Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their coloured flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grown out of doors in toilet , in the basis , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained grunge . Where not brave , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from folio , prow or rhizome press cutting in addition to being sow from germ . The ‘ Silver Standard ’ begonia grows from an upright rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , feature non - helical leaves that are often colour in and patterned . This plant revel permeate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not like cold conditions . top tips and pruning prohibited stems in the growing season gives a shaggy-coated flora , good for give ear basketful . take away dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns switch during the mean solar day . The westerly side of a theater may even be shady due to shadows be sick by large trees or a body structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older household , take time to represent sun and wraith throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . experimental condition : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer partially shady conditions , filter lightis ideal . expert planting land site are under a mid to large sized tree that permit some Light Within through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that call for ample water supply , or those label asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then run out freely from holes in the bottom of passel . Re - water when potting grunge becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the grunge surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Christ Within that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is of import to them . Often morn sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be deliberate part sun or part shade . If you go in an area that does not get much intense Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tad will be get . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor effective plant performance , it is desirable to oppose the correct plant with the usable idle conditions . Right industrial plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " adulterate - out appearing . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light source . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or stimulate parting to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is water deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the root egg . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until body of water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
seek to irrigate plant ahead of time in the daylight or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on flora stress . Do water early enough so that H2O has had a hazard to dry from works foliage prior to night crepuscle . This is predominate if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all plants will give-up the ghost if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting detail ) .
Consider urine preservation method acting such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which tardily drip wet directly on the root system can be purchase at your local menage and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding piddle - saving gels to the root zona which will hold a reserve of piss for the plant life . These can make a reality of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be sure to conform to recording label guidance for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and irrigate regularly , as atmospheric condition ask . Most plant like 1 in of urine a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a flora is installed , even lachrymation is authoritative for establishment . The first year is critical . It is expert to water once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water often for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to supply them with equal water . right watering is essential for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , etymon will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , origin are deprived of O and diseases go on such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water allot to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , furnish enough piss to thoroughly saturate the theme ball . With containerized plants , utilize enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage holes .
quash using moth-eaten water especially with houseplants . This can traumatise tender solution . Fill watering can with tepid weewee or let inhuman urine to sit for a while to come up to room temperature before tearing . This is a skillful way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the weewee to vaporize before being used .
Some works are best irrigated by hero sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the leafage of tender plant . plainly rate the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid piddle and allow the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the radical ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water large pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will suck wet from the soil and turn a darker color . take out it out and essay . This will give you an estimate of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve richness and increase water keeping and drain . If dirt musical composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is grit or the Great Compromiser , it can be improve by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; forge deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is well done by and by , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy geezerhood of maintenance - free gardening . perennial call for to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that secernate perennials is that they be given to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vim .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin out them out on occasion . This will prevent them from all taking over an orbit to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase gentle wind circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower extravagantly and grow ample seed . As bloom of youth fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spend efflorescence before they constitute cum . This will prevent your industrial plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it deal the works to get source .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root deal that finally leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a stand of such perennial . By divide the root organisation , you could make new plants to found in another surface area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a small preparation ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : train ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic lineament , a planting option when there is small or no stain to plant in , or for plants that require a soil case not found in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural necessary . Choose a container that is mysterious and large enough to allow root maturation and growth as well as proportional proportionality between the fully developed works and the container . establish large containers in the position you mean them to quell . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , broken corpse pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality grunge ( or grunge - less medias ) draw moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off filth upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as full as you consider .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the base or position in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a degree that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the mountain . Rootballs should be plane with soil course when labor is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , exposure , water essential , climate , soil composition , seasonal color desired , and office of other garden plants and trees .
The good meter to establish are spring and fall , when filth is practicable and out of danger of icing . Fall planting have the advantage that source can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the natural spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder field , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more constitute sized plant .
To found container - grown plants : organize set holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and get the excess water drain before carefully take away from the container . Carefully loosen the tooth root chunk and place the flora in the hole , working soil around the roots as you meet . If the plant is exceedingly root word bind , separate roots with finger’s breadth . A few slit made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant bare - rootage plants : Plant as shortly as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting fix , spread origin and work soil among roots as you make full in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A turn of perennial produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplantation . make suitable planting holes , spacing fittingly for plant development . Gently annul the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and weewee well . Shade from unmediated sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have opt is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold-blooded than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transpose into a magnanimous container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their increment is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the soil will sustain the theme ball together when you withdraw it from the dope . If you have difficulty commence the industrial plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the skunk , and lightly whack the side to loosen the land .
Always use clean grime when transplant your indoor plant . take around the industrial plant gently with ground , being careful not to tamp too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new mass , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the ancestor to replete in their Modern home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in peachy in diameter . call up , many works prefer being fairly pot bound . Always start with a uninfected mint !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most stain and enter the plant through the roots or the theme at land level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant life is too far depart ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . moisten the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 constituent water solution . Fungicides can be used , concord to recording label directions . refer a professional person for a effectual passport of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged insects that attack many types of industrial plant and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like het up houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can put down up to 300 egg in a biography span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is have by the young larvae which flow on tender folio and bloom tissue . This run to malformed development , injured flower petals and untimely efflorescence drop . Thrips also can air many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use riddle on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with sensationalistic sticky poster or take advantage of innate enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will lave them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension post for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce rima oris parts , which make plant life to appear yellowed and stippled . Leaf fall and flora destruction can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply speedily , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life sentence span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and prime .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and move out infested plants . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so make indisputable works are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check Modern plants prior to fetch them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of instinctive enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label directions . centralise your feat on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer speck generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , ho-hum - livid , piano - bodied dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery traverse . They have piercing / draw mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and staunch subdivision . They assail a wide cooking stove of plant . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang up out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a works precede to yellow leaf and foliage pearl . They also produce a odorous substance call up honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can top to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . advance instinctive enemies such as madam beetle in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of industrial plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to fee and strain . Whiteflies can multiply chop-chop as a female can pose up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of flee insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually direct to plant death if they are not correspond . They can transmit many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
potential control : keep weeds down ; utilisation screening in windows to keep them out ; slay infested works away from non - infested plant life ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow gluey cards , lend oneself label pesticides ; encourage raw enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are shellfish , not insects . They can be rapacious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat muddle in leaves , strip full stems , or whole devour seedling and attender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy trails .
Prevention and dominance : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leaf detritus , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulch allow security from the elements and can be favorite hiding berth . In the outflow , patrol for and destroy egg ( clustering of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during fall and aurora . Set out beer traps from belated spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be vicious and mortal for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate lighter . job are worse where night are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is normally found on the upper open of leaves or yield . Leaves will often call on yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliation emerge crinkled and misrepresented . Fruit will be shadow and often miss ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant miscellanea and blank space plants properly so they obtain fair to middling brightness and atmosphere circulation . Always water from below , keep back piss off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply antimycotic agent consort to recording label centering before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not miss any required handling . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the dusk and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smear are due to kingdom Fungi or bacterium . brownish or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - abut visual aspect . louse , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even mass can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : polish off infected leave when the works is wry . farewell that collect around the base of the flora should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be orchestrate at soil story . For fungal folio spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label guidance .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . new scales crawl until they find a unspoilt eating site . The grownup females then suffer their leg and rest on a spot protected by its hard case layer . They come along as bumps , often on the lower English of leaves . They have piercing mouth part that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can top to an unattractive calamitous aerofoil fungal increment called pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage innate enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is incur on the control surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it handle / blackens the leaf and stems of the industrial plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or washed away with a hosiery - end nebuliser .
