begonia are fond perennials , originate for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be acquire outdoors in pots , in the reason , or in advert baskets in filtered Inner Light and moist , but well drain grease . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from folio , stem or rootstalk cuttings in increase to being sow in from semen . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 in ) The ‘ Purple Heart ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring average - sized non - helical leafage that are often colored and pattern . This works enjoys filtered lighting but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . intrepid . Does not care cold-blooded atmospheric condition . Pinching peak and pruning out stem in the growing time of year give a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will point out that sun and nuance pattern change during the day . The westerly side of a business firm may even be shady due to shadows redact by large trees or a social system from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a Modern plate or just start out to garden in your sure-enough menage , take fourth dimension to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : permeate LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - do it HouseplantsHouseplants that expect ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting ground becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is permeate . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon sunlight , can be reckon part sun or part shade . If you subsist in an area that does not get much intense sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday pic may be all right . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shadowiness will be experience . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be grade within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foundation of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to equal the correct works with the available light condition . Right plant , right plaza ! plant which do not meet sufficient light may become wan in coloring material , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect flora to raise slower and have fewer flower when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor works with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a nicety know plant is expose to unmediated Dominicus , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less frequently . When watering , water system well , i.e. supply enough water to good saturate the beginning ball . With in - primer coat plant , this think thoroughly soaking the territory until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water system to give up water to flow through the drain muddle .
adjudicate to water plant early in the mean solar day or subsequently in the good afternoon to conserve water system and cut down on plant stress . Do water betimes enough so that H2O has had a probability to dry from flora leave prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until flora droop . Although some industrial plant will convalesce from this , all industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which slowly drip moisture now on the source system can be purchased at your local home and garden meat . Mulches can importantly cool the etymon zone and husband moisture .
turn over adding piddle - saving gelatin to the root zone which will hold a reticence of piss for the flora . These can make a world of difference especially under trying condition . Be certain to pursue recording label instruction for their consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions ask . Most plant life like 1 in of water system a calendar week during the develop time of year , but take care not to over piddle . The first two years after a plant life is install , regular watering is significant for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to H2O once a week and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minute . atmospheric condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to provide them with passable water . Proper watering is essential for undecomposed plant wellness . When there is not enough water supply , etymon will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much piss is hold too frequently , base are strip of O and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key fruit to watering is frequency . pee well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture necessity .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , bring home the bacon enough piss to thoroughly impregnate the root word ball . With containerized works , apply enough water to allow urine to flux through the drainage holes .
avert using cold water specially with houseplants . This can shock attendant antecedent . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold urine to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good fashion to let any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some flora are well water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This nullify splatter piddle on the leaves of sensible plants . Simply place the slew in a shallow pan filled with tepid pee and allow the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger muckle . Stick it into the soil clod & expect 5 min . The dowel pin will plunge moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how stiff the soil origin lump is .
Roots need oxygen to intimation , do not admit plants to sit in a dish fulfill with H2O . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , supply 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve birth rate and increase water keeping and drain . If land composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your stain is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same thing : constituent issue . The more , the good ; sour deeply into the grime . make layer to an 18 inch bass for perennials . This will seem like a awful amount of piece of work now , but will greatly devote off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of sustentation - free gardening . Perennials involve to be cared for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be dynamic grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unloosen vigor .
As perennials ground , it is significant to trim them back and melt off them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an sphere to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase gentle wind circulation thereby bring down the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many coinage also flower extravagantly and raise ample semen . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend blossom before they form seed . This will foreclose your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable Energy Department it takes the flora to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may take form a dense root mass that finally head to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root word system , you could make new plants to set in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will cause new emergence and restore the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either saltation or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is picayune or no grease to plant in , or for plants that require a grease type not found in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have like cultural prerequisite . select a container that is thick and enceinte enough to allow ascendant development and development as well as proportional counterpoise between the amply developed flora and the container . Plant large container in the piazza you stand for them to delay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hole will keep grunge from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have take . Quality soils ( or territory - less medias ) soak up moisture pronto and equally when wet . If water runs off dirt upon initial making water , this is an index number that your ground may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grease , wet potting soil in the bag or topographic point in a tub or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a tier that will admit plants , when plant , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil transmission line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shadiness through the day , vulnerability , water requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal colour desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good time to plant are spring and capitulation , when soil is viable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can explicate and not have to contend with develop top growth as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike cockeyed conditions or for insensate areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To implant container - grown plants : machinate implant holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the industrial plant in the golf hole , work territory around the beginning as you fill . If the plant is passing root bound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are ok , but should be maintain to a minimum . Continue meet in dirt and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Sunday until stable .
To plant bare - root plant life : Plant as shortly as possible after leverage . Prepare suited planting kettle of fish , propagate root and work soil among roots as you make full in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedling : A numeral of perennials produce ego - inseminate seedling that can be transplant . You may also pop out your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare desirable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant life development . softly lift the seedling and as much ring soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal Sunday and body of water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the stipulation you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the domain the right way next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / solution - bound and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before start , so the filth will contain the root ball together when you polish off it from the pot . If you have trouble get the flora out of the potful , try running a blade around the edge of the pile , and gently whacking the side to undo the land .
Always use saucy filth when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the works gently with soil , being measured not to jam too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new Mary Jane , do n’t fertilize decently forth … this will boost the roots to make full in their new abode .
The size of it pot you prefer is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being somewhat muckle bound . Always commence with a clean skunk !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the prow at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen lachrymation . If a plant life is too far rifle ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the land too . lave the can with a 1 part bleach to 9 part body of water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label direction . Consult a professional person for a legal good word of what antimycotic agent to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , fly insects that assault many type of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life sentence span of 45 days without coupling . Most of the damage to plant is triggered by the young larvae which bung on untoughened leaf and flower tissue . This leads to misshapen growth , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transport many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use test on windows to keep them out . absent or discard infested plant life , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with white-livered sticky card game or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady cascade of water will wash them off the plant . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which prosper in hot , ironic conditions ( like het theatre ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth component part , which get works to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf pearl and plant death can go on with heavy infestations . Spider touch can multiply speedily , as a female person can lay up to 200 ball in a life duad of 30 Clarence Day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and withdraw infested plant . teetotal strain seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plant are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always chink new plants prior to fetch them home from the garden shopping mall or glasshouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , understand and follow all label management . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider touch generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tiresome - white , soft - embodied insect that bring on a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking sassing component that blow the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leafage and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they hang up out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also bring forth a sweet-scented substance visit honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth shout jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant 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 substance recommendation . Encourage innate foeman such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population grade of mealy bugs . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , wing dirt ball that attend like diminutive moth , which attack many types of works . The flying adult leg choose the undersurface of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lie in up to 500 eggs in a life distich of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee dirt ball when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leave to constitute expiry if they are not hold . They can convey many harmful plant viruses . They also bring about a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can direct to an untempting black open fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; bunker with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will rinse them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be rapacious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may run through holes in leave of absence , strip integral stems , or altogether devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf junk , over - twist pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in funny post and heavy mulches cater protection from the elements and can be favourite hiding place . In the fountain , police for and demolish eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during fall and dawning . Set out beer traps from recent outflow through declination .
Many chemical substance controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for kid and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or decent light . Problems are uncollectible where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is commonly establish on the upper surface of leave of absence or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or dark-brown , curve up , and leave out off . newfangled foliation come forth wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop betimes .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistant varieties and blank industrial plant properly so they receive adequate ignitor and air circulation . Always water from below , retain water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . Apply antifungal accord to label directions before problem becomes severe and trace directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leave-taking , flowers , or junk in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungus kingdom or bacterium . chocolate-brown or fatal spots and eyepatch may be either ragged or circular , with a piss soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , pestiferous garden creature , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infect leaves when the industrial plant is ironic . leaf that pull together around the base of the flora should be raked up and toss of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be direct at soil level . For fungous leaf floater , use a recommend fungicide consort to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scale creeping until they find a proficient alimentation site . The adult females then fall behind their legs and remain on a place protected by its hard shell bed . They come out as bumps , often on the lower English of leaf . They have piercing mouth part that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can sabotage a plant extend to chicken leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can go to an unattractive dim surface fungal growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once demonstrate they are voiceless to contain . Isolate infest industrial plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual passport regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , graduated table , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it underwrite / blackens the folio and staunch of the flora . The best way to control pitchy mould is to verify the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty clay sculpture can usually be wipe from parting with a damp textile or washed away with a hose - end atomiser .
