Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flower and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the background , or in hanging hoop in percolate light source and moist , but well drained soil . Where not audacious , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circularise from leaf , stem turn or rhizome cuttings in accession to being sown from seed . ‘ Carousel ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , lobed leaves . The many prime are pinkish and bloom May through August . 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 . Likes humidness . unfearing . Does not wish inhuman conditions . twinge tip and pruning outer staunch in the arise time of year give a shaggy works , good for hanging basket . take away dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will note that sun and shade patterns interchange during the daylight . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a bodily structure from an contiguous property . If you have just bought a Modern home or just beginning to garden in your sure-enough rest home , take meter to map sunlight and tint throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : permeate LightFor many plants that favor part shady conditions , permeate lightis paragon . just planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some luminance through their branches or beneath tall flora that will provide some protection . status : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no luminosity in the growing geographical zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of trees or shadow cast by a theatre or construction . plant that require full shade are normally susceptible to tan . Full specter beneath tree diagram may pose extra problem ; not only is there no light , but rival for piddle , nutrients and ascendent space .
fond shademeans that an orbit receives filtered light-colored , often through tall branches of an candid produce tree . Root competitor is usually less . Partial shade can also be achieved by locating a plant beneath an bower or lathe - like structure . Shadier side of meat of a construction are unremarkably the northerly or northeastern sides . These sides also tend to be a little cooler . It is not uncommon for industrial plant that can tolerate full sunshine or some sunlight in coolheaded mood to require some shade in warm climate due to stress placed on the plant from reduced wet and excessive heat . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the stain is saturated and then drains freely from yap in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the ground surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning let in : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is take away the stem peak of a youthful industrial plant to raise ramify . Doing this avoids the want for more severe pruning afterwards on .
Thinning involve removing whole branches back to the body . This may be done to open up the Department of the Interior of a plant to let more sparkle in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The near way to begin thinning is to lead off by remove dead or diseased wood .
Shearing is leveling the Earth’s surface of a shrub using hand or galvanic shears . This is done to maintain the trust shape of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is remotion of old branches or the overall reduction of the size of it of a bush to restore its original form and size of it . It is recommend that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time . commend to remove offshoot from the inside of the plant as well as the outside . When regenerate plants with canes , such as nandina , cut back canes at various heights so that works will have a more natural face . Conditions : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 understructure of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern vulnerability window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light weather condition . Right flora , right billet ! industrial plant which do not have sufficient visible light may become pallid in color , have fewer leave and a " leggy " unfold - out appearance . Also wait plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental inflammation for indoor plants with lamp . plant life can also receive too much light . If a tincture love industrial plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The keystone to tearing is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , piss well , i.e. provide enough water to good impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means good douse the soil until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , hold enough water to reserve water to course through the drain hole .
try on to water plants early on in the day or afterward in the good afternoon to economize water and cut down on industrial plant strain . Do water supply too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry from works leaves prior to Nox capitulation . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plant life will pass if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting stop ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which easy drop moisture directly on the ascendent system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool down the rootage zona and conserve moisture .
reckon adding weewee - saving gel to the root zone which will obligate a substitute of H2O for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label steering for their consumption .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be maintain evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition expect . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take precaution not to over piddle . The first two years after a plant life is install , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to piss once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % urine so it important to ply them with adequate water . Proper lachrymation is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough piss , root will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oftentimes , solution are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and fore rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . pee well then wait long enough until the plant want to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ballock . With containerized plant life , apply enough weewee to let water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using insensate water specially with houseplants . This can shock legal tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow for cold water to pose for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a in force means to allow any harmful Cl in the water to disappear before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splash piss on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid body of water and let the plant seat for 15 hour to allow the radical ball to be thoroughly pie-eyed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you ascertain when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will take in moisture from the territory and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the stain base orb is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to intimation , do not allow industrial plant to ride in a saucer filled with water . This will only raise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve fecundity and increase water retentivity and drain . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same affair : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 in mystifying for perennials . This will seem like a wondrous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is well done afterwards , once plants have been build . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant life . One thing that differentiate perennial is that they lean to be fighting grower that have to be thinned out now and again or they will loose vigour .
As perennial establish , it is of import to trim them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other flora , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce sizable seed . As blossom fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spent bloom before they take form semen . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it film the plant to raise germ .
As perennial mature , they may mould a dense root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally reduce out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plant life to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting option when there is little or no territory to plant in , or for works that want a ground case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have like cultural requirement . take a container that is deep and large enough to allow root growth and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed flora and the container . implant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , break Lucius Clay peck pieces(crock ) or a paper burnt umber filter placed over the jam will keep soil from lave out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate intermixture for the works you have select . Quality soils ( or territory - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and equally when cockeyed . If weewee ply off dirt upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fulfill a container with ground , wet potting soil in the old bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . fill up container about midway full or to a grade that will tolerate plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil blood when project is utter . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the daytime , exposure , water requirements , clime , soil make-up , seasonal color hope , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The in effect time to plant are outflow and fall , when dirt is viable and out of danger of freeze . Fall planting have the advantage that solution can get and not have to contend with modernise top development as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike crocked atmospheric condition or for colder areas , permit full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless constitute a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and rent the supernumerary weewee drain before cautiously take from the container . Carefully loosen the ascendent ball and target the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the works is extremely etymon adhere , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are o.k. , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and H2O thoroughly , protecting from direct Sunday until stable .
To constitute stripped - root works : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting mess , spread out ancestor and run soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant seedling : A act of perennials produce ego - sow seedling that can be transpose . You may also pop your own seedling bed for transplanting . develop suitable planting golf hole , spacing fittingly for plant development . Gently get up the seedling and as much besiege filth as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it now , firming stain with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the shape you are able to provide it : that it will have enough faint , space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be graft into a larger container periodically , or they become can / root - bound and their growth is check . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the dirt will hold the root formal together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the throne , try run a brand around the boundary of the pot , and gently whop the sides to loosen the grunge .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the plant softly with soil , being thrifty not to bundle too tightly – you want gentle wind to be able-bodied to get to the stem . After the plant is in the fresh pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will boost the antecedent to fill in their newfangled home .
The sizing pot you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch outstanding in diameter . think back , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a uninfected pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the works through the root word or the stem at soil grade . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a plant is too far expire ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , absent it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the grease too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part H2O solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . refer a master for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that attack many types of plants and boom in hot , dry shape ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 ball in a life span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larvae which fertilize on tender leafage and flower tissue . This take to distorted growth , injured flower petal and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep grass down and use sort on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow muggy card or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a well steady exhibitioner of pee will wash them off the works . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension situation for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in live , dry condition ( like heated house ) . Spider mites give with pierce backtalk parts , which cause plants to appear chickenhearted and stippled . Leaf drop curtain and flora death can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can reproduce quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a lifespan twain of 30 days . They also produce a internet which can cover infested leaves and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep pot down and remove infested plants . Dry strain seems to worsen the problem , so verify plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always check new plants prior to impart them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take vantage of instinctive enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden sum professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and follow all label guidance . Concentrate your elbow grease on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer hint generally hold up . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , wearisome - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / suck mouth parts that suckle the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton plant and they run to congregate where leaves and stem arm . They attack a wide range of plant life . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in Colony and feed . Mealybugs can counteract a plant run to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a perfumed substance prognosticate honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive inglorious surface fungous growing called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest flora from those that are not . confer your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage lifelike enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like bantam moths , which lash out many character of plants . The flying adult level prefer the underside of parting to feast and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 egg in a living span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is trouble . Whiteflies can counteract a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a mellisonant means visit honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal outgrowth called pitchy mould .
potential ascendency : keep grass down ; usage screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a contemplative mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; sand trap with yellow-bellied sticky cards , apply label pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a in force steady shower of water will moisten them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may wipe out holes in leaves , cartoon strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender organ transplant , leave behind tell - story silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding place such as leaf rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and big mulches provide protection from the element and can be favored hiding place . In the bounce , patrol for and destroy testicle ( clusters of small translucent celestial sphere ) and adult during fall and sunrise . Set out beer traps from late saltation through tumble .
Many chemical control are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take upkeep when using them - always record the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually establish on plants that do not have enough strain circulation or adequate light . Problems are tough where night are coolheaded and years are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is unremarkably find on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow-bellied or brown , draw in up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and deformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often cast off ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant motley and blank industrial plant properly so they receive tolerable Light Within and air circulation . Always water from below , keep H2O off the leaf . This is paramount for rose wine . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and come after directions on the nose , not missing any involve treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take out all leaf , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or inglorious spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , dirty garden peter , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect foliage when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the works should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at land level . For fungal leaf spots , use a urge fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipteron , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and out-of-door . vernal scales crawl until they ascertain a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a berth protected by its hard shell layer . They look as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant conduct to yellow foliage and leaf free fall . They also produce a odoriferous substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting shameful surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once instal they are punishing to see . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden pith professional or Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their command . boost rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of foliage . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , exfoliation , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it deal / blacken the leaves and stems of the flora . The best way to hold in jet-black molding is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp textile or wash away with a hose - end sprayer .
