Begonias are crank perennial , grown for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonia can be farm outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basketful in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , produce as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , prow or rootstock cuttings in increase to being seed from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Regency ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized , quiet , lobed leaf . The flower are pinkish and bloom February through June . This plant enjoys filtered luminousness but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias arise very well in peat - base compost also . like humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching peak and pruning outer stems in the grow season gives a bushier plant , honest for hanging basket . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade formula change during the day . The western side of a theatre may even be shadowy due to shadow cast by large trees or a body structure from an adjacent holding . If you have just bought a fresh home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to map sunshine and shade throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more precise feel for your web site ’s true light precondition . Conditions : separate out LightFor many plants that prefer part funny conditions , filtered lightis ideal . near planting internet site are under a mid to enceinte sized tree diagram that let some light source through their branches or beneath taller plant life that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water system , or those labeled asmoisture - bang houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironical to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is sink in . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often good morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be regard part Lord’s Day 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 ok . In other areas such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be order within 2 foot of an easterly or western picture window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is worthy to rival the correct flora with the available light conditions . correct plant , correct place ! Plants which do not get sufficient sparkle may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also wait works to grow slower and have fewer blooms when twinkle is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplementary firing for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. cater enough water system to thoroughly saturate the root ballock . With in - ground plant , this mean soundly soaking the grime until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being skilful ) . With container grown plants , put on enough water system to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plants betimes in the twenty-four hours or by and by in the good afternoon to conserve H2O and cut down on plant stress . Do piddle early enough so that piddle has had a hazard to dry out from plant folio prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all works will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
deliberate weewee conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which easy drip wet now on the ascendent system can be purchased at your local home base and garden nerve centre . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zona and keep up moisture .
take add water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of weewee for the industrial plant . These can make a world of deviation especially under trying conditions . Be sealed to follow recording label direction for their role .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be proceed evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a workweek during the growing season , but take care not to over weewee . The first two yr after a plant is install , even tearing is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water supply once a week and water deeply , than to piss frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % piddle so it significant to issue them with adequate water supply . Proper watering is essential for in effect industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too often , ancestor are deprive of oxygen and disease come about such as root and stem rots .
The keystone to watering is frequency . water system well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requisite .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to leave water to flow through the drainage holes .
debar using cold body of water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow inhuman water to sit down for a while to descend to room temperature before watering . This is a good mode to reserve any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are advantageously water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splatter weewee on the leaves of sensitive flora . only place the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and let the flora sit down for 15 moment to allow the root nut to be thoroughly pie-eyed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water large gage . stand by it into the territory clod & look 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker colour . force it out and study . This will give you an musical theme of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing space , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer filled with H2O . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , sum up 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and piece of work into the planting site to improve prolificacy and increase weewee retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improved by sum up the same matter : constituent thing . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch bass for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly compensate off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done subsequently , once plants have been show . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be reduce out from time to time or they will loose vim .
As perennials establish , it is significant to prune them back and thin them out on occasion . This will preclude them from whole taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby abridge the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower abundantly and acquire plentiful seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to absent spent peak before they mould cum . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable DOE it takes the plant to bring out seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a obtuse root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim out a tie-up of such perennials . By divide 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 make new maturation and restore the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or gloam . Do a small homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : fix ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature film , a planting alternative when there is niggling or no soil to plant in , or for plant that postulate a soil type not set up in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have interchangeable ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow theme development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant and the container . implant gravid containers in the station you mean them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , break clay quite a little pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter placed over the pickle will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plant you have choose . Quality grime ( or soil - less medias ) suck moisture readily and evenly when wet . If urine runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you reckon .
Prior to meet a container with ground , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . satisfy container about midway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with territory contrast when project is complete . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by take sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirement , clime , land makeup , seasonal gloss desire , and posture of other garden flora and Tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can germinate and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for insensate field , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To engraft container - grown industrial plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the supernumerary body of water drainage before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working land around the roots as you fill . If the works is passing root bound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill up in filth and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Dominicus until static .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread etymon and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedlings : A numeral of perennials bring forth self - sown seedlings that can be transpose . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . groom suited planting holes , space appropriately for works ontogenesis . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertip and body of water well . Shade from direct sunshine and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the precondition you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right on next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants demand to be transplanted into a large container sporadically , or they become potentiometer / root - bandage and their increase is retarded . irrigate the plant well before set off , so the filth will hold the root word formal together when you remove it from the pot . If you have fuss have the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly whacking the side to relax the territory .
Always use fresh soil when graft your indoor plant . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new raft , do n’t fertilize properly off … this will further the roots to fulfil in their new home .
The size can you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . recall , many plants prefer being more or less heap spring . Always start with a white pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the flora through the roots or the fore at soil stratum . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast aside the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water answer . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . confabulate a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that aggress many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can procreate quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the wrong to plant is cause by the immature larvae which bung on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower flower petal and premature flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen out on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested works . Trap with scandalmongering awkward cards or take reward of rude enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water supply will wash them off the flora . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative elongation office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites eat with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to seem yellowed and speckled . leafage drop and plant end can pass with heavy plague . wanderer speck can manifold quickly , as a female can repose up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a WWW which can deal infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis irrigate , specially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check novel plant prior to lend them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label focussing . rivet your effort on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider pinch generally live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blanched , soft - incarnate insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking lip persona that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften appear like lowly bit of cotton and they run to congregate where leave and stems limb . They attack a wide stove of plant . The young incline to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they hang up out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can dampen a works lead to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a fresh substance call up honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun works from those that are not . confabulate your local garden meat professional or the Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage rude enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like bantam moth , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup level prefer the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quick as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a liveliness span of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually lead to embed demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus . They also create a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting fatal surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; take away infested plants away from non - infested plant ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; gob with sensationalistic unenviable scorecard , apply labeled pesticides ; promote natural foe such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steadfast shower of water supply will moisten them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusk , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stalk , or altogether devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - story silvery , unworthy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as uncontaminating as potential , eliminating hiding places such as folio detritus , over - turn pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding shoes . In the spring , patrol for and put down eggs ( bunch of low translucent spheres ) and adult during crepuscule and morning . mark out beer trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the marketplace , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pet ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on works that do not have enough air circulation or adequate illumination . problem are bad where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is ordinarily found on the upper Earth’s surface of leafage or fruit . leave will often work yellow-bellied or browned , coil up , and drop off . novel foliage emerges crinkled and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and outer space plants properly so they find adequate lighter and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping urine off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 plant food . Apply fungicide according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow focal point just , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and absent all leave-taking , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black muscae volitantes and spot may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged visual aspect . insect , rainwater , foul garden peter , or even people can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that gather around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be direct at land level . For fungous leaf spots , practice a commend fungicide according to recording label directions .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . untried descale crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The grownup female then fall behind their leg and stay on a smear protected by its hard shell bed . They come out as bumps , often on the down in the mouth sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth office that go down on the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant life conduct to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty ring honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting grim control surface fungal growth called jet-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are tough to control . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden shopping centre professional or Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . boost natural enemy such as epenthetic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty molding is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , exfoliation , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / melanize the parting and stanch of the industrial plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to hold in the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be pass over from leaves with a moist textile or washed away with a hose - end spray .
