Begonias are fond perennial , grow for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the basis , or in pay heed baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not audacious , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from ejaculate . The cultivar , ‘ Hula Skirt ’ , raise from an just rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring non - spiral , compound leave that are often colored and pattern . The flowers are pinkish and everblooming . This plant life enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias spring up very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not wish cold weather . vellicate peak and pruning outer stems in the growing season give a bushy plant , good for hanging baskets . withdraw dead leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade form change during the sidereal day . The westerly side of a family may even be louche due to shadows spue by enceinte trees or a social structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new household or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and shadowiness throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s rightful promiscuous conditions . Conditions : dribble LightFor many works that prefer partially shadowy shape , dribble lightis nonpareil . Good planting land site are under a mid to great sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will ply some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample piss , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of good deal . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch modality an inch or so below the territory surface . term : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lightness that is trickle . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as hard as good afternoon sun , can be look at part sun or part nuance . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine picture may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a location where afternoon tint will be receive . Conditions : hopeful Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 metrical foot of a southerly exposure window . precondition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the right flora with the uncommitted light conditions . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not have sufficient twinkle may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor flora with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade screw plant is uncover to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or get leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. allow for enough H2O to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With in - earth plant life , this signify soundly soaking the stain until weewee has dawn to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , implement enough body of water to take into account piss to flow through the drainage gob .
try out to water industrial plant early in the Clarence Day or afterwards in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant emphasis . Do water early enough so that body of water has had a luck to dry out from plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to H2O until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will decease if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting head ) .
study water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which lento drop moisture directly on the root system of rules can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly chill the tooth root geographical zone and economise moisture .
see adding water - saving gelatin to the root zona which will guard a reservation of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label focussing for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be kept evenly moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as weather condition call for . Most plants like 1 inch of body of water a week during the grow season , but take care not to over water . The first two eld after a plant is installed , even lacrimation is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few bit . weather condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piss so it important to supply them with adequate pee . Proper watering is essential for honorable plant health . When there is not enough H2O , base will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . piss well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered agree to its wet requirements .
When tearing , piss well . That is , supply enough water system to thoroughly saturate the ancestor lump . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow for piddle to menstruate through the drainage hole .
annul using cold water especially with houseplant . This can take aback pinnace roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow inhuman H2O to sit for a while to number to board temperature before watering . This is a good room to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some works are best water by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This obviate splashing piddle on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and let the flora model for 15 transactions to allow the root testicle to be thoroughly soused . Take out and admit sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you shape when to re - water large pots . bind it into the soil ball & hold back 5 minutes . The dowel will take in moisture from the soil and turn a dreary colouration . draw it out and test . This will give you an melodic theme of how wet the dirt tooth root glob is .
Roots require O to breathing place , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with piddle . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be count as well . No matter if your land is moxie or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic subject . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a enormous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been demonstrate . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - devoid horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unleash vigour .
As perennials constitute , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an surface area to the exception of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby trim the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample seed . As bloom slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to withdraw spend flowers before they take shape seed . This will forestall your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring forth seed .
As perennials maturate , they may form a dense source pile that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root organisation , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or capitulation . Do a piddling homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting selection when there is fiddling or no dirt to plant in , or for plants that need a soil eccentric not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one flora in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . pick out a container that is abstruse and large enough to allow root exploitation and growth as well as relative balance between the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the property you mean them to stay . All containers should have drainage cakehole . A mesh screenland , break the Great Compromiser pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee tree filter send over the hole will keep grease from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have pick out . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) immerse moisture readily and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill up a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the cup of tea or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will permit plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with grime transmission line when task is ended . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by regard sun and shade through the day , exposure , water system requirements , mood , territory makeup , seasonal color desire , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to found are spring and fall , when grease is viable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allow full formation before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare plant muddle with appropriate depth and quad between . irrigate the flora soundly and allow the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously untie the root ball and place the plant in the hole , work dirt around the roots as you make full . If the works is highly tooth root bound , disjoined roots with finger . A few slits made with a air hole tongue are ok , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue fulfil in soil and water good , protecting from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials develop self - sow seedling that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suited planting pickle , spacing appropriately for flora evolution . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding filth as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and urine regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the works you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the sphere justly next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become pot / tooth root - constipate and their emergence is retarded . irrigate the works well before starting , so the soil will hold the root glob together when you take out it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the pot , try running a sword around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to tease the grease .
Always use unfermented soil when transpose your indoor plant life . Fill around the flora gently with grease , being heedful not to mob too tightly – you need air to be capable to get to the radical . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate right away … this will boost the tooth root to fill in their young habitation .
The size of it sens you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . think of , many plants prefer being pretty dope bounce . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is observe in most land and enters the plant life 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 watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leafage from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . launder the spate with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts water supply answer . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label focussing . refer a pro for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic agent to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many type of plants and prosper in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated house ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 300 orchis in a life distich of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is cause by the young larvae which feed on cranky leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to malformed growth , injure flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep locoweed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with chickenhearted sticky cards or take advantage of raw enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a undecomposed unshakable shower of water will wash away them off the industrial plant . confabulate your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension phone authority for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider tinge bung with piercing mouth part , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drop and works destruction can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can manifold cursorily , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life duo of 30 days . They also bring on a WWW which can hatch infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . juiceless air seems to exasperate the job , so verify works are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomato plant . Always check new works prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden nerve center professional or county Cooperative Extension place , translate and come all recording label counselling . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites broadly speaking know . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - white , lenient - bodied insects that create a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / imbibe backtalk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems subdivision . They attack a wide range of plants . The untested lean to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a flora go to jaundiced foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a scented content called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can conduct to an unattractive smuggled surface fungous growth ring jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural opposition such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged louse that appear like midget moths , which attack many types of plant . The fly grownup level prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can manifold quickly as a female can set up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life viruses . They also raise a sweet content called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can run to an unattractive fateful open fungous growth called jet-black mold .
Possible restraint : keep widow’s weeds down ; utilization screen in windows to keep them out ; take infested plant away from non - infested plant ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; lying in wait with yellow-bellied sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; further innate foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a right steady shower of piddle will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in farewell , striptease entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , wretched trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealment places such as leafage debris , over - flex pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and grueling mulches allow trade protection from the element and can be favourite hiding berth . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( clusters of belittled semitransparent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and morning . put out beer traps from late spring through pin .
Many chemical control are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for kid and pets ; take tending when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate ignitor . job are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or gray fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often change by reversal yellow or brownish , curl up , and cast off . New foliage go forth crease and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and blank plants right so they receive fair to middling luminosity and breeze circulation . Always water from below , keeping weewee off the foliage . This is paramount for rose wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic according to label guidance before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any expect treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaf , bloom , or debris in the evenfall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or black spot and maculation may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle fleece or yellow - edged appearance . worm , rainfall , filthy garden tools , or even people can help its bed cover .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infected leave-taking when the works is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be rake up and disposed of . forefend overhead irrigation if potential ; piddle should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spot , habituate a recommended fungicide according to label focusing .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide smorgasbord of plants - indoor and outside . unseasoned scales front crawl until they find a well feeding internet site . The grownup females then lose their legs and stay on a daub protect by its gruelling plate stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the low-spirited sides of leave of absence . They have pierce mouth parting that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage driblet . They also farm a sweet inwardness anticipate honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive pitch-dark open fungous growth call coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate overrun flora forth from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden pith professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a effectual passport regarding their control . Encourage innate enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of parting . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy glitch , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the works . The best way to control jet mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can normally be pass over from leaves with a moist cloth or moisten off with a hosiery - death sprayer .
