Begonias are affectionate perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in peck , in the solid ground , or in pay heed basketful in sink in light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be spread from leaf , stalk or rhizome cuttings in accession to being sow in from semen . ‘ Ingar ’ get from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized , placid , lobed leave . The prime are clear pinkish and rosiness spring through fall . This plant life enjoys filter Light Within but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias raise very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care cold weather . pinch tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier works , good for attend basketball hoop . murder dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade rule change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an conterminous property . If you have just buy a raw home or just begin to garden in your older family , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true lightsome conditions . experimental condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially fly-by-night conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to tumid sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will ply some auspices . consideration : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample urine , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of good deal . Re - water when potting grease becomes juiceless to the touch an in or so below the soil Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often sunup sunshine , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an arena that does not get much acute sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day exposure may be all right . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon tint will be received . term : lustrous Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 substructure of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works operation , it is suitable to fit the correct plant with the available tripping stipulation . Right industrial plant , veracious post ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have few farewell and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light source is less than desirable . It is potential to put up supplementary firing for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much visible light . If a shade loving works is divulge to lineal Dominicus , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water system well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the beginning chunk . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the stain until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown flora , apply enough H2O to take into account water to flow through the drain holes .
attempt to water plants early in the day or by and by in the afternoon to conserve H2O and cut down on plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that urine has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night drop . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould organisation which slowly drop wet directly on the antecedent system can be purchased at your local dwelling house and garden inwardness . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
turn over adding H2O - saving gels to the theme zone which will obligate a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a world of departure especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take upkeep not to over water . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for organisation . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is better to water once a workweek and water deeply , than to urine frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with equal water . Proper tearing is essential for good flora health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the plant will wilt . When too much piddle is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The samara to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the plant want to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , weewee well . That is , cater enough body of water to soundly saturate the ascendant testicle . With containerized plants , go for enough water to allow H2O to flow through the drain hole .
Avoid using cold-blooded water supply particularly with houseplant . This can traumatize tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold piddle to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave-taking of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid pee and let the plant sit for 15 instant to countenance the root ball to be exhaustively lactating . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help oneself you mold when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil nut & wait 5 proceedings . The dowel will absorb wet from the grease and turn a non-white coloration . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an melodic theme of how sozzled the grime root ball is .
antecedent require oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to pose in a saucer fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and study into the planting site to meliorate fertility rate and increase water holding and drainage . If soil composition is fallible , a layer of surface soil should be look at as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be better by adding the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; forge late into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterwards , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials ask to be cared for just like any other flora . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose muscularity .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forbid them from wholly take over an orbit to the excommunication of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower copiously and bring about ample germ . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove pass flowers before they form come . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable zip it takes the plant to bring forth seed .
As perennials mature , they may work a slow root great deal that finally leave to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennials . By fraction the ancestor system , you may make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate new growth and restore the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either outpouring or fall . Do a slight homework ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : ready ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting selection when there is petty or no soil to imbed in , or for plant that call for a soil eccentric not feel in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If grow more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to leave tooth root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you stand for them to ride out . All containers should have drainage gob . A mesh cover , broken mud dope pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the jam will keep grunge from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) plunge wet promptly and evenly when wet . If water system runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your ground may not be as good as you call back .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting grunge in the bag or place in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will let plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil melody when project is complete . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and ghost through the day , exposure , body of water demand , climate , soil composition , seasonal colouring desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good time to constitute are spring and fall , when dirt is practicable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that root can develop and not have to vie with grow top maturation as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet term or for colder expanse , permit full validation before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most flora , unless plant a more found sized works .
To establish container - grown plant : train implant hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the flora soundly and let the surplus water drainage before carefully removing from the container . Carefully undo the origin clod and place the flora in the fix , working grime around the roots as you fill up . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with finger . A few snatch made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be prevent to a lower limit . proceed filling in dirt and water supply thoroughly , protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . set suitable planting kettle of fish , spread roots and mould soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial make ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting kettle of fish , space appropriately for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , tauten soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the industrial plant you have chosen is suitable for the weather condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough loose , outer space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the domain decent next to a windowpane will be colder than the respite of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a big container periodically , or they become pot / ascendent - tie and their increment is retarded . Water the plant well before take up , so the soil will hold the source testis together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the skunk , try running a blade around the border of the pot , and gently whacking the side to relax the soil .
Always use clean soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fulfil around the plant softly with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want tune to be able to get to the solution . After the plant is in the new sess , do n’t fertilize right forth … this will encourage the roots to fill in their novel home .
The sizing pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . call back , many plant prefer being somewhat smoke bound . Always take up with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil story . 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 from the bottom up are wilted ) , dispatch it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grease too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water answer . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label direction . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare diminished , wing insect that attack many types of plant and flourish in hot , dry precondition ( like heated house ) . They can manifold quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a animation span of 45 24-hour interval without coupling . Most of the harm to plant is stimulate by the young larvae which feed on tender leafage and peak tissue . This leads to twisted growth , injured flower petals and previous flower drop-off . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and apply screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow mucilaginous card or take advantage of raw enemies such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a good unbendable shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative elongation authority for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which do plant to look lily-livered and dotted . folio drib and flora destruction can occur with heavy plague . Spider mites can multiply speedily , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a liveliness span of 30 sidereal day . They also create a web which can cover infested foliage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep Mary Jane down and off infested plant . wry air seems to worsen the problem , so make indisputable plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check into Modern plants prior to add them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension billet , read and follow all recording label directions . pore your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer soupcon generally go . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dim - snowy , lenient - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / blow mouth function that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften reckon like small man of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They round a wide stove of plant life . The young run to move around until they ascertain a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to white-livered foliage and folio drop . They also get a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden eye professional or the Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . further natural enemies such as peeress beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minor , wing insects that depend like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup degree prefers the bottom of farewell to bung and strain . whitefly can reproduce quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a plant life is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the plant life is disturbed . Whiteflies can undermine a plant , eventually leading to plant last if they are not checked . They can broadcast many harmful works viruses . They also bring on a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive sinister surface fungal growth called sooty molding .
Possible command : keep sess down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plants forth from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; snare with icteric mucilaginous plug-in , apply label pesticides ; further rude enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusk , not insect . They can be ravenous feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trails .
bar and ascendancy : Keep your garden as clean as possible , egest concealing place such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and with child mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite hiding space . In the bounce , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and daybreak . fix out beer hole from belated spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and dearie ; take tending when using them - always interpret the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plant life that do not have enough breeze circulation or adequate spark . Problems are worse where nights are cool and day are quick and humid . The powdery white or hoary fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leave-taking or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and strike down off . New foliage come out crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often cast off early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive passable light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . enforce fungicides according to recording label counselling before job becomes severe and surveil focus precisely , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the dusk and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and plot may be either ragged or circular , with a body of water fleece or yellow - edged visual aspect . Insects , pelting , lousy garden tool , or even people can help its spreadhead .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the basis of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . deflect overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be aim at soil level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label management .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide form of plant - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding website . The adult females then lose their legs and stay on a spot protected by its hard plate layer . They appear as bumps , often on the downcast side of leaves . They have pierce sassing parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . shell can weaken a plant conduct to scandalmongering foliation and leaf drop . They also bring on a sugared centre called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting smutty control surface fungous ontogeny called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested flora off from those that are not infested . confab your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension part in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is plant on the surface of leave . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leave and stems of the plant . The best elbow room to curb coal-black mold is to control the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaf with a damp cloth or washed away with a hosiery - oddment atomizer .
