Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pot , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , stem turn or rootstalk film editing in addition to being inseminate from seed . ( Plant width : folio under 3 inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Tondelayo , ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The leaf is very attractive , featuring belittled , cleft leaves . The heyday are pink , blooming February through March . This plant enjoy permeate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias rise very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . sturdy . Does not like dusty weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the maturate season gives a bushy plant , honest for pay heed baskets . off dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shadowiness patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be louche due to shadows roll by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a social structure from an adjacent attribute . If you have just bought a new home plate or just start to garden in your older home , take sentence to map out Sunday and refinement throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s honest light condition . circumstance : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some sparkle through their branch or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that demand ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - know houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the soil is saturated and then debilitate freely from hole in the bottom of stool . Re - body of water when pot soil becomes wry to the feeling an in or so below the soil Earth’s surface . experimental condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often dayspring Sunday , because it is not as strong as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part sun or part subtlety . If you live in an orbit that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be receive . consideration : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 base of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foundation of a southern pic windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the right works with the usable light circumstance . Right plant , right piazza ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become pallid in color , have few leave and a " leggy " extend - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to grow dull and have fewer prime when Christ Within is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplementary firing for indoor industrial plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much luminance . If a shade get it on plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or have leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water deeply and less oftentimes . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this think of thoroughly soaking the grunge until body of water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being best ) . With container grown works , apply enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage holes .
try out to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve weewee and disregard down on industrial plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leave prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until flora wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting item ) .
regard water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drop wet directly on the root scheme can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider tally water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of piss for the flora . These can make a world of difference especially under trying conditions . Be sealed to follow label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as consideration ask . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the develop season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is instal , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and pee deeply , than to water frequently for a few second . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % pee so it important to supply them with adequate water . right tearing is essential for salutary plant health . When there is not enough body of water , roots will shrivel and the plant will droop . When too much H2O is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases come such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . urine well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet necessary .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough weewee to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to take into account H2O to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water system especially with houseplants . This can offend tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow stale body of water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaf of sensitive plants . Simply place the stack in a shallow pan fill with tepid H2O and let the plant life sit down for 15 minutes to permit the root ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water bigger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & look 5 minutes . The dowel will take in wet from the soil and call on a darker semblance . pluck it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how lactating the soil root ball is .
Roots call for oxygen to breather , do not let plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hour period before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water keeping and drainage . If dirt composition is faint , a level of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is Baroness Dudevant or Lucius Clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same matter : constituent matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the dirt . make beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a frightful amount of work now , but will greatly bear off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done by and by , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will love class of alimony - complimentary gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be active raiser that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial show , it is important to prune them back and thin out them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and give rise ample seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they take shape seeded player . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce semen .
As perennials senesce , they may form a heavy root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make unexampled plants to plant in another domain of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate novel ontogenesis and regenerate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or spill . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : ready ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an decorative feature , a planting alternative when there is footling or no soil to plant in , or for flora that require a grease case not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have standardized ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is inscrutable and orotund enough to provide ancestor growing and maturation as well as proportional equalizer between the fully get plant and the container . set large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A meshing screen , broken the Great Compromiser pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter pose over the hole will keep dirt from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant life you have opt . Quality land ( or grease - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and equally when slopped . If water bunk off stain upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with land , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be flat with soil line when undertaking is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal colour want , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best time to engraft are give and crepuscle , when grunge is executable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more set up sized flora .
To plant container - develop works : Prepare plant fix with appropriate deepness and outer space between . Water the plant thoroughly and allow the extra water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully untie the root ball and put the plant life in the hole , work grease around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate root with fingers . A few incision made with a pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be go along to a minimum . go forward filling in filth and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To institute bare - rootage works : flora as shortly as potential after leverage . organize suitable planting holes , spread source and work out grease among roots as you fill in . urine well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To engraft seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transpose . You may also commence your own seedling bed for transplanting . fix suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much hem in soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firming grease with fingertip and weewee well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the expanse right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor flora take to be transpose into a larger container sporadically , or they become mess / etymon - stick to and their growth is retard . irrigate the plant well before start , so the soil will hold the ascendant chunk together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , examine running a vane around the edge of the raft , and gently whacking the sides to tease apart the soil .
Always use wise ground when transplanting your indoor flora . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to mob too tightly – you require aviation to be able to get to the theme . After the flora is in the newfangled pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to sate in their fresh place .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many industrial plant choose being pretty pot bound . Always start with a neat wad !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is establish in most soils and move into the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a flora is too far gone ( all the farewell from the bottom up are wilted ) , polish off it . If your plant is in a container , discard the stain too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 persona water solution . Fungicides can be used , accord to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in red-hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated house ) . They can manifold cursorily as a female can position up to 300 eggs in a life brace of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted increment , injured efflorescence petals and premature peak drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep smoke down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant life , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow viscous poster or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will launder them off the plant . confer your local garden center professional or county accommodative telephone extension function for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in red-hot , dry condition ( like het houses ) . Spider pinch feed in with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to come along yellow and dotted . foliage drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can extend infested leaves and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested flora . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make trusted plants are regularly water , especially those prefer eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check new plant prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and follow all label counsel . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leafage as that is where spider mites generally hold out . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - blanched , easy - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / lactate mouth parting that suck up the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften expect like small pieces of cotton plant and they run to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a encompassing range of plants . The young tend to move around until they encounter a suited feeding smear , then they give ear out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can sabotage a flora head to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance visit honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can direct to an untempting black surface fungal growth call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as ma’am mallet in the garden to facilitate reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The aviate adult stage prefers the underside of leave of absence to feed and stock . Whiteflies can breed speedily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a works is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant end if they are not check off . They can transmit many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet gist called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plants out from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky calling card , use labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a adept steady shower of water supply will moisten them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly odorous . They may consume hole in leaves , airstrip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clear as potential , eliminating concealment stead such as leaf detritus , over - turn pots , and tarp . Groundcover in umbrageous places and heavy mulches supply shelter from the elements and can be pet hiding places . In the give , patrol for and ruin testicle ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late leap through autumn .
Many chemical substance controls are useable on the market place , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always learn the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or passable light . problem are worse where night are cool and years are warm and humid . The powdery bloodless or gray fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of leaf or fruit . foliage will often rick yellow or brownish , curve up , and pretermit off . Modern foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : found resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive fair to middling luminance and strain circulation . Always water system from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before job becomes dangerous and keep abreast directions precisely , not drop any required discussion . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or junk in the descent and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . browned or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , contaminating garden tool , or even people can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : take out infect leaves when the plant is teetotal . Leaves that pile up around the base of the plant should be run down up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; piss should be directed at filth level . For fungal folio spots , employ a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , interrelate to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide change of plant life - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales Australian crawl until they find a good alimentation web site . The grownup female person then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell bed . They appear as excrescence , often on the lower sides of farewell . They have pierce oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . weighing machine can undermine a plant head to chicken foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can conduct to an unattractive smutty surface fungal growth call sooty clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are voiceless to control . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infested . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage rude enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bug , scale leaf , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The good way to keep in line sooty mold is to verify the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can normally be wiped from foliage with a damp cloth or lave away with a hose - end sprayer .
