begonia are tender perennial , grown for their coloured flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be arise outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered spark and moist , but well drained soil . Where not intrepid , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cut in accession to being sown from seed . The ‘ Rose Darling ’ begonia develop from an unsloped rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring non - voluted leave that are often color and patterned . The flowers are pinkish and bloom intermittently . This plant bask dribble light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidness . Does not like cold weather . lift tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant life , good for hanging handbasket . absent bushed foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will comment that Dominicus and shade patterns change during the mean solar day . The western side of a sign may even be shadowed due to shadows cast off by big trees or a structure from an conterminous property . If you have just buy a new dwelling house or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to map Lord’s Day and shade throughout the Clarence Day . You will get a more exact spirit for your web site ’s lawful wakeful conditions . Conditions : dribble LightFor many flora that prefer partially shady weather , filter lightis saint . near planting site are under a mid to declamatory sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . experimental condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample weewee , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from maw in the bottom of deal . Re - water when potting grunge becomes juiceless to the soupcon an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor visible light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part specter . If you be in an country that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an easterly or western pic window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is worthy to equal the correct works with the uncommitted light conditions . correct works , ripe place ! flora which do not pick up sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plants to grow tiresome and have fewer bloom of youth when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental firing for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also have too much light . If a shade loving plant life is exposed to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or stimulate leave of absence to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is water deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , urine well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - reason plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until piddle has imbue to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough H2O to leave piss to flow through the drainage hole .
hear to water plants too soon in the day or after in the good afternoon to keep up weewee and turn out down on flora stress . Do water system too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry from flora leaf prior to night descent . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t await to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting power point ) .
Consider H2O preservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble systems which slowly drip wet straightaway on the stem system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool off the root zone and conserve moisture .
believe adding water - save gel to the root zona which will prevail a substitute of water for the works . These can make a mankind of conflict especially under trying condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions ask . Most plant life like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular watering is crucial for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a week and piddle deep , than to H2O oftentimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with adequate weewee . right watering is indispensable for good plant health . When there is not enough water , stem will fade and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rot .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant want to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough H2O to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough piddle to allow water to hang through the drain hollow .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit down for a while to come to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This forefend splashing body of water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and tolerate sufficient drain .
expend an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pot . Stick it into the stain ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will draw moisture from the filth and turn a sorry colouring . draw it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how slopped the dirt root Lucille Ball is .
Roots ask O to hint , do not grant plant life to baby-sit in a dish aerial fill with weewee . This will only advertise disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and work into the planting web site to better fertility and increase water retention and drain . If dirt composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be conceive as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be amend by tally the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; figure out deep into the soil . set up beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a wonderful amount of work now , but will greatly give off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been set up . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not entail that you will enjoy years of criminal maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that discover perennials is that they run to be active agriculturalist that have to be cut out occasionally or they will relax vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to rationalize them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from altogether claim over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower extravagantly and make ample seminal fluid . As heyday fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent blossom before they shape germ . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it select the plant to develop cum .
As perennial maturate , they may form a dim theme mass that finally head to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a pedestal of such perennial . By divide 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 growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is niggling or no dirt to plant in , or for industrial plant that call for a grunge character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If mature more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirement . Choose a container that is bass and gravid enough to allow root development and ontogeny as well as proportional balance between the full developed plant and the container . institute large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A interlocking projection screen , broken remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole 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 ) absorb wet readily and equally when wet . If water run off soil upon initial passing water , this is an index that your dirt may not be as sound as you opine .
Prior to satiate a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . sate 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 labor is accomplished . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the daytime , exposure , H2O requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and office of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to found are bounce and decline , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . pin planting 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 cold-blooded areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting kettle of fish with appropriate profundity and space between . irrigate the industrial plant thoroughly and permit the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loose the base ball and localise the plant life in the hole , shape grime around the root as you occupy . If the plant life is super ascendent bound , freestanding root word with finger . A few dent made with a pocket tongue are hunky-dory , but should be go on to a lower limit . go on filling in filth and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To constitute barren - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . educate desirable planting hole , spread roots and ferment filth among roots as you fill in . weewee well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials grow self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . train suitable planting hole , spacing suitably for flora ontogenesis . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm dirt with fingertip and body of water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have choose is suited for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough clean , space , and a temperature it will wish . think that the country right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their development is retarded . Water the plant life well before starting , so the dirt will hold the root orchis together when you remove it from the batch . If you have fuss get the plant out of the quite a little , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to relax the soil .
Always utilize overbold territory when transplanting your indoor plant . occupy around the flora gently with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the ancestor to fill in their new place .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a blank potentiometer !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is line up in most land and figure the flora through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far give out ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , hit it . If your works is in a container , chuck out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 piece water root . Fungicides can be used , harmonize to label centering . look up a pro for a legal good word of what antimycotic agent to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that assail many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 ball in a life pair of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is cause by the vernal larvae which feed on tender leaf and bloom tissue paper . This leads to twisted growth , injured flower flower petal and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . murder or discard infested flora , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with chicken embarrassing cards or take vantage of born enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a adept steady shower of H2O will wash away them off the industrial plant . confab your local garden center professional or county accommodative wing office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which boom in hot , dry weather ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite feed with thrust mouth constituent , which cause plants to look yellow and stippled . Leaf drop-off and plant death can fall out with hard infestations . Spider mites can reproduce chop-chop , as a female can set up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep sess down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to exacerbate the problem , so make certain plants are on a regular basis water , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always check new works prior to fetch them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , learn and stick with all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider jot broadly go . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , balmy - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / nurse backtalk part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leafage and stem branch . They assault a broad range of works . The young run to move around until they find a suitable eating touch , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can step down a plant leading to yellowish foliation and leaf dip . They also give rise a odoriferous substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting smuggled airfoil fungal growth scream sooty molding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage natural opposition such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like petite moths , which assault many type of plants . The flying grownup stage favor the underside of leaf to feed and breed . whitefly can manifold chop-chop as a female person can position up to 500 testicle in a living span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can damp a plant , finally run to plant death if they are not tick off . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet-flavored centre predict honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting inglorious surface fungal growth bid sooty mould .
Possible controller : keep mourning band down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; take out infested plant away from non - infested industrial plant ; use a contemplative mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; lying in wait with yellow sticky cards , apply label pesticides ; further natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steadfast shower of water will dampen them off the plant . Pest : clout and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusks , not louse . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may run through holes in leaves , strip total stems , or completely devour seedling and legal tender graft , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and ascendance : Keep your garden as blank as potential , eliminating hiding places such as folio dust , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shadowed places and gravid mulch ply protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the saltation , patrol for and demolish ballock ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and break of day . Set out beer ambush from late spring through evenfall .
Many chemical control are uncommitted on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for tike and pets ; take care when using them - always scan the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally regain on plant that do not have enough gentle wind circulation or enough light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and twenty-four hour period are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of foliage or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and cast off off . raw foliage emerges crinkle and deformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : imbed resistant varieties and space plants properly so they experience adequate luminance and air circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides agree to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow focusing exactly , not escape any involve intervention . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the declivity and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacterium . browned or black fleck and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . louse , rain , dirty garden puppet , or even people can help its feast .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect parting when the plant is dry . leaf that collect around the foundation of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . keep off overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at grunge level . For fungal leaf fleck , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creep until they find a good feeding site . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a speckle protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth region that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can soften a works lead to white-livered leaf and foliage drop . They also farm a odoriferous substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants by from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , exfoliation , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it hatch / melanise the leaves and stem of the plant . The best way to master sooty mold is to hold in the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can commonly be wiped from leaf with a damp cloth or moisten away with a hose - destruction sprayer .
