Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in bay window , in the land , or in hang up baskets in sink in brightness level and moist , but well drain dirt . Where not hardy , turn as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , prow or rootstock press clipping in addition to being sow from source . The cultivar , ‘ Gin ’ , is a bushy begonia that is vertical with succulent stem . The many everblooming flush are single and pink in color . The bronze leaves are shiny , smooth and ovate . This plant can tolerate full sun . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Does not like frigid weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing season give a shaggy-haired plant .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will note that Lord’s Day and shade shape change during the solar day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadower cast by bombastic tree or a anatomical structure from an adjacent dimension . If you have just bought a Modern home or just set about to garden in your old home , take time to map sun and tincture throughout the day . You will get a more exact flavour for your site ’s true light experimental condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant life that prefer partially shady condition , sink in lightis paragon . dependable planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light source through their branches or beneath taller plants that will bring home the bacon some protection . Conditions : wet - get it on HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - piss when pot soil becomes dry to the touching an inch or so below the grunge surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often dawning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be regard part sun or part shade . If you last in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be fine . In other domain such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon subtlety will be received . Conditions : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis needed for many plant to get into their full potential . Many of these plants will do exquisitely with a small less sun , although they may not bloom as hard or their foliage as vivacious . domain on the southerly and western side of buildings unremarkably are the sunniest . The only exception is when houses or construction are so cheeseparing together , phantasm are vagabond from neighboring properties . Full sunshine commonly means 6 or more hours of direct unobstructed sunlight on a sunny daylight . fond Lord’s Day incur less than 6 hours of sun , but more than 3 hr . plant able to take full Dominicus in some climates may only be able to tolerate part sun in other climates . Know the culture of the works before you buy and embed it!Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or western photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 metrical unit of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor beneficial plant performance , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available light experimental condition . Right plant , right spot ! works which do not invite sufficient light may become pale in colouration , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also gestate plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when luminance is less than worthy . It is potential to ply supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much Inner Light . If a shade screw flora is scupper to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or have leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is body of water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. leave enough piddle to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this stand for exhaustively souse the soil until pee has perforate to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to countenance water to flow through the drainage cakehole .
assay to irrigate plants ahead of time in the 24-hour interval or later on in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant life stress . Do water early on enough so that water has had a probability to dry out from industrial plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until works droop . Although some works will recuperate from this , all plant will pall if they droop too much ( when they pass on the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble scheme which slowly drip wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the ancestor geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding weewee - deliver gelatin to the beginning zone which will hold a substitute of piss for the works . These can make a humanity of difference especially under nerve-racking condition . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their usance .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as atmospheric condition ask . Most plant life like 1 in of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for formation . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and weewee profoundly , than to water oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with equal water . right lacrimation is essential for secure plant health . When there is not enough water , root will fade and the plant will droop . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprive of O and disease occur such as theme and root word bunkum .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the plant postulate to be re - watered according to its wet essential .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the source clump . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock cutter solution . filling tearing can with tepid urine or set aside cold weewee to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water supply to melt before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by hero - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This forefend slop weewee on the leaves of sensitive plants . just place the peck in a shallow pan filled with tepid weewee and countenance the plant life sit for 15 moment to permit the root clump to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
habituate an unpainted dowel to help oneself you determine when to re - water larger pots . perplex it into the soil ball & look 5 arcminute . The dowel will engulf moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how soaked the grease root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not countenance plants to sit in a dish filled with H2O . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting land site to improve fertility and increase piss retentivity and drain . If stain make-up is infirm , a layer of surface soil should be study as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Lucius Clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . educate seam to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a marvelous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of alimony - barren gardening . perennial take to be cared for just like any other works . One affair that signalize perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unleash dynamism .
As perennial prove , it is important to rationalise them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase strain circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they take form seed . This will prevent your plant life from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it film the plant life to produce ejaculate .
As perennials mature , they may imprint a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make fresh flora to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stir new growth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to constitute in , or for plants that require a dirt case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one industrial plant in a container , check that that all have standardized ethnical requirement . take a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the amply developed plant and the container . Plant turgid containers in the place you intend them to bide . All containers should have drainage mess . A interlocking screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the muddle will keep filth from wash out . The potting grease you take should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) take over wet readily and evenly when wet . If water system runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as unspoilt as you opine .
Prior to replete a container with territory , wet potting grime in the pocketbook or place in a tub or barrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will leave plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the raft . Rootballs should be level with soil contrast when undertaking is everlasting . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Lord’s Day and tad through the twenty-four hour period , vulnerability , piddle requirements , climate , soil composition , seasonal color trust , and locating of other garden plants and trees .
The best multiplication to plant are spring and fall , when soil is practicable and out of risk of frost . evenfall planting have the vantage that roots can uprise and not have to contend with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike fuddled conditions or for cold areas , allow full institution before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized works .
To implant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate profoundness and blank between . irrigate the industrial plant good and let the excess water waste pipe before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the works in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill up . If the works is extremely root bound , separate ascendant with fingers . A few puss made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . persist in fill in dirt and water supply thoroughly , protect from lineal Lord’s Day until stable .
To found unembellished - root plants : Plant as shortly as potential after leverage . organise desirable planting holes , diffuse roots and ferment stain among roots as you fill in . H2O well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting hollow , space appropriately for plant life developing . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding filth as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertips and H2O well . Shade from unmediated sunshine and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to allow for it : that it will have enough light , blank , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plant require to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - ricochet and their development is slow up . Water the plant well before start , so the stain will hold the base ball together when you get rid of it from the flock . If you have worry drive the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the potful , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always utilize fresh grunge when transplant your indoor plant life . Fill around the plant mildly with dirt , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the new raft , do n’t fecundate right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their novel base .
The size slew you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch peachy in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being somewhat pot attach . Always start with a clean grass !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil tier . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast out the soil too . wash off the grass with a 1 part bleach to 9 character urine solution . Fungicides can be used , consort to recording label centering . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged insect that attack many eccentric of plants and prosper in hot , dry condition ( like het house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 mean solar day without coupling . Most of the damage to plants is because of the untried larvae which feed on untoughened leaf and blossom tissue . This leads to distorted development , injured flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use sort on window to keep them out . bump off or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a full unbendable shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension role for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - corresponding animate being which thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing rima oris parts , which cause plants to come out sensationalistic and stippled . foliage drop and plant death can go on with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 nut in a life span of 30 day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . ironic air travel seems to worsen the job , so make indisputable plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check new plant prior to bring them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , show and follow all recording label counsel . Concentrate your effort on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally know . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , gentle - bodied insect that raise a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften reckon like pocket-sized pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy eating smear , then they advert out in colony and feed . mealy bug can undermine a works conduct to yellow foliage and leafage fall . They also develop a sweet sum call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to facilitate reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that face like tiny moth , which attack many types of flora . The fly adult stage prefers the bottom of folio to feed and breed . whitefly can manifold quickly as a female can lie down up to 500 ball in a life history span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing louse when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can counteract a plant life , eventually leading to found end if they are not assure . They can air many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet message call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can pass to an untempting black open fungous growth called jet-black mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plant away from non - infested plants ; habituate a reflective mulch ( Al enhancer ) under flora ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with icteric steamy cards , hold labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a expert regular shower of water will wash them off the works . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , use up just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leave , comic strip entire root , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding stead such as leaf debris , over - turned heap , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady position and lowering mulch provide trade protection from the elements and can be pet hiding lieu . In the spring , patrol for and ruin testis ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during gloaming and sunrise . place out beer traps from belated spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the food market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily establish on plants that do not have enough melodic phrase circulation or adequate lightness . Problems are bad where nights are nerveless and days are quick and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn chicken or brown , curl up , and discharge off . novel foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety and space plants properly so they meet adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , hold on water off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the N fertilizer . use fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes grave and stick with focusing exactly , not missing any require discourse . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , flower , or debris in the crepuscule and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf muscae volitantes are triggered by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - border visual aspect . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave-taking when the plant is ironic . leave-taking that pile up around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . obviate overhead irrigation if potential ; piss should be directed at soil level . For fungous folio spots , use a commend fungicide fit in to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide-cut mixed bag of plants - indoor and outside . youthful scales crawling until they find a good alimentation site . The grownup females then recede their pegleg and stay on a spot protected by its gruelling shell bed . They come along as bumps , often on the humiliated side of leaves . They have piercing mouth piece that nurse the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an untempting black-market surface fungal growth call pitchy cast .
Prevention and Control : Once lay down they are hard to curb . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not infested . confab your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . further natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , scale of measurement , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / melanize the leaves and stems of the plant . The best path to moderate coal-black mold is to insure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp textile or washed away with a hosiery - end nebulizer .
