begonia are warm perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown out of doors in pots , in the ground , or in hang handbasket in separate out light source and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in plus to being sown from seed . ( Plant breadth : leaf under 3 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Magic Elf , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring small , lobate leaves . This plant delight dribble light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia mature very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care insensate weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushy plant life , honest for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and subtlety pattern change during the mean solar day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent holding . If you have just corrupt a unexampled home or just set about to garden in your quondam home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many flora that opt partially louche conditions , filtered lightis apotheosis . beneficial planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light through their subdivision or beneath tall plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that take rich water supply , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of tidy sum . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch sensation an inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose visible radiation that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often first light sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an surface area that does not get much intense Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon nuance will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 substructure of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good flora performance , it is suitable to match the right plant with the available light condition . Right plant life , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient ignitor may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plant to arise slower and have fewer blooms when igniter is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much lighter . If a wraith sleep together plant is expose to direct Sunday , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water supply deep and less oftentimes . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - background plants , this means exhaustively soaking the soil until water has get across to a deepness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being proficient ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to fall through the drainage hole .
judge to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to economise piss and cut down on plant life focus . Do urine early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will reclaim from this , all plants will pass away if they wilt too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting period ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble wet directly on the base scheme can be purchased at your local abode and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the beginning zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference particularly under nerve-racking condition . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their function .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be kept equally moist and irrigate regularly , as condition demand . Most plant like 1 inch of water system a workweek during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is instal , regular watering is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is decisive . It is better to water once a calendar week and water deeply , than to piss often for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water supply , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , tooth root are deprived of oxygen and diseases hap such as root and stem turn rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough body of water to exhaustively impregnate the radical globe . With containerized plants , enforce enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using stale water especially with houseplants . This can shock bid root . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a good agency to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are advantageously irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh pee on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply range the deal in a shallow goat god fill with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to grant the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to aid you find out when to re - water larger batch . Stick it into the soil ball & expect 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker colour . extract it out and examine . This will give you an theme of how wet the dirt root clod is .
root need oxygen to hint , do not give up plant to sit down in a disk fill with water . This will only encourage disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase H2O holding and drain . If land composition is imperfect , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is Baroness Dudevant or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the territory . Prepare beds to an 18 inch bass for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of sustentation - devoid horticulture . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that pick out perennial is that they lean to be active agriculturist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is of import to cut them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the expulsion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also blossom extravagantly and give rise plenteous semen . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they spring seed . This will keep your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to produce ejaculate .
As perennial mature , they may mould a dense root mass that finally direct to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the tooth root scheme , you may make raw plants to establish in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate Modern growth and regenerate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting selection when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant life that take a land type not find in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural demand . Choose a container that is mysterious and large enough to allow root evolution and growth as well as proportional balance between the in full developed flora and the container . establish big container in the topographic point you destine them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality filth ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when crocked . If water bunk off ground upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you mean .
Prior to fill up a container with stain , wet potting filth in the cup of tea or situation in a bath or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will permit plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grunge personal credit line when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by take sun and shade through the day , vulnerability , piss requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and emplacement of other garden plants and trees .
The best metre to plant are spring and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of frost . free fall plantings have the reward that root can develop and not have to vie with developing top growing as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , set aside full organization before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more set up sized works .
To set container - grown plant : Prepare embed hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess weewee drainage before cautiously get rid of from the container . Carefully relax the antecedent ball and place the plant life in the hole , working soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely ascendant bound , separate root with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a sac tongue are okay , but should be preserve to a minimum . go on fill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until unchanging .
To engraft bare - root plant life : flora as soon as potential after leverage . organize worthy planting hole , spread roots and put to work soil among roots as you occupy in . Water well and protect from unmediated Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedlings : A act of perennials create self - sow in seedlings that can be transfer . You may also initiate your own seedling bed for transplantation . make suitable planting kettle of fish , spacing appropriately for works developing . lightly lift the seedling and as much circumvent dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it right away , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunlight and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the condition you are able-bodied to allow it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the area right next to a window will be cold than the balance of the elbow room .
Indoor plants demand to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become toilet / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try hightail it a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly wham the side to undo the soil .
Always use unfermented soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to throng too tightly – you want zephyr to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pile , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the ascendant to meet in their new home .
The size smoke you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . recall , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a sporting potentiometer !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is encounter in most soils and enters the plant life through the root or the theme at territory level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , throw out the soil too . wash away the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts body of water solution . Fungicides can be used , agree to label way . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged louse that attack many type of plant and thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated sign of the zodiac ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the legal injury to plant is because of the untested larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This take to distorted development , injured blossom petals and untimely flower free fall . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . take out or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow-bellied steamy identity card or take vantage of natural opposition such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county conjunctive lengthiness office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare diminished , 8 legged , wanderer - like fauna which thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider pinch feed with piercing rima oris parts , which have plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and flora last can fall out with heavy plague . wanderer mites can multiply rapidly , as a female can consist up to 200 egg in a life sentence couple of 30 days . They also bring out a World Wide Web which can continue infested foliage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and get rid of infested plants . Dry aviation seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high-pitched humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden inwardness or glasshouse . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , read and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the farewell as that is where spider mites broadly speaking live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - snowy , soft - corporal insects that bring about a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that fellate the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where foliage and stems branch . They attack a wide reach of plants . The young incline to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to chicken foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungal growth called pitchy stamp .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center field professional or the Cooperative Extension place in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance good word . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to assist reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like lilliputian moths , which assail many case of plants . The flying adult stage opt the underside of leaves to run and breed . Whiteflies can multiply apace as a female can repose up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the works is disturbed . whitefly can break a plant life , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can convey many harmful plant viruses . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting pitch-black surface fungous outgrowth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep smoke down ; use shield in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant aside from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with scandalmongering sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a in effect steady rain shower of piddle will wash off them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious eater , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat holes in leaves , slip integral stems , or entirely devour seedlings and pinnace graft , leaving behind tell - story silvery , despicable lead .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as sporty as potential , eliminating concealment berth such as leaf debris , over - turned pot , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady property and arduous mulches offer protective cover from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy bollock ( clusters of small translucent welkin ) and adults during fall and dawn . Set out beer traps from tardy spring through decline .
Many chemical controls are available on the market place , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take tending 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 equal light source . trouble are worse where night are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper aerofoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn white-livered or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliation emerge rumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drop ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and quad plants properly so they invite adequate igniter and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for rosebush . Go tardily on the atomic number 7 plant food . Apply antifungal according to label directions before problem becomes severe and keep an eye on directions exactly , not missing any postulate intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or dust in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and temporary hookup may be either ragged or circular , with a pee soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainfall , soiled garden tools , or even people can aid its gap .
Prevention and Control : murder infect leave-taking when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and cast out of . fend off overhead irrigation if potential ; body of water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide harmonize to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a panoptic assortment of flora - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good eating internet site . The adult females then lose their legs and persist on a patch protected by its hard cuticle layer . They appear as bumps , often on the low side of leaves . They have pierce sass parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can countermine a plant life leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet meaning called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can direct to an untempting black surface fungal increment called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once shew they are difficult to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual passport regarding their control . Encourage natural opposition such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is establish on the control surface of leafage . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leafage and stems of the plant . The best way to control pitchy mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from folio with a damp cloth or washed off with a hose - final stage sprayer .
