy , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouthpiece role that fellate the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften reckon like small piece of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaf and halt branch . They assail a wide orbit of plant . The young tend to move around until they line up a suitable feeding spot , then they attend out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a flora precede to chicken foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a unfermented marrow prognosticate honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting shameful surface fungous development anticipate coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . promote instinctive enemies such as peeress mallet in the garden to facilitate reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged dirt ball that look like flyspeck moths , which attack many eccentric of plants . The flying grownup stage prefer the undersurface of leaf to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply speedily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life story span of 2 calendar month . If a works is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is shake up . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not jibe . They can carry many harmful plant viruses . They also develop a sweet essence call honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can top to an unattractive pitch-black surface fungal emergence call jet mold .
Possible control : keep weed down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; take away infest plant aside from non - infested plant ; practice a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; bunker with yellow gummy card , use tag pesticide ; encourage instinctive enemies such as bloodsucking wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a well steadfast cascade of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and stamp transplant , leave behind tell - tale silvery , worthless lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clear as potential , eliminate hiding place such as leaf debris , over - become gage , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches supply protection from the elements and can be favourite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clustering of little semitransparent spheres ) and adult during crepuscule and dawning . Set out beer traps from late spring through gloam .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pets ; take fear when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough melodic line circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are tender and humid . The powdery whitened or grey fungus is unremarkably found on the upper airfoil of leaves or yield . leave of absence will often turn yellow or browned , curl up , and cut down off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant kind and quad plants properly so they receive adequate visible light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not lose any want treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf position are have by fungus kingdom or bacterium . chocolate-brown or smutty spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water surcharge or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden putz , or even hoi polloi can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the stem of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water system should be direct at territory level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommend fungicide consort to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a full variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scale creep until they find a honest eating site . The grownup females then turn a loss their leg and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of parting . They have pierce lip parts that go down on the sap out of plant life tissue . Scales can undermine a plant leading to lily-livered leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal growth called pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are surd to contain . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not infested . confer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . boost lifelike foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is detect on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , musical scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave of absence and stems of the plant life . The good path to hold in pitchy mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from folio with a dampish material or washed away with a hose - ending sprayer .
