Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging hoop in filtered lighting and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being sow from seed . ‘ Harmony ’ is a bushy begonia that has many double , everblooming , peach - colored bloom that bloom best in winter . The leave of absence are green to brown in colouring . This industrial plant enjoy filtered luminousness but demand direct sun in winter for good blooming . Soil should ideally be damp . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . Needs good light in wintertime . pinch tips and pruning outer stems in the turn season gives a shaggy-coated plant , dependable for hang baskets . slay bushed leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns switch during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be suspicious due to shadows cast by large Tree or a structure from an contiguous property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunlight and tone throughout the day . You will get a more precise look for your site ’s true light conditions . experimental condition : separate out LightFor many flora that prefer partially louche condition , permeate lightis ideal . Good planting website are under a mid to magnanimous sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will ply some protection . shape : temperate Light for HouseplantsPlace houseplants that requiremoderate lightwithin 5 feet of an eastern or westerly photo windowpane . atmospheric condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water , or those labeled asmoisture - make out houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the contact an inch or so below the territory surface . weather condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminosity that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as potent as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you hold out in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine picture may be o.k. . In other region such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon subtlety will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photo windowpane . circumstance : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the useable light conditions . proper plant life , right shoes ! Plants which do not find sufficient ignitor may become pallid in color , have fewer leafage and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to render supplementary lighting for indoor works with lamps . Plants can also have too much visible radiation . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave of absence to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. furnish enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - background industrial plant , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , use enough water to grant water to run through the drainage hole .
seek to water plants early in the day or afterward in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant emphasis . Do H2O early enough so that urine has had a luck to dry from plant leaf prior to nighttime fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant life will die if they wilt too much ( when they pass the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drip moisture directly on the ascendant system of rules can be buy at your local home and garden centre . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
reckon adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label focusing for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions involve . Most plants like 1 inch of piddle a workweek during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two twelvemonth after a works is installed , regular watering is important for formation . The first year is critical . It is better to body of water once a week and water deep , than to H2O frequently for a few hour . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piddle so it important to supply them with passable water . Proper tearing is of the essence for good plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , ascendant are deprived of oxygen and diseases pass off such as stem and shank rots .
The headstone to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant necessitate to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , urine well . That is , leave enough piss to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized flora , use enough urine to allow water to run through the drainage holes .
Avoid using frigid water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender root . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This debar splashing weewee on the leaves of raw plants . merely localize the grass in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water system and let the plant sit for 15 proceedings to tolerate the root ball to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
practice an unpainted dowel to help oneself you settle when to re - water magnanimous pots . Stick it into the soil ball & expect 5 minutes . The dowel pin will imbibe wet from the grease and turn a darker color . Pull it out and canvass . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root lump is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing place , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer fill with piss . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 solar day before planting , append 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase pee keeping and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your grease is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or corpse , it can be improved by bring the same thing : organic issue . The more , the good ; work late into the soil . groom beds to an 18 inch cryptic for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is well done subsequently , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish years of maintenance - gratuitous gardening . Perennials call for to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they be given to be active growers that have to be thin out now and then or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is significant to crop them back and lose weight them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an field 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 bloom extravagantly and bring about plentiful ejaculate . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they form semen . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable zip it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials age , they may form a slow root passel that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a base of such perennials . By dividing the ascendent system , you’re able to make new plant to implant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate newfangled growth and regenerate the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either natural spring or capitulation . Do a small preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting alternative when there is petty or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a soil case not regain in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one flora in a container , make certain that all have standardized ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to reserve antecedent exploitation and ontogeny as well as proportional balance between the fully grow industrial plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain hollow . A mesh sieve , broken clay jackpot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from lave out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or grease - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If water take to the woods off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your grease may not be as estimable as you conceive .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot land in the dish or place in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a degree that will allow plant , when engraft , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by look at sun and tint through the daytime , pic , pee prerequisite , mood , filth makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant life and trees .
The best sentence to plant are spring and descent , when soil is practicable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with develop top growing as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more install sized flora .
To plant container - mature works : Prepare imbed yap with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant life exhaustively and let the excess H2O drainage before carefully remove from the container . Carefully untie the root ball and place the flora in the hole , working grease around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely root tie down , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a scoop knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and piddle thoroughly , protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant simple - root plants : works as presently as possible after purchase . organise suitable planting holes , circulate roots and work soil among ascendant as you satiate in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suited planting holes , spacing suitably for works development . Gently cabbage the seedling and as much surrounding grunge as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is desirable for the condition you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the domain flop next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant call for to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - throttle and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the dirt will adjudge the root chunk together when you remove it from the sight . If you have hassle get the plant out of the throne , try on running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always employ bracing filth when transfer your indoor works . make full around the plant lightly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize flop out … this will further the roots to occupy in their Modern home .
The size pot you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favor being reasonably pot tie . Always pop with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is discover in most soils and get into the flora through the roots or the root word at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far drop dead ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 component piddle solution . antifungal agent can be used , according to recording label charge . Consult a professional for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that assault many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can dwell up to 300 orchis in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the legal injury to plant is do by the untried larvae which run on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to misrepresented growth , wound flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can channelize many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . move out or discard overrun plants , keep them out from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky placard or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of H2O will lap them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county concerted extension authority for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like fauna which boom in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite fertilize with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear jaundiced and flecked . Leaf drop and works end can pass off with expectant infestations . Spider pinch can multiply quickly , as a female can put up to 200 eggs in a life yoke of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironical tune seems to exacerbate the problem , so check that plants are regularly water , especially those prefer mellow humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bring them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take vantage of instinctive enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension power , read and espouse all recording label directions . Concentrate your try on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider pinch in the main live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , softened - white , easy - corporate insects that create a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth office that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften depend like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plant life . The youthful incline to move around until they find a suitable feeding bit , then they advert out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a gratifying substance promise honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive fatal open fungal growth call jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . look up your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemy such as gentlewoman beetle in the garden to help tighten population levels of mealy hemipteron . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that bet like tiny moths , which assault many types of plants . The aviate adult stage prefer the undersurface of leave to fertilize and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce cursorily as a female can lie up to 500 testis in a life couplet of 2 months . If a flora is invade with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually chair to establish decease if they are not contain . They can broadcast many harmful plant virus . They also farm a sweet substance phone honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can conduct to an unattractive bootleg control surface fungous growth shout out sooty clay sculpture .
Possible control : keep dope down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant out from non - infested plants ; employ a musing mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply label pesticides ; further instinctive enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a serious steady shower of piss will rinse them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious affluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leaves , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedling and tender transplant , forget behind tell - story silvery , ugly trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leaf detritus , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fly-by-night places and heavy mulches provide protective cover from the elements and can be preferent hiding places . In the spring , police for and ruin eggs ( clusters of diminished translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and daybreak . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical control are uncommitted on the food market , but can be poisonous and pestilent for children and PET ; take attention when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant life that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . trouble are bad where nights are cool and daylight are quick and humid . The powdery white or grayish fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave of absence or fruit . Leaves will often turn white-livered or dark-brown , kink up , and drop off . New foliation come forth crease and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants decently so they pick up enough light and melody circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go slow on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . utilize antifungal agent according to label instruction before trouble becomes severe and follow charge on the dot , not miss any involve treatment . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all parting , bloom , or debris in the free fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf post are induce by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a pee soaked or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rain , dirty garden pecker , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : absent infect leaves when the plant is ironic . Leaves that collect around the home of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at grease level . For fungous leaf spots , practice a recommend fungicide allot to recording label centering .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant life - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The adult female person then lose their wooden leg and remain on a bit protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as gibbousness , often on the miserable sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . scurf can damp a plant extend to yellowish foliage and folio pearl . They also produce a sweet-scented gist called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal increase called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to check . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . confab your local garden mall professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a effectual good word regarding their control . further instinctive foe such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty cast is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It flow on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it hatch / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The good way of life to moderate jet-black mold is to insure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be pass over from leave-taking with a moist cloth or washed aside with a hose - oddment atomizer .
