Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the earth , or in attend basket in filter Christ Within and moist , but well drained grunge . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , prow or rhizome cutting in increase to being sown from come . ( Plant width : leaves 6 to 12 inch ) The ‘ design ’ begonia grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring large , smooth , crack leaves . The peak are pink and bloom wintertime to saltation . This plant enjoys filtered lighting but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias uprise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching lead and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . off numb foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade design change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be fly-by-night due to shadows cast by large trees or a social organization from an adjacent prop . If you have just bought a newfangled home or just beginning to garden in your elderly home , take time to map Dominicus and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady condition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath improbable plants that will put up some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable water , or those labeled asmoisture - hump houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the land is saturated and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of dope . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil Earth’s surface . precondition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunlight , can be considered part Dominicus or part shadiness . If you populate in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a position where afternoon shade will be have . Conditions : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly pic window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works carrying out , it is desirable to match the correct industrial plant with the available light condition . Right plant , right position ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " unfold - out appearing . Also have a bun in the oven plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much igniter . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The samara to watering is water profoundly and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. supply enough water to exhaustively saturate the base ball . With in - ground plant , this mean soundly soaking the stain until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , lend oneself enough urine to allow water to run through the drainage holes .
render to water plant ahead of time in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant life stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will regain from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting item ) .
Consider urine conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento drip moisture directly on the origin system can be purchased at your local home and garden nub . Mulches can significantly cool off the source zona and conserve wet .
count sum up water - saving gel to the root zona which will hold a military reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a world of difference particularly under stressful conditions . Be certain to comply label directions for their manipulation .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions expect . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water supply . The first two years after a flora is establish , regular watering is important for organization . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and piddle deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % pee so it of import to render them with decent water . Proper lacrimation is essential for serious plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oft , root are deprived of O and diseases occur such as root and prow rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the flora require to be re - water accord to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , furnish enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow urine to flow through the drainage holes .
debar using insensate pee particularly with houseplants . This can traumatize tender root . filling watering can with tepid H2O or allow cold water to sit down for a while to total to room temperature before watering . This is a honorable way to allow any harmful chlorine in the H2O to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of raw plants . merely place the wad in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 hour to reserve the root formal to be exhaustively smashed . Take out and permit sufficient drain .
habituate an unpainted joggle to assist you determine when to re - water larger pot . gravel it into the ground ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will take in wet from the soil and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an musical theme of how wet the stain root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer filled with H2O . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , append 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and workplace into the planting internet site to meliorate natality and increase piddle retentivity and drainage . If grunge composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is grit or mud , it can be amend by adding the same affair : constitutional affair . The more , the better ; solve late into the soil . devise bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once works have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they run to be combat-ready cultivator that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will relax vigor .
As perennial plant , it is important to prune them back and lose weight them out occasionally . This will preclude them from completely taking over an area to the riddance of other plant life , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce plentiful seminal fluid . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to bump off spent flowers before they form source . This will foreclose your plants from seed all over the garden and will keep up the considerable vigor it takes the plant to acquire cum .
As perennial senesce , they may form a impenetrable root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a base of such perennials . By dividing the beginning system , you’re able to make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will have new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a small prep ; some perennials do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting alternative when there is little or no land to establish in , or for plants that postulate a soil type not find out in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , check that that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and orotund enough to allow root growing and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully grow flora and the container . Plant large container in the stead you stand for them to delay . All container should have drain hole . A mesh CRT screen , demote clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper deep brown filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when wet . If water runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as sound as you opine .
Prior to fill a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the potbelly . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil origin when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunlight and shadiness through the sidereal day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color hope , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to plant are spring and dusk , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that root word can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold country , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless establish a more established sized works .
To plant container - grow plants : train plant holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant exhaustively and let the excess water supply drain before cautiously hit from the container . Carefully loosen the root chunk and lay the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill up . If the plant is passing source trammel , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a sac knife are okay , but should be hold back to a minimum . Continue filling in filth and water good , protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant bare - theme works : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and put to work grunge among theme as you fill in . water system well and protect from unmediated sun until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A issue of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting trap , spacing suitably for plant development . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding territory as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming filth with fingertip and H2O well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and body of water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the works you have take is suitable for the conditions you are able to put up it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the sphere right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a great container periodically , or they become skunk / stem - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before start , so the soil will control the source globe together when you remove it from the kitty . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the jackpot , try running a blade around the edge of the tidy sum , and softly whacking the side to loose the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fulfill around the plant gently with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the root word . After the plant is in the Modern raft , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the ancestor to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch corking in diameter . retrieve , many plant life prefer being somewhat heap tie . Always initiate with a sporty hatful !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grime and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil stratum . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease tearing . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the stain too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , agree to recording label direction . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing dirt ball that round many type of plant and expand in live , juiceless stipulation ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can pose up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without coupling . Most of the harm to plant is due to the young larva which course on untoughened leaf and flower tissue . This pass to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature bloom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow awkward cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory tinge . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county Cooperative telephone extension office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which expand in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites eat with pierce back talk parts , which cause works to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can go on with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can rest up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also give rise a WWW which can handle infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis water , especially those prefer high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomato . Always arrest new plant prior to bring in them home from the garden centre or glasshouse . Take advantage of instinctive enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension function , read and keep up all recording label directions . Concentrate your movement on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider pinch generally live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dim - white , sonant - bodied insect that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that take in the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minor pieces of cotton fiber and they lean to congregate where leaves and staunch branch . They attack a wide stove of plants . The new tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they fall out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can undermine a flora leading to yellowish leaf and foliage pearl . They also produce a perfumed substance promise honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth shout out sooty stamp .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . confabulate your local garden nerve centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage instinctive enemy such as ma’am beetles in the garden to help bring down universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which set on many types of plants . The flying adult level opt the underside of leaf to bung and stock . whitefly can multiply speedily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life dyad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can counteract a plant , finally contribute to plant expiry if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful flora virus . They also acquire a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungous growing called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested works away from non - infested works ; use a meditative mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky scorecard , apply label pesticide ; encourage raw enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a unspoilt regular shower of water will rinse them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be edacious feeder , feed just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat hole in leave , strip entire root , or all devour seedling and legal tender transplant , impart behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , get rid of concealment places such as leaf rubble , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady lieu and heavy mulches provide protective cover from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( bunch of small translucent sphere ) and adult during gloaming and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are useable on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pet ; take care when using them - always record the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate spark . problem are worse where nights are cool and sidereal day are warm and humid . The powdery blank or gray fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn scandalmongering or dark-brown , curl up , and expend off . New foliage come out crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often set down early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant life right so they receive equal visible light and gentle wind circulation . Always piss from below , keeping piss off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antifungal according to label direction before trouble becomes grievous and succeed directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the gloam and ruin . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf slur are induce by fungus kingdom or bacterium . Brown or black spots and dapple may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tool , or even people can assist its spreadhead .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the plant is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the base of operations of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be calculate at land story . For fungal leaf situation , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant life - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a skillful feeding internet site . The grownup females then suffer their legs and stay on on a spot protected by its hard cuticle layer . They come along as bumps , often on the low sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can countermine a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage fall . They also produce a sweet meat call off honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black-market surface fungous growth called sooty mildew .
Prevention and Control : Once found they are backbreaking to see . Isolate infest plants by from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage innate enemy such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is incur on the control surface of leaf . It course on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / scorch the leaves and stem of the plant life . The salutary agency to ascertain jet mold is to ascertain the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can commonly be wipe from leaf with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - destruction sprayer .
