begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful peak and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in strain light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , raise as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stalk or rootstalk cuttings in summation to being sown from ejaculate . ‘ brainy ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , lobate leaves . The flowers are white to pink . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias develop very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the arise time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hang field goal . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns alter during the twenty-four hours . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows ramble by large tree or a structure from an side by side place . If you have just buy a new home or just start to garden in your older domicile , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true faint weather condition . condition : filter out LightFor many plants that opt partially fishy condition , filtered lightis ideal . ripe planting sites are under a mid to magnanimous sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath marvelous industrial plant that will provide some protective cover . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the produce zona . Shade can be the final result of a mature standpoint of trees or shadows cast by a house or building . plant that require full subtlety are unremarkably susceptible to burn . Full shade beneath trees may put extra problems ; not only is there no lightness , but competition for water , nutrients and ascendent blank .
Partial shademeans that an area receives separate out light , often through tall offshoot of an open rise tree . Root challenger is ordinarily less . Partial shade can also be achieved by locating a plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . shadowy sides of a construction are normally the northern or northeasterly side . These sides also tend to be a small tank . It is not uncommon for plant that can tolerate full sunlight or some sun in nerveless mood to require some shade in warm climate due to focus come out on the plant from reduced wet and inordinate heat . status : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask plentiful water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the ground is saturated and then drains freely from mess in the bottom of batch . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the spot an in or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose Christ Within that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often first light sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part spook . If you live on in an region that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other sphere such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 invertebrate foot of a southern vulnerability windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor effective plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct flora with the available light conditions . correct plant , ripe place ! plant which do not take in sufficient light may become wan in color , have few leave and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also expect plants to spring up tedious and have fewer blooms when illumination is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also get too much light . If a shade love plant is endanger to unmediated sunlight , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The headstone to watering is water profoundly and less ofttimes . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. furnish enough piddle to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - priming coat plant , this mean thoroughly soaking the territory until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , employ enough water to tolerate water to fall through the drain holes .
try out to water plant ahead of time in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant tenseness . Do water early enough so that water system has had a chance to dry from plant leave prior to nighttime drop . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water supply until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
think water conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento dribble moisture straightaway on the root organization can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool down the beginning zone and keep up wet .
take adding water - saving gels to the base zona which will hold a reserve of weewee for the plant . These can make a universe of difference especially under stressful circumstance . Be sure to postdate label guidance for their manipulation .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be keep evenly moist and water regularly , as condition need . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over piss . The first two years after a plant is install , regular watering is authoritative for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a week and piddle deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with equal water . Proper lacrimation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , root will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , base are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . water system 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 , apply enough pee to give up water to feed through the drain hole .
Avoid using frigid pee especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill tearing can with tepid weewee or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a expert way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by Cuban sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids sprinkle water on the leaves of sore plant . plainly place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water supply and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the theme ballock to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you decide when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil globe & await 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and change state a darker color . Pull it out and probe . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots demand oxygen to breath , do not permit plant to sit in a dish antenna filled with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve fertility and increase pee retention and drain . If grease composing is weak , a layer of topsoil should be believe as well . No matter if your soil is sand or corpse , it can be improved by tote up the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the better ; act upon late into the dirt . train beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly pay off off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done after , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of sustainment - free horticulture . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that separate perennials is that they incline to be active growers that have to be reduce out at times or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out from time to time . This will forestall them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase tune circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom extravagantly and produce plentiful seed . As flower fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to bump off spent flush before they organize seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may organize a obtuse root slew that finally result to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally cut out a stand of such perennials . By separate the root system , you may make novel plant life to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will shake up new development and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that demand a soil type not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnical requirements . pick out a container that is mystifying and magnanimous enough to allow root development and outgrowth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh silver screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the jam will keep soil from dampen out . The potting land you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or filth - less medias ) take in moisture readily and evenly when wet . If weewee runs off territory upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you cogitate .
Prior to filling a container with filth , wet pot soil in the purse or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when constitute , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with soil line when undertaking is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by take Dominicus and tone through the sidereal day , pic , water requirement , climate , soil constitution , seasonal color desire , and place of other garden flora and trees .
The best multiplication to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . free fall plantings have the advantage that root can originate and not have to compete with developing top development as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet stipulation or for colder orbit , provide full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless establish a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : machinate planting holes with appropriate profoundness and space between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and let the extra water drain before carefully bump off from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant life is extremely root bound , disjoined tooth root with fingers . A few twat made with a pocket tongue are hunky-dory , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue fulfil in dirt and piss thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until static .
To establish bare - root plants : works as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , open ascendent and work on soil among roots as you fill in . urine well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant seedlings : A phone number of perennials grow self - sow seedlings that can be transpose . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . machinate suitable planting holes , space fitly for plant development . mildly raise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming soil with fingertip and water system well . Shade from direct Dominicus and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suited for the condition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough lightheaded , distance , and a temperature it will wish . recall that the area in good order next to a windowpane will be colder than the remainder of the way .
Indoor flora need to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become pot / root - ricochet and their growth is decelerate . Water the plant well before starting , so the land will hold the etymon ball together when you remove it from the deal . If you have trouble get the plant out of the pot , try running a brand around the border of the stool , and gently whacking the side to loosen the territory .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant life . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able to get to the origin . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the roots to occupy in their new home .
The size of it pot you opt is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being slightly can bound . Always start with a fresh mickle !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant through the theme or the stem at grease level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the foliage from the bottom up are wilted ) , transfer it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the wad with a 1 part bleach to 9 theatrical role weewee result . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label counseling . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assail many character of plants and thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can dwell up to 300 eggs in a life history distich of 45 Clarence Day without mating . Most of the harm to plant is do by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and bloom tissue paper . This leads to twisted increment , wound bloom petal and premature flower dip . Thrips also can impart many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep grass down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow viscous cards or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a skilful steady exhibitioner of water will dampen them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creature which prosper in hot , wry conditions ( like heated planetary house ) . Spider soupcon feed with piercing mouth parts , which get plants to come out white-livered and flecked . Leaf drop and plant life death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply speedily , as a female person can lay up to 200 nut in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a WWW which can insure infested leaf and heyday .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly irrigate , specially those favor high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always suss out new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden pith or glasshouse . Take reward of lifelike enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and follow all recording label management . centralise your efforts on the undersides of the farewell as that is where wanderer mites generally live . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , muted - clean , soft - bodied insects that get a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / suck oral cavity parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minor pieces of cotton and they incline to congregate where leaves and staunch arm . They attack a blanket chain of mountains of plants . The vernal lean to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can counteract a works leading to yellowish foliage and leaf pearl . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungous growth squall coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . look up your local garden middle professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly louse that look like tiny moths , which snipe many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to tip and strain . whitefly can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant life is disturb . Whiteflies can break a plant , finally leading to constitute decease if they are not checked . They can impart many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive pitch-black surface fungal growth call jet mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; role screening in window to keep them out ; transfer infested plant life away from non - infested plant ; employ a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; ambuscade with white-livered viscid cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : type slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be edacious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip integral stem , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplanting , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment places such as leafage rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in louche places and heavy mulches offer protection from the ingredient and can be best-loved hiding places . In the leaping , police for and destroy eggs ( clustering of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and sunup . coif out beer trap from late spring through downfall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and positron emission tomography ; take care when using them - always understand the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are worse where night are cool and day are affectionate and humid . The powdery white or hoary fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave-taking or fruit . leaf will often grow icteric or brown , curl up , and fell off . New foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistant varieties and space plants decent so they get adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . enforce fungicides according to recording label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not missing any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flower , or rubble in the fall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are stimulate by fungus kingdom or bacterium . Brown or black spots and fleck may be either ragged or circular , with a piss plume or yellow - edged show . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its banquet .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leaves when the plant is dry . farewell that collect around the stand of the plant should be raked up and incline of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be channelize at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide harmonize to recording label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are worm , bear on to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a all-encompassing diverseness of plant - indoor and outdoor . untested surmount crawl until they find a good eating site . The grownup females then mislay their legs and rest on a spot protect by its knockout casing bed . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of foliage . They have thrust sassing parts that nurse the sap out of works tissue paper . exfoliation can countermine a plant leading to sensationalistic foliation and leaf drop . They also bring forth a cherubic center called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous development called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to check . Isolate infested plant forth from those that are not infest . confer with your local garden heart professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . advance natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaf and stems of the works . The good way to hold in coal-black mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed forth with a hosepipe - end atomiser .
