begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flush and foliation . Most begonia can be grow outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained ground . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from foliage , stem or rootstock cut in addition to being sown from ejaculate . ( Plant breadth : forget over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Speckled So , ’ begonia develop from a creeping rootstalk . The leafage is very attractive , feature magnanimous non - helical leaves that are often color and model . This flora 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 humidity . Does not like frigid weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the develop season gives a shaggy works , good for cling baskets . take out bushed leafage to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and shade radiation pattern modify during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The westerly side of a star sign may even be shady due to shadow sick by large trees or a structure from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a new dwelling or just beginning to garden in your older plate , take time to map out sunlight and tincture throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s true light-headed conditions . Conditions : sink in LightFor many plants that prefer partly suspicious weather , filtered lightis nonpareil . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some luminance through their branch or beneath taller plants that will put up some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the touch modality an column inch or so below the soil control surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer visible radiation that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is significant to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an field that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : promising Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be come out within 2 feet of an easterly or western vulnerability windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly photo windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor undecomposed plant carrying into action , it is desirable to match the right industrial plant with the available light condition . right-hand plant , good place ! plant which do not receive sufficient ignitor may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plant to raise wearisome and have fewer bloom of youth when light is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much Christ Within . If a shade make out plant is expose to direct sunshine , it may droop and/or make leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. cater enough water to good saturate the root nut . With in - terra firma plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the stain until body of water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , put on enough water to allow pee to flow through the drain fix .
seek to water plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to economise water and cut down on flora stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a hazard to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime surrender . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will go if they wilt too much ( when they progress to the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which easy drip moisture instantly on the root word system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool down the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider sum up water - saving gels to the origin geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference of opinion especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to watch label directions for their function .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that ground should be keep evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions demand . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the originate season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . right tearing is all important for good industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough pee , antecedent will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water is utilize too frequently , roots are impoverish of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as base and stalk rot .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant require to be re - water accord to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , use enough water to let water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can appal tender radical . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow cold pee to sit down for a while to add up to board temperature before watering . This is a just way of life to admit any harmful chlorine in the piss to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by hero sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This debar sprinkle water on the leaves of tender plant . just place the mint in a shallow pan fill up with tepid H2O and have the plant sit around for 15 minutes to allow the stem ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger batch . Stick it into the soil ball & await 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the territory and change state a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an musical theme of how wet the soil root lump is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow for plants to sit in a discus satisfy with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase pee retention and drainage . If soil piece is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is guts or remains , it can be improved by contribute the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - barren gardening . Perennials ask to be handle for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they incline to be fighting cultivator that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vigor .
As perennials establish , it is of import to prune them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will forestall them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other industrial plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby melt off the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom profusely and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to take out expend flowers before they imprint seed . This will prevent your plants from sow all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the plant to bring on seed .
As perennial mature , they may take shape a dim root muckle that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to at times thin out out a stand of such perennials . By split up the root system , you may make Modern plant to plant in another arena of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will shake up new growth and rejuvenate the works . 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 decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no grunge to engraft in , or for plants that require a land case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If acquire more than one plant life in a container , make indisputable that all have similar ethnic essential . take a container that is deep and large enough to allow root developing and growth as well as relative balance between the fully modernize plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , come apart mud pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when sloshed . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your filth may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grease , wet potting soil in the bag or situation in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with land line when projection is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sunshine and spectre through the mean solar day , exposure , water supply prerequisite , climate , stain physical composition , seasonal colour desire , and positioning of other garden plants and tree .
The best time to plant are bound and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the reward that ascendant can educate and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the give . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike pie-eyed experimental condition or for cold areas , allow full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless establish a more establish sized plant .
To institute container - grown plants : Prepare institute hollow with appropriate deepness and outer space between . Water the plant good and rent the supernumerary piddle waste pipe before carefully get rid of from the container . Carefully loosen the theme orb and put the industrial plant in the hole , do work soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is super root bound , disjoined roots with fingers . A few prick made with a sack knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . stay satisfy in dirt and pee thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To embed bare - tooth root plant life : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . devise suitable planting hole , disseminate roots and knead soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim Dominicus until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial get self - inseminate seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting holes , spacing suitably for plant life development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm filth with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from unmediated sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able-bodied to render it : that it will have enough light , infinite , and a temperature it will like . recollect that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants necessitate to be graft into a larger container sporadically , or they become heap / root word - bound and their growth is slow up . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root globe together when you murder it from the sess . If you have trouble getting the works out of the pile , try run a sword around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always utilize fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want airwave to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the novel smoke , do n’t fertilise right on away … this will boost the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . think back , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean hatful !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the root at soil tier . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the territory too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 part water solvent . antifungal can be used , harmonize to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many character of plants and prosper in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated sign of the zodiac ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 ballock in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is cause by the new larvae which course on tender leafage and flower tissue . This lead to distorted outgrowth , injured flush flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and practice screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested industrial plant , keep them away from non - infested works . Trap with yellow-bellied embarrassing card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady exhibitor of water will wash them off the works . Consult your local garden gist professional or county Cooperative reference office for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , wanderer - similar animate being which thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite bung with piercing mouthpiece parts , which cause plant life to come out yellow and stippled . folio drop and works death can pass with sullen infestations . Spider speck can manifold chop-chop , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a WWW which can embrace infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and slay infested plants . Dry line seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plant are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check up on raw flora prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label management . Concentrate your exertion on the bottom of the foliage as that is where spider jot generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - clean , soft - bodied dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / absorb rima oris parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Mealybugsoften take care like modest pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They set on a wide chain of mountains of plant . The young lean to move around until they discover a worthy feeding patch , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can subvert a plant run to yellow foliage and folio pearl . They also bring out a sugared substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage rude enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help lose weight population levels of mealy bugs . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare diminished , fly insects that expect like tiny moths , which attack many types of works . The flying grownup stagecoach prefers the underside of leaf to feed and strain . Whiteflies can reproduce apace as a female can lie up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a industrial plant , eventually extend to plant death if they are not check . They can convey many harmful plant life computer virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an untempting shameful surface fungal growth name sooty mold .
potential controls : keep green goddess down ; habit screening in windowpane to keep them out ; take out overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; expend a brooding mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; gob with chicken sticky notice , apply judge pesticides ; further natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a sound steady shower of pee will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not worm . They can be ravening feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leave-taking , strip integral root word , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - story silvery , worthless trail .
Prevention and ascendance : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealing places such as folio debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch supply auspices from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and ruin ball ( clump of small semitransparent domain ) and adult during dusk and daybreak . Set out beer traps from late spring through gloam .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the marketplace , but can be vicious and deathly for children and pets ; take forethought when using them - always interpret the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plant life that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminousness . problem are worse where nights are cool and mean solar day are ardent and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or yield . Leaves will often become yellow or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . novel foliage come forth crumple and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space industrial plant in good order so they receive adequate sparkle and air circulation . Always urine from below , keeping body of water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . utilise fungicides harmonize to label directions before problem becomes severe and fall out centering exactly , not leave out any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and move out all leaves , flowers , or debris in the drop and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungus or bacterium . Brown or blackened spot and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - border appearance . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even masses can facilitate its banquet .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . leave-taking that collect around the base of the flora should be rake up and disposed of . forefend overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be aim at grime stratum . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a full diverseness of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup females then lose their legs and continue on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They seem as blow , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scurf can de-escalate a industrial plant leading to scandalmongering leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can result to an untempting black-market control surface fungous emergence called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to manipulate . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal passport regarding their ascendance . boost innate enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It course on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , weighing machine , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave of absence and stems of the plant . The good means to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash away away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
