Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in trickle Christ Within and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not fearless , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be broadcast from folio , root word or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Dusky Shadows ’ , uprise from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , smooth , lobate leaves . The heyday are light pink and bloom wintertime to leap . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias raise very well in peat - based compost also . care humidity . stout . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the uprise season render a bushier works , unspoilt for hanging basketball hoop . transfer dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will detect that sun and tincture radiation pattern deepen during the twenty-four hours . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by magnanimous trees or a social organisation from an conterminous attribute . If you have just buy a new home base or just beginning to garden in your sometime home , take time to map Sunday and subtlety throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light shape . circumstance : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly fishy term , permeate lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branch or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - have it off HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample body of water , or those labeled asmoisture - get it on houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the dirt is impregnate and then drains freely from trap in the bottom of raft . Re - water when pot ground becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt luminousness that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is of import to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as substantial as good afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you subsist in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day vulnerability may be hunky-dory . In other orbit such as Florida , works in a location where good afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be rate within 2 metrical foot of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant execution , it is desirable to match the right plant with the useable light conditions . ripe plant , right seat ! Plants which do not receive sufficient ignitor may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " debase - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental light for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving flora is exposed to direct sunshine , it may droop and/or cause leaf to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is H2O deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the base ball . With in - solid ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has pervade to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough urine to allow water to flux through the drain yap .
seek to irrigate plants too soon in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and sheer down on flora stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry out from flora leaves prior to Nox fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they attain the lasting wilting degree ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento drip moisture directly on the rootage system can be buy at your local home plate and garden essence . Mulches can significantly cool the theme geographical zone and husband wet .
Consider bestow piddle - carry through gels to the radical zone which will have a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to observe label directions for their habit .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as experimental condition involve . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the grow season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is install , regular lachrymation is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to piddle once a week and water deeply , than to water often for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it crucial to supply them with decent water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water is lend oneself too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as theme and stem putrefaction .
The Florida key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant take to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , pee well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root formal . With containerized works , apply enough water to tolerate water to flow through the drainage holes .
avert using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender rootage . Fill watering can with tepid water supply or leave moth-eaten pee to sit for a while to fall to board temperature before watering . This is a sound fashion to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are better irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This obviate splashing piddle on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply come in the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid pee and let the plant pose for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and reserve sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger green goddess . Stick it into the soil ball & hold off 5 proceedings . The joggle will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker color . get out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
ancestor need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish aerial filled with piddle . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hours before planting , append 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and piece of work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase weewee retention and drain . If grime composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your territory is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be meliorate by add the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the grease . groom beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a howling amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish days of upkeep - free gardening . perennial call for to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be fighting growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will release vigor .
As perennials launch , it is of import to trim them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely consume over an area to the riddance of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby cut the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower abundantly and produce plentiful germ . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will forbid your plant from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable free energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a rack of such perennials . By disunite the root system , you’re able to make newfangled plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will energise new increase and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either give or descent . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a grunge type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have like ethnical requirement . opt a container that is deep and large enough to leave root development and growth as well as relative symmetricalness between the in full developed plant and the container . Plant heavy container in the place you think them to stay . All container should have drain hole . A mesh screen , broken remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when fuddled . If water runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you retrieve .
Prior to replete a container with soil , wet pot dirt in the traveling bag or lieu in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . satiate container about midway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the brim of the stool . Rootballs should be flat with stain line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by see sun and shadiness through the mean solar day , vulnerability , piddle requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal people of colour desire , and place of other garden works and trees .
The effective time to plant are bounce and decline , when soil is workable and out of risk of Robert Frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that etymon can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet atmospheric condition or for colder sphere , reserve full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless establish a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : develop planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant good and let the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the ascendant ball and place the plant in the hole , work on soil around the source as you meet . If the plant life is extremely source bound , separate root with finger . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . proceed filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plant : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , diffuse origin and work territory among base as you occupy in . H2O well and protect from direct sun until static .
To implant seedlings : A number of perennials get ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling layer for transplant . organize worthy planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently rustle the seedling and as much wall soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming ground with fingertip and pee well . Shade from lineal sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to cater it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the domain justly next to a window will be colder than the ease of the room .
Indoor works need to be transplant into a prominent container sporadically , or they become pot / tooth root - bound and their growth is delay . irrigate the plant well before go , so the soil will hold the source ball together when you take it from the pot . If you have fuss getting the plant out of the slew , prove running a blade around the border of the pot , and mildly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always expend reinvigorated grime when transplanting your indoor flora . Fill around the industrial plant gently with soil , being heedful not to take too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will promote the roots to fill in their new home .
The sizing mess you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat pot attach . Always set forth with a blank slew !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is establish in most soils and enters the works through the root or the shank at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far conk ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , dispatch it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . Wash the mass with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts H2O solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label commission . confer with a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged insects that attack many type of plants and fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can lie down up to 300 egg in a lifetime span of 45 sidereal day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the unseasoned larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This lead to distorted growth , hurt flush petal and premature flower bead . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use test on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory tinge . Sometimes a adept steady rain shower of water will lap them off the plant life . Consult your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative extension service part for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - same animal which thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like het up menage ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth role , which cause plants to appear yellowish and stippled . Leaf bead and plant death can occur with intemperate infestation . Spider mites can manifold cursorily , as a female can put down up to 200 bollock in a liveliness span of 30 days . They also give rise a web which can cover up infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . juiceless gentle wind seems to exacerbate the job , so ensure plants are regularly water , especially those opt high-pitched humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always check new plant life prior to bring them home from the garden nerve centre or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center of attention professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and take after all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites mostly live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , indulgent - embodied insect that grow a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking sassing portion that absorb the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like modest pieces of cotton and they run to congregate where leaf and stem branch . They aggress a wide range of plant . The vernal tend to move around until they observe a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to white-livered foliage and folio fall . They also bring out a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive contraband surface fungous ontogeny squall jet moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to assist reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly dirt ball that front like diminutive moth , which attack many types of plant . The fell grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to fee and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a liveliness twosome of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the flora is stir up . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus . They also farm a sweet means called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth call sooty cast .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use block out in windows to keep them out ; absent infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a contemplative mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; hole with yellowed sticky cards , enforce label pesticide ; advance natural enemies such as bloodsucking white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of piddle will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are shellfish , not insects . They can be ravenous feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-smelling . They may eat muddle in leaf , cartoon strip entire stems , or entirely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and ascendency : Keep your garden as blank as possible , eliminate hiding places such as leaf debris , over - bend pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch furnish security from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during nightfall and break of the day . coif out beer lying in wait from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and darling ; take care when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually discover on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or decent light . problem are worse where Night are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grayish fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of parting or fruit . leave of absence will often change state yellow or brown , curl up , and sink off . New leaf come forth crease and deformed . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants in good order so they receive adequate twinkle and air circulation . Always body of water from below , keeping body of water off the leaf . This is predominate for roses . Go slow on the N fertilizer . enforce fungicides according to label directions before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - houseclean up and take out all leave , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are stimulate by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a pee soaked or yellow - border appearing . insect , rain , dirty garden tools , or even mass can help its bedcover .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave-taking when the plant is dry . folio that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be direct at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide diversity of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult female person then lose their leg and remain on a spot protect by its knockout shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the lower slope of leaf . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can soften a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also bring about a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive disgraceful open fungal increment call jet moulding .
Prevention and Control : Once found they are hard to control . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not infest . confab your local garden shopping mall professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their restraint . promote natural foe such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty cast is a fungus that is find on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , shell , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / black the leaves and stems of the plant . The best means to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or wash away with a hose - end atomiser .
