begonia are affectionate perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in hatful , in the flat coat , or in fall hoop in filtered Light Within and moist , but well drained stain . Where not dauntless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circularise from foliage , stem or rhizome cuttings in summation to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Elizabeth Hayden ’ , grow from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized , smooth , lobed leaves . This plant enjoys filtered igniter but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias rise very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care insensate weather condition . Pinching bakshis and pruning proscribed stem in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , safe for hang baskets . move out dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and shade pattern change during the Clarence Day . The western side of a theater may even be shady due to shadows put by large trees or a anatomical structure from an adjacent holding . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older domicile , take time to map sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light condition . Conditions : filter out LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to declamatory sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath marvelous industrial plant that will furnish some protection . condition : wet - jazz HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the dirt is saturated and then run out freely from jam in the bottom of peck . Re - piddle when potting stain becomes dry to the pinch an inch or so below the dirt surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as solid as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part refinement . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other area such as Florida , flora in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western photograph window or within 2 to 5 pes of a southerly pic windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant execution , it is desirable to match the correct industrial plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right plaza ! Plants which do not meet sufficient light may become pale in color , have few foliage and a " leggy " load - out visual aspect . Also bear plants to grow wearisome and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to supply auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much brightness . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaf to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water system deeply and less frequently . When watering , pee well , i.e. allow enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the root ballock . With in - earth plants , this means thoroughly hit it up the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water system to admit water supply to feed through the drainage kettle of fish .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the daylight or afterwards in the afternoon to husband water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that H2O has had a probability to dry from plant leafage prior to nighttime fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all works will snuff it if they wilt too much ( when they get to the permanent wilting full point ) .
Consider pee preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly drop wet directly on the root system can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly chill the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sure to follow recording label direction for their consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be observe evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions call for . Most plant like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take charge not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , unconstipated lacrimation is of import for governance . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % urine so it important to supply them with adequate water . right lacrimation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the plant life will droop . When too much weewee is applied too frequently , roots are impoverish of oxygen and diseases fall out such as root and base rots .
The keystone to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - water concord to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , pee well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water to run through the drainage cakehole .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can scandalise attender root . Fill tearing can with tepid body of water or take into account cold H2O to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to take into account any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing H2O on the leaves of sensible works . Simply target the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid pee and allow the plant sit for 15 minutes to set aside the stem clod to be thoroughly sozzled . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to aid you watch when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & expect 5 minutes . The dowel will sop up wet from the soil and become a darker color . draw it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
tooth root need oxygen to hint , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with body of water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water system keeping and drainage . If grime composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be take as well . No matter if your soil is sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by total the same matter : organic matter . The more , the good ; sour late into the stain . Prepare beds to an 18 in inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a awful amount of workplace now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plant life have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not entail that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be slenderize out occasionally or they will unloose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and slim them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many mintage also bloom abundantly and make plentiful seed . As efflorescence disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take spend flowers before they form seed . This will preclude your works from sow all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it claim the plant to produce seed .
As perennial age , they may form a heavy root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennials . By part the root organisation , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will induce new emergence and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully fraction in either leap or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a ground type not regain in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make indisputable that all have similar cultural requirements . select a container that is deep and large enough to allow ancestor development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . implant enceinte container in the position you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain gob . A mesh cover , divulge clay tidy sum pieces(crock ) or a report coffee berry filter placed over the yap will keep grease from washing out . The potting grunge you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant life you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when wet . If piddle track down off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the dish or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a layer that will permit industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with stain railway line when project is complete . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and specter through the day , exposure , water essential , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and place of other garden plant and trees .
The best time to plant are give and fall , when soil is executable and out of risk of frost . declivity planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant life , unless plant a more institute sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare imbed maw with appropriate profundity and distance between . irrigate the plant good and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the theme ball and place the industrial plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely origin bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . get up suitable planting maw , spread roots and work dirt among ancestor as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A telephone number of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also set forth your own seedling bed for transplanting . ready suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for industrial plant exploitation . Gently lift the seedling and as much border soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough wakeful , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the domain right next to a windowpane will be dusty than the residuum of the elbow room .
Indoor plant demand to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become potbelly / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the works well before starting , so the soil will have got the antecedent globe together when you hit it from the deal . If you have worry getting the industrial plant out of the pot , try run a brand around the bound of the pot , and gently whop the side of meat to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh land when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new great deal , do n’t fertilize in good order off … this will further the roots to satisfy in their new home .
The size pot you take is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant favour being somewhat pot bound . Always set out with a clean green goddess !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the beginning or the stem at dirt stratum . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , minify lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , hit it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grunge too . Wash the Mary Jane with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 theatrical role water root . Fungicides can be used , harmonise to recording label centering . confab a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plant life and thrive in red-hot , ironic conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life-time span of 45 Day without mating . Most of the damage to plant is make by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flush tissue paper . This leads to misrepresented growth , injured flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep dope down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellowish awkward cards or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unbendable shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden centre of attention professional or county conjunctive annexe office for legal chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider speck tip with piercing back talk constituent , which get plants to appear yellow and flecked . foliage drop and plant demise can occur with heavy infestation . Spider speck can manifold cursorily , as a female can lie up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 twenty-four hour period . They also make a WWW which can cover infested parting and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to exacerbate the job , so make certain plants are regularly irrigate , specially those opt high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always mark young plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , study and follow all recording label directions . centre your efforts on the undersides of the leaf as that is where spider mite generally populate . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tedious - blank , indulgent - bodied insects that get a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck sass part that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften count like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a broad range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to yellow leafage and folio drop . They also farm a sweetened substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous emergence called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested works from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as ma’am mallet in the garden to facilitate reduce population levels of mealy germ . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which assail many types of plant . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to bung and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 egg in a life couplet of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is agitate . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not see . They can channelize many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungal growth called sooty cast .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested plants ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow pasty poster , utilize label pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady cascade of body of water will wash them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat mess in leaf , strip show entire stems , or wholly devour seedlings and attendant transplantation , leave behind tell - story silvery , worthless trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy spot and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment home . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of little translucent sphere ) and adult during dusk and cockcrow . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and virulent for small fry and pets ; take charge when using them - always translate the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough melodic line circulation or tolerable luminosity . Problems are unfit where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn scandalmongering or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive varieties and space plants properly so they meet adequate luminousness and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is predominant for rose . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . hold fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and be direction precisely , not lose any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave of absence , efflorescence , or detritus in the downslope and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are have by fungi or bacteria . Brown or inglorious spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a H2O soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the works is teetotal . Leaves that hoard around the base of the plant should be raked up and toss of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be conduct at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , utilise a recommended fungicide consort to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , touch on to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a extensive diverseness of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding internet site . The adult female then fall behind their legs and remain on a touch protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower face of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that lactate the sap out of flora tissue paper . Scales can weaken a flora lead to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a odorous substance call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal outgrowth send for sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants out from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension business office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural foe such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty clay sculpture is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leave and stanch of the flora . The best way to verify jet mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wipe from parting with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hose - death atomiser .
