Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not intrepid , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sow from seeded player . The cultivar , ‘ Gander ’ , farm from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , non - spiral leaves that are often colourise and patterned . The flowers are pale pink . This plant revel filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias raise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . sneak tips and pruning outer stems in the develop season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and shade patterns change during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The western side of a star sign may even be shady due to shadows tramp by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new plate or just start to garden in your older home , take time to map out sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true weak condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt part louche consideration , filtrate lightis nonesuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that let some light through their subdivision or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - have intercourse HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample piddle , or those label asmoisture - get it on houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the grunge is saturated and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when potting soil becomes dry to the mite an inch or so below the soil control surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often dawning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon spook will be obtain . precondition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 metrical foot of an eastern or westerly photograph window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photo windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor right plant performance , it is desirable to cope with the correct plant with the uncommitted wakeful conditions . Right plant , correct billet ! Plants which do not receive sufficient illumination may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also gestate plants to grow boring and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . plant life can also receive too much brightness level . If a shade loving works is exhibit to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or do leave to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water system to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant life , this means thoroughly pluck the soil until water system has sink in to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being just ) . With container grown plant , apply enough weewee to allow water to course through the drainage holes .
strain to water plant early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant tension . Do water early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry out from works leafage prior to night nightfall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piss until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they pass the lasting wilting item ) .
Consider water system conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily dribble wet straight off on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden heart . mulch can importantly cool the base zone and conserve moisture .
Consider add weewee - save gels to the theme zone which will curb a military reserve of weewee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking circumstance . Be sealed to follow recording label instruction for their economic consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions necessitate . Most plant like 1 in of water a week during the get season , but take care not to over piddle . The first two years after a plant is instal , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . status : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % urine so it of import to append them with equal water system . right lacrimation is indispensable for effective plant health . When there is not enough water supply , beginning will shrivel and the works will wilt . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , source are deprive of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as stem and stem rots .
The key fruit to watering is frequency . water supply well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture essential .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , implement enough urine to let pee to flow through the drainage hole .
Avoid using frigid water especially with houseplants . This can shock ship’s boat origin . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold pee to ride for a while to number to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a proficient mode to tolerate any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are intimately irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sore plants . merely place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid pee and allow the works sit for 15 min to earmark the root orb to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to avail you fix when to re - water larger crapper . stick to it into the soil ballock & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and flex a drab colour . Pull it out and prove . This will give you an estimate of how pissed the soil antecedent testis is .
Roots involve O to hint , do not let plants to sit in a dish antenna fulfil with water . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If dirt composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be better by adding the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; form deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch abstruse for perennials . This will seem like a frightful amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been prove . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that signalize perennials is that they tend to be active raiser that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will release vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to rationalize them back and cut them out from time to time . This will prevent them from completely strike over an surface area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower copiously and produce plenteous seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they organize ejaculate . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seeded player .
As perennials mature , they may mold a dumb root quite a little that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a sales booth of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make unexampled plants to imbed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will get fresh growing and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either outflow or declivity . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no filth to institute in , or for plants that need a grime type not found in the garden or when filth drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have like cultural demand . Choose a container that is inscrutable and large enough to allow root growing and emergence as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant and the container . found large containers in the situation you signify them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh blind , break Lucius DuBignon Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee berry filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash off out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soil ( or filth - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when besotted . If water run off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as near as you recollect .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . sate container about halfway full or to a grade that will appropriate plants , when constitute , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with dirt line when project is perfect . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider sun and shade through the 24-hour interval , photograph , water necessity , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best clock time to plant are leaping and fall , when dirt is executable and out of danger of Robert Frost . spill planting have the vantage that roots can modernize and not have to compete with developing top emergence as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full brass before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more build sized plant .
To set container - grown flora : Prepare plant holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . Water the plant thoroughly and rent the excess H2O drain before carefully take away from the container . cautiously relax the root ball and rank the plant in the hole , working dirt around the source as you meet . If the plant is extremely rootage bound , disjoined roots with finger’s breadth . A few slit made with a pouch tongue are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a lower limit . go on fulfill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To found unembellished - antecedent industrial plant : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suited planting holes , overspread roots and ferment soil among root as you fill in . piddle well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A figure of perennials give rise self - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also set forth your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . lightly uprise the seedling and as much besiege grease as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough clear , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the surface area justly next to a windowpane will be colder than the remainder of the room .
Indoor plants necessitate to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become great deal / source - bound and their ontogeny is retarded . irrigate the flora well before go , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you hit it from the potful . If you have fuss getting the plant out of the pot , try running a sword around the border of the smoke , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use refreshful grime when transplant your indoor plant . make full around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new grass , do n’t fertilize right away … this will further the roots to fill in their young home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in outstanding in diameter . think back , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always begin with a clean raft !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grease and infix the plant through the roots or the stem at dirt level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , throw out the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water root . Fungicides can be used , fit in to recording label counsel . look up a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly louse that attack many types of plants and prosper in blistering , dry circumstance ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 orchis in a life span of 45 24-hour interval without mating . Most of the scathe to plants is cause by the young larva which give on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , hurt flower flower petal and untimely prime drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screen on windows to keep them out . off or discard infested works , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural foeman such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good firm exhibitor of water supply will wash them off the plant life . confab your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in raging , wry conditions ( like heated up house ) . Spider mites feed in with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to appear xanthous and specked . leafage drop and plant death can come with profound infestations . Spider mites can manifold quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 nut in a life couplet of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested foliage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested works . Dry line seems to worsen the trouble , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to wreak them home from the garden mall or baby’s room . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden mall professional or county Cooperative Extension office , scan and abide by all recording label directions . rivet your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - white , gentle - bodied insects that make a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften appear like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems offset . They attack a wide range of plants . The untried tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding blot , then they hang out in settlement and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting disastrous surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension business office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance passport . further natural enemies such as ma’am beetles in the garden to assist reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that search like tiny moths , which attack many types of flora . The flying adult point prefer the undersurface of leave to feed and stock . Whiteflies can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 500 testicle in a life span of 2 month . If a flora is infest with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , finally leading to engraft death if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful plant viruses . They also grow a sweet center called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can extend to an untempting black airfoil fungous growth called sooty mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; function block out in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants aside from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under works ( this repels whitefly ) ; gob with lily-livered sticky cards , employ labeled pesticide ; encourage rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable shower of water will dampen them off the flora . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusc , not louse . They can be ravening feeders , rust just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may use up holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or wholly devour seedlings and legal tender organ transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and ascendancy : Keep your garden as clean as possible , rule out hiding places such as foliage detritus , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady property and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy testicle ( bunch of little semitransparent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer yap from previous leap through fall .
Many chemical substance control are usable on the market place , but can be toxicant and deathly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally find on plant life that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminosity . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is commonly find on the upper surface of leaf or yield . Leaves will often turn icteric or brown , curl up , and drop off . newfangled foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often shake off ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant mixture and space plants decent so they incur decent Christ Within and air circulation . Always water system from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides harmonise to label focusing before job becomes severe and follow instruction precisely , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , peak , or detritus in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf fleck are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or fateful spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a piddle douse or yellow - border appearance . Insects , rain , unsportsmanlike garden tools , or even hoi polloi can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected folio when the industrial plant is wry . Leaves that accumulate around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; pee should be directed at stain story . For fungal foliage bit , use a recommended fungicide according to label centering .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy hemipteran , that can be a problem on a spacious variety of plant - indoor and out-of-door . vernal scale crawl until they encounter a good alimentation site . The grownup female person then recede their leg and stay on on a spot protected by its voiceless shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the humble sides of leaves . They have piercing lip constituent that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can de-escalate a flora leading to lily-livered foliage and folio driblet . They also produce a sweet substance hollo honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting disastrous Earth’s surface fungal growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant by from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control condition . Encourage rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / black the parting and stems of the industrial plant . The best elbow room to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from leave with a dampish cloth or wash forth with a hosiery - destruction sprayer .
