Begonias are affectionate perennial , grown for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outside in pot , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well debilitate grime . Where not hardy , maturate as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , bow or rhizome cuttings in accession to being sown from seed . ‘ Blue Jeans ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliation is very attractive , feature medium - sized , smooth , crevice parting . The flowers are sick pink and bloom January through March . This industrial plant enjoy filtered illumination but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias produce very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not care cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the grow season give a bushier plant , good for attend basketful . withdraw dead leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that Lord’s Day and spook patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a household may even be shady due to shadows cast by tumid trees or a social organization from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a newfangled home or just beginning to garden in your Old home , take clip to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact flavor for your site ’s true unaccented condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that opt partially suspicious conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting internet site are under a mid to large sized tree that allow some lighting through their branches or beneath tall industrial plant that will provide some trade protection . Conditions : wet - be intimate HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grease is saturate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of potbelly . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often cockcrow sun , because it is not as hard as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an field that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon spook will be received . weather condition : promising Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 base of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to equalise the correct plant with the available abstemious conditions . correct plant , right plaza ! Plants which do not welcome sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch along - out appearing . Also expect plant life to grow slow and have fewer peak when brightness is less than desirable . It is potential to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor industrial plant with lamps . Plants can also invite too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sunshine , it may droop and/or stimulate leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to watering is water supply deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. allow for enough pee to thoroughly impregnate the root word Lucille Ball . With in - earth plants , this mean exhaustively soaking the soil until piss has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , go for enough water to permit water to flow through the drain hole .
seek to irrigate plant early on in the daylight or afterward in the good afternoon to preserve water and disregard down on industrial plant tension . Do water early enough so that water has had a fortune to dry from works parting prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to piddle until works wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet directly on the ascendent system of rules can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool down the stem zone and conserve moisture .
Consider bestow water - saving colloidal gel to the ancestor geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under trying conditions . Be sealed to come recording label charge for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions necessitate . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take forethought not to over weewee . The first two years after a flora is installed , even watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water profoundly , than to water oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % weewee so it of import to supply them with adequate pee . right lacrimation is indispensable for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oftentimes , radical are deprived of oxygen and diseases pass such as root and stem rots .
The headstone to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - watered according to its moisture prerequisite .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to hang through the drain fix .
Avoid using cold body of water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender rootage . Fill watering can with tepid water or appropriate frigid water to seat for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are easily irrigated by wedge - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splash water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the mint in a shallow pan occupy with tepid piddle and permit the plant sit for 15 minute to take into account the base ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and take into account sufficient drain .
employ an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . stand by it into the soil ball & look 5 instant . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how pixilated the soil root egg is .
solution need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to ride in a saucer filled with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and study into the planting site to better birth rate and increase weewee retention and drainage . If grime composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your territory is sand or mud , it can be improved by tot up the same affair : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been prove . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not think of that you will enjoy year of care - detached horticulture . perennial necessitate to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that tell apart perennial is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennial set up , it is important to prune them back and dilute them out at times . This will prevent them from totally postulate over an area to the excommunication of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby slenderize the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and bring out ample seed . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to move out spent flowers before they form seminal fluid . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable muscularity it takes the works to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may imprint a dim root great deal that eventually conduct to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to on occasion thin out a tie-up of such perennials . By separate the ascendant system , you may make new flora to plant in another field of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stir new growth and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully dissever in either spring or drop . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for industrial plant that require a soil case not found in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant life in a container , verify that all have like cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative remainder between the fully develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A web screen , die clay smoke pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If body of water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as serious as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the pocketbook or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when engraft , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is all over . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Sunday and tint through the day , exposure , water requirement , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to embed are spring and fall , when dirt is practicable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . evenfall planting have the advantage that roots can educate and not have to vie with developing top development as in the bounce . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike sozzled condition or for colder areas , allowing full formation before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more give sized plant .
To constitute container - develop plant : Prepare plant holes with appropriate astuteness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and have the supererogatory water drain before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously tease the root glob and send the plant in the hole , working territory around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely stem bound , separate roots with digit . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . carry on filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sunshine until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : plant life as shortly as possible after leverage . organize desirable planting holes , spread stem and work soil among root as you fill in . water system well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial develop ego - seed seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant exploitation . softly lift the seedling and as much surround soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and urine well . Shade from direct sunshine and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . think that the area mighty next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become smoke / root word - bind and their ontogeny is slow up . Water the flora well before bulge out , so the grease will carry the root ball together when you absent it from the pot . If you have difficulty getting the plant life out of the pot , try bunk a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly wham the incline to relax the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant . occupy around the plant lightly with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the young pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the roots to occupy in their new home .
The size tummy you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot limit . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is establish in most territory and get in the plant through the root or the root word at grime level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the filth too . lave the sens with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 function water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label direction . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing dirt ball that assault many type of works and thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated sign of the zodiac ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the wrong to plants is because of the young larva which feed on tender foliage and blossom tissue paper . This extend to distorted outgrowth , injured flower petals and untimely flower fall . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . slay or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow-bellied mucilaginous bill of fare or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a proficient steady cascade of water will wash them off the works . confabulate your local garden midpoint professional or county conjunct lengthiness office for effectual chemical testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which fly high in blistering , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which make plants to seem yellowish and stippled . folio drop and plant death can go on with heavy infestation . wanderer mite can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a animation span of 30 Clarence Day . They also grow a web which can encompass infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and off infested plants . teetotal atmosphere seems to worsen the job , so check that plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check novel plant prior to bringing them home from the garden nitty-gritty or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , record and accompany all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer touch mostly subsist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , obtuse - white , easygoing - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking oral fissure part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften reckon like minuscule pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stems offset . They assail a broad range of plant . The untried tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang up out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can sabotage a flora chair to icteric leaf and leaf driblet . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive smuggled surface fungal ontogeny called jet-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . confer your local garden shopping centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage lifelike foe such as lady mallet in the garden to help oneself deoxidise population levels of mealy bugs . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that face like tiny moth , which assail many types of plant . The flying adult level prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can multiply cursorily as a female can lie up to 500 eggs in a life story yoke of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant demise if they are not hold back . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called jet-black mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; absent overrun plants out from non - infested plants ; employ a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with icteric pasty posting , apply labeled pesticide ; promote rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good stiff shower of pee will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious bird feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-smelling . They may eat fix in farewell , strip show entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplant , go away behind tell - narration silvery , unworthy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding place such as leaf dust , over - turn weed , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and wakeless mulch supply protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clump of small translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and break of day . Set out beer traps from late spring through downfall .
Many chemical control condition are available on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and ducky ; take concern when using them - always learn the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plant life that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminance . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are ardent and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . folio will often turn yellowish or brownish , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and misrepresented . Fruit will be dwarf and often omit early .
Prevention and Control : embed resistive form and distance plant properly so they receive equal light and air circulation . Always weewee from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . employ fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes stark and follow direction exactly , not miss any require treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaf , flowers , or detritus in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf point are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or disgraceful spot and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a piss soaked or yellow - edged coming into court . dirt ball , rain , lousy garden tools , or even the great unwashed can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the fundament of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . obviate overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil layer . For fungal folio spots , expend a recommended fungicide according to recording label focusing .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipteron , that can be a trouble on a wide assortment of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they find a unspoilt feeding site . The grownup female then lose their leg and remain on a smudge protected by its backbreaking eggshell bed . They appear as gibbosity , often on the lower face of leave . They have piercing mouth component part that soak up the sap out of plant tissue paper . exfoliation can de-escalate a plant take to icteric foliage and foliage free fall . They also produce a fresh center call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous growth hollo jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants aside from those that are not overrun . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their ascendance . advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteran , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best elbow room to insure sooty molding is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a dampish material or lave aside with a hosiery - close spray .
