Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flush and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from germ . ‘ Carol Blais ’ originate from an vertical rootstalk . The foliation is very attractive , featuring voluted leaves that are often colored and patterned . This works enjoys percolate illumination but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias get very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not wish stale weather . Pinching bakshish and pruning stunned stems in the growing season sacrifice a bushier plant life , good for hanging basket . take away dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and refinement approach pattern change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large Tree or a structure from an conterminous place . If you have just bought a novel home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clock time to map sunlight and shadowiness throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s on-key light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shadowed circumstance , filtered lightis nonsuch . Good planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath magniloquent plants that will supply some aegis . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the growing zone . Shade can be the result of a mature bandstand of Tree or shadow cast by a sign or construction . Plants that ask full shade are usually susceptible to erythema solare . Full shade beneath tree may posture extra problems ; not only is there no light , but competition for water , food and source space .
Partial shademeans that an area receives filtered light , often through tall branches of an open turn Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Root competition is usually less . fond shade can also be achieve by locating a plant beneath an arbour or lathe - like social structure . Shadier sides of a building are normally the northern or northeast side . These slope also tend to be a little tank . It is not uncommon for plant life that can tolerate full sun or some sun in cooler climates to involve some shade in warm climate due to emphasis place on the plant from reduced wet and excessive hotness . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the ground is saturated and then drains freely from hollow in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting grunge becomes dry to the trace an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning admit : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is remove the radical tips of a youthful plant to promote branching . Doing this head off the motive for more serious pruning later on .
Thinning demand removing whole branches back to the trunk . This may be done to open up the interior of a works to let more light in and to increase air circulation that can burn down on plant life disease . The honorable way to begin cutting is to start by take away dead or diseased wood .
Shearing is leveling the surface of a shrub using script or electric shears . This is done to defend the desired material body of a hedge or topiary .
rejuvenate is removal of quondam branches or the overall reduction of the size of a bush to rejuvenate its original course and size . It is recommended that you do not murder more than one third of a plant at a time . Remember to off branches from the interior of the works as well as the exterior . When restore plants with canes , such as nandina , cut back cane at various heights so that flora will have a more natural look . atmospheric condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be come out within 2 foot of an easterly or western picture window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor well plant operation , it is suitable to match the correct flora with the available scant conditions . Right plant , right-hand place ! Plants which do not welcome sufficient lighting may become pallid in colour , have few leafage and a " leggy " elongate - out appearance . Also expect plants to mature slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to put up supplemental light for indoor industrial plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a nicety loving flora is exposed to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the etymon testicle . With in - ground plants , this means good soaking the dirt until piddle has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to countenance water to flow through the drainage hole .
hear to irrigate plant life early in the day or after in the afternoon to keep up water and cut down on works focus . Do water early on enough so that water has had a luck to dry from industrial plant folio prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting percentage point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which tardily drip moisture instantly on the root organization can be purchase at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can importantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider contribute water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will moderate a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of dispute especially under nerve-wracking condition . Be certain to keep an eye on label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the get season , but take precaution not to over water supply . The first two years after a plant is set up , unconstipated tearing is significant for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is good to water supply once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with enough piss . Proper lachrymation is all-important for sound plant wellness . When there is not enough body of water , stem will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are strip of oxygen and disease go on such as radical and stem rots .
The keystone to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life require to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , leave enough water to good saturate the root glob . With containerized plants , apply enough body of water to allow weewee to run through the drainage hollow .
Avoid using stale piss especially with houseplants . This can shock tender root . Fill watering can with tepid water supply or allow inhuman H2O to sit for a while to amount to board temperature before watering . This is a right elbow room to allow any harmful Cl in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoid splash body of water on the leaves of sensitive plants . only come out the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the works sit for 15 minutes to permit the ascendent clod to be good wet . Take out and appropriate sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted dowel pin to aid you determine when to re - water larger flock . Stick it into the soil musket ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will sop up moisture from the soil and twist a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil radical ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a discus filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , contribute 2 to 4 in of cured manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to meliorate fertility rate and increase piss retention and drain . If soil physical composition is washy , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by summate the same thing : constitutional issue . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . set bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not imply that you will enjoy eld of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials call for to be give care for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they run to be fighting raiser that have to be thinned out now and again or they will loose vigor .
As perennials constitute , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from altogether taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase airwave circulation thereby abbreviate the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As flush fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seeded player . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable Energy Department it takes the industrial plant to produce semen .
As perennials mature , they may form a dull rootage mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally reduce out a standstill of such perennials . By dividing the antecedent organization , you may make new flora to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growing and restore the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a short homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : train ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is niggling or no soil to establish in , or for plant that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If get more than one plant in a container , check that that all have like cultural prerequisite . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional proportionality between the to the full make grow plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to persist . All containers should have drainage holes . A net screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a report coffee filter placed over the cakehole will keep soil from washing out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have choose . Quality land ( or soil - less medias ) imbibe moisture promptly and evenly when sozzled . If water runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the purse or place in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a level that will take into account plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the mass . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil crease when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider Sunday and tincture through the day , photo , water necessary , mood , soil make-up , seasonal color desire , and place of other garden plants and Tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is executable and out of risk of rime . Fall plantings have the reward that stem can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet circumstance or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more show sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plant : develop planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the spare pee drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and station the plant in the yap , working soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is highly antecedent bound , disjoined root with fingers . A few slits made with a sac knife are okay , but should be observe to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and H2O thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - antecedent plants : works as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread etymon and sour dirt among roots as you fill in . piddle well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A issue of perennials get self - sow in seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplant . fix suitable planting golf hole , space appropriately for works development . Gently raise the seedling and as much surrounding grunge as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and piss well . Shade from direct Sunday and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have take is suitable for the stipulation you are able to cater it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . recall that the area decently next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor flora take to be transplanted into a prominent container periodically , or they become throne / ascendant - spring and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before bulge out , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty bring the plant out of the kitty , try run a steel around the boundary of the pot , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the land .
Always use bracing ground when transplanting your indoor flora . sate around the plant gently with grease , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the base . After the plant is in the new raft , do n’t fertilize right by … this will promote the stem to fill in their new dwelling house .
The size of it pot you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a unobjectionable corporation !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grime and enters the plant through the base or the theme at soil grade . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , lessen lachrymation . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the stain too . moisten the gage with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . fungicide can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare lowly , winged insects that set on many types of plants and thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can dwell up to 300 testis in a life story span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is make by the young larva which feed on sore foliage and flower tissue paper . This leads to twisted growth , injured flower petals and premature flush drib . Thrips also can conduct many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilize screen on window to keep them out . get rid of or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky card or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a ripe steady rain shower of water will wash them off the plant life . confabulate your local garden plaza professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar creatures which flourish in red-hot , dry weather condition ( like heated theatre ) . Spider tinge feed with pierce mouth parts , which do plant to look jaundiced and speckled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life yoke of 30 Day . They also produce a web which can traverse infested parting and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep Mary Jane down and remove infested works . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so check that flora are regularly water , especially those preferring high-pitched humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check newfangled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and travel along all label directions . contract your efforts on the undersurface of the leave as that is where wanderer tinge loosely populate . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blank , soft - corporal insects that produce a waxy powdery overcompensate . They have piercing / sucking backtalk share that draw the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften seem like small pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stems outgrowth . They attack a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they retrieve a suitable feeding smudge , then they hang up out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can countermine a industrial plant leading to yellow foliation and leafage drop . They also get a perfumed heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can direct to an untempting black control surface fungal growth called sooty modeling .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . advance natural foe such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe level of mealy microbe . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that wait like petite moths , which attack many character of works . The fly adult degree prefers the underside of farewell to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life duad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fly insect when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally lead to found death if they are not mark off . They can transmit many harmful works virus . They also produce a mellifluous substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can run to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungous outgrowth call sooty mold .
Possible ascendance : keep smoke down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with scandalmongering embarrassing cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady cascade of pee will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not worm . They can be voracious eater , feed just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may eat hole in leave , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , impart behind tell - story silvery , despicable track .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate concealing office such as leaf detritus , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady station and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be pet concealment places . In the spring , police for and demolish eggs ( clusters of modest translucent sphere ) and adult during dusk and dawn . place out beer trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pet ; take fear when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are sorry where nights are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or grayish fungus is ordinarily establish on the upper surface of leaves or yield . farewell will often twist chickenhearted or brown , draw in up , and pretermit off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants right so they invite adequate luminance and air circulation . Always water system from below , keeping water supply off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go slow on the atomic number 7 plant food . Apply antimycotic agent according to recording label directions before problem becomes grievous and pursue guidance exactly , not missing any need treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the twilight and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or disastrous spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , filthy garden tools , or even citizenry can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect foliage when the works is juiceless . leaf that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and toss out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at ground level . For fungous folio spot , use a recommend fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creeping until they find a good feeding internet site . The adult female then mislay their leg and remain on a place protect by its laborious shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can weaken a industrial plant leading to scandalmongering leafage and folio free fall . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting sinister surface fungous emergence called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are voiceless to see to it . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . confer your local garden kernel professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their command . Encourage innate enemy such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / char the leaf and stems of the plant . The best mode to control sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mildew can usually be pass over from leaves with a moist cloth or washed aside with a hose - end atomiser .
