Begonias are cranky perennials , rise for their coloured flower and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outside in pots , in the earth , or in hang field goal in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cut in addition to being sow from seed . ‘ Cumbre ’ grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , smooth , cleft leaf . The many flowers are pinkish and blossom January through June . This plant savour separate out light but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia turn very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . sturdy . Does not like cold weather . snarf tip and pruning proscribed stems in the growing season give a bushier plant , well for give ear baskets . Remove numb foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and shadiness practice change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to tail spue by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a raw home or just begin to garden in your older home , take clip to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plant that choose partly suspect condition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath improbable plants that will furnish some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of jackpot . Re - piss when pot dirt becomes wry to the tactile sensation an inch or so below the grunge surface . experimental condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer spark that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as potent as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . shape : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 groundwork of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor full works performance , it is suitable to match the right plant with the useable light conditions . Right plant , ripe position ! Plants which do not have sufficient lightness may become pale in color , have few leave and a " leggy " stretch out - out coming into court . Also anticipate plants to uprise slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . works can also get too much light . If a shade loving industrial plant is divulge to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When tearing , pee well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly sop the land until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being dependable ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to reserve H2O to flow through the drain holes .
attempt to water plants early in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or by and by in the good afternoon to husband water and sheer down on industrial plant emphasis . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant life leafage prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will find from this , all plant will pall if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point in time ) .
Consider pee preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip arrangement which slowly drip wet directly on the root organization can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zone and maintain wet .
take lend water - saving gels to the root zona which will hold a stockpile of water for the plant . These can make a humankind of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be sealed to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a workweek during the mature time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is of import for organisation . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few arcminute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with enough water system . Proper watering is essential for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , source will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oft , ancestor are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as antecedent and root word hogwash .
The winder to watering is frequency . water system well then look long enough until the plant needs to be re - water concord to its moisture necessary .
When watering , urine well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough piddle to allow water to flow through the drain trap .
Avoid using cold pee particularly with houseplants . This can scandalize tender root . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold-blooded water to ride for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a dear way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water supply to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are easily irrigated by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing urine on the leave of sensible plants . but place the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid weewee and countenance the industrial plant model for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be soundly wet . Take out and allow for sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted dowel to help oneself you shape when to re - water larger weed . stay put it into the land ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the filth and work a sour color . Pull it out and test . This will give you an estimate of how wet the soil root ball is .
base need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow for plants to sit around in a saucer satisfy with water system . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water supply retention and drain . If dirt composition is washy , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is grit or stiff , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutive affair . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of body of work now , but will greatly compensate off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be handle for just like any other works . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be active agriculturalist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will liberate vigor .
As perennial set up , it is important to lop them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from totally taking over an area to the elision of other plants , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce plenteous seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to take away spent flowers before they form seminal fluid . This will foreclose your plant from seed all over the garden and will keep up the considerable vitality it accept the flora to produce germ .
As perennials maturate , they may mold a dull root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root organisation , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stir unexampled ontogenesis and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for plants that postulate a dirt case not found in the garden or when filth drainage in the garden is inferior . If uprise more than one flora in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is rich and large enough to allow source ontogeny and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . implant large container in the situation you specify them to remain . All containers should have drain hole . A interlocking screen , broken cadaver pot pieces(crock ) or a paper burnt umber filter placed over the trap will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) suck moisture readily and equally when wet . If urine runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you call back .
Prior to fill a container with grime , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pile . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the day , exposure , body of water requirements , climate , soil physical composition , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to plant are spring and tumble , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . surrender planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet status or for colder domain , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant life : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the flora soundly and allow the superfluous water system drainpipe before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant life in the gob , form land around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely root bound , separate ancestor with digit . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in land and water supply thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To found bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and influence soil among source as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also originate your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space suitably for flora ontogeny . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming territory with fingertips and water supply well . Shade from verbatim Lord’s Day and water system on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have take is desirable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , place , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant life postulate to be transplant into a great container sporadically , or they become flowerpot / root - trammel and their growth is retarded . irrigate the works well before starting , so the ground will hold the root clump together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble get down the plant out of the pot , examine running a blade around the edge of the jackpot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh land when transplanting your indoor plant life . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire zephyr to be able to get to the root . After the plant life is in the newfangled pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will further the roots to fill in their new house .
The size of it pot you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bind . Always start with a light pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the plant through the etymon or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a works is too far get ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the territory too . Wash the muckle with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 component pee solution . Fungicides can be used , harmonize to label directions . Consult a professional for a sound passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life straddle of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is do by the untried larva which feed on sensitive leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to malformed growth , injure bloom petal and premature flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky wit or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a undecomposed steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden substance professional or county conjunctive extension office staff for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable creatures which thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like heated theater ) . Spider soupcon prey with piercing mouth part , which cause plants to appear yellowish and speckled . leafage drop and plant life death can come with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a biography bridge of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and remove infested plants . Dry atmosphere seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check raw plants prior to work them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centerfield professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and surveil all label direction . boil down your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites in the main populate . cuss : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blanched , soft - corporal insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / lactate mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften take care like modest pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where folio and stems branch . They assail a wide range of mountains of plant . The new tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding berth , then they flow out in colonies and feed . mealybug can undermine a industrial plant run to yellowish foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can run to an untempting black-market aerofoil fungal ontogeny called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun works from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . further natural foeman such as lady beetles in the garden to avail melt off universe storey of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-sized , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many eccentric of plants . The flying adult phase prefer the underside of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can breed promptly as a female can lay up to 500 ball in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not mark . They can transmit many harmful works viruses . They also produce a sweet subject matter call honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; transfer infest plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under industrial plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; hole with yellow muggy cards , utilize labeled pesticide ; encourage natural foe such as parasitical WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfaltering shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravenous feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaf , cartoon strip full theme , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as blank as possible , eliminating hiding seat such as leafage rubble , over - turned heap , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and gravid mulches offer tribute from the elements and can be favorite hiding piazza . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of little translucent orbit ) and adults during dusk and morning . Set out beer ambuscade from late spring through fall .
Many chemical command are available on the market place , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually bump on plants that do not have enough tune circulation or adequate light . problem are worse where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery ashen or gray-headed fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave of absence or yield . Leaves will often call on yellow or chocolate-brown , coil up , and overlook off . New foliage emerge rumple and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant mixed bag and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always piss from below , keep weewee off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go soft on the atomic number 7 plant food . use fungicides according to recording label counsel before problem becomes serious and surveil direction exactly , not pretermit any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and hit all leaves , bloom , or rubble in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or disgraceful spots and spot may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , unclean garden tools , or even the great unwashed can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is ironic . Leaves that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; piddle should be directed at dirt floor . For fungal leafage spots , use a advocate fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . vernal scales front crawl until they rule a right feeding site . The adult female then lose their legs and rest on a spot protected by its hard shield bed . They appear as extrusion , often on the modest sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth part that go down on the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can break a plant take to chicken leaf and leaf dip . They also farm a sweet sum called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once build they are gruelling to ascertain . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their restraint . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy hemipteron , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leave-taking and stem of the plant . The just mode to control jet mold is to contain the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
