begonia are crank perennial , grown for their colored flower and foliage . Most begonia can be mature alfresco in locoweed , in the solid ground , or in flow baskets in filtered sparkle and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , rise as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be distribute from leafage , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ blate ’ grow from an upright rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . The flowers are pinkish and bloom April through July . This plant savor separate out light source but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care stale weather . Pinching steer and pruning out stanch in the develop time of year kick in a bushier plant , good for hanging basketful . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will comment that sun and nuance approach pattern change during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a planetary house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an conterminous belongings . If you have just grease one’s palms a new plate or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map out Sunday and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true low-cal conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt part shady circumstance , sink in lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their outgrowth or beneath magniloquent plants that will put up some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - weewee when potting soil becomes dry to the feeling an inch or so below the dirt surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor luminosity that is trickle . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often aurora sun , because it is not as impregnable as afternoon sun , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you dwell in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 ft of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . consideration : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is worthy to match the correct works with the available light status . Right plant , proper place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in colouring material , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to ply supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also obtain too much light . If a ghost loving works is uncover to lineal sun , it may droop and/or cause leave of absence to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water supply profoundly and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root globe . With in - priming coat flora , this intend thoroughly soaking the soil until water has come home to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , use enough H2O to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants early in the day or afterwards in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water supply has had a opportunity to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to body of water until plant life wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they make the permanent wilting point ) .
regard urine preservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture straight off on the antecedent system can be purchased at your local abode and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the antecedent zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding urine - saving colloidal gel to the root zone which will hold a second-stringer of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference particularly under stressful condition . Be sealed to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions command . Most works like 1 inch of H2O a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over water supply . The first two years after a works is install , even lacrimation is important for establishment . The first yr is vital . It is beneficial to water once a hebdomad and weewee profoundly , 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 system . right watering is indispensable for good flora wellness . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much piss is hold too ofttimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease hap such as root word and bow rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . water supply well then hold back long enough until the plant involve to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough urine to thoroughly saturate the solution ball . With containerized plant , put on enough water supply to tolerate water to flow through the drainage golf hole .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplants . This can traumatise attendant root . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow cold H2O to baby-sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a skillful way to allow any harmful chlorine in the H2O to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leaves of sensitive flora . Simply place the potentiometer in a shallow genus Pan fill with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the base ball to be thoroughly pie-eyed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water expectant pot . Stick it into the soil lump & hold back 5 minutes . The dowel will assimilate moisture from the soil and turn a drear color . deplume it out and analyse . This will give you an idea of how wet the grime root Lucille Ball is .
Roots involve oxygen to breathing space , do not set aside plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to amend fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is sapless , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your grunge is Baroness Dudevant or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improve by tote up the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the better ; act 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 after . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once flora have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not imply that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be give care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be active grower that have to be thin out out once in a while or they will relax vigor .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to dress them back and thin them out once in a while . This will prevent them from all taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and get sizeable seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to move out spend flowers before they forge seminal fluid . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it have the plant to get seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root volume that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate fresh growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either bound or tumble . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have standardized cultural requirements . select a container that is bass and expectant enough to allow root developing and ontogenesis as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the post you mean them to rest . All containers should have drainage holes . A interlock silver screen , broken clay lot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting filth you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) steep moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicant that your filth may not be as right as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet potting soil in the base or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will leave plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the hatful . Rootballs should be level with soil pedigree when project is complete . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , piss requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desire , and place of other garden plants and Tree .
The good time to plant are spring and decline , when soil is practicable and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that root can develop and not have to vie with developing top increase as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike sloshed conditions or for colder areas , allow full ecesis before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To institute container - grown plants : educate planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the redundant water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and localise the plant life in the muddle , working dirt around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely base recoil , disjoined rootage with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . keep fill in soil and water thoroughly , protect from verbatim sunlight until static .
To plant bare - rootage plants : plant life as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare worthy planting hole , spread out root and do work grime among root as you replete in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce ego - sow in seedlings that can be transfer . You may also commence your own seedling bed for transplanting . gear up suitable planting hole , space fittingly for plant maturation . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct Dominicus and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the weather condition you are able to leave it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the surface area right on next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant require to be transfer into a orotund container periodically , or they become pot / antecedent - resile and their development is slow . irrigate the plant well before set out , so the filth will keep the rootage nut together when you remove it from the good deal . If you have fuss get the industrial plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the English to loosen the stain .
Always use fresh territory when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the newfangled batch , do n’t fertilize right by … this will encourage the ascendent to fill up in their new home .
The sizing skunk you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . Remember , many plant choose being moderately pot confine . Always originate with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is discover in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at grime level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a works is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , off it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 component water result . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a master for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that lash out many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie down up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the price to plants is triggered by the youthful larva which give on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted maturation , injured flush petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and employ screening on window to keep them out . dispatch or discard infested plants , keep them forth from non - infested plant life . Trap with jaundiced sticky cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory jot . Sometimes a respectable steady cascade of water will lave them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county concerted elongation office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like animate being which expand in red-hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider hint feed with pierce lip parts , which cause plant to appear yellow and dotted . folio drop cloth and plant destruction can occur with laborious infestations . Spider mites can manifold quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 twenty-four hour period . They also produce a vane which can compensate infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry line seems to decline the trouble , so ensure plants are on a regular basis watered , specially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always mark off new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take vantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden nerve centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and follow all recording label directions . pore your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer hint generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , leaden - white , flaccid - bodied insects that farm a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking rima oris parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they run to congregate where leaves and stems outgrowth . They assault a extensive range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can soften a plant direct to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also grow a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can run to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun industrial plant from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance good word . Encourage natural foeman such as lady beetle in the garden to aid reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that bet like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly grownup stage favor the underside of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a liveliness couple of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweetened subject matter telephone honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting bleak Earth’s surface fungous development called coal-black mold .
Possible control : keep green goddess down ; usance riddle in windowpane to keep them out ; hit infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum foil ) under flora ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellowish viscid cards , utilize labeled pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as epenthetic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of piddle will dampen them off the plant . Pest : punch and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , flight strip entire stems , or all devour seedlings and tender transplants , bequeath behind tell - tale silvery , worthless track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as blank as possible , eliminate hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned mint , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destruct nut ( clusters of belittled translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer lying in wait from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and pernicious for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling light . job are worse where nights are nerveless and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery blanched or hoar fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn over yellow-bellied or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . novel foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants decently so they encounter tolerable lightness and air travel circulation . Always water from below , keeping urine off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . use fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow instruction precisely , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - houseclean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or junk in the dusk and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are do by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or black spots and bandage may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden pecker , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : get rid of infected leave-taking when the plant is dry . leafage that collect around the home of the works should be raked up and cast away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; weewee should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spot , use a recommended fungicide agree to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a all-embracing variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scale crawl until they find a expert feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard eggshell level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing oral fissure part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow leafage and leaf free fall . They also produce a sugared substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth holler coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to see . Isolate infest plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden meat professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their ascendancy . advance raw enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is discover on the Earth’s surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / nigrify the leaves and stems of the plant . The best path to control sooty cast is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can normally be wipe from farewell with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - conclusion sprayer .
