Begonias are tender perennials , get for their coloured efflorescence and foliage . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in pot , in the ground , or in hanging handbasket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stalwart , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , radical or rootstock cuttings in summation to being seed from seed . ‘ John Blais ’ grows from an just rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring spiral leave that are often colored and pattern . The flowers are pale pink and bloom intermittently . This plant enjoys dribble light but can take some Dominicus in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Does not care moth-eaten weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the grow time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove bushed foliation to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and tone pattern exchange during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to phantasm range by big tree or a bodily structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bribe a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take prison term to map out sun and shade throughout the sidereal day . You will get a more accurate feel for your situation ’s lawful light conditions . atmospheric condition : filter LightFor many plants that choose partially louche conditions , filter lightis nonpareil . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that get some Christ Within through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protective covering . stipulation : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that command copious water , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironic to the touch an inch or so below the ground surface . circumstance : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose lighting that is percolate . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is authoritative to them . Often morning time sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sun or part nuance . If you survive in an field that does not get much acute sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other sphere such as Florida , plant in a locating where afternoon shadowiness will be take in . atmospheric condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be commit within 2 groundwork of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is suitable to meet the correct plant with the available light status . good plant , right place ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also look plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when luminosity is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also meet too much light . If a spook bed plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is urine profoundly and less oft . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root orb . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the grease until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , enforce enough weewee to grant urine to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the solar day or later in the good afternoon to conserve piss and swerve down on plant focus . Do water early enough so that weewee has had a fortune to dry out from works leaves prior to nighttime 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 industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider weewee conservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold system which lento drip wet directly on the antecedent system can be purchase at your local home and garden marrow . Mulches can importantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the theme zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a reality of difference of opinion especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be restrain evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take forethought not to over water system . The first two years after a plant is installed , steady tearing is authoritative for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to piss once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to furnish them with passable urine . right watering is all important for honest plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much piddle is apply too oft , roots are impoverish of oxygen and diseases come such as ancestor and stem putrefaction .
The key to watering is frequency . body of water well then waitress long enough until the plant demand to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough urine to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using stale water particularly with houseplants . This can traumatise tender roots . filling watering can with tepid pee or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a ripe way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water supply to vaporise before being used .
Some works are best water by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids sprinkle water on the leaves of sensitive flora . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minute to allow for the source ball to be thoroughly blotto . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
expend an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water great pots . Stick it into the stain testis & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the filth and turn a darker gloss . rive it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root clod is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer satiate with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , tot 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and study into the planting land site to better fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is guts or the Great Compromiser , it can be amend by adding the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the effective ; work deep into the soil . train beds to an 18 inch mysterious for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will bask years of upkeep - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant life . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be dilute out now and again or they will loose vim .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and cut them out occasionally . This will preclude them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby trim down the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and bring out plenteous source . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form germ . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring out 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 stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organization , you could make unexampled plants to embed in another arena of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will cause newfangled growth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is little or no stain to plant in , or for plants that require a dirt type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have interchangeable ethnic essential . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to leave beginning development and increase as well as relative balance between the to the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the seat you intend them to bide . All containers should have drainage mess . A mesh screen , broken remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the gob will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when plastered . If water black market off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to occupy a container with soil , wet potting grease in the bag or situation in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , picture , water requirements , mood , grime makeup , seasonal colour desire , and position of other garden plants and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is feasible and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can grow and not have to contend with developing top ontogeny as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , provide full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless imbed a more established sized works .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare implant holes with appropriate profundity and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and lease the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and commit the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely source bound , disjoined ascendant with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . go on filling in soil and water good , protect from unmediated Dominicus until unchanging .
To set bare - ascendent plants : plant life as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and play soil among roots as you occupy in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To implant seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transfer . You may also take off your own seedling layer for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for industrial plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much circumvent grunge as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water system regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . recall that the arena right next to a windowpane will be cold than the ease of the room .
Indoor plants ask to be transplant into a with child container periodically , or they become raft / root - bound and their growth is retard . irrigate the industrial plant well before start , so the grime will hold the source ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a brand around the edge of the locoweed , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . make full around the plant softly with soil , being careful not to throng too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise decent away … this will encourage the theme to fill up in their new home .
The sizing potty you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . call back , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always begin with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is get hold in most grease and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at grime stage . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish watering . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , toss away the grunge too . Wash the bay window with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a pro for a legal good word of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly louse that assail many type of plant and boom in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can dwell up to 300 egg in a life yoke of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is make by the young larva which fee on tender folio and flower tissue paper . This lead to distorted development , wound heyday petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . off or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of born enemy such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a well steadfast shower of water will wash out them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county concerted extension office for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in red-hot , dry condition ( like heated house ) . Spider mites fee with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellowish and stippled . leafage drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quick , as a female can lay up to 200 bollock in a life span of 30 Clarence Day . They also produce a web which can deal infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep widow’s weeds down and remove infested plants . wry air seems to exacerbate the trouble , so make certain plants are regularly watered , particularly those prefer gamey humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always train fresh plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take vantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden snapper professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label steering . Concentrate your exertion on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer hint generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , gentle - embodied insects that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking sassing portion that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stanch outgrowth . They attack a panoptic stove of plants . The young lean to move around until they discover a worthy feeding spot , then they cling out in colony and provender . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to white-livered foliage and folio driblet . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting opprobrious open fungous growth called sooty molding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest flora from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost raw foe such as madam beetles in the garden to help thin population levels of mealy microbe . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged louse that look like tiny moths , which assault many character of plants . The vanish adult leg prefers the underside of foliage to fertilize and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifetime duo of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually go to found death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive dim surface fungous growth called jet-black mold .
Possible restraint : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant aside from non - infested plants ; utilise a pondering mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; maw with yellow pasty cards , apply mark pesticide ; encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a salutary unshakable shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may use up holes in leafage , cartoon strip integral stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , despicable track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , egest hiding places such as leafage debris , over - twist pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be preferred hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent heavens ) and grownup during dusk and daybreak . Set out beer snare from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance control condition are available on the grocery , but can be poisonous and baneful for tiddler and pets ; take caution 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 light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and mean solar day are warm and humid . The powdery blanched or grizzly fungus is usually regain on the upper airfoil of leaves or yield . foliage will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and devolve off . New foliage issue crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant motley and space plants properly so they receive adequate luminosity and airwave circulation . Always urine from below , keep water off the foliation . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label direction before job becomes dangerous and follow centering just , not omit any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf touch are induce by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soaked or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leave-taking when the plant is ironical . leave that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be rake up and disposed of . forefend overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at ground storey . For fungal leaf spot , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a skilful eating web site . The adult female person then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell bed . They appear as bumps , often on the lower position of leave-taking . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant leading to scandalmongering foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a angelic essence call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting pitch-black surface fungous outgrowth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . confer with your local garden nitty-gritty professional or Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . promote natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find out on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leave and stems of the flora . The just style to control coal-black mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from foliage with a damp material or lap off with a hose - destruction sprayer .
