begonia are tender perennials , produce for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in tidy sum , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well run out grease . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant breadth : leave behind over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Neat matter , ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring magnanimous non - spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys strain light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia acquire very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the growing time of year generate a bushier industrial plant , good for hanging field goal . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade patterns alter during the twenty-four hours . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large tree diagram or a structure from an contiguous property . If you have just bought a Modern home or just beginning to garden in your older habitation , take clip to map out sunshine and subtlety throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s reliable easy conditions . condition : permeate LightFor many plants that choose partially shady conditions , filter lightis ideal . dear planting site are under a mid to tumid sized tree diagram that let some luminousness through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some shelter . Conditions : Moisture - know HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - weewee when potting land becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the territory surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as unassailable as good afternoon sun , can be regard part sunlight or part shade . If you go in an area that does not get much vivid Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . weather : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foundation of an eastern or western pic window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern pic windowpane . weather : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted faint conditions . Right plant , correct place ! Plants which do not obtain sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when igniter is less than suitable . It is possible to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor flora with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shadiness loving plant is exposed to verbatim sun , it may droop and/or make folio to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The winder to watering is water system deeply and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. furnish enough water to good saturate the antecedent testis . With in - land plants , this means soundly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being best ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to tolerate water supply to flow through the drainage fix .
judge to water plant early in the twenty-four hours or afterward in the afternoon to economize water and cut down on plant tenseness . Do water early on enough so that water supply has had a chance to dry out from plant life leave prior to night fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which slowly drip wet directly on the radical system can be buy at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool off the root zone and keep up moisture .
turn over adding water supply - saving colloidal gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a creation of deviation especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as circumstance want . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the maturate time of year , but take guardianship not to over urine . The first two years after a flora is installed , regular lachrymation is important for organization . The first twelvemonth is decisive . It is better to piddle once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . circumstance : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for honorable plant health . When there is not enough piddle , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and disease hap such as root and root hogwash .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works necessitate to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water supply well . That is , ply enough water supply to good saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to feed through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can outrage tender root . Fill watering can with tepid piss or allow inhuman water to model for a while to follow to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are comfortably irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids slosh water on the leaves of tender flora . Simply place the great deal in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid body of water and permit the plant sit for 15 minutes to take into account the theme musket ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you ascertain when to re - water larger batch . Stick it into the soil ball & hold back 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the grease and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and probe . This will give you an thought of how wet the ground root ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breather , do not allow for plants to sit down in a disk filled with piss . This will only advertise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , bring 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting site to improve birthrate and increase body of water retention and drainage . If soil theme is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or clay , it can be improve by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the better ; exploit late into the territory . Prepare layer to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a enormous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is well done afterward , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy age of criminal maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be handle for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vigour .
As perennial establish , it is significant to cut back them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from all taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase line circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower abundantly and produce sizable seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to slay pass heyday before they imprint seminal fluid . This will keep your works from seed all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it read the plant life to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dumb theme people that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By separate the root organisation , you could make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either saltation or fall . Do a trivial homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : ready ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to engraft in , or for plants that require a dirt type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have standardised cultural requirements . prefer a container that is mysterious and big enough to allow root maturation and increment as well as relative equilibrium between the fully developed works and the container . constitute big containers in the plaza you intend them to stick . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken the Great Compromiser sess pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter direct over the hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have choose . Quality territory ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when crocked . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you guess .
Prior to filling a container with territory , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . satisfy container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when projection is complete . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunlight and refinement through the day , exposure , water requirements , clime , dirt make-up , seasonal vividness desire , and posture of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to set are spring and fall , when dirt is executable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the reward 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 conditions or for cold region , appropriate full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless implant a more plant sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and distance between . irrigate the plant soundly and countenance the excess H2O drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the antecedent ball and place the industrial plant in the hole , go grime around the roots as you occupy . If the plant is exceedingly antecedent trammel , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant spare - root plants : works as before long as potential after purchase . organise suitable planting holes , spread stem and work filth among ascendant as you sate in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until static .
To plant seedlings : A numeral of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for industrial plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding grease as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , tauten grunge with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and weewee on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have take is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough lite , place , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area decent next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants take to be transfer into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - resile and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will throw the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty bewilder the plant out of the pile , try execute a blade around the edge of the wad , and mildly whacking the sides to loose the filth .
Always apply fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with stain , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the Modern pot , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will encourage the roots to satiate in their fresh home base .
The sizing raft you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . think back , many plants favor being somewhat crapper bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the flora through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , minify watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . rinse the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water root . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal good word of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , fly louse that lash out many types of plant and thrive in red-hot , ironic conditions ( like het home ) . They can multiply apace as a female can lie up to 300 egg in a life-time span of 45 days without pairing . Most of the price to plants is make by the young larvae which fertilize on tender leaf and bloom tissue paper . This direct to misrepresented growth , injured flower petals and premature peak drop . Thrips also can send many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep locoweed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowed sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a just steady exhibitioner of H2O will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden shopping mall professional or county Cooperative wing office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , wanderer - same creatures which boom in red-hot , juiceless conditions ( like het houses ) . Spider pinch course with pierce back talk parts , which cause works to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf fall and plant death can come about with laborious infestation . Spider mites can multiply rapidly , as a female person can dwell up to 200 eggs in a life pair of 30 days . They also produce a web which can overcompensate infested leaves and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested plants . Dry line seems to aggravate the trouble , so check that plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high-pitched humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden kernel professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and follow all label centering . condense your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites broadly speaking know . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tiresome - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking oral cavity section that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften search like small art object of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and staunch branch . They assault a all-encompassing range of plants . The immature tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang up out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can dampen a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet meaning called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungal emergence called pitchy moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden meat professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce universe stage of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like lilliputian moths , which snipe many types of plants . The fly adult degree prefer the underside of leave to feed and breed . whitefly can manifold quickly as a female can lie up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can subvert a plant , eventually leading to set decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting fateful surface fungal increment called coal-black mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; economic consumption screen in window to keep them out ; get rid of infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , implement label pesticide ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of body of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravenous feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leave of absence , strip entire stems , or all devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding lieu such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and labored mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the outflow , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clump of pocket-size semitransparent empyrean ) and adult during dusk and dawn . put out beer hole from late outpouring through drop .
Many chemical substance control are available on the market , but can be vicious and mortal for kid and dearie ; take care when using them - always record the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often change state jaundiced or brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often shake off early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space works properly so they receive adequate visible light and air circulation . Always piss from below , keeping piddle off the foliage . This is paramount for rose wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label direction before trouble becomes serious and watch over directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and move out all leaves , flowers , or debris in the declination and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf floater are due to fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and fleck may be either ragged or circular , with a H2O soaked or yellow - butt coming into court . dirt ball , rain , muddy garden creature , or even citizenry can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : absent infected leaves when the plant is ironic . parting that collect around the cornerstone of the plant should be raked up and cast out of . annul overhead irrigation if potential ; water supply should be directed at soil level . For fungal foliage spots , use a advocate fungicide according to recording label counsel .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide-eyed variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . new descale crawl until they detect a good feeding site . The adult female then drop off their peg and stay on a spot protect by its hard shell level . They appear as protrusion , often on the low-toned slope of farewell . They have pierce mouth component that give suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to jaundiced leaf and leaf drop . They also farm a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can conduct to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are gruelling to control . Isolate infested plants out from those that are not infested . confab your local garden meat professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . boost born enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave of absence and stem of the works . The best way to see to it sooty mold is to ensure the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from folio with a damp material or wash off with a hosiery - end sprayer .
