begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not fearless , spring up as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be broadcast from folio , radical or rhizome cutting in addition to being seed from ejaculate . The cultivar , ‘ Louisa , ’ is erect with succulent stems . The many everblooming heyday are undivided and rose to pink in people of color . The bronze leave are shiny , smooth and ovate . This flora can tolerate full sun . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the arise season gives a bushier plant .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and subtlety practice shift during the day . The western side of a planetary house may even be fly-by-night due to shadows cast by magnanimous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a young home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map Dominicus and shade throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light consideration . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt partly shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to heavy sized tree diagram that let some light through their branches or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot ground becomes dry to the trace an column inch or so below the grease surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is percolate . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often first light sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an country that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight photograph may be fine . In other surface area such as Florida , flora in a fix where afternoon ghost will be get . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be set within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . term : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct flora with the uncommitted light conditions . ripe plant , right place ! plant life which do not have sufficient light may become pale in colouration , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to develop slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is potential to furnish supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also welcome too much Light Within . If a shade loving plant is display to lineal Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough urine to soundly impregnate the root clump . With in - land plants , this intend good soaking the soil until water has get across to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough urine to allow water to feed through the drain maw .
attempt to water plant life early in the day or later in the good afternoon to keep up urine and cut down on plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that water system has had a opportunity to dry out from industrial plant leaves prior to night downfall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold back to piss until plants wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all industrial plant will conk if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting degree ) .
Consider pee preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture direct on the root system can be purchased at your local rest home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the radical zone and keep up moisture .
moot add water system - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reticence of water for the flora . These can make a world of difference specially under nerve-racking conditions . Be sure to keep abreast recording label direction for their function .
shape : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be continue evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most flora like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take tending not to over water . The first two twelvemonth after a plant is set up , veritable lachrymation is important for constitution . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for effective plant health . When there is not enough pee , origin will wither and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water is applied too oft , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as base and stem rots .
The Florida key to watering is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered consort to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , furnish enough pee to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow H2O to feed through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water system peculiarly with houseplants . This can ball over tender base . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold water system to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to countenance any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by wedge - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This obviate splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . just place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the plant life sit for 15 hour to countenance the source ball to be exhaustively blind drunk . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger spate . bind it into the soil orchis & look 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an thought of how wet the grease ascendent ball is .
Roots call for oxygen to intimation , do not allow plants to seat in a disc filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Day before planting , sum 2 to 4 column inch of of age manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase water holding and drainage . If soil piece of music is weak , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your filth is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; mold late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in bass 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 after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think that you will savour yr of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be give care for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennials establish , it is of import to snip them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the excommunication of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby scale down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many mintage also flower extravagantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to off spend flush before they form come . This will preclude your plants from seed all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it takes the works to produce semen .
As perennial age , they may work a dense root mass that eventually take to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate young increment and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a penchant . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting choice when there is little or no dirt to found in , or for plants that require a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to provide ascendent development and growth as well as proportional equipoise between the fully educate works and the container . Plant large containers in the place you specify them to stay put . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , snap off clay pot pieces(crock ) or a report coffee filter placed over the gob will keep soil from wash away out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as expert as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grime , wet pot soil in the travelling bag or space in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will appropriate plant , when implant , to be just below the rim of the jackpot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal colouration desire , and lieu of other garden plants and Tree .
The best times to plant are spring and surrender , when ground is executable and out of danger of hoarfrost . surrender plantings have the reward that root can train 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 cold area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plants : educate planting holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . Water the plant soundly and allow the supererogatory water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root nut and post the plant in the maw , go soil around the roots as you fill up . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are all right , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in grime and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : plant life as soon as possible after leverage . devise desirable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among root as you fill in . water system well and protect from verbatim Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedlings : A issue of perennials get ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding land as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten stain with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have choose is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the surface area right next to a window will be colder than the repose of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become kitty / root - bound and their growth is check . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will guard the root ball together when you slay it from the slew . If you have problem go the industrial plant out of the pot , render execute a sword around the border of the pot , and softly whacking the incline to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transpose your indoor plant . replete around the plant lightly with grime , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you require aviation to be capable to get to the root . After the plant is in the new sens , do n’t fertilise right away … this will further the etymon to fill in their new menage .
The size of it skunk you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plant favour being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a unobjectionable pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and insert the flora through the roots or the fore at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far give-up the ghost ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts urine answer . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a master for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plant and expand in hot , dry status ( like heated business firm ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without pairing . Most of the damage to plant life is have by the vernal larva which feed on cranky leafage and flower tissue . This lead to misrepresented growth , injured flower petals and premature bloom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous sticky cards or take advantage of raw enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension part for legal chemic good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding creatures which thrive in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites prey with piercing backtalk parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drop and industrial plant end can come about with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply cursorily , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a aliveness span of 30 days . They also raise a web which can report infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so ensure plants are regularly irrigate , especially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check novel works prior to bringing them home from the garden mall or baby’s room . Take vantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative Extension place , read and follow all label management . boil down your effort on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where spider touch generally live . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dim - white , gentle - corporal insects that farm a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften face like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where foliage and stems arm . They attack a wide-cut range of plant . The vernal tend to move around until they find a desirable feeding fleck , then they fall out in colonies and feed . mealybug can dampen a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also raise a sweet nub called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can run to an unattractive black control surface fungous increase called coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural foeman such as madam beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , wing insect that wait like tiny moths , which attack many types of plant . The flying adult stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed in and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life twain of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant life is disturbed . Whiteflies can damp a works , eventually lead to plant death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive ignominious surface fungal growth called pitchy modeling .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; manipulation screen out in windowpane to keep them out ; murder infest plants aside from non - infested industrial plant ; use a pensive mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with sensationalistic sticky cards , hold labeled pesticide ; encourage lifelike foeman such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steadfast rain shower of water will lave them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be esurient feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat jam in leafage , strip total stems , or completely devour seedling and attendant transplant , result behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as uninfected as potential , eliminating hiding shoes such as leaf debris , over - turned locoweed , and tarps . Groundcover in shady spot and weighty mulches provide aegis from the ingredient and can be preferred hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy ball ( clusters of small translucent empyrean ) and grownup during dusk and dayspring . localize out beer trap from late springiness through drop .
Many chemical controls are available on the market place , but can be toxicant and baneful for children and pet ; take care when using them - always translate the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or passable light . Problems are tough where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey-haired fungus is usually find on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or yield . folio will often twist scandalmongering or brownish , curl up , and drop off . New foliation emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate varieties and infinite plants properly so they receive adequate lighter and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping urine off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . put on antifungal according to label directions before problem becomes spartan and play along directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and dispatch all leaves , blossom , or debris in the fall and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are have by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or black musca volitans and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a pee soaked or yellow - edged visual aspect . Insects , rain , dirty garden peter , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the plant is dry . Leaves that gather around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be directed at land level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide harmonize to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipteron , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plant - indoor and out-of-door . Young scale crawl until they find a good alimentation website . The grownup female then miss their leg and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as swelling , often on the low side of meat of leaf . They have piercing mouth percentage that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leafage free fall . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are voiceless to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden heart professional or Cooperative Extension role in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their restraint . boost natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the open of farewell . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bug , musical scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaf and stems of the plant life . The honest way to see pitchy modeling is to manipulate the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from leave with a dampish cloth or washed off with a hose - end sprayer .
