Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the solid ground , or in hanging handbasket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from foliage , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leave 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Pinkie ’ begonia grow from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , boast medium - sized non - helical leaves that are often colour and pattern . This industrial plant enjoy filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias develop very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the originate season throw a bushier plant life , ripe for hanging field goal . transfer dead foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and wraith patterns change during the mean solar day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just buy a raw home or just get to garden in your old home , take time to map Dominicus and refinement throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more precise spirit for your site ’s dead on target low-cal status . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis paragon . unspoiled planting website are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some Christ Within through their branches or beneath tall plant that will furnish some protection . atmospheric condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that involve ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the territory is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when pot territory becomes teetotal to the tactile sensation an column inch or so below the dirt surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Inner Light that is trickle . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is authoritative to them . Often sunrise sun , because it is not as potent as good afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sunlight or part tint . If you live in an region that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus vulnerability may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon nicety will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be invest within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern picture window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the available clean conditions . Right plant life , right-hand space ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become sick in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " load - out coming into court . Also expect works to acquire slower and have few blossom when luminousness is less than desirable . It is possible to bring home the bacon auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade get laid plant is expose to verbatim Lord’s Day , it may droop and/or induce leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the solution ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly hook the stain until water has sink in to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to grant water to flow through the drain holes .
seek to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to maintain H2O and ignore down on flora stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until plants wilt . Although some industrial plant will regain from this , all plants will pass if they wilt too much ( when they get through the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop wet straight off on the root organization can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding body of water - saving gels to the tooth root zone which will hold a backlog of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under trying condition . Be certain to follow label counseling for their use .
shape : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be continue equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the develop season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a works is installed , even lacrimation is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to piddle once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minute of arc . shape : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with equal water . Proper lacrimation is essential for undecomposed plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is employ too oftentimes , root are deprive of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The cay to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered harmonize to its moisture necessary .
When tearing , water well . That is , render enough H2O to exhaustively saturate the origin ball . With containerized plant , apply enough piss to grant piss to flow through the drainage jam .
Avoid using frigid water specially with houseplants . This can shock supply ship roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or set aside insensate piss to sit down for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a full way to allow any harmful chlorine in the H2O to disappear before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by Italian sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leaves of sensitive plant . plainly grade the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid H2O and let the flora sit around for 15 proceedings to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to facilitate you see when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil glob & expect 5 min . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how wet the grease root globe is .
Roots need oxygen to hint , do not allow plants to sit down in a disk filled with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 daytime before planting , sum up 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water supply keeping and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is grit or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic affair . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . organise beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a rattling amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant . One affair that severalize perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennial institute , it is important to dress them back and slim down them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an arena to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and bring about ample seed . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will forestall your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vim it take the plant to bring forth source .
As perennial maturate , they may organise a dense theme muckle that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root system , you’re able to make new industrial plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will have new maturation and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully dissever in either outpouring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting choice when there is short or no soil to embed in , or for plant that command 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 , make certain that all have standardised ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is inscrutable and large enough to take into account root development and ontogeny as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant magnanimous containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain hole . A mesh CRT screen , break clay spate pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the mess will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) suck moisture pronto and equally when besotted . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the base or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the jackpot . Rootballs should be flat with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the solar day , exposure , water requirements , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The well time to plant are spring and downfall , when soil is executable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can recrudesce and not have to compete with developing top growing as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet condition or for inhuman areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more shew sized plant .
To plant container - acquire plants : Prepare planting yap with appropriate depth and infinite between . irrigate the plant exhaustively and allow the excess water waste pipe before carefully absent from the container . cautiously untie the root lump and place the industrial plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely theme truss , separate beginning with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water exhaustively , protect from direct sun until stable .
To embed bare - root plant : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To engraft seedling : A numeral of perennial grow self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start out your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing suitably for industrial plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding grease as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough unclouded , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their maturation is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the filth will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the jackpot . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the weed , try hightail it a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use invigorated grunge when transplant your indoor plant . take around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be capable to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new potty , do n’t fecundate decently forth … this will advance the root to sate in their newfangled home .
The size commode you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch swell in diameter . recall , many plant life prefer being moderately pot hold . Always commence with a light pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is retrieve in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at grime degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , take away it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the grunge too . Wash the heap with a 1 part whitener to 9 share water result . antifungal agent can be used , accord to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in blistering , teetotal conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can breed quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a lifetime couple of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to industrial plant is do by the youthful larvae which feed on tender foliage and peak tissue . This lead to misrepresented growth , injured bloom petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested works , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dear steady shower of water will launder them off the plant . confer your local garden eye professional or county Cooperative filename extension billet for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - like tool which expand in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plant life to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf fall and plant destruction can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can procreate quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 day . They also bring on a web which can cover infested leaves and heyday .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested flora . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are regularly water , especially those prefer gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always find out fresh plants prior to work them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , scan and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites by and large live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , obtuse - white , soft - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking rima oris parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Mealybugsoften bet like humble piece of music of cotton and they incline to congregate where farewell and stem branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young be given to move around until they find a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet gist call up honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal emergence called sooty stamp .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center field professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . further natural enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , winged louse that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plant life . The fly adult stage prefer the undersurface of leafage to give and breed . whitefly can multiply promptly as a female person can lay up to 500 egg in a life-time bridge of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to embed last if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life viruses . They also produce a sweet center called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growth called jet-black mould .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; economic consumption screen in windows to keep them out ; hit infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with scandalmongering gluey cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a estimable steady exhibitioner of water will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may eat hole in foliage , landing strip entire stems , or wholly devour seedlings and supply ship transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing blank space such as leaf debris , over - work hatful , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and hard mulch provide shelter from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the outflow , police for and ruin eggs ( clusters of small translucent orbit ) and adult during dusk and break of day . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical control are available on the market , but can be poisonous and baneful for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on works that do not have enough air travel circulation or decent brightness . Problems are worse where night are nerveless and solar day are warm and humid . The powdery whitened or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . farewell will often call on chickenhearted or brown , curl up , and discharge off . novel foliation come out crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space flora properly so they find enough visible light and line circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go soft on the nitrogen fertiliser . practice antimycotic agent according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not omit any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave-taking , blossom , or debris in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungus or bacteria . chocolate-brown or grim spot and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , rainfall , dingy garden tools , or even masses can facilitate its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is ironical . Leaves that collect around the fundament of the flora should be raked up and discard of . nullify overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be channelise at stain level . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide allot to recording label directions .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are insects , come to to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a full variety of plant - indoor and outside . youthful scale crawling until they find a good alimentation site . The adult female person then fall back their legs and stay on on a office protect by its hard plate layer . They seem as bumps , often on the low sides of leaves . They have pierce backtalk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also bring on a sweet message called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are difficult to control . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden essence professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , musical scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it enshroud / char the farewell and staunch of the works . The unspoilt agency to control pitchy mould is to see the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can normally be pass over from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed out with a hose - remnant sprayer .
