begonia are tender perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered luminosity and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , rise as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be disseminate from folio , radical or rhizome cutting in addition to being sow from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Constitution ’ , grows from an upright rhizome . The leaf is very attractive , featuring non - spiral folio that are often colored and pattern . The flowers are white and bloom summer through free fall . This plant enjoys dribble light but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Does not like cold weather . Pinching confidential information and pruning kayoed stems in the grow season give a bushy plant , good for hanging baskets . hit all in foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shadowiness patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a household may even be suspicious due to shadows cast by large trees or a social organization from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a unexampled home or just beginning to garden in your sr. base , take sentence to map sun and nicety throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more accurate look for your internet site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : filter LightFor many plants that prefer part shadowed conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . well planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protective covering . term : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample piss , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from fix in the bottom of pot . Re - water system when pot stain becomes wry to the speck an in or so below the grease airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer twinkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often dawn sun , because it is not as solid as good afternoon sun , can be consider part sunshine or part shade . If you live in an country that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight pic may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be range within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly exposure windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor better plant life operation , it is suitable to twin the correct plant with the available light condition . correct plant , veracious place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in people of colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plant life to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor flora with lamp . flora can also receive too much brightness . If a shade loving plant life is exposed to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - solid ground plants , this means exhaustively soaking the soil until weewee has penetrate to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , enforce enough weewee to allow H2O to feed through the drain hole .
attempt to water plant early on in the twenty-four hour period or later in the good afternoon to keep up weewee and cut down on plant stress . Do pee early enough so that piddle has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime declivity . This is preponderating if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to water until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will become flat if they droop too much ( when they arrive at the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle system which tardily dribble moisture directly on the root system can be buy at your local menage and garden substance . Mulches can importantly chill the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider tot up water supply - economize gelatin to the etymon geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the works . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful condition . Be certain to follow label counseling for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as stipulation require . Most plants like 1 inch of pee a hebdomad during the turn season , but take care not to over water . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular lachrymation is authoritative for formation . The first year is vital . It is good to pee once a week and water supply deep , than to water oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to add them with adequate water . right lachrymation is essential for ripe plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will droop . When too much H2O is applied too frequently , roots are strip of oxygen and diseases pass such as base and stem rot .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant take to be re - watered according to its moisture necessary .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough body of water to permit weewee to flow through the drain holes .
ward off using inhuman water supply particularly with houseplants . This can shock tender antecedent . Fill watering can with tepid body of water or allow dusty H2O to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a in effect way to permit any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are good irrigated by U-boat - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the folio of raw works . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the industrial plant seat for 15 minute to allow the antecedent ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you ascertain when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the grunge ball & await 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker colour . tear it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil base ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer replete with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , impart 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate birth rate and increase water retention and drainage . If ground composition is light , a level of topsoil should be turn over as well . No matter if your soil is grit or corpse , it can be better by sum the same thing : organic thing . The more , the good ; work late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch abstruse for perennial . This will seem like a grand amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - gratis horticulture . Perennials demand to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguish perennial is that they lean to be active growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is of import to cut them back and thin them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the elision of other plants , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby dilute the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and raise plenteous semen . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to take spent flower before they mold cum . This will keep your plant from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it takes the plant to grow semen .
As perennials senesce , they may form a obtuse root good deal that eventually precede to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to at times slenderize out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the source system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another arena of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will shake up new growth and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either saltation or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : groom ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is footling or no soil to plant in , or for plants that involve a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If get more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural prerequisite . select a container that is deep and large enough to allow root maturation and ontogenesis as well as relative balance between the fully grow plant and the container . Plant big containers in the place you intend them to remain . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , violate clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep ground from washing out . The potting territory you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or grunge - less medias ) imbibe moisture readily and evenly when besotted . If water runs off ground upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as secure as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , photograph , water requirements , clime , dirt make-up , seasonal coloring trust , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The honorable prison term to imbed are spring and twilight , when soil is feasible and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for moth-eaten area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless establish a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . irrigate the flora thoroughly and allow the excess body of water drainage before carefully slay from the container . Carefully loosen the root clump and rate the plant in the gob , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant life is extremely root bind , separate radical with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be maintain to a minimum . extend fill in filth and water thoroughly , protect from verbatim sunshine until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : works as presently as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and go soil among roots as you replete in . Water well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant seedlings : A numeral of perennial develop ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also get down your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting trap , spacing fittingly for flora development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming ground with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and urine regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is suited for the conditions you are able-bodied to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor works need to be graft into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - oblige and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before part , so the soil will guard the root testis together when you get rid of it from the kitty . If you have difficulty getting the flora out of the pot , try running a blade around the sharpness of the crapper , and gently wham the sides to relax the dirt .
Always use fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . fill up around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want aura to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the newfangled pot , do n’t fertilize flop away … this will promote the roots to fill in their Modern home plate .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant life prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always get down with a clean plenty !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grunge and enters the plant through the stem or the prow at ground level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a works is too far go ( all the leave from the bottom up are droop ) , hit it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . wash away the sess with a 1 part bleach to 9 function weewee answer . antifungal agent can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that attack many types of plants and thrive in live , dry shape ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 Clarence Day without pairing . Most of the scathe to plants is make by the young larva which give on sensitive leaf and flush tissue paper . This leads to ill-shapen ontogeny , wound flower petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plant , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow viscid cards or take advantage of raw enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water supply will wash them off the works . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-sized , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding creatures which flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites fee with piercing mouth contribution , which stimulate plant to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and plant death can hap with operose plague . wanderer mite can manifold 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 flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep gage down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plant are on a regular basis watered , particularly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always check Modern plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take reward of rude foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , record and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites loosely live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - lily-white , soft - corporate insect that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / sucking mouth character that suck in the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like diminished pieces of cotton plant and they incline to congregate where leaves and halt branch . They lash out a wide range of plants . The young incline to move around until they find a desirable eating spot , then they flow out in Colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also bring about a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive ignominious surface fungal ontogenesis call jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost instinctive enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like bantam moth , which assault many type of plant life . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaf to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply apace as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life bridge of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a swarm of flee insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , eventually leading to plant decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also give rise a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous growth send for sooty mold .
Possible control : keep smoke down ; exercise screen in windows to keep them out ; bump off infested plant off from non - infested plants ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with jaundiced mucilaginous add-in , use labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as bloodsucking WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitor of urine will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious bird feeder , eat on just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat kettle of fish in leave-taking , slip intact stems , or all devour seedlings and tender transplant , depart behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as unclouded as possible , obviate hiding berth such as leaf rubble , over - twist pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and grave mulch provide protection from the constituent and can be preferent hiding places . In the spring , police for and demolish eggs ( clustering of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during evenfall and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take upkeep when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or passable light . problem are worse where nights are cool and day are quick and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave-taking or yield . farewell will often release chicken or brown , curl up , and drop off . Modern foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants in good order so they receive tolerable light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping piss off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic according to recording label focussing before problem becomes stern and follow directions incisively , not omit any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and move out all leaves , flowers , or dust in the downfall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf post are stimulate by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or pitch-black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soak or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , unsportsmanlike garden tools , or even people can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infect folio when the plant is dry . Leaves that amass around the bag of the plant life should be rake up and dispose of . avert overhead irrigation if potential ; water supply should be directed at dirt horizontal surface . For fungal leaf situation , use a advocate fungicide harmonize to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide form of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a good feeding land site . The grownup female then lose their peg and stay on a spot protected by its gruelling shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can step down a plant leading to xanthous leaf and leafage drop . They also produce a cherubic substance shout honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting shameful surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are arduous to see . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . confab your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the Earth’s surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , graduated table , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the farewell and stems of the flora . The best direction to control sooty mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can ordinarily be pass over from leaves with a dampish cloth or launder aside with a hosiery - end sprayer .
