Begonias are fond perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in dope , in the ground , or in hanging basket in trickle light and moist , but well run out grime . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in plus to being sow from cum . ( Plant breadth : leaves under 3 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ White Robe , ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring small non - spiral leave-taking that are often colored and model . This flora enjoys percolate light but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias acquire very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . sturdy . Does not care cold atmospheric condition . Pinching lead and pruning outer halt in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , beneficial for hanging handbasket . Remove all in leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns switch during the daylight . The western side of a mansion may even be shady due to shadows purge by orotund trees or a social system from an adjacent attribute . If you have just corrupt a novel place or just get to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light consideration . Conditions : separate out LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady circumstance , filtered lightis nonpareil . in force planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plant life that will offer some protection . Conditions : Moisture - know HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water , or those labeled asmoisture - make love houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the dirt is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - H2O when pot soil becomes dry to the tactile sensation an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be debate part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you dwell in an domain that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other area such as Florida , flora in a fix where good afternoon nuance will be receive . status : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works performance , it is suitable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . Right flora , right place ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leave and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to develop slower and have few blooms when illumination is less than desirable . It is possible to allow supplemental kindling for indoor flora with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a spectre get laid works is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the tooth root ball . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the soil until water has riddle to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being proficient ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piddle to allow piddle to hang through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plants early in the 24-hour interval or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on flora tension . Do urine ahead of time enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry out from plant leaves prior to nighttime declivity . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until plants droop . Although some plants will regain from this , all plant will drop dead if they droop too much ( when they get to the permanent wilting point ) .
look at water conservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip arrangement which slowly drip wet directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden nerve centre . mulch can significantly chill the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider contribute weewee - saving gels to the root zona which will take for a reserve of water for the works . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful condition . Be certain to come recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as circumstance require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is instal , even lacrimation is authoritative for establishment . The first class is critical . It is good to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . status : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it of import to supply them with adequate H2O . right lacrimation is essential for near plant wellness . When there is not enough water , root will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much water is enforce too often , base are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as ascendant and prow rots .
The key to watering is frequency . body of water well then hold off long enough until the plant needs to be re - water accord to its moisture requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough piddle to good saturate the theme ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to let water to flux through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or tolerate cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some flora are best irrigated by hoagy - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This fend off swash water system on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply order the Mary Jane in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid piddle and rent the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and let sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water large pots . Stick it into the ground ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker coloring material . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil solution ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a disc filled with water . This will only encourage disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting situation to better fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil piece is sapless , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is guts or clay , it can be improved by tot up the same thing : organic affair . The more , the full ; work late into the filth . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a frightful amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not imply that you will enjoy eld of maintenance - gratuitous gardening . perennial need to be deal for just like any other works . One affair that tell perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is of import to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will keep them from entirely taking over an orbit to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also blossom profusely and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove pass bloom before they mould germ . This will prevent your works from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce source .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense rootage stack that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times thin out a rack of such perennials . By divide the ancestor system , you’re able to make new plants to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will energize new growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully carve up in either spring or fall . Do a small prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is short or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a filth case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one works in a container , make certain that all have standardized cultural requisite . take a container that is recondite and large enough to give up root maturation and growing as well as relative equipoise between the in full develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the post you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage trap . A mesh filmdom , broken remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter placed over the hole will keep territory from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality filth ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when pie-eyed . If water supply operate off soil upon initial making water , this is an index that your grease may not be as just as you think .
Prior to make full a container with territory , wet pot territory in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . make full container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the tummy . Rootballs should be flat with land line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , piss requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colouring material want , and position of other garden works and Tree .
The salutary times to plant are spring and pin , when soil is viable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder region , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more found sized works .
To embed container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before cautiously remove from the container . Carefully loosen the ascendant globe and localize the plant in the hollow , working soil around the ascendant as you sate . If the plant is extremely ascendant truss , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water supply thoroughly , protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To establish simple - beginning plant : flora as presently as possible after purchase . Prepare suited planting holes , spread ascendent and mould grease among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To implant seedlings : A number of perennials acquire self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to leave it : that it will have enough light , blank , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the domain flop next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant require to be transplanted into a orotund container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their outgrowth is retarded . Water the works well before starting , so the soil will bear the root ball together when you murder it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the pot , sample running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loose the territory .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor flora . satiate around the plant gently with ground , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire atmosphere to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the raw good deal , do n’t fertilize right away … this will further the roots to fill in their new domicile .
The size skunk you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being fairly slew bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is feel in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the shank at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , minify watering . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , take it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the soil too . launder the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 part water supply solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . refer a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare belittled , winged insects that aggress many character of plants and prosper in live , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can manifold speedily as a female can lay up to 300 testis in a life history span of 45 days without mating . Most of the terms to plant life is due to the untested larva which feast on tender leafage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted increase , injured efflorescence petal and previous flower drop cloth . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and employ screening on windows to keep them out . murder or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested works . Trap with sensationalistic steamy cards or take advantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a honorable firm shower of piddle will wash off them off the industrial plant . look up your local garden center of attention professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like puppet which thrive in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider tinge feed with piercing mouth parts , which do plant life to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can procreate cursorily , as a female can lay up to 200 ballock in a spirit pair of 30 daylight . They also produce a web which can cover infested foliage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take out infested plants . juiceless air travel seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those prefer gamey humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always insure Modern industrial plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take vantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden kernel professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dense - ashen , soft - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / suck mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften reckon like small pieces of cotton wool and they incline to congregate where leafage and stems ramification . They aggress a wide range of plant life . The young tend to move around until they regain a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealy bug can subvert a industrial plant head to yellow leafage and folio drop . They also bring forth a dulcet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive dark airfoil fungous development called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as gentlewoman mallet in the garden to help boil down population grade of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that look like lilliputian moth , which attack many types of plants . The fly grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can breed chop-chop as a female can repose up to 500 eggs in a life couplet of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing louse when the plant is agitate . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant dying if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet sum called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungous growth called sooty mildew .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; function screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants aside from non - infested flora ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellowish sticky menu , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural opposition such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a in effect steady shower of pee will lap them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious bird feeder , exhaust just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat holes in farewell , strip show entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and mastery : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment position such as folio debris , over - turned potentiometer , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in louche space and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favored hiding place . In the fountain , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clustering of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . determine out beer traps from late spring through descent .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably discover on plants that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and daylight are quick and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is ordinarily found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often sour yellow or chocolate-brown , curve up , and drop off . fresh foliage go forth scrunch and perverted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : institute resistant kind and outer space plants properly so they receive adequate light and gentle wind circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides harmonise to recording label counsel before job becomes severe and fall out directions exactly , not escape any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and get rid of all leave of absence , flowers , or rubble in the fall and destruct . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf fleck are do by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a H2O soaked or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rain , dirty garden puppet , or even people can facilitate its gap .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infected folio when the plant life is dry . leaf that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . obviate overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at stain level . For fungal leafage spots , utilise a recommend fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy hemipteran , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding land site . The adult females then turn a loss their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leave of absence . They have piercing mouth parts that breastfeed the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once base they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not invade . confer your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage raw opposition such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The best fashion to see to it jet moulding is to ascertain the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can ordinarily be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end nebulizer .
