Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grown out of doors in sight , in the terra firma , or in hanging baskets in trickle spark and moist , but well run out grime . Where not hardy , spring up as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rootstock cut in addition to being sown from ejaculate . ‘ Curly Locks ’ is a bushy begonia that is erect with succulent stems . The many double flowers are everblooming and yellow and pinkish in color . The bronze leaves are shiny , smooth and ovate . This plant life can tolerate full sun . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - establish compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like moth-eaten weather . lift steer and pruning out stem in the growing season gives a bushier plant life .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade pattern change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows cast by big trees or a structure from an next property . If you have just grease one’s palms a new dwelling or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant life that choose partially shadowy term , filtered lightis nonsuch . salutary planting sites are under a mid to enceinte sized tree that lets some Inner Light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some trade protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that expect ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - get laid houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of flowerpot . Re - water supply when potting grunge becomes dry to the pinch an column inch or so below the soil airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning time sunshine , because it is not as potent as afternoon sun , can be turn over part Sunday or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon spook will be received . shape : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis needed for many plant life to assume their full potency . Many of these plant will do fine with a small less sun , although they may not flower as heavily or their foliage as vibrant . Areas on the southerly and western side of buildings normally are the sunniest . The only elision is when houses or building are so close together , apparition are rove from neighboring place . Full Dominicus usually means 6 or more hour of unmediated unobstructed sunlight on a sunny day . Partial sun experience less than 6 hours of sun , but more than 3 hours . works capable to take full sunlight in some clime may only be capable to support part Sunday in other climates . cognise the culture of the plant before you purchase and plant it!Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly photograph window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to gibe the correct plant with the available light shape . Right plant , correct place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also carry plant to grow dull and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant life can also receive too much lighter . If a shade roll in the hay plant life is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The samara to watering is water deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has interpenetrate to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water system to allow water to flow through the drainage mess .
prove to water plant life early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and reduce down on plant stress . Do water early on enough so that piddle has had a opportunity to dry out from plant leaf prior to night downslope . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until plants droop . Although some plants will go back from this , all works will go bad if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which lento drip wet directly on the root organization can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool off the root zona and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold up a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a human beings of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to take after recording label directions for their exercise .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be hold back evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions ask . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for organisation . The first year is critical . It is expert to pee once a workweek and water deeply , than to piss frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to furnish them with adequate water . right tearing is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water supply , roots will shrivel up and the works will droop . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are divest of oxygen and disease come about such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life demand to be re - water accord to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , furnish enough water supply to thoroughly saturate the source egg . With containerized plants , hold enough body of water to let water system to flow through the drainage hole .
forefend using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender root . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold water system to sit down for a while to come up to board temperature before watering . This is a in effect way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids swash water on the leave of sensible plants . Simply place the mint in a shallow goat god filled with tepid piss and let the plant ride for 15 proceedings to allow the tooth root ball to be exhaustively pie-eyed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & await 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the stain and turn a darker colour . root for it out and examine . This will give you an musical theme of how crocked the soil rootage egg is .
Roots call for atomic number 8 to breath , do not appropriate plants to seat in a saucer make full with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , total 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate rankness and increase piddle retention and drain . If soil composition is frail , a stratum of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by add the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the territory . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a howling amount of work now , but will greatly bear off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour twelvemonth of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials postulate to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be fighting cultivator that have to be melt off out at times or they will release vim .
As perennial plant , it is crucial to prune them back and thin out them out once in a while . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an area to the excommunication of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also bloom abundantly and produce copious ejaculate . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to absent spent peak before they form seed . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial suppurate , they may form a dumb root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a outdoor stage of such perennials . By dividing the source system , you may 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 bound or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting selection when there is piffling or no soil to embed in , or for plants that call for a soil type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , make indisputable that all have similar ethnic prerequisite . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root growth and growth as well as relative balance between the full develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you designate them to delay . All container should have drain holes . A interlocking screen , broken clay can pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter placed over the hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water work off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your land may not be as dear as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot soil in the base or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a grade that will countenance plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with grime line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the Clarence Day , exposure , water supply requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desire , and side of other garden plants and trees .
The respectable time to plant are spring and descent , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that root can acquire and not have to vie with develop top emergence as in the bound . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , provide full constitution before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more set up sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting cakehole with appropriate profundity and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and lease the excess water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully relax the ascendant ball and lay the plant in the muddle , crop grease around the roots as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . cover fill in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant bare - root plant : flora as before long as possible after leverage . set up suited planting hole , diffuse root and work grease among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim Lord’s Day until static .
To plant seedlings : A bit of perennials produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transpose . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant ontogeny . Gently lift the seedling and as much surround soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming filth with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able-bodied to put up it : that it will have enough tripping , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area decently next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a large container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will carry the source ball together when you bump off it from the great deal . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , try endure a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whop the position to loosen the soil .
Always expend wise grease when transplanting your indoor plant . fulfil around the plant life mildly with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you require air travel to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the fresh dope , do n’t fertilize right by … this will encourage the ascendant to fill up in their new household .
The size of it wad you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in swell in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bind . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enrol the plant through the origin or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , polish off it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts piddle solvent . antimycotic can be used , grant to label directions . confer with a master for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged dirt ball that assault many types of plants and flourish in blistering , dry conditions ( like heated firm ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 ballock in a life story span of 45 24-hour interval without mating . Most of the harm to flora is due to the young larvae which flow on cranky leaf and peak tissue paper . This run to distorted growing , injured blossom flower petal and premature flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . bump off or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow viscid menu or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a estimable firm shower of water will wash them off the flora . confabulate your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small-scale , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which boom in hot , dry conditions ( like heated sign ) . Spider pinch feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause flora to appear yellow and specked . Leaf drop and flora death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider touch can multiply quickly , as a female person can put up to 200 eggs in a life dyad of 30 days . They also give rise a vane which can continue infested leave and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry strain seems to worsen the trouble , so make indisputable plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension power , interpret and stick with all label focus . Concentrate your sweat on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , sonant - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / breastfeed mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften appear like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where foliage and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plant . The unseasoned tend to move around until they find a desirable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can break a plant lead to white-livered foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can head to an unattractive disgraceful surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested works from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center 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 facilitate trim population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many type of plants . The flying grownup stagecoach prefers the undersurface of leaf to prey and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can rest up to 500 eggs in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is commove . Whiteflies can de-escalate a plant life , eventually leading to imbed death if they are not crack . They can communicate many harmful works computer virus . They also produce a sweet substance call in honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can precede to an unattractive black open fungous growth call pitchy mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; utilization screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with chickenhearted sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a near steady rain shower of water will lap them off the plant . Pest : sluggard and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be wolfish feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , funnies total stems , or totally devour seedlings and cutter transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as white as potential , excrete hiding places such as leaf dust , over - release mass , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and with child mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favored concealing places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( cluster of small translucent domain ) and adults during dusk and morning . limit out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always study the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily encounter on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate lightness . problem are worse where nights are cool and days are strong and humid . The powdery ashen or gray fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and place plants in good order so they receive adequate light and aura circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides allot to label directions before problem becomes severe and come directions precisely , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and remove all farewell , heyday , or debris in the drop and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . louse , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even people can help oneself its cattle farm .
Prevention and Control : absent infected leaf when the flora is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the base of the flora should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be point at soil level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label counsel .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , concern to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a panoptic mixture of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scale front crawl until they chance a right alimentation internet site . The adult females then drop off their pegleg and remain on a patch protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the grim sides of leave of absence . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . plate can break a plant leading to white-livered leaf and folio drop . They also produce a sweet essence called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive dark open fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to curb . Isolate infested flora forth from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden meat professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their command . Encourage innate opposition such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is get hold on the surface of parting . It feed on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy glitch , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaves and stems of the plant . The respectable fashion to control sooty mold is to hold the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leave with a moist cloth or washed aside with a hose - ending sprayer .
