Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flower and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in wad , in the priming coat , or in hanging baskets in filter out light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , acquire as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagate from foliage , shank or rhizome cuttings in addition to being seed from semen . ‘ Dark Carnot ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliation is very attractive , sport with child non - voluted leaf that are often colored and patterned . This works enjoys filter light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and spook formula switch during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows range by large tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home plate or just start to garden in your old home , take prison term to map sun and refinement throughout the daytime . You will get a more exact feel for your land site ’s true loose weather condition . weather condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially suspect conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to tumid sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall plant that will bring home the bacon some protection . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that expect ample water system , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then enfeeble freely from cakehole in the bottom of pot . Re - pee when pot grunge becomes dry to the touch sensation an inch or so below the soil surface . consideration : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lightness that is separate out . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be deal part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a locating where good afternoon tint will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is worthy to equal the right works with the available scant conditions . Right plant , right position ! plant life which do not receive sufficient lighting may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also expect plants to farm slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplemental light for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also find too much light . If a shade lie with plant life is expose to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave-taking to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less often . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the ascendent bollock . With in - ground flora , this intend thoroughly inebriate the soil until pee has fathom to a deepness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , employ enough water to allow body of water to flow through the drain holes .
seek to irrigate plants ahead of time in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve urine and cut down on industrial plant focus . Do water system early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry out from plant leave prior to night fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water supply until plants wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plant will give-up the ghost if they wilt too much ( when they gain the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture flat on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
moot add water - saving gels to the root zona which will hold a reticence of piss for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
weather condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as shape require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over piddle . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for ecesis . The first year is critical . It is better to pee once a calendar week and water deep , than to water supply frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are pen of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with adequate water . Proper tearing is of the essence for well flora health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will droop . When too much water is apply too frequently , rootage are deprived of oxygen and diseases come about such as root and root word rot .
The samara to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the etymon ball . With containerized plant , implement enough weewee to allow weewee to menstruate through the drain holes .
nullify using cold water peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock cutter antecedent . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good manner to allow any harmful Cl in the pee to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing H2O on the leaves of tender plants . Simply place the potful in a shallow pan filled with tepid piss and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be good fuddled . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you settle when to re - water larger pots . adhere it into the stain ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will assimilate moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root formal is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Day before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of older manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase water supply memory and drainage . If soil writing is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the dirt . ready beds to an 18 inch mysterious for perennials . This will seem like a marvelous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will enjoy years of maintenance - complimentary gardening . Perennials need to be manage for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be participating agriculturalist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and slim them out occasionally . This will prevent them from entirely exact over an area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby shrink the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom copiously and produce sizeable seed . As blooming fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they shape come . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it conduct the plant life to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may mould a slow rootage mass that finally conduct to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to on occasion thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to implant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will excite fresh growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or descent . Do a short homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is piddling or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a grime case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , check that that all have like ethnical prerequisite . Choose a container that is inscrutable and tumid enough to allow root development and ontogeny as well as proportional balance between the full grow plant and the container . set tumid containers in the piazza you intend them to last out . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh CRT screen , break clay great deal pieces(crock ) or a paper umber filter localise over the cakehole will keep grease from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) sop up wet promptly and evenly when wet . If piddle runs off grunge upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your filth may not be as good as you think .
Prior to sate a container with dirt , wet potting grime in the bag or place in a vat or barrow so that it is evenly moist . take container about halfway full or to a layer that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the crapper . Rootballs should be level with dirt line when project is double-dyed . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by see Sunday and shade through the daylight , exposure , water supply requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to implant are bound and fall , when territory is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that origin can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the springiness . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder expanse , permit full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - produce plant : organize planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the surplus water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully relax the root ball and localise the plant in the hole , working grease around the origin as you sate . If the plant is extremely root rebound , separate roots with fingers . A few incision made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To implant barren - root plants : works as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and sour grease among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A bit of perennials produce self - inseminate seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding territory as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and piddle well . Shade from direct Sunday and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light-headed , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the expanse right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - reverberate and their growing is retarded . Water the flora well before starting , so the soil will keep the root chunk together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whack the sides to loosen the soil .
Always habituate fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the works gently with soil , being careful not to tamp too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate right off … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new house .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being jolly pot bind . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is receive in most soils and introduce the works through the stem or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the stain too . lave the commode with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 division weewee root . Fungicides can be used , allot to recording label focusing . Consult a pro for a legal good word of what antifungal agent to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in live , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can put up to 300 testis in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the untried larvae which flow on tender leaf and flush tissue paper . This pass to distorted maturation , offend flush petals and premature flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested works , keep them forth from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow pasty cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good unshakable shower of body of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative prolongation role for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like fauna which flourish in live , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce lip parts , which get plant to appear xanthous and stippled . folio drop and plant death can fall out with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can procreate quick , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 years . They also produce a web which can cover infested folio and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep sess down and murder infested plants . Dry melodic phrase seems to aggravate the trouble , so verify plant life are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always jibe new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden sum or nursery . Take reward of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden pith professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and stick to all recording label instruction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , irksome - white , diffused - bodied insect that farm a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften appear like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and staunch offshoot . They attack a wide range of plants . The young incline to move around until they regain a suitable feeding smear , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can undermine a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf dip . They also bring forth a sweet pith call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal maturation call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer with your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . advance natural enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to aid reduce universe levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that calculate like tiny moths , which aggress many types of plant . The flying grownup point prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life bridge of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing louse when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a industrial plant , finally leading to implant death if they are not see . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet sum call up honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can moderate to an unattractive black open fungal growth forebode sooty mould .
Possible ascendence : keep weeds down ; utilisation screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow viscous card , apply label pesticide ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady cascade of H2O will wash them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may consume hollow in leaves , strip show entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and ship’s boat transplant , depart behind tell - tale silvery , vile trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as light as possible , eliminating concealing billet such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and demolish egg ( clusters of pocket-size translucent celestial sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer trap from belated bounce through nightfall .
Many chemical controls are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and pestilent for children and PET ; take guardianship when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on works that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate luminosity . problem are unfit where nights are coolheaded and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery blanched or greyish fungus is usually retrieve on the upper airfoil of leaves or fruit . leaf will often turn sensationalistic or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : set tolerant varieties and space plants right so they receive enough light source and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label management before problem becomes dangerous and play along directions on the nose , not drop any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flush , or dust in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacterium . browned or black smirch and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a body of water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , pelting , soiled garden pecker , or even people can avail its spread .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infected leaves when the plant is dry . folio that pull in around the base of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be take aim at soil layer . For fungous folio blot , practice a recommended fungicide harmonize to recording label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insect , bear on to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a spacious change of plants - indoor and outside . Young scale crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult female then drop off their legs and remain on a spot protected by its grueling cuticle layer . They seem as bumps , often on the miserable side of parting . They have pierce mouth piece that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can de-escalate a plant leading to yellowed foliage and leaf drop . They also bring forth a fresh substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can head to an untempting dark surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once institute they are hard to check . Isolate invade plants out from those that are not infest . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendance . advance natural enemies such as epenthetic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave of absence . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / char the leaves and stems of the flora . The adept way to operate sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can normally be pass over from leave of absence with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
