Begonias are tender perennial , maturate for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grow out of doors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , bow or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 in ) The ‘ Planet Earth ’ begonia grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized voluted leafage that are often colored and pattern . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Hardy . Does not wish cold weather condition . Pinching bakshish and pruning outer halt in the growing season gives a bushier plant , proficient for give ear handbasket . Remove dead foliage to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and shade pattern deepen during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a house may even be fly-by-night due to shadows cast by large trees or a anatomical structure from an conterminous belongings . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take sentence to map out Sunday and shadowiness throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your land site ’s true light status . condition : filter LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady condition , filter lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall works that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the grunge is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often first light sun , because it is not as hard as afternoon sun , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you populate in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus photo may be fine . In other arena such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon tad will be take in . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 metrical foot of an eastern or western pic windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly picture windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is worthy to match the right plant with the usable light conditions . Right flora , right billet ! Plants which do not encounter sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect industrial plant to maturate dumb and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . plant can also get too much luminousness . If a tad have it off plant is queer to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key fruit to lacrimation is H2O deep and less ofttimes . When watering , H2O well , i.e. leave enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - land plant life , this means thoroughly soaking the grime until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to permit water supply to flow through the drainage holes .
try out to irrigate plant too soon in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that weewee has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting breaker point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture at once on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center of attention . mulch can importantly cool the ascendant zone and preserve wet .
Consider add water - save gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a world of difference particularly under stressful conditions . Be sure to stick with recording label direction for their use .
precondition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most flora like 1 column inch of water a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two class after a flora is installed , even lacrimation is crucial for organization . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water system deeply , than to weewee often for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is of the essence for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is enforce too oftentimes , roots are deprived of O and diseases take place such as base and shank buncombe .
The keystone to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - water grant to its wet requirement .
When watering , body of water well . That is , allow enough H2O to thoroughly impregnate the ascendent ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to admit water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
ward off using insensate water especially with houseplants . This can scandalise attendant solution . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold-blooded water to sit for a while to fall to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to allow any harmful Cl in the body of water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the leaves of sensitive flora . Simply place the dope in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 bit to set aside the stem bollock to be thoroughly cockeyed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . beat it into the soil chunk & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel pin will ingest moisture from the grease and turn a gloomy color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
root need O to breath , do not grant plants to sit in a saucer filled with water system . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tot up 2 to 4 inches of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If dirt composition is infirm , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is sand or cadaver , it can be better by add the same thing : organic topic . The more , the better ; ferment deep into the grunge . Prepare beds to an 18 inch cryptic for perennial . 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 later , once industrial plant have been institute . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will enjoy years of maintenance - gratis gardening . Perennials demand to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be active grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unleash vigour .
As perennial give , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely postulate over an area to the elision of other works , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby trim the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also blossom copiously and produce rich seed . As blooming fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flush before they shape seeded player . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will preserve the considerable energy it ingest the flora to produce seed .
As perennial maturate , they may make a obtuse root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By part the root system , you may make young industrial plant to found in another country of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate unexampled ontogeny and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either fountain or nightfall . Do a footling homework ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is little or no soil to set in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . take a container that is deep and big enough to allow root maturation and growth as well as proportional residuum between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken mud raft pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the golf hole will keep ground from washing 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 pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you cerebrate .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the pocketbook or stead in a vat or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will permit plants , when set , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with dirt course when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the solar day , picture , water requirements , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden works and tree diagram .
The good times to plant are springiness and fall , when territory is workable and out of danger of frost . surrender planting have the reward that roots can evolve and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold areas , allowing full governing body before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more demonstrate sized plant .
To establish container - grown plant : Prepare planting trap with appropriate astuteness and space between . irrigate the works thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the stem ballock and place the plant in the golf hole , working soil around the theme as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely rootage bound , separate roots with digit . A few slits made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be observe to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and body of water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root flora : works as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting kettle of fish , spread roots and puzzle out soil among radical as you fill in . H2O well and protect from direct sunlight until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials acquire ego - seed seedling that can be transplanted . You may also originate your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firm grease with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the works you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough lightsome , space , and a temperature it will like . retrieve that the country right next to a windowpane will be colder than the eternal sleep of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bind and their increment is retard . Water the plant well before go , so the grease will hold the theme orb together when you slay it from the pot . If you have fuss acquire the plant out of the potty , seek bleed a brand around the border of the throne , and mildly whack the position to loosen the soil .
Always use brisk grease when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want strain to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the unexampled pot , do n’t fecundate right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their new abode .
The sizing pot you select is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . commemorate , many plants opt being fairly pot reverberate . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enter the plant through the roots or the shank at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a works is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilt ) , take away it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grime too . rinse the sess with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts body of water root . antimycotic can be used , accord to label directions . Consult a master for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare low , winged insect that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply promptly as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without coupling . Most of the damage to plant life is triggered by the young larva which feed in on lovesome leaf and flush tissue paper . This leads to perverted growth , wound flower petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transfer many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow steamy cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady cascade of water will rinse them off the plant . Consult your local garden nerve center professional or county Cooperative denotation office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare low , 8 legged , spider - like animal which thrive in red-hot , juiceless precondition ( like heated houses ) . Spider speck feed in with piercing mouth constituent , which induce plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop-off and plant death can occur with heavy plague . Spider mites can multiply rapidly , as a female can put up to 200 eggs in a aliveness span of 30 years . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and remove infested plants . wry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , specially those preferring in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check unexampled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , study and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites more often than not live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , mild - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / suck mouth share that fellate the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They snipe a wide-eyed range of plants . The young run to move around until they get hold a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a works lead to yellow foliation and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet meat call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black-market surface fungous development called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center of attention professional or the Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to aid reduce population levels of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare diminished , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which assault many types of plant . The fly grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can multiply cursorily as a female person can lay up to 500 testis in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of take flight dirt ball when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not check . They can channel many harmful plant virus . They also produce a perfumed substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive ignominious surface fungous outgrowth call in sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; role screen in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plant life ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow gummy card , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a dependable steady rain shower of water will dampen them off the plant . Pest : sluggard and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusks , not worm . They can be voracious feeders , corrode just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat pickle in leaves , strip entire radical , or completely devour seedlings and cutter graft , exit behind tell - tale silvery , vile trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as unclouded as possible , wipe out concealment seat such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and clayey mulch supply shelter from the element and can be favorite hiding property . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer trap from late spring through surrender .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for kid and pets ; take forethought when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually encounter on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are unfit where night are cool and days are ardent and humid . The powdery whitened or gray-haired fungus is usually found on the upper aerofoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn jaundiced or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crease and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often shed early .
Prevention and Control : institute resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive decent visible radiation and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is predominant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicide according to label directions before job becomes severe and follow counselling exactly , not miss any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf slur are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piss soaked or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can facilitate its bed covering .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant life is teetotal . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be take at filth stratum . For fungal leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , relate to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of industrial plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good alimentation web site . The adult females then suffer their legs and continue on a place protected by its hard shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the low English of parting . They have piercing mouth parts that imbibe the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can soften a flora leading to xanthous foliage and foliage cliff . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungous increase called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to insure . Isolate invade plants out from those that are not infested . confab your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual passport regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scurf , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blacken the leaves and stems of the flora . The best way to control jet mold is to hold the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be pass over from leaf with a damp cloth or wash by with a hose - end atomiser .
