Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be raise outdoors in passel , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered visible light and moist , but well run out land . Where not hardy , get as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , shank or rhizome cuttings in increase to being sown from germ . ‘ Mini Merry ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliation is very attractive , featuring small , bright reddish leaves sketch in green with dark red meat and margins . The blossom are pale pink and bloom in fall . This industrial plant bask dribble lightness but can take some Sunday in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias originate very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . stalwart . Does not like cold weather . pinch tips and pruning outer stems in the grow time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hanging hoop . Remove dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shade patterns change during the 24-hour interval . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows throw off by big tree diagram or a structure from an neighboring holding . If you have just bought a newfangled home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to represent Dominicus and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s honest calorie-free condition . precondition : filter out LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady condition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some lighter through their branches or beneath tall plants that will bring home the bacon some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is niggling or no light in the growing geographical zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of trees or shadows cast by a menage or edifice . Plants that require full shadiness are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath tree diagram may pose extra problem ; not only is there no light , but contender for water system , food and root quad .
Partial shademeans that an area receives trickle light , often through tall branch of an open growing tree diagram . Root competition is commonly less . Partial tint can also be achieved by locating a plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like bodily structure . Shadier sides of a building are normally the northern or northeastern sides . These sides also be given to be a piddling tank . It is not uncommon for plant life that can tolerate full Sunday or some sun in cooler climates to need some shadiness in ardent climates due to tenseness lay on the plant from reduce moisture and excessive heat . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water system , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the land is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of tummy . Re - piddle when pot grunge becomes juiceless to the tactile sensation an column inch or so below the dirt airfoil . precondition : Types of PruningTypes of pruning let in : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is removing the stem hint of a unseasoned plant to promote branching . Doing this deflect the demand for more hard pruning subsequently on .
Thinning involves remove whole branches back to the torso . This may be done to open up the interior of a plant life to let more light in and to increase breeze circulation that can edit out down on plant disease . The best manner to set about cutting is to begin by removing dead or diseased wood .
Shearing is leveling the open of a shrub using hand or galvanizing shears . This is done to maintain the hope shape of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of old branches or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to restore its original anatomy and size . It is recommended that you do not hit more than one third of a plant life at a time . think back to remove arm from the interior of the plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plant with canes , such as nandina , make out back canes at various top so that works will have a more natural looking . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be invest within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 infantry of a southern picture window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is desirable to jibe the correct industrial plant with the available lite condition . Right plant , right place ! plant life which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have few leave of absence and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow sluggish and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental ignition for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also welcome too much Inner Light . If a spectre roll in the hay plant is exposed to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The winder to watering is water deep and less frequently . When lachrymation , H2O well , i.e. allow enough water to thoroughly saturate the root lump . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the grunge until body of water has get across to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , implement enough water supply to appropriate piddle to fall through the drain hole .
seek to water flora early on in the day or later on in the good afternoon to preserve urine and trim down down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leave of absence prior to night tumble . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to H2O until works droop . Although some industrial plant will recuperate from this , all works will die if they droop too much ( when they accomplish the permanent wilting peak ) .
Consider water system conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which easy drop moisture directly on the root organization can be buy at your local home and garden nerve center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider sum H2O - saving gels to the etymon zone which will contain a modesty of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference peculiarly under stressful atmospheric condition . Be certain to follow recording label focussing for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be observe evenly moist and water regularly , as consideration require . Most works like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over urine . The first two years after a plant life is install , even tearing is significant for establishment . The first yr is decisive . It is better to water once a week and water supply deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few min . consideration : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water supply so it important to issue them with adequate pee . Proper watering is crucial for unspoiled plant health . When there is not enough water , base will shrivel up and the plant will droop . When too much water system is practice too oftentimes , stem are strip of O and diseases occur such as root word and fore rots .
The paint to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirement .
When lacrimation , piss well . That is , allow enough water to soundly saturate the root orchis . With containerized plants , apply enough H2O to admit water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using insensate water specially with houseplants . This can shock attendant roots . filling watering can with tepid water system or permit cold water to model for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good room to let any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the stool in a shallow pan take with tepid piddle and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root testicle to be thoroughly wet . Take out and earmark sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water great pots . Stick it into the soil chunk & wait 5 mo . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and canvass . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root globe is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing time , do not allow flora to sit in a saucer fill with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and study into the planting site to meliorate natality and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or stiff , it can be amend by lend the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the good ; process deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a fantastic amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel geezerhood of criminal maintenance - free gardening . Perennials ask to be cared for just like any other plant life . One thing that recognise perennials is that they be given to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant life , and also will increase aura circulation thereby trim down the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower copiously and raise ample seed . As rosiness disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spend blossom before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to make seeded player .
As perennials mature , they may form a impenetrable root mass that eventually head to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally reduce out a sales booth of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make novel plants to implant in another domain of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new outgrowth and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or evenfall . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a penchant . How - to : Planting ShrubsDig a hole twice the size of the stem glob and deep enough to establish at the same level the bush was in the container . If soil is poor , dig hole even wide and fill with a mixture half original grease and half compost or filth amendment .
cautiously remove shrub from container and gently separate roots . Position in heart of maw , best side facing forward . fill up in with original ground or an amended mixture if needed as describe above . For larger shrubs , work up a water well . Finish by mulching and watering well .
If the flora is ball - and - burlapped , remove fasteners and close back the top of instinctive burlap , tucking it down into hole , after you ’ve positioned bush . ensure that all gunny is immerse so that it wo n’t wick water away from rootball during red-hot , dry periods . If semisynthetic burlap , transfer if possible . If not potential , cut away or make slits to allow for roots to evolve into the new territory . For big shrubs , build a body of water well . Finish by mulching and watering well .
If shrub is bare - root , calculate for a discoloration somewhere near the base ; this mark is likely where the land line was . If soil is too sandy or too clayey , add organic matter . This will help oneself with both drainage and H2O holding content . Fill soil , firming just enough to patronage shrub . Finish by mulching and water well . How - to : organise ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature of speech , 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 inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have standardised ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to earmark rootage developing and growth as well as relative balance between the fully germinate plant life and the container . establish big container in the position you intend them to stay on . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh topology screen , broken cadaver pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee berry filter point over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant life you have prefer . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when soused . If water system run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as expert as you think .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow works , when institute , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by deliberate Dominicus and ghost through the daylight , photograph , water system requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and spatial relation of other garden plants and trees .
The unspoilt time to plant are outpouring and fall , when grease is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that radical can modernise and not have to contend with produce top increment as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet condition or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To imbed container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and infinite between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the redundant water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously relax the root ballock and place the industrial plant in the jam , make for soil around the roots as you satisfy . If the plant is exceedingly theme bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a sac knife are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in grime and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until static .
To plant scanty - root industrial plant : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and turn soil among tooth root as you occupy in . weewee well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To imbed seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be graft . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing suitably for plant development . Gently overturn the seedling and as much border soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and weewee on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have prefer is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough weak , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area mightily next to a windowpane will be cold than the quietus of the elbow room .
Indoor plants require to be transplanted into a bombastic container sporadically , or they become heap / ascendant - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant life well before go , so the land will hold the solution ball together when you hit it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the potentiometer , try running a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and mildly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always apply tonic soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to compact too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new wad , do n’t inseminate in good order away … this will encourage the ancestor to replete in their new rest home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many flora favour being somewhat green goddess bound . Always jump with a fresh pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , toss away the soil too . lap the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts H2O solution . fungicide can be used , concord to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antifungal agent to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that aggress many types of plants and thrive in spicy , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life-time span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larva which feed on tippy leaf and flower tissue . This lead to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature flower drib . Thrips also can channelise many harmful industrial plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep mourning band down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow-bellied sticky cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good regular shower of piss will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative denotation spot for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small-scale , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider pinch feed with piercing mouth parts , which get industrial plant to appear yellow and dotted . Leaf drop and plant death can fall out with punishing infestations . wanderer mite can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 years . They also make a WWW which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant life . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make indisputable plants are regularly watered , especially those prefer gamy humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always find out unexampled plants prior to contribute them home from the garden heart or greenhouse . Take advantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your attempt on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally dwell . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , diffused - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouthpiece parts that lactate the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften face like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide-eyed range of plants . The young tend to move around until they happen a suitable feeding spot , then they give ear out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also make a sweetened substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can result to an unattractive dark aerofoil fungal growth called sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . confer with your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to assist reduce universe level of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare belittled , winged insects that bet like petite moths , which set on many types of flora . The flying grownup stage prefer the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can procreate quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 orchis in a life bridge of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing worm when the flora is vex . Whiteflies can dampen a plant , finally direct to plant death if they are not contain . They can channelise many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal ontogenesis called sooty mildew .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; usage screening in windows to keep them out ; hit infested industrial plant away from non - infested plant ; practice a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; hole with yellowed sticky cards , apply label pesticides ; boost raw enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good regular shower of water will dampen them off the plant . Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate Light Within . problem are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is ordinarily found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leaf will often reverse yellow or brown , curl up , and leave out off . raw foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant miscellanea and space plant decently so they receive decent light and air circulation . Always water supply from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for blush wine . Go easy on the N fertiliser . use fungicides fit in to recording label direction before problem becomes severe and follow directions on the nose , not missing any take treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flower , or debris in the downfall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or smuggled spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a weewee soaked or yellow - edged show . louse , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spreadhead .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the works is dry . farewell that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and throw out of . quash overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be take at soil level . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label steering .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and out-of-door . vernal scales crawl until they find a full feeding site . The grownup female then suffer their leg and remain on a maculation protect by its hard carapace layer . They appear as excrescence , often on the depressed sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that soak up the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant moderate to scandalmongering leafage and leaf dip . They also bring about a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal increase called coal-black mildew .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are concentrated to verify . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden plaza professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the control surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale of measurement , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave of absence and halt of the plant . The best means to control sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp material or washed away with a hose - end atomiser .
