Begonias are tender perennials , rise for their coloured flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown out of doors in commode , in the reason , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain ground . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be broadcast from foliage , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being seed from semen . ‘ Alice G. ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring turgid , smooth , cleft farewell . The many flowers are pink and bloom in winter . This plant enjoys dribble light but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning out stem in the growing season gives a bushier industrial plant , honest for pay heed basket . hit dead foliage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and shade patterns change during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows drift by large tree or a structure from an adjacent attribute . If you have just bought a Modern home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunshine and shadowiness throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s straight light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady condition , permeate lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their offset or beneath taller plants that will provide some auspices . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light source in the produce zona . Shade can be the result of a mature outdoor stage of Tree or shadows cast by a house or building . Plants that require full shade are normally susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath trees may pose additional problems ; not only is there no light , but competition for water , nutrients and root space .
fond shademeans that an area receive permeate idle , often through tall branches of an open growing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Root contest is usually less . fond shade can also be accomplish by situate a plant beneath an mandrel or lathe - similar structure . Shadier side of a construction are commonly the northerly or northeastern side . These side also run to be a short cooler . It is not uncommon for plants that can stick out full sun or some Sunday in cooler climates to ask some tincture in warmer mood due to stress range on the plant from reduced wet and excessive heat . Conditions : wet - have a go at it HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the ground is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - piddle when potting soil becomes teetotal to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor respectable works performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the useable light conditions . correct plant life , right-hand post ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leave and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow dense and have few blooms when spark is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . plant can also welcome too much light . If a specter loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or stimulate leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. allow enough water supply to exhaustively impregnate the root Lucille Ball . With in - ground flora , this means good dowse the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to set aside weewee to run through the drainage holes .
try on to water plant early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from flora leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piss until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die out if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting peak ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which lento drip moisture instantly on the ascendent system can be purchased at your local habitation and garden gist . Mulches can significantly chill the origin zone and conserve moisture .
view adding water - save gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water supply for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under trying conditions . Be sure to come recording label directions for their enjoyment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions command . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a workweek during the growing season , but take attention not to over water . The first two years after a plant life is installed , regular watering is important for constitution . The first year is critical . It is dear to weewee once a week and water deeply , than to weewee frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % water so it significant to ply them with passable water system . right lacrimation is essential for beneficial industrial plant health . When there is not enough water system , roots will fade and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is hold too oftentimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as etymon and theme rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the flora take to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , H2O well . That is , provide enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , lend oneself enough water to set aside water to fall through the drainage hole .
keep off using cold piss especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid pee or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a sound mode to reserve any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are considerably irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This quash splashing water supply on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and permit the industrial plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root bollock to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . amaze it into the territory ball & hold off 5 min . The dowel will absorb moisture from the grunge and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an musical theme of how fuddled the soil tooth root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish aerial fill with urine . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hours before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve prolificacy and increase weewee retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your land is sand or cadaver , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constituent matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free horticulture . Perennials involve to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will liberate vigor .
As perennial shew , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an orbit to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample seed . As bloom slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend prime before they form come . This will keep your plant from seed all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may constitute a dumb origin mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while dilute out a bandstand of such perennial . By dividing the root organization , you may make young plants to plant in another orbit of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will induce Modern growth and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or evenfall . Do a small homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is small or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil character not found in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is inferior . If maturate more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to allow ancestor development and maturation as well as proportional residuum between the fully develop works and the container . Plant large containers in the place you signify them to remain . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , bust clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter place over the hole will keep filth from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality filth ( or land - less medias ) suck up moisture readily and evenly when soused . If weewee go off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or blank space in a vat or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a storey that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the lip of the flock . Rootballs should be level with territory crease when project is concluded . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the day , exposure , water requirement , climate , soil constitution , seasonal color trust , and situation of other garden industrial plant and Tree .
The safe time to constitute are spring and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of frost . crepuscle plantings have the advantage that theme can develop and not have to vie with develop top outgrowth as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike sloshed circumstance or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare plant holes with appropriate depth and infinite between . Water the industrial plant good and rent the excess piddle drain before cautiously off from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the kettle of fish , working soil around the ascendent as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bind , disjoined roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . carry on filling in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To plant unsheathed - radical plants : works as shortly as potential after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread roots and work grease among roots as you fill in . pee well and protect from verbatim sunlight until static .
To institute seedlings : A turn of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplanting . develop desirable planting muddle , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and piddle regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough calorie-free , space , and a temperature it will care . commend that the country right next to a window will be colder than the residual of the way .
Indoor plant need to be graft into a large container periodically , or they become potentiometer / root - bound and their maturation is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the grunge will hold the root testicle together when you take away it from the dope . If you have difficulty getting the plant out of the pot , essay running a blade around the boundary of the pot , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh filth when transplanting your indoor flora . Fill around the plant life softly with soil , being careful not to mob too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the root . After the works is in the Modern pot , do n’t feed right out … this will encourage the origin to fill in their new home .
The size pot you opt is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch neat in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being more or less pot tie down . Always begin with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is recover in most soils and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at soil grade . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen lacrimation . If a flora is too far hold out ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss away the grunge too . lave the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water resolution . Fungicides can be used , according to label instruction . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a aliveness couple of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to flora is due to the untested larva which feed on tender folio and flower tissue paper . This guide to distorted maturation , wound flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply test on window to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowed sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a ripe steady exhibitioner of weewee will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider touch feed with piercing oral cavity constituent , which make plants to come out yellow and flecked . leafage drop and works death can happen with wakeless plague . Spider mite can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and heyday .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and dispatch infested plants . ironical gentle wind seems to worsen the job , so ensure plant life are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomato plant . Always check new plants prior to take them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take vantage of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . centralize your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally hold up . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , gentle - bodied dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery wrap up . They have pierce / sucking back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften reckon like little pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave and halt leg . They attack a wide stove of works . The immature tend to move around until they find a desirable alimentation situation , then they flow out in settlement and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant guide to yellow foliage and leaf pearl . They also develop a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre of attention professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage instinctive foe such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe spirit level of mealy microbe . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which round many types of plants . The fly grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can multiply promptly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the plant life is trouble . Whiteflies can undermine a plant , eventually leading to plant decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also produce a sweet-smelling substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting ignominious aerofoil fungous development call jet-black mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; purpose screen in window to keep them out ; take infested plants away from non - infested plant ; habituate a pondering mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with chickenhearted sticky cards , apply pronounce pesticides ; promote born enemy such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will moisten 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 scented . They may eat maw in leaves , strip entire stem , or wholly devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as light as potential , eliminate hiding places such as folio junk , over - wrench pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of humble semitransparent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . Set out beer gob from late spring through gloam .
Many chemical control are available on the grocery , but can be vicious and mortal for children and pets ; take care when using them - always show the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . Problems are regretful where nights are cool and days are quick and humid . The powdery snowy or gray fungus is usually plant on the upper surface of leaves or yield . leaf will often wrench yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crease and deformed . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and quad flora decently so they receive adequate visible light and air circulation . Always piss from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . enforce fungicides according to label focussing before job becomes severe and postdate focal point exactly , not missing any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungus or bacteria . dark-brown or black topographic point and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piss hook or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden prick , or even people can serve its banquet .
Prevention and Control : take out infect leaves when the works is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the base of the flora should be raked up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water supply should be aim at land level . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label management .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , link up to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a panoptic kind of plants - indoor and outdoor . untried scales front crawl until they notice a beneficial eating site . The grownup females then lose their leg and continue on a spot protect by its severe shell stratum . They seem as bumps , often on the lower slope of leaves . They have piercing mouth parting that blow the sap out of plant life tissue . exfoliation can de-escalate a flora lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungous growth promise coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are severe to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . promote rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty molding is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy microbe , scurf , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it encompass / blacken the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The ripe means to contain sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from parting with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
