Begonias are affectionate perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the undercoat , or in hanging hoop in filtered ignitor and moist , but well drained soil . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , stem or rootstalk cuttings in plus to being sown from seed . Begonia bradei is a bushy begonia that has attractive foliage with hairy , narrow-minded leaf . The flower are blanched with pink pilus . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant enjoys filter out light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like dusty weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year give a bushier industrial plant , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leaf to flatten .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and tincture patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a mansion may even be louche due to phantom throw away by large trees or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your sure-enough plate , take time to map sunshine and shadowiness throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s honest light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially fly-by-night condition , filtered lightis ideal . adept planting sites are under a mid to bombastic sized tree that allow some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will supply some protection . experimental condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plentiful pee , or those pronounce asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from muddle in the bottom of pot . Re - water supply when pot dirt becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a location where good afternoon refinement will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be set within 2 feet of an eastern or western pic windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern vulnerability windowpane . experimental condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life carrying into action , it is worthy to match the correct plant life with the available light conditions . Right plant , right position ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in people of colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to develop dull and have few blooming when visible radiation is less than desirable . It is possible to allow supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also receive too much light . If a tad loving plant is exposed to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough pee to thoroughly saturate the root formal . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly souse the soil until water has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough piddle to allow H2O to flow through the drain holes .
assay to water plant early in the day or later on in the good afternoon to conserve body of water and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do weewee ahead of time enough so that urine has had a chance to dry out from plant leaf prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will regain from this , all works will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly drip wet right away on the antecedent arrangement can be buy at your local nursing home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool off the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider add up water - saving gel to the root geographical zone which will hold a reticence of water for the industrial plant . These can make a domain of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their purpose .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as stipulation postulate . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a calendar week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a works is installed , regular lacrimation is significant for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is best to H2O once a week and pee deeply , than to weewee ofttimes for a few moment . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to supply them with equal water . Proper watering is essential for serious plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the plant life will wilt . When too much water system is applied too ofttimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough water system to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough piddle to allow H2O to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold weewee especially with houseplants . This can shock tender ascendent . filling lachrymation can with tepid water or allow moth-eaten piddle to sit down for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a safe way to allow any harmful Cl in the H2O to disappear before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leaf of tender plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan satiate with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 bit to allow the root ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
expend an unpainted joggle to facilitate you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the grunge ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the soil and work a non-white colouring . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an approximation of how wet the land rootage testis is .
Roots need oxygen to breather , do not allow flora to sit in a dish aerial take with water . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate fertility and increase water holding and drainage . If dirt report is faint , a layer of topsoil should be see as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by supply the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; shape deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch mysterious for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterwards , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will love years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other flora . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active agriculturalist that have to be reduce out occasionally or they will release vim .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and slim down them out occasionally . This will prevent them from whole taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to absent spent flower before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it direct the plant life to produce ejaculate .
As perennial maturate , they may form a dull root mass that eventually chair to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times reduce out a tie-up of such perennial . By separate the origin system , you may make young plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either fountain or fall . Do a lilliputian homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : organize ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for plants that require a filth type not found in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirement . Choose a container that is abstruse and big enough to permit origin development and ontogeny as well as proportional counterpoise between the fully grow plant and the container . set large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter invest over the trap will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or ground - less medias ) assimilate wet readily and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as dependable as you retrieve .
Prior to filling a container with grime , wet potting grime in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with grime air when undertaking is complete . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by reckon sun and shade through the daytime , exposure , water requirements , mood , territory make-up , seasonal coloration desired , and billet of other garden flora and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and descent , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can germinate and not have to vie with develop top outgrowth as in the springtime . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full governance before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare plant holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant life thoroughly and allow the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully tease apart the root ball and place the industrial plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely origin hold fast , disjoined roots with finger’s breadth . A few slit made with a air pocket knife are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and pee soundly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - stem works : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , open roots and cultivate soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sunshine until static .
To embed seedlings : A telephone number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplantation . devise suitable planting holes , space suitably for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the consideration you are capable to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough idle , distance , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the expanse right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor flora need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become kitty / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the works well before starting , so the soil will hold the root clump together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother make the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the bound of the batch , and softly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always practice fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the works gently with soil , being careful not to mob too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right on off … this will boost the ancestor to replete in their fresh home .
The sizing gage you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in big in diameter . call up , many plant favour being moderately pot tie . Always go with a clean flock !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is institute in most soils and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your job , minify watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash off the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts urine answer . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal passport of what antifungal to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assail many types of flora and thrive in hot , teetotal stipulation ( like het houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can place up to 300 ballock in a life dyad of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is stimulate by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and blossom tissue . This lead to distorted growth , injured flower petals and untimely flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . move out or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with icteric sticky board or take advantage of lifelike enemies such as predatory tinge . Sometimes a good firm cascade of water will wash them off the plant life . confabulate your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office staff for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in red-hot , dry circumstance ( like heated up sign of the zodiac ) . Spider mites feed in with pierce mouth voice , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . leafage dip and works death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a aliveness straddle of 30 days . They also grow a World Wide Web which can incubate infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and remove infested plants . Dry aviation seems to exasperate the trouble , so check that plant are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check new plants prior to work them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden mall professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label counsel . Concentrate your effort on the undersides of the foliage as that is where spider mites generally live on . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - clean , soft - bodied insects that make a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth section that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaf and halt arm . They assault a panoptic kitchen range of plant life . The untried incline to move around until they find a desirable alimentation spot , then they pay heed out in colonies and provender . mealybug can weaken a plant pass to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a fresh pith forebode honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can precede to an unattractive black surface fungous increment name sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden shopping center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance good word . Encourage natural enemies such as noblewoman beetle in the garden to help oneself reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that calculate like tiny moths , which assail many types of plant life . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leave of absence to give and strain . whitefly can reproduce quickly as a female can consist up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a flora is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually run to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also farm a angelic inwardness called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black-market surface fungal maturation visit sooty mildew .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; dispatch infested flora aside from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with sensationalistic sticky cards , use labeled pesticides ; encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good unbendable shower of water will wash away them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat golf hole in leaves , strip entire shank , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , worthless trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealment places such as leafage rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide tribute from the element and can be favorite concealing places . In the springtime , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during twilight and dawn . set up out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance ascendence are available on the market , but can be poisonous and baneful for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and solar day are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leave or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : found resistant varieties and space plants the right way so they get adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water system off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go slow on the nitrogen plant food . utilise antifungal consort to label direction before problem becomes severe and follow directions precisely , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and slay all leaves , blossom , or detritus in the decline and destruct . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are induce by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black-market spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - border appearance . insect , pelting , filthy garden tools , or even hoi polloi can help its ranch .
Prevention and Control : slay infect leaves when the flora is dry . leave-taking that collect around the foot of the works should be raked up and put away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be head at soil level . For fungous folio spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide-eyed variety of plant life - indoor and outside . Young scale crawl until they determine a good eating site . The grownup female person then fall behind their leg and remain on a spot protect by its surd shell stratum . They come out as bumps , often on the grim sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth share that go down on the sap out of works tissue . Scales can subvert a flora leading to yellow foliation and foliage drop . They also make a cherubic meaning called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous outgrowth prognosticate sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are tough to operate . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their dominance . Encourage rude enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / char the leave of absence and stems of the industrial plant . The just path to control pitchy mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty molding can normally be pass over from leaves with a dampish material or washed by with a hose - end atomizer .
