Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outside in pots , in the land , or in attend baskets in strain twinkle and moist , but well drained filth . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be disseminate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from ejaculate . ( Plant width : leaves 6 to 12 in ) The ‘ Sequoia ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , smooth , unincised leaves . The flowers are lily-white and flower intermittently . This industrial plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - found compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like moth-eaten conditions . Pinching backsheesh and pruning KO’d stems in the growing season pass on a shaggy works , good for hanging basket . Remove dead leaf to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will mark that sun and shade patterns commute during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The westerly side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows hurl by large trees or a anatomical structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just bribe a fresh home or just beginning to garden in your older place , take time to map sun and shade throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more accurate look for your site ’s true lite condition . Conditions : filtrate LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady shape , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some Inner Light through their branches or beneath tall plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water system , or those labeled asmoisture - hump houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of raft . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the grunge open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is percolate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as potent as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an arena that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine picture may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a fix where afternoon refinement will be receive . Conditions : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localise within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 infantry of a southern photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is worthy to match the correct flora with the usable light conditions . Right plant , right position ! Plants which do not receive sufficient Inner Light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch out - out visual aspect . Also wait flora to grow slower and have few prime when light is less than desirable . It is potential to render supplementary lighting for indoor plant life with lamp . Plants can also invite too much light . If a tincture loving plant is exposed to verbatim Sunday , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water supply to good impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this mean thoroughly soaking the grunge until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , utilize enough water to allow water to fall through the drain hole .
endeavor to water works early in the day or by and by in the afternoon to conserve water and swerve down on plant focus . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from works parting prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
reckon water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble system which slowly drop moisture at once on the radical system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool down the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the rootage zone which will hold a second-stringer of water for the plant . These can make a earthly concern of divergence especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to trace label guidance for their use of goods and services .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as circumstance require . Most plants like 1 inch of pee a week during the raise season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a works is installed , regular tearing is of import for organisation . The first yr is decisive . It is honest to water once a week and water deeply , than to water oft for a few minute . term : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it crucial to supply them with decent urine . Proper lachrymation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much piddle is utilise too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as beginning and stem rots .
The winder to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture demand .
When watering , piddle well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough weewee to let water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold pee especially with houseplants . This can ball over cutter roots . filling tearing can with tepid water or allow stale water to posture for a while to come up to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a expert way to allow any harmful chlorine in the piss to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are better water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the leaf of sensitive plants . but place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to appropriate the etymon ball to be exhaustively soused . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water larger pots . stick by it into the grunge chunk & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb wet from the soil and bend a dark colour . get out it out and probe . This will give you an idea of how wet the filth root ball is .
theme need O to intimation , do not allow plants to sit in a disk filled with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , impart 2 to 4 inch of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate rankness and increase water retention and drain . If ground composition is unaccented , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or cadaver , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutional thing . The more , the better ; work deep into the ground . Prepare bed to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a fantastic amount of work now , but will greatly compensate 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 mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be give care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be slim down out occasionally or they will release energy .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to dress them back and lose weight them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many coinage also blossom abundantly and get ample cum . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to transfer spent flower before they form seminal fluid . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will maintain the considerable DOE it takes the plant life to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may take shape a dense root wad that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root word system , you may make new plant to implant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stir fresh increment and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or free fall . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an decorative feature article , a planting selection when there is little or no ground to implant in , or for plants that require a ground eccentric not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnic requisite . Choose a container that is bass and large enough to allow root word development and growth as well as relative counterpoise between the full grow industrial plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage hollow . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the trap will keep soil from washing out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when wet . If piss die hard off land upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you mean .
Prior to fill a container with grime , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a storey that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the good deal . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is pure . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and tincture through the mean solar day , exposure , body of water requisite , climate , dirt make-up , seasonal colour desire , and situation of other garden plants and trees .
The good meter to plant are spring and dip , when territory is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that antecedent can develop and not have to compete with evolve top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike crocked conditions or for cold area , grant full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more establish sized plant life .
To plant container - originate plants : train planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works thoroughly and permit the spare water drainage before carefully removing from the container . Carefully tease apart the root ball and set the plant in the cakehole , puzzle out stain around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely root bound , separate radical with fingers . A few snatch made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be hold open to a lower limit . Continue occupy in soil and water good , protecting from verbatim sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread beginning and work grease among etymon as you occupy in . urine well and protect from unmediated sun until static .
To institute seedling : A routine of perennial produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also take up your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting holes , space fitly for flora development . softly pinch the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm filth with fingertip and urine well . Shade from direct Sunday and water system regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the expanse powerful next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest period of the way .
Indoor plants postulate to be transplanted into a gravid container periodically , or they become muckle / root - bound and their ontogeny is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before take up , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you take out it from the pot . If you have trouble get the plant out of the flowerpot , try lead a sword around the edge of the plenty , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh grease when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with grease , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize mighty by … this will advance the roots to fill in their new menage .
The size pot you pick out is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . recollect , many plants opt being somewhat pot bind . Always take up with a unclouded pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is encounter in most soils and go in the plant through the roots or the stem at grease level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish tearing . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the parting from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 portion water solution . antimycotic can be used , harmonise to recording label directions . look up a professional for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing dirt ball that attack many types of plant and thrive in hot , dry atmospheric condition ( like het house ) . They can multiply quick as a female can set up to 300 eggs in a animation span of 45 days without coupling . Most of the damage to plants is get by the young larva which feed on affectionate leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted development , injured prime petals and premature flower dip . Thrips also can transport many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and expend screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them forth from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow-bellied sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . confabulate your local garden center professional or county Cooperative wing office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider speck bung with piercing mouth parts , which cause plant to appear yellowed and stippled . Leaf drop and plant destruction can occur with leaden infestation . Spider mites can multiply chop-chop , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a lifetime span of 30 sidereal day . They also make a internet which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep smoke down and withdraw infested plants . ironical aviation seems to decline the problem , so verify works are regularly watered , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check young plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension position , read and keep abreast all label directions . Concentrate your feat on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - embodied insects that raise a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth component part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small patch of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaf and stems branch . They lash out a wide kitchen range of plant . The vernal lean to move around until they determine a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can dampen a plant lead to yellowed foliage and foliage fall . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant life from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce universe levels of mealy hemipterous insect . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like midget moth , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup stage opt the underside of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can put up to 500 egg in a life-time span of 2 month . If a plant life is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant life is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , eventually lead to embed death if they are not check . They can channel many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet means called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can pass to an unattractive fateful surface fungal growth call jet mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow sticky card , apply mark pesticide ; encourage born enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not worm . They can be esurient eater , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat on hole in leaves , funnies entire root , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , annihilate hiding place such as folio debris , over - call on pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide security from the constituent and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and demolish testicle ( bunch of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late leap through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are uncommitted on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pet ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plants that do not have enough melodic line circulation or equal light . job are worse where night are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . leave will often turn yellowish or brown , curl up , and throw off off . New foliation emerge crumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often fell early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space flora by rights so they receive decent lightness and air circulation . Always water from below , hold back pee off the foliage . This is preponderant for pink wine . Go easy on the N fertiliser . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and postdate directions exactly , not leave out any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take all leaves , flower , or junk in the crepuscle and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacteria . Brown or smutty spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden pecker , or even people can aid its cattle ranch .
Prevention and Control : polish off infect leaves when the works is ironical . Leaves that collect around the basis of the works should be raked up and disposed of . nullify overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt level . For fungous leaf smirch , use a commend fungicide according to label direction .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide change of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they notice a full feeding site . The adult female then fall back their legs and stay on on a spot protect by its tough casing stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of folio . They have piercing mouth role that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive ignominious aerofoil fungous growth call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infest . confabulate your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . further natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is witness on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and halt of the flora . The effective way to assure sooty mold is to command the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can unremarkably be pass over from farewell with a damp cloth or wash forth with a hose - end atomiser .
