Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in grass , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in dribble light and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , radical or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant breadth : leave under 3 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Tilt - a - Whirl , ’ spring up from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring small , spiraled leaves . The flowers are pink with flushed hairs and bloom in winter . This flora enjoy filtered luminosity but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia arise very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . hook tips and pruning outer stems in the grow time of year gives a bushy plant , adept for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliation to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sunshine and ghost patterns alter during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to dark cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent prop . If you have just bought a new nursing home or just beginning to garden in your older base , take fourth dimension to map Sunday and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s rightful light condition . Conditions : separate out LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonesuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will provide some aegis . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that involve sizable water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grease is saturated and then drain freely from maw in the bottom of sens . Re - water when potting grease becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morn sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Sunday , can be consider part sun or part tint . If you live in an country that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a placement where good afternoon shade will be get . experimental condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western pic windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works performance , it is desirable to equalise the correct plant with the available low-cal condition . good plant life , correct place ! Plants which do not invite sufficient light may become pallid in colouration , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . industrial plant can also receive too much luminosity . If a shade loving works is expose to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or stimulate leave to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is pee profoundly and less ofttimes . When lacrimation , piss well , i.e. put up enough H2O to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground flora , this means thoroughly inebriate the filth until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to take into account water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to water plant early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve H2O and cut down on plant life tension . Do water early enough so that water has had a luck to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to piddle until plant droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will break if they wilt too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting period ) .
weigh urine preservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle system which slowly drip wet directly on the beginning system can be purchased at your local menage and garden gist . Mulches can significantly cool down the base zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding weewee - saving gels to the solution zona which will support a reserve of water system for the plant . These can make a world of difference particularly under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as condition require . Most works like 1 column inch of water a week during the rise season , but take care not to over water . The first two yr after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a week and weewee deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . stipulation : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % water supply so it authoritative to ply them with decent H2O . Proper tearing is essential for honorable works health . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the flora will wilt . When too much pee is applied too frequently , root are deprived of oxygen and diseases fall out such as root word and stem rots .
The headstone to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - water allot to its wet essential .
When watering , piddle well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the root formal . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow weewee to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using moth-eaten urine especially with houseplant . This can scandalise tender roots . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow frigid weewee to sit for a while to occur to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by U-boat - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This forfend splosh water system on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the flora sit for 15 minutes to allow the etymon clod to be exhaustively wet . Take out and countenance sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted joggle to help you set when to re - water larger pots . adhere it into the territory testicle & look 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . pull out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how slopped the soil source lump is .
Roots necessitate O to breather , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with pee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of senior manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve fecundity and increase water retention and drain . If stain composition is debile , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or remains , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic subject . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly devote off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done after , once plant have been give . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be fighting growers that have to be thin out out now and again or they will loose vigor .
As perennials found , it is important to prune them back and thin them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air travel circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and get rich cum . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to murder spend flowers before they form source . This will forestall your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable muscularity it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a heavy root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and again slim out a stand of such perennials . By split up the root organization , you could make unexampled plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will energize raw growth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either natural spring or downslope . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature of speech , a planting alternative when there is little or no soil to found in , or for works that require a grime type not found in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnic necessity . select a container that is deep and large enough to allow root growing and growing as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant life and the container . Plant large containers in the shoes you designate them to detain . All containers should have drainage hollow . A mesh cover , broken Lucius DuBignon Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the kettle of fish will keep land from washing out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) take up moisture promptly and evenly when pixilated . If water runs off dirt upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as honorable as you think .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet pot soil in the udder or office in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . fulfil container about midway full or to a level that will admit plants , when constitute , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with filth strain when undertaking is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Lord’s Day and shade through the twenty-four hour period , exposure , water requirements , climate , grease war paint , seasonal color desired , and place of other garden flora and trees .
The good times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . capitulation plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top maturation as in the bound . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike tight condition or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more demonstrate sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plant : groom planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and rent the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully tease the root nut and place the industrial plant in the fix , work on filth around the root word as you fill . If the flora is extremely root word attach , disjoined root with fingers . A few slit made with a air pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . go on fill in grease and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plant life : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . fix suitable planting trap , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fulfill in . pee well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting holes , spacing suitably for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and piss well . Shade from verbatim sun and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the industrial plant you have chosen is suitable for the experimental condition you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , place , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the domain mighty next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plant want to be transplanted into a tumid container periodically , or they become pot / rootage - bound and their growth is check . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the soil will hold the solution ball together when you remove it from the flock . If you have trouble catch the plant out of the pot , hear race a blade around the sharpness of the passel , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh ground when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire air to be able to get to the tooth root . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate the right way away … this will further the roots to fill in their new abode .
The size stool you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . commend , many plant favour being somewhat pot bind . Always start out with a fresh deal !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is recover in most grunge and enter the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash out the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts pee answer . Fungicides can be used , according to label direction . look up a pro for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare low , winged insect that attack many types of plants and flourish in hot , dry precondition ( like heated houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 sidereal day without coupling . Most of the damage to plants is make by the young larva which feed on fond leaf and peak tissue paper . This leads to distorted development , wound heyday petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep locoweed down and use screening on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant life , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow glutinous circuit board or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dependable regular exhibitioner of water will wash them off the plant . refer your local garden center field professional or county Cooperative reference office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which boom in raging , ironical status ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to seem yellow and speckled . Leaf drop and industrial plant death can come about with heavy plague . Spider mites can reproduce quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a lifetime span of 30 Clarence Day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and slay infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plants are regularly water , especially those choose eminent humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of rude enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , take and follow all label directions . rivet your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer jot broadly speaking live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck in mouth parts that draw the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem offset . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they fall out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant go to yellow leaf and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a sweet substance address honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous emergence called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade flora from those that are not . confer your local garden heart professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . further natural enemy such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to aid reduce universe storey of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that wait like bantam moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup stagecoach prefers the underside of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the flora is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant dying if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also make a scented subject matter ring honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal outgrowth shout sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use riddle in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; hole with yellow sticky cards , use judge pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as epenthetic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a right steadfast shower of piss will wash out them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not louse . They can be ravenous feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely odoriferous . They may eat holes in farewell , strip intact stems , or all devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control condition : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment places such as foliage dust , over - change by reversal deal , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the leaping , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and adults during fall and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the grocery store , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually get hold on plant that do not have enough melodic line circulation or decent light . job are worse where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . leaf will often turn yellow or brown , coil up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants in good order so they get adequate light and air circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping piss off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides fit in to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow instruction exactly , not missing any involve treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , blossom , or debris in the surrender and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , dirty garden tool , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : bump off infected parting when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the radical of the flora should be raked up and toss away of . annul overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be aim at soil point . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , touch to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide-eyed variety of plant life - indoor and outside . Young scale Australian crawl until they find oneself a good feeding site . The adult female then lose their legs and stay on a patch protect by its grueling shield stratum . They look as prominence , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth part that draw the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant go to yellow foliage and leafage drop cloth . They also produce a fresh substance call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungous growth anticipate sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate overrun plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . advance natural opposition such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it extend / melanize the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to hold in the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a moist fabric or wash away with a hose - end sprayer .
