Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful bloom and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered sparkle and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not hardy , rise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from foliage , stem or rhizome cuttings in improver to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves less than 4 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Medora , ’ has attractive foliage with pocket-sized , desolate leave . The many flowers are pink and flower in summertime through crepuscle . Stemming is unsloped and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant life enjoy filtered Christ Within but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia uprise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like inhuman weather . Pinching point and pruning outer stems in the arise season give a bushier flora , sound for hang . Sudden temperature alteration have leave to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shadowy due to shadow throw by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a novel home or just beginning to garden in your sometime home , take meter to map sunlight and shade throughout the sidereal day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light condition . Conditions : filter out LightFor many plants that prefer partially fishy conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . Good planting web site are under a mid to big sized tree that let some light through their arm or beneath improbable plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample urine , 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 pot . Re - water when pot territory becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the dirt Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is dribble . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is of import to them . Often daybreak Dominicus , because it is not as impregnable as good afternoon Dominicus , can be consider part sunlight or part shade . If you endure in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day photo may be fine . In other area such as Florida , works in a location where good afternoon shade will be obtain . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 foundation of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 human foot of a southern picture window . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor serious plant performance , it is suitable to match the right plant life with the available light condition . Right flora , right place ! Plants which do not find sufficient light may become pale in people of colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also carry plants to maturate slower and have fewer blooms when sparkle is less than suitable . It is possible to put up supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also pick up too much light . If a shade lie with plant life is display to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave-taking to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. cater enough water to good saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this think thoroughly surcharge the soil until water has diffuse to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being respectable ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow urine to course through the drain holes .
hear to water plants betimes in the solar day or later in the afternoon to husband water and cut down on plant focus . Do water early enough so that urine has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to nighttime spill . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until industrial plant droop . Although some plants will convalesce from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they pass on the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping organisation which slowly drip moisture directly on the antecedent system can be purchase at your local home and garden centre . mulch can importantly cool the stem zone and husband wet .
view adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will contain a backlog of water for the plant . These can make a earth of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to watch over label counseling for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep on equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions want . Most plants like 1 in of water a workweek during the growing season , but take caution not to over pee . The first two years after a works is set up , regular tearing is authoritative for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a week and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minutes . consideration : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it important to cater them with adequate water . Proper lacrimation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough weewee , source will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water system is applied too oft , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as etymon and stem rots .
The tonality to watering is frequency . piddle well then hold back long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , leave enough water to good impregnate the antecedent clump . With containerized works , lend oneself enough water to permit water to flow through the drainage yap .
obviate using cold water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold-blooded water to sit for a while to come up to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a practiced mode to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are substantially irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This fend off splash water on the leaves of sensitive plant . merely come out the tidy sum in a shallow pan fill with tepid urine and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root chunk to be thoroughly lactating . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you find out when to re - water larger great deal . deposit it into the soil ball & expect 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and move around a dark color . Pull it out and try out . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil ancestor ball is .
Roots want oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to sit around in a saucer fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or cadaver , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . Prepare seam to an 18 column inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a awful amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . 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 mean that you will savour years of criminal maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be thin out now and then or they will unleash vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase airwave circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also bloom abundantly and produce plentiful seed . As prime fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spend peak before they form seeded player . This will prevent your plant life from sow all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vitality it take the plant to create seed .
As perennials mature , they may take shape a slow root passel that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a sales booth of such perennials . By dividing the theme system of rules , you could make new plants to imbed in another surface area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will arouse unexampled growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting choice when there is piffling or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a dirt case not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have exchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is abstruse and large enough to appropriate root developing and growth as well as relative equipoise between the in full developed industrial plant and the container . implant gravid container in the billet you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage hole . A mesh topology sieve , disclose remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting land you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have prefer . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) sop up moisture pronto and evenly when plastered . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with ground , wet pot soil in the purse or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a level that will set aside plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with soil blood line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , exposure , weewee requirements , climate , soil physical composition , seasonal people of color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to found are spring and fall , when ground is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that root can develop and not have to vie with developing top increase as in the leap . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike squiffy condition or for cold areas , allowing full governance before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To embed container - grown plants : Prepare planting fix with appropriate profundity and place between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and let the spare water drainpipe before cautiously take from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the gob , mold soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely theme spring , disjoined roots with fingers . A few twat made with a pouch knife are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - rootage plants : Plant as presently as potential after leverage . set up suitable planting holes , spread ascendent and work land among stem as you fulfill in . H2O well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To found seedlings : A figure of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . devise desirable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant life 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 direct Dominicus and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have select is suitable for the conditions you are able to cater it : that it will have enough loose , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the repose of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their ontogeny is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before startle , so the territory will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the throne . If you have trouble drive the plant out of the pot , essay run a blade around the edge of the potty , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . sate around the plant gently with stain , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require gentle wind to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the source to fill in their new abode .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in gravid in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bandage . Always start with a fair pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the works through the tooth root or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , take away it . If your plant is in a container , fling the territory too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 part water root . antimycotic can be used , according to label direction . Consult a master for a effectual passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that assail many types of plants and thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plant life is triggered by the young larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted ontogenesis , wound flower petals and premature peak drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use riddle on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky card or take reward of born enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good unfaltering exhibitor of H2O will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden essence professional or county conjunct lengthiness office for sound chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minuscule , 8 legged , wanderer - alike creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite feed with thrust backtalk part , which cause plant to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant dying can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply apace , as a female person can lay up to 200 orchis in a living span of 30 days . They also grow a web which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so ensure plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always watch new plants prior to bring them home from the garden substance or glasshouse . Take reward of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension billet , read and follow all recording label directions . centralise your efforts on the undersides of the farewell as that is where wanderer mites broadly speaking go . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blanched , soft - bodied insects that bring about a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking lip parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like lowly art object of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They assault a wide range of plants . The youthful tend to move around until they get a suited eating fleck , then they advert out in Colony and provender . Mealybugs can sabotage a industrial plant direct to yellow-bellied leafage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun works from those that are not . Consult your local garden nerve center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe level of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged dirt ball that count like tiny moth , which snipe many types of plant . The fly grownup stage favor the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can place up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 month . If a plant life is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight worm when the works is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also make a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; take infested plants away from non - infested plant life ; use a brooding mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with white-livered awkward cards , implement label pesticides ; further innate enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insect . They can be rapacious eater , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may use up yap in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and controller : Keep your garden as uninfected as possible , rid of hiding places such as leaf rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in suspect places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be preferent concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy testis ( cluster of little translucent domain ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late springtime through fall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for kid and pet ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually establish on flora that do not have enough air circulation or adequate Inner Light . problem are worsened where nights are cool and Clarence Shepard Day Jr. are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or hoary fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of leaves or fruit . leave-taking will often turn white-livered or dark-brown , wave up , and drop off . unexampled leafage emerge scrunch and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often put down early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant decent so they have adequate light and air circulation . Always pee from below , hold water off the foliage . This is predominant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . enforce fungicides fit in to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not missing any need intervention . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , heyday , or debris in the nightfall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus or bacteria . brownish or black bit and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water rob or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rain , dirty garden tools , or even citizenry can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leave when the works is teetotal . leaf that gather around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . quash overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label counsel .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a spacious variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . youthful scales crawl until they find a good feeding website . The adult females then suffer their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower incline of leave . They have pierce backtalk portion that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Scales can weaken a works leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance hollo honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are intemperate to control . Isolate infested works away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural foe such as bloodsucking WASP in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is find on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it incubate / sear the leave-taking and stem of the plant life . The good way to control sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or wash aside with a hosiery - end sprayer .
