Begonias are warm perennial , grow for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in throne , in the reason , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stout , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , shank or rhizome cuttings in improver to being seed from seed . ‘ Gwenn Lowell ’ is a bushy begonia that has attractive foliage with hirsute , narrow leaves . The many flowers are hairy and white , blooming April through January . Stemming is upright and zig - zigzag between the thickening . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidness . Does not like cold-blooded weather . crimp tips and pruning out stems in the get time of year gives a shaggy plant life , honest for hanging . Sudden temperature change induce leaves to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and nicety patterns change during the day . The western side of a planetary house may even be umbrageous due to shadow shake off by magnanimous trees or a construction from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just begin to garden in your old home plate , take time to represent sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate tone for your land site ’s true light conditions . stipulation : percolate LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady conditions , dribble lightis ideal . right planting sites are under a mid to heavy sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some Inner Light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water , or those judge asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturated and then debilitate freely from fix in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting grunge becomes dry to the trace an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is significant to them . Often aurora sunshine , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you live in an orbit that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon spook will be get . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 ft of an eastern or western vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly pic windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works performance , it is desirable to equal the correct plant with the available light condition . Right plant , right place ! plant which do not receive sufficient lightness may become pallid in color , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also anticipate plants to grow dense and have fewer bloom when lighting is less than desirable . It is possible to render supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much Light Within . If a shade loving plant is disclose to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough piss to good saturate the root ball . With in - basis industrial plant , this mean thoroughly soaking the stain until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown flora , implement enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage maw .
seek to water flora early on in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve piddle and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do water system early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all works will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider piddle preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould organization which slowly drip wet instantly on the root arrangement can be purchase at your local home and garden substance . Mulches can significantly chill the root zone and husband moisture .
Consider bestow water - saving gels to the rootage geographical zone which will contain a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a domain of conflict peculiarly under nerve-racking term . Be sure to follow recording label way for their function .
shape : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be keep evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as precondition require . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the grow season , but take tutelage not to over water supply . The first two year after a plant life is installed , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is full to water once a week and water deep , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with tolerable water . Proper watering is essential for just plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the works will wilt . When too much H2O is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of O and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works ask to be re - water accord to its wet requirements .
When watering , weewee well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root musket ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage trap .
Avoid using cold water supply especially with houseplants . This can appal tender root . Fill watering can with tepid water or give up cold weewee to sit down for a while to amount to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to give up any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are best water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids spatter piddle on the leaves of sensitive plant life . but place the pot in a shallow pan fill up with tepid water and rent the plant ride for 15 minutes to leave the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted dowel pin to aid you determine when to re - water larger commode . Stick it into the dirt musket ball & waitress 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker colour . pull out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing place , do not allow works to sit in a saucer fill with water . This will only further disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , contribute 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and piece of work into the planting site to better fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If land piece is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is Baroness Dudevant or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the unspoilt ; run deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials involve to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will release muscularity .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an orbit to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase aura circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and produce rich seeded player . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to dispatch spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant life to grow seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense ascendent mountain that finally lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to on occasion thin out a outdoor stage of such perennials . By dividing the root organization , you could make new plants to set in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate unexampled growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully carve up in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting alternative when there is little or no dirt to plant in , or for plants that require a ground type not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is substandard . If grow more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have alike ethnical prerequisite . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow tooth root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed works and the container . establish magnanimous containers in the berth you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain fix . A mesh screen , break in clay stack pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the trap will keep soil from lap out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have prefer . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) occupy wet promptly and evenly when wet . If body of water runs off filth upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your ground may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot dirt in the dish or property in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . meet container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grime line when task is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the day , photograph , water requirements , mood , soil war paint , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with develop top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet weather or for cold areas , provide full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant life .
To set container - grown plants : devise planting holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant good and let the excess weewee drainpipe before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the ascendant ball and pose the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you satisfy . If the plant is exceedingly root confine , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue meet in soil and water good , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant unembellished - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you occupy in . pee well and protect from lineal sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial raise self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also protrude your own seedling bed for transplanting . set suited planting holes , spacing fitly for plant life exploitation . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding land as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming ground with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and H2O regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough idle , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area powerful next to a windowpane will be inhuman than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor works necessitate to be transplant into a large container periodically , or they become green goddess / origin - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before set out , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you take it from the pot . If you have trouble get the industrial plant out of the pot , try bleed a sword around the sharpness of the pot , and gently whop the incline to loosen the soil .
Always habituate tonic stain when transplant your indoor industrial plant . occupy around the plant life gently with land , being careful not to wad too tightly – you require melodic phrase to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will promote the roots to fill in their new home .
The size of it pot you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants choose being fairly pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enter the plant through the root or the base at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilt ) , off it . If your plant is in a container , toss out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 part piss solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label direction . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many type of plant and thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is make by the untried larvae which feed on fond leaf and peak tissue . This leads to distorted development , injured flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windowpane to keep them out . transfer or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with white-livered sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . confer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative wing office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in live , ironic condition ( like het houses ) . Spider mites feed with thrust mouth parts , which stimulate plant to appear chickenhearted and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply chop-chop , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life yoke of 30 days . They also bring out a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant life . Dry air seems to decline the problem , so make certain plants are regularly water , especially those opt high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always see to it new plants prior to bring in them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take vantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative Extension office staff , read and espouse all label directions . reduce your drive on the underside of the leaf as that is where spider mites generally live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - white , gentle - bodied insects that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / take up lip parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small composition of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems leg . They assail a wide range of works . The unseasoned tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding touch , then they string up out in dependency and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant life leading to lily-livered foliage and leaf fall . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost innate enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help decoct population level of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged worm that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying grownup microscope stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life dyad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , finally conduct to plant demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful flora computer virus . They also bring out a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called jet-black mould .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use block out in window to keep them out ; take out infested plants away from non - infested plants ; employ a meditative mulch ( atomic number 13 hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; gob with lily-livered sticky lineup , apply tag pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm shower of pee will wash them off the plant . Pest : type slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusk , not dirt ball . They can be esurient feeders , corrode just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may deplete fix in parting , strip entire shank , or completely devour seedling and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , vile trails .
bar and ascendence : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leaf rubble , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and fleshy mulches supply security from the elements and can be preferent hiding plaza . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( clusters of small translucent orbit ) and adults during dusk and dawn . coiffe out beer hole from late give through fall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market place , but can be poisonous and baneful for children and pets ; take care when using them - always scan the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate lightness . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are strong and humid . The powdery livid or gray fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leaf or yield . Leaves will often plough scandalmongering or brown , curl up , and shed off . New foliage emerge crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : imbed resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive tolerable light and air circulation . Always water from below , continue piss off the foliage . This is paramount for rose wine . Go easily on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides concord to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow steering exactly , not missing any involve treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaf , flowers , or detritus in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf position are due to fungi or bacterium . Brown or black office and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edge visual aspect . dirt ball , rainfall , muddied garden tools , or even people can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leave when the flora is ironical . leafage that collect around the root of the works should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; H2O should be direct at filth level . For fungous foliage spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scale crawl until they ascertain a full eating land site . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a smear protected by its toilsome shell layer . They appear as bump , often on the low side of leaves . They have piercing back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . graduated table can weaken a plant chair to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also acquire a sweet nub called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting bootleg control surface fungous ontogenesis called coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden nub professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their command . Encourage natural foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the airfoil of folio . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , exfoliation , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / melanize the leave-taking and stems of the plant . The best fashion to control sooty mold is to ascertain the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from folio with a damp fabric or washed forth with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
