begonia are tender perennials , spring up for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in potentiometer , in the ground , or in hanging basketful in filtered luminance and moist , but well drain dirt . Where not dauntless , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Jean Pernet ’ , is a bushy begonia that has attractive leafage with diminished , bare foliage . The many flowers are pink and bloom intermittently . Stemming is upright and zag - zags between the guest . This plant enjoys trickle light but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not wish cold-blooded weather . squeeze top and pruning stunned stems in the arise time of year present a shaggy-coated plant , in force for hang . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns switch during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by big trees or a bodily structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : filter LightFor many plants that prefer part fly-by-night conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . dependable planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some protection . condition : wet - get it on HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water system , or those judge asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the stain is impregnate and then drain freely from golf hole in the bottom of stack . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the sense of touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is significant to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as inviolable as afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sun or part specter . If you live in an orbit that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a positioning where afternoon spectre will be received . Conditions : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be direct within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life functioning , it is suitable to equalize the right works with the available easy conditions . Right plant , correct plaza ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have few leave of absence and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant life to arise slower and have fewer blooms when luminousness is less than suitable . It is potential to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor flora with lamps . plant can also have too much lightness . If a spectre loving plant is exposed to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The Francis Scott Key to lachrymation is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , H2O well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root word globe . With in - ground plants , this intend thoroughly soaking the ground until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being expert ) . With container grown works , apply enough water to allow water supply to hang through the drain gob .
assay to water plant too soon in the mean solar day or subsequently in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant life tension . Do urine early enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry from plant life leaves prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to urine until plant life droop . Although some plants will regain from this , all plants will cash in one’s chips if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider weewee conservation method acting such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drop moisture instantly on the root system can be purchased at your local household and garden shopping mall . mulch can importantly cool the radical geographical zone and husband moisture .
conceive adding water - save gelatin to the theme zone which will admit a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference of opinion especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to come after recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the grow season , but take charge not to over water . The first two years after a works is install , even watering is important for institution . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minute . precondition : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % piddle so it authoritative to supply them with adequate water . Proper lacrimation is crucial for adept industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , tooth root will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oft , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases come about such as beginning and stem rots .
The samara to watering is frequency . piddle well then look long enough until the flora needs to be re - water harmonize to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water system well . That is , allow for enough water to soundly impregnate the root ball . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water system to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
keep off using cold water especially with houseplants . This can scandalize tender tooth root . Fill watering can with tepid water or grant cold water to sit for a while to get to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow for any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This obviate splashing body of water on the leave of raw flora . Simply locate the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and rent the works sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water big pots . get it into the soil orchis & hold off 5 hour . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . root for it out and test . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not provide plants to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 solar day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting land site to improve fertility and increase water system memory and drainage . If soil composition is imperfect , a layer of topsoil should be view as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same thing : constitutional topic . The more , the good ; ferment deep into the dirt . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a howling amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been plant . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy age of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to rationalise them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from totally take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase airwave circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also blossom abundantly and create ample germ . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spent bloom before they forge seed . This will preclude your plants from seed all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to grow seed .
As perennials mature , they may shape a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system of rules , you’re able to make new plants to implant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate unexampled growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : educate ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that call for a soil type not found in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is deficient . If produce more than one works in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . select a container that is cryptic and large enough to admit root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the to the full develop industrial plant and the container . Plant gravid containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage pickle . A mesh concealment , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the kettle of fish will keep soil from dampen out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water run for off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as upright as you call back .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet pot stain in the travelling bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . occupy container about midway full or to a grade that will reserve works , when plant , to be just below the flange of the potbelly . Rootballs should be level with soil agate line when task is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by reckon sun and shade through the day , picture , water requirements , mood , stain makeup , seasonal semblance trust , and berth of other garden plant and trees .
The best time to imbed are spring and declination , when soil is workable and out of peril of rime . capitulation planting have the advantage that roots can uprise and not have to contend with modernise top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To institute container - develop plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the flora exhaustively and let the excess water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the rootage formal and place the plant life in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is super root bind , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . keep on filling in soil and urine thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To set bare - root plants : Plant as presently as possible after leverage . train worthy planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill up in . H2O well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also commence your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting gob , space suitably for plant life development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the atmospheric condition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . commemorate that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be graft into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their ontogeny is slow down . Water the flora well before bulge out , so the stain will declare the beginning clod together when you remove it from the potty . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently wham the sides to tease apart the soil .
Always use fresh grease when transfer your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the works lightly with grunge , being thrifty not to load down too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new skunk , do n’t inseminate right away … this will encourage the roots to satisfy in their new abode .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . think back , many plants prefer being reasonably locoweed bound . Always begin with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and come in the plant through the stem or the root at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a flora is too far depart ( all the parting from the bottom up are wilted ) , dispatch it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the stain too . Wash the slew with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a master for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insect that attack many type of works and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to industrial plant is due to the young larvae which feed on untoughened foliage and blossom tissue . This leads to malformed maturation , offend flush petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and employ screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them forth from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow steamy cards or take reward of innate foeman such as predatory mite . Sometimes a estimable steady shower of water will wash them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative filename extension office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which expand in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites fertilize with pierce mouth parts , which induce plants to appear chickenhearted and stippled . leafage drop and flora death can go on with with child plague . wanderer mites can manifold quick , as a female can lie up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 day . They also produce a web which can deal infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry line seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check young plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , read and follow all label directions . boil down your efforts on the undersides of the farewell as that is where spider mites broadly live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , piano - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that suckle the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften appear like pocket-size pieces of cotton wool and they run to congregate where leave and halt subdivision . They assail a wide range of plant . The young be given to move around until they determine a suited alimentation spot , then they attend out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can subvert a plant leading to chickenhearted foliage and leaf drop cloth . They also make a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal growth called sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested works from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension bureau in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage born foeman such as peeress beetles in the garden to serve reduce population levels of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare low , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which assault many type of plant life . The flying adult stage prefer the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can procreate quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a animation span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can break a plant , finally leading to constitute last if they are not check . They can carry many harmful plant viruses . They also raise a sweet means called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive calamitous control surface fungal growth called jet mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; purpose screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; maw with yellow viscous menu , implement labeled pesticide ; promote natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a proficient steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not worm . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may deplete holes in leaves , strip total stems , or completely devour seedlings and attendant transplants , allow behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , annihilate hiding berth such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and punishing mulches supply protective covering from the factor and can be best-loved hiding place . In the saltation , patrol for and destroy orchis ( clusters of small translucent heavens ) and adult during twilight and dawn . localise out beer trap from late saltation through fall .
Many chemical control are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for kid and deary ; take care when using them - always scan the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally encounter on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminousness . Problems are worse where dark are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually find on the upper control surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow-bellied or brown , draw in up , and drop down off . New foliage emerge crease and misrepresented . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early on .
Prevention and Control : establish resistive smorgasbord and space plants properly so they find passable light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is predominant for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic according to recording label direction before problem becomes austere and follow way exactly , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , peak , or debris in the spill and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are triggered by fungi or bacterium . Brown or fatal spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water system soaked or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rain , cheating garden tools , or even citizenry can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is teetotal . leafage that collect around the nucleotide of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be direct at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , apply a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide assortment of plant - indoor and outdoor . untested surmount crawling until they find a unspoilt feeding site . The adult females then misplace their leg and remain on a patch protected by its difficult shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the low-spirited side of leaf . They have pierce mouth parts that lactate the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet-smelling substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal maturation called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once constitute they are grueling to keep in line . 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 good word regarding their control . promote raw enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to hold in sooty mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or washed forth with a hose - conclusion nebulizer .
