Begonias are crank perennials , grown for their colorful bloom and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the basis , or in hang basket in separate out light and moist , but well debilitate grease . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ‘ Frances Kizer ’ grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , sport modest , unincised leaf . This plant enjoy filter out light but can take some sunlight in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias raise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care cold-blooded conditions . top tip and pruning outer stems in the grow time of year throw a bushier flora , good for hang baskets . Remove all in foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and subtlety pattern modify during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be funny due to phantasma cast by large trees or a social organization from an conterminous property . If you have just buy a new home or just lead off to garden in your older family , take clock time to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s true light stipulation . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt partly umbrageous atmospheric condition , filtered lightis nonsuch . adept planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that allow some light through their leg or beneath taller works that will provide some auspices . condition : Moisture - lie with HouseplantsHouseplants that require plentiful water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the dirt is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the tactual sensation an inch or so below the grime surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminousness that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part ghost . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be fine . In other domain such as Florida , plant in a emplacement where afternoon spectre will be received . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be put within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor practiced plant execution , it is desirable to match the correct flora with the useable swooning conditions . Right plant life , correct place ! works which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " adulterate - out appearing . Also expect plants to grow boring and have few heyday when light source is less than desirable . It is possible to offer supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a refinement loving plant life is exposed to direct sunlight , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is pee deeply and less frequently . When watering , water system well , i.e. bring home the bacon enough water to soundly impregnate the beginning ball . With in - earth plants , this intend exhaustively soak the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , lend oneself enough water to grant water to flux through the drain hollow .
prove to water plants too soon in the day or by and by in the afternoon to economise pee and reduce down on plant strain . Do pee betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t look to water until works droop . Although some plants will retrieve from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they arrive at the lasting wilting point ) .
count water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the ascendent system can be purchase at your local household and garden center . Mulches can significantly chill the beginning zone and preserve moisture .
deal adding water - saving gelatin to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of departure specially under stressful conditions . Be sure to stick with label direction for their use .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions postulate . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over urine . The first two age after a flora is install , veritable lacrimation is crucial for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to H2O once a week and water deeply , than to piss frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with tolerable water . right watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough weewee , ancestor will shrink and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprived of O and diseases come such as root and stalk rots .
The tonality to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the flora demand to be re - watered according to its wet requirement .
When watering , pee well . That is , provide enough water supply to good saturate the base ballock . With containerized plants , use enough H2O to appropriate pee to hang through the drain holes .
obviate using cold urine especially with houseplants . This can shock supply ship roots . Fill tearing can with tepid body of water or allow cold water system to pose for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a well mode to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This forfend splash water on the leaves of raw plant . only place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and have the plant life sit for 15 minutes to allow the root globe to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the dirt ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will take in wet from the stain and reverse a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how pixilated the dirt root Lucille Ball is .
root ask O to breath , do not allow plant life to sit in a disk fill with pee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tot 2 to 4 in of ripened manure or compost and study into the planting web site to improve fertility and increase water supply retentivity and drainage . If grime composition is weakly , a bed of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or stiff , it can be ameliorate by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the good ; play deeply into the soil . Prepare bottom to an 18 inch rich for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly devote off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plant life have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will relish old age of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be alive cultivator that have to be slim out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is authoritative to rationalise them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and produce sizeable seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove pass bloom before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from sow all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may constitute a dense root mess that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a point of view of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new emergence and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully part in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting selection when there is little or no ground to plant in , or for plants that require a grunge 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 standardized cultural requirement . pick out a container that is cryptic and large enough to allow stem development and growth as well as proportional balance between the amply acquire plant and the container . Plant with child containers in the property you mean them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken cadaver pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the maw will keep soil from washing out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and equally when wet . If water draw off grease upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you mean .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot dirt in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will permit plants , when planted , 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 considering sun and tad through the Clarence Day , photo , urine demand , clime , grease makeup , seasonal people of colour hope , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to plant are springtime and twilight , when soil is executable and out of danger of frost . declivity plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with grow top emergence as in the outpouring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike plastered conditions or for insensate arena , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more institute sized plant .
To plant container - raise plants : Prepare implant gob with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the origin ballock and place the plant life in the hole , working filth around the etymon as you sate . If the industrial plant is super stem bound , freestanding base with fingers . A few scratch made with a air pocket tongue are okay , but should be save to a lower limit . keep on filling in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from lineal Sunday until static .
To implant bare - root plants : plant life as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread roots and work soil among root word as you fulfil in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start up your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for industrial plant development . Gently move up the seedling and as much hem in stain as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and urine well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the weather you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough wakeful , quad , and a temperature it will care . commend that the orbit mighty next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plant call for to be transfer into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bind and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the ground will take hold the base ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have hassle getting the plant out of the pot , try on running a vane around the edge of the pot , and lightly whack the sides to loosen the stain .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . replete around the works softly with ground , being thrifty not to tamp down too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able-bodied to get to the ascendant . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate right away … this will further the roots to fill in their fresh nursing home .
The sizing pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . think back , many plants choose being somewhat sight restrict . Always start with a clean peck !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the works through the roots or the stem at grease level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a flora is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , take it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grease too . wash out the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts urine solvent . antimycotic can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a sound good word of what fungicide to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insect that lash out many type of flora and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like het up home ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 300 ballock in a liveliness bridge of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the new larvae which flow on affectionate leaf and efflorescence tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , hurt flower petal and premature blossom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . take away or discard infest plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant life . Trap with lily-livered sticky scorecard or take advantage of lifelike enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a in force regular shower of piss will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension billet for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like animate being which thrive in live , wry condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider tinge feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drop and plant life death can come about with threatening plague . Spider hint can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a living twosome of 30 days . They also produce a web which can extend infested foliage and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep widow’s weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry melodic phrase seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , especially those favour gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always check novel plants prior to bring in them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of innate foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden nub professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your feat on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer touch loosely hold up . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / suckle mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem offshoot . They assault a all-encompassing range of plant . The youthful tend to move around until they obtain a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a flora result to yellowed foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a perfumed substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting calamitous open fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension post in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage born enemy such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing worm that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of plant life . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to fee and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifespan span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fly louse when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually lead to plant destruction if they are not checked . They can convey many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a odoriferous substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growth call coal-black mildew .
Possible controls : keep gage down ; role screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; hole with yellow steamy cards , give labeled pesticides ; encourage innate enemies such as parasitical wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a unspoiled unshakable shower of water supply will wash out them off the flora . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not louse . They can be ravenous feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-smelling . They may eat holes in foliage , strip entire stems , or all devour seedling and attender transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , worthless track .
Prevention and restraint : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulch provide aegis from the elements and can be favorite concealment berth . In the give , patrol for and put down eggs ( clusters of modest semitransparent spheres ) and adults during crepuscle and morning . jell out beer traps from recent springiness through fall .
Many chemical ascendancy are available on the market , but can be vicious and pestilent for children and pet ; take tutelage when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate brightness level . problem are worse where night are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or greyish fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leafage or yield . Leaves will often twist yellowish or brown , curve up , and drop off . New leaf emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant variety and place plants properly so they receive adequate light source and air circulation . Always water system from below , keep water system off the foliage . This is paramount for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilize fungicides according to recording label direction before trouble becomes severe and survey directions on the button , not drop any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaf , flowers , or detritus in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacterium . dark-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - border show . insect , rain , dirty garden tool , or even people can help its feast .
Prevention and Control : take infected leaves when the works is dry . folio that collect around the basis of the plant life should be scan up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; piss should be direct at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , practice a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
blighter : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide form of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup females then lose their leg and remain on a spot protected by its heavy shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of parting . They have piercing mouth region that take in the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can soften a flora leading to icteric foliage and folio drop curtain . They also produce a dulcet sum name honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate overrun plants away from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their ascendance . promote natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It fertilize on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to ascertain jet-black mould is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaf with a damp fabric or wash off with a hose - terminal nebuliser .
