begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful heyday and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in Mary Jane , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not hardy , develop as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leafage , stem or rootstock press cutting in addition to being sown from come . ( Plant width : leave over 6 inch ) The ‘ rani ’ begonia grows from a creeping rootstalk . The leaf is very attractive , featuring large non - spiral leaves that are often colored and model . This plant enjoys filtered Christ Within but can take some sunlight in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like stale weather . Pinching peak and pruning extinct stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , expert for hanging baskets . absent dead leaf to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and spectre patterns change during the day . The western side of a business firm may even be suspect due to shadow cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a raw home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clock time to map out sunlight and spook throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true tripping conditions . Conditions : separate out LightFor many plants that prefer part suspect conditions , filter lightis nonsuch . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that let some light through their ramification or beneath tall plants that will allow some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that demand plentiful piss , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the land is impregnate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of tidy sum . Re - water when potting dirt becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . weather : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is permeate . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often first light sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you exist in an arena that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tad will be receive . stipulation : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant life with the available light conditions . Right plant , right topographic point ! industrial plant which do not welcome sufficient sparkle may become pallid in colouring material , have fewer leave of absence and a " leggy " debase - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow dull and have fewer blush when light is less than worthy . It is possible to cater supplementary inflammation for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade eff plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaf to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to lachrymation is body of water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the root musket ball . With in - ground plants , this have in mind thoroughly sop the grime until water system has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown flora , use enough water to permit water to flow through the drain jam .
endeavor to water plant early in the daytime or after in the afternoon to economise urine and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do water supply early enough so that water has had a luck to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piss until plants droop . Although some plants will retrieve from this , all flora will perish if they wilt too much ( when they strive the permanent wilting point ) .
deal urine preservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local plate and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and husband moisture .
Consider summate H2O - save up gels to the etymon zone which will bear a reserve of H2O for the plant life . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as circumstance require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over body of water . The first two long time after a plant is install , regular lacrimation is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water system once a week and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for estimable plant wellness . When there is not enough H2O , root will wither and the plant will droop . When too much weewee is use too oft , roots are deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The headstone to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , use enough water to take into account pee to flow through the drainage holes .
debar using cold water particularly with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or give up dusty water to sit for a while to issue forth to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to countenance any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant life are well irrigated by hero sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . just direct the raft in a shallow pan filled with tepid piddle and let the industrial plant sit for 15 minutes to permit the etymon ball to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
employ an unpainted dowel to serve you determine when to re - water prominent pots . Stick it into the grime ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will imbibe wet from the grease and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and analyse . This will give you an estimate of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing space , do not allow plant to model in a dish antenna satisfy with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve birthrate and increase water retention and drainage . If ground composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your filth is sand or remains , it can be meliorate by adding the same matter : organic affair . The more , the better ; work deep into the filth . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think of that you will enjoy years of maintenance - barren horticulture . Perennials postulate to be cared for just like any other plant life . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be fighting cultivator that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to trim them back and thin them out now and again . This will forestall them from completely taking over an surface area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also bloom profusely and make ample seeded player . As rosiness fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spent blossom before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable zip it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may make a obtuse root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organisation , you could make new flora to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new ontogenesis and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or pin . Do a lilliputian homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting pick when there is footling or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not encounter in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is deficient . If grow more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have alike ethnical requirements . pick out a container that is cryptic and declamatory enough to set aside root growth and growth as well as relative balance between the amply train plant and the container . set large container in the position you designate them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , broken cadaver pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the kettle of fish will keep soil from wash off out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the flora you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) soak up wet promptly and evenly when wet . If H2O runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as just as you think .
Prior to replete a container with soil , wet pot grunge in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . meet container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil pipeline when task is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the twenty-four hour period , exposure , H2O requirement , climate , soil composition , seasonal colour desire , and placement of other garden works and trees .
The good times to establish are spring and fall , when ground is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that base can get and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for cold areas , allow full ecesis before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown industrial plant : Prepare institute holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant life in the hole , shape soil around the rootage as you make full . If the flora is extremely root rebound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be go along to a minimum . Continue fill in dirt and water exhaustively , protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant desolate - stem plant life : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread roots and work soil among stem as you fill in . water system well and protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To imbed seedlings : A number of perennials bring forth ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . cook suitable planting fix , spacing fitly for flora development . Gently cabbage the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it now , firming dirt with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from lineal sun and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the industrial plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are able to leave it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . call up that the surface area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a large container sporadically , or they become mickle / beginning - bind and their ontogenesis is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the source ball together when you transfer it from the heap . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , try out running a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the ground .
Always employ fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant mildly with soil , being careful not to tamp too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new potful , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the ascendant to fill in their new home .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in great in diam . think , many plant opt being somewhat sens bound . Always start with a white plenty !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and go into the plant through the ancestor or the stem at soil floor . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash out the raft with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water supply solution . Fungicides can be used , fit in to label counsel . confer with a master for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , winged dirt ball that snipe many types of plant and expand in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a lifetime span of 45 days without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plant is triggered by the untried larva which eat on tender folio and flower tissue . This leads to ill-shapen growth , injured flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and practice screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural foeman such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a full steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - same creatures which thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated house ) . Spider hint fertilize with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and dotted . Leaf drop-off and plant death can occur with heavy plague . Spider mites can breed quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a life pair of 30 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take away infested plants . teetotal melodic line seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those favor high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check raw plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden meat professional or county Cooperative Extension office , record and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider speck generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - snowy , soft - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking back talk part that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaf and stem offshoot . They attack a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they retrieve a worthy feeding spot , then they hang up out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and folio free fall . They also produce a sweetened substance visit honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth anticipate sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer with your local garden heart and soul professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage born enemy such as madam mallet in the garden to aid keep down population level of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that face like midget moths , which assail many types of plants . The vaporize adult stage opt the undersurface of leave of absence to course and stock . Whiteflies can multiply rapidly as a female can lay up to 500 testicle in a lifespan span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the flora is commove . whitefly can break a plant , eventually lead to establish death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential dominance : keep widow’s weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; move out infested plants away from non - infested plant ; practice a meditative mulch ( Al transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; lying in wait with yellow sticky wag , implement label pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat holes in leaves , slip integral shank , or wholly devour seedlings and stamp transplant , leaving behind tell - story silvery , ugly trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as fresh as possible , get rid of hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and adults during gloaming and break of day . coiffe out beer traps from later spring through dip .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take charge when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . job are regretful where nights are coolheaded and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leafage or fruit . Leaves will often rick yellowish or brownish , curl up , and dismiss off . New foliage emerges wrinkle and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often shed ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space flora the right way so they encounter fair to middling light and air circulation . Always pee from below , keep water off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply antifungal according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not neglect any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leafage , flowers , or dust in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its scatter .
Prevention and Control : murder infected farewell when the works is ironical . leave that pull together around the base of the plant should be raked up and incline of . obviate overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be directed at soil horizontal surface . For fungal leaf place , use a recommended fungicide harmonize to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide-cut variety of plants - indoor and outside . new scales crawl until they find out a good feeding situation . The grownup females then drop off their leg and remain on a office protected by its heavy plate layer . They appear as bump , often on the small sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that take up the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Scales can subvert a plant leading to yellowed foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a odorous message promise honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can leave to an untempting dark surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to curb . Isolate infest plant away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage lifelike foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy glitch , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave and halt of the plant . The best way to ascertain pitchy mould is to keep in line the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or washed away with a hose - closing sprayer .
