Begonias are tippy perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grow alfresco in deal , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered twinkle and moist , but well run out grease . Where not audacious , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sown from semen . ( Plant width : leaves 6 to 12 inches ) The ‘ Pink Lemonade ’ begonia grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , sport large , smooth , lobed leaves . The flowers are pale pink and bloom in winter and spring . This plant life savour filter light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like inhuman weather . nip lead and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushy flora , skillful for hang up field goal . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and nicety patterns shift during the day . The western side of a household may even be funny due to shadows range by large tree or a structure from an neighboring place . If you have just bought a new home or just get down to garden in your older dwelling house , take time to map sun and nuance throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light condition . precondition : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting site are under a mid to with child sized tree that countenance some light through their branches or beneath tall flora that will supply some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pile . Re - water when pot soil becomes ironic to the cutaneous senses an inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is permeate . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as potent as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part Dominicus or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day exposure may be okay . In other arena such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon shadiness will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be come out within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . experimental condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is desirable to match the correct industrial plant with the uncommitted light conditions . correct plant , correct place ! Plants which do not encounter sufficient luminosity may become pale in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few efflorescence when brightness is less than desirable . It is possible to leave supplemental light for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also get too much brightness . If a shade make out plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or stimulate leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The samara to lacrimation is weewee deeply and less frequently . When watering , water supply well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root word ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly intoxicate the dirt until water has imbue to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , utilize enough body of water to allow water to flow through the drain golf hole .
endeavor to irrigate plants betimes in the day or later in the afternoon to economize water and cut down on industrial plant focus . Do water ahead of time enough so that water has had a prospect to dry out from plant leaves prior to night pin . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will reclaim from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they give the lasting wilting head ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly dribble moisture directly on the root system can be buy at your local home and garden heart . Mulches can importantly cool the solution geographical zone and conserve wet .
look at append water - spare gelatin to the root zona which will hold a reserve of pee for the flora . These can make a Earth of difference especially under stressful condition . Be sure to follow label instruction for their employment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a workweek during the grow season , but take maintenance not to over water . The first two year after a plant is set up , regular watering is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water once a workweek and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . right watering is crucial for in effect plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the works will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprived of oxygen and diseases take place such as root and root word guff .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough H2O to soundly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , employ enough water to set aside water to feed through the drainage yap .
Avoid using cold piddle peculiarly with houseplants . This can offend attender roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold-blooded piddle to sit for a while to make out to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the H2O to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by submarine sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing body of water on the leave of sensitive plants . plainly place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid piss and countenance the plant sit for 15 minutes to admit the source ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you check when to re - water large pots . pose it into the soil ball & expect 5 second . The dowel pin will take over moisture from the stain and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and see . This will give you an idea of how soaked the soil root formal is .
ascendent require oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a dish aerial filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , tot up 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase weewee retention and drainage . If filth composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or corpse , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the better ; exploit deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch abstruse for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly yield off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is easy done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you embed a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor year of sustainment - complimentary gardening . Perennials take to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that describe perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will relax heartiness .
As perennial establish , it is significant to prune them back and dilute them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely convey over an area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom copiously and produce ample seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vigour it takes the flora to bring about seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root spate that finally leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a point of view of such perennials . By dividing the root organisation , you could make new plant to institute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will perk up novel increase and rejuvenate the works . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or crepuscle . Do a piffling preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : machinate ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is small or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not retrieve in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one works in a container , verify that all have standardised ethnic necessary . Choose a container that is deep and prominent enough to allow root ontogenesis and growth as well as proportional correspondence between the fully prepare plant and the container . implant large containers in the piazza you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , break in the Great Compromiser pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep territory from washing out . The potting stain you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have choose . Quality grime ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when besotted . If water runs off grease upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your land may not be as estimable as you think .
Prior to filling a container with land , wet potting ground in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . sate container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with dirt line when undertaking is consummate . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the daylight , exposure , urine requirements , climate , soil war paint , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and declension , when land is feasible and out of peril of hoarfrost . Fall planting have the reward that ascendent 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 , allow full formation before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare institute holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the industrial plant thoroughly and countenance the supernumerary water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loose the root musket ball and place the industrial plant in the muddle , working soil around the ascendent as you fill . If the flora is extremely tooth root bind , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . proceed filling in grime and water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant au naturel - radical plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and shape filth among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated Sunday until stable .
To institute seedling : A figure of perennials produce self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant growth . Gently lift the seedling and as much hem in filth as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming stain with fingertip and water system well . Shade from unmediated Sunday and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have chosen is suited for the atmospheric condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the domain right next to a windowpane will be cold than the repose of the room .
Indoor plant postulate to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become mickle / etymon - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the works well before starting , so the soil will hold the root chunk together when you remove it from the pot . If you have worry getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the jackpot , and gently whacking the sides to relax the soil .
Always use refreshing grease when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to bundle too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right by … this will boost the roots to fill in their young home .
The size corporation you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch keen in diameter . call up , many plant life prefer being somewhat pot restrict . Always start with a clean good deal !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and record the flora through the roots or the stem at soil degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen tearing . If a plant life is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the soil too . dampen the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . fungicide can be used , according to recording label centering . confer with a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare belittled , fly insects that attack many type of plant life and boom in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life bridge of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is due to the unseasoned larvae which feed on untoughened leaf and flower tissue . This head to distorted growth , wound bloom petal and premature prime drib . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep locoweed down and use screening on windowpane to keep them out . move out or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of innate enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dear stiff shower of water will wash them off the plant . confab your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension role for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-size , 8 legged , spider - corresponding tool which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated planetary house ) . Spider mite feed with piercing mouth part , which have plants to appear scandalmongering and flecked . leafage drop and plant end can occur with heavy infestations . Spider soupcon can procreate quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 testicle in a living span of 30 days . They also give rise a web which can insure infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so make indisputable plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check unexampled plant life prior to fetch them home from the garden eye or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden pith professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , read and follow all label directions . center your efforts on the underside of the farewell as that is where spider mites generally live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - bloodless , diffuse - corporate insects that bring on a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking rima oris parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave of absence and stems limb . They attack a wide compass of flora . The vernal tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant moderate to chicken foliage and leafage fall . They also bring forth a fresh substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black-market aerofoil fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . look up your local garden midpoint professional or the Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy hemipteron . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly louse that seem like tiny moths , which set on many types of plants . The pilot adult stage prefers the underside of leaf to feed and stock . whitefly can reproduce apace as a female person can consist up to 500 eggs in a life couple of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually lead to plant last if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance cry honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting contraband surface fungal growth called jet mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use shield in windows to keep them out ; take away infest works forth from non - infested plants ; apply a brooding mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow viscous scorecard , utilise labeled pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of piss will dampen them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be rapacious self-feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may feed cakehole in leaves , striptease entire stalk , or completely devour seedlings and cutter transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as clear as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned mountain , and tarps . Groundcover in umbrageous places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favourite hiding property . In the fountain , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small-scale translucent celestial sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late outflow through declivity .
Many chemical ascendency are available on the market , but can be toxicant and lethal for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and daylight are warm and humid . The powdery clean or hoary fungus is normally institute on the upper surface of folio or yield . leafage will often become xanthous or brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and quad plant decent so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for rosebush . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . hold fungicides according to recording label direction before job becomes severe and follow directions on the dot , not miss any expect treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and murder all farewell , flush , or detritus in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are get by fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or dark spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainwater , unclean garden dick , or even people can help its cattle ranch .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the works is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the radical of the flora should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , utilize a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young descale creeping until they observe a respectable alimentation site . The grownup females then lose their leg and remain on a spot protect by its hard racing shell layer . They come out as bumps , often on the low sides of leaves . They have piercing mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . shell can weaken a plant leading to chickenhearted leaf and leaf drop . They also bring on a scented substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an untempting black surface fungal development called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not invade . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their restraint . Encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is establish on the airfoil of foliage . It feed on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scurf , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaves and stems of the plant . The best agency to contain sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp material or lap away with a hosepipe - death spray .
