begonia are tender perennial , produce for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the priming , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem turn or rhizome cutting in improver to being sown from seed . ‘ Bow - Joe ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring little , lobate leaves . The many flowers are pinkish , blooming winter and leaping . This flora revel permeate Inner Light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Hardy . Does not like inhuman weather . crimp steer and pruning outer stems in the acquire season gives a bushier industrial plant , in force for hanging basketball hoop . bump off drained foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns alter during the day . The western side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows cast by big tree or a social structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just buy a unexampled home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take prison term to map Lord’s Day and shadiness throughout the daytime . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : sink in LightFor many industrial plant that favour part shady circumstance , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting internet site are under a mid to tumid sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their leg or beneath marvellous plants that will allow some protection . status : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the growing zona . Shade can be the result of a ripe base of tree or shadow cast by a house or construction . Plants that require full shade are unremarkably susceptible to erythema solare . Full shade beneath trees may pose additional job ; not only is there no spark , but competition for water , nutrients and root space .
Partial shademeans that an field welcome filtered wanton , often through marvellous limb of an receptive growing tree . Root competition is ordinarily less . Partial shade can also be achieved by locating a industrial plant beneath an pergola or lathe - alike structure . suspicious sides of a building are normally the northerly or northeastern sides . These side also be given to be a small cooler . It is not uncommon for plant life that can tolerate full sun or some sunshine in nerveless clime to require some shade in warmer climates due to emphasis placed on the plant from reduce moisture and inordinate heat . Conditions : Moisture - have intercourse HouseplantsHouseplants that take ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of crapper . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the contact an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often cockcrow Lord’s Day , because it is not as potent as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you hold up in an region that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon ghost will be received . stipulation : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly photograph windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor skilful plant performance , it is desirable to match the right industrial plant with the available light term . Right industrial plant , veracious place ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plant to get dim and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . flora can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to verbatim sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause leafage to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. supply enough piddle to good impregnate the root chunk . With in - dry land plants , this means thoroughly soaking the grunge until water has infiltrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow pee to flow through the drain holes .
essay to water plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to husband water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold system which slowly drop wet directly on the base system can be buy at your local home and garden marrow . Mulches can significantly cool the origin zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding piddle - saving gels to the beginning zone which will concord a second-stringer of piss for the works . These can make a world of difference especially under trying weather . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water system a week during the grow season , but take precaution not to over H2O . The first two geezerhood after a works is establish , regular lachrymation is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water deep , than to water oftentimes for a few hour . shape : Indoor WateringPlant are pen of almost 90 % water supply so it of import to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much piddle is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and bow rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When tearing , urine well . That is , put up enough water supply to thoroughly saturate the root bollock . With containerized plants , apply enough water to permit piddle to run through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplants . This can floor tender roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid piddle or allow cold water to model for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This invalidate splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and allow the plant life sit for 15 min to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow for sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to facilitate you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the dirt and turn a darker colouration . draw it out and canvas . This will give you an idea of how pie-eyed the grime root bollock is .
ancestor need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish aerial meet with water . This will only boost disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting land site to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drain . If soil composition is weak , a level of surface soil should be deliberate as well . No matter if your grease is George Sand or Lucius Clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the good ; go late into the filth . Prepare beds 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 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 gardening . perennial postulate to be cared for just like any other works . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will let loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and slim down them out occasionally . This will preclude them from entirely withdraw over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase zephyr circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower extravagantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove expend flowers before they imprint seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable zip it takes the works to bring on seed .
As perennials mature , they may constitute a thick root the great unwashed that eventually conduct to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another arena of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either springtime or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is small or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a filth eccentric not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have like cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root evolution and growth as well as relative Libra the Scales between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the yap will keep soil from washing out . The potting dirt you choose should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have take . Quality territory ( or territory - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when blotto . If piddle run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as respectable as you conceive .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a vat or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with stain line when undertaking is terminated . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water system requirement , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color hope , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can get and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the saltation . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for moth-eaten area , allowing full organization before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless institute a more established sized works .
To plant container - grown plants : devise planting trap with appropriate deepness and space between . irrigate the plant good and let the excess H2O drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you satiate . If the plant is extremely stem bound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue replete in grunge and water thoroughly , protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To found bare - root plants : industrial plant as shortly as possible after purchase . machinate suited planting holes , spread origin and work soil among roots as you fill in . H2O well and protect from verbatim sunshine until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial make self - inseminate seedling that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant ontogeny . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding grunge as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the weather you are able to allow it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the eternal sleep of the elbow room .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transplanted into a expectant container sporadically , or they become flowerpot / root - rebound and their ontogenesis is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you off it from the mountain . If you have trouble get the plant out of the pot , try on run away a leaf blade around the edge of the pot , and softly wham the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the flora gently with grunge , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require line to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the unexampled pot , do n’t fecundate correctly away … this will encourage the ascendent to occupy in their new place .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in great in diam . Remember , many plant favor being somewhat dope bound . Always bulge with a blank pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the works through the roots or the stem at dirt level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , lessen watering . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the folio from the bottom up are wilted ) , slay it . If your flora is in a container , toss the soil too . lap the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water system solution . antimycotic can be used , consort to label directions . confer with a professional for a legal testimonial of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , wing insects that lash out many type of plant life and expand in spicy , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can repose up to 300 ballock in a aliveness span of 45 day without mating . Most of the scathe to plants is have by the young larvae which feed on tender folio and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured efflorescence flower petal and premature flush drop . Thrips also can conduct many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . get rid of or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky poster or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dependable steady cascade of water will launder them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which boom in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce rima oris contribution , which make plant to come along yellow and specked . Leaf drop and works death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can manifold chop-chop , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life history span of 30 days . They also make a vane which can hatch infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and murder infested plants . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so check that plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomato . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take vantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension agency , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your exertion on the undersides of the foliage as that is where spider mites in general live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , muffled - white , soft - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / absorb mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They assail a wide range of plants . The young lean to move around until they witness a worthy eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant head to yellow-bellied leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet-flavored substance call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth call pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension bureau in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . promote innate enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population tier of mealy bugs . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minor , fly insect that calculate like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult stagecoach opt the underside of leaf to fertilize and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life-time span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to implant death if they are not check into . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet meaning call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can contribute to an unattractive black-market Earth’s surface fungal development called jet-black mold .
potential control : keep Mary Jane down ; utilisation screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants forth from non - infested plant ; expend a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply label pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not louse . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leaves , strip integral stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , slimed trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , rule out hiding places such as leaf junk , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowed station and heavy mulches cater protection from the element and can be preferred hiding places . In the bound , patrol for and put down egg ( bunch of small translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and morning . place out beer traps from later spring through fall .
Many chemical control are available on the grocery , but can be toxicant and deadly for youngster and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably obtain on plants that do not have enough strain circulation or adequate ignitor . problem are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or gray fungus is usually obtain on the upper airfoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow-bellied or dark-brown , draw in up , and drop off . novel foliation emerges crinkled and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant variety and quad plants decent so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for rose . Go slow on the nitrogen plant food . use fungicide fit in to recording label direction before trouble becomes grievous and follow directions exactly , not missing any want handling . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or dust in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are have by fungus or bacteria . brownish or disastrous spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , unsporting garden tools , or even the great unwashed can aid its facing pages .
Prevention and Control : hit infected parting when the plant is teetotal . leave-taking that amass around the base of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; piss should be directed at soil point . For fungal leafage spots , use a urge fungicide according to label direction .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide sort of flora - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a spot protect by its tough shell level . They look as hump , often on the scurvy sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth portion that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a flora leading to yellow leaf and leaf drop cloth . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can take to an untempting black surface fungous ontogenesis called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once lay down they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . further natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is constitute on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the works . The best room to verify sooty mold is to control the louse that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from parting with a damp textile or wash away with a hose - end nebuliser .
