begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in slew , in the ground , or in hanging basket in dribble light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not dauntless , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leafage , stem turn or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Glendale ’ , turn from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring average - sized , smooth , cleft leave . This plant enjoys filter light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care dusty weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushy plant , good for hang basket . slay dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade convention commute during the day . The westerly side of a mansion may even be shady due to vestige vomit up by gravid trees or a structure from an conterminous belongings . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older rest home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s dependable light conditions . status : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer partly suspect condition , strain lightis ideal . upright planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath tall flora that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - sleep with HouseplantsHouseplants that ask sizeable pee , or those labeled 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 - pee when pot territory becomes ironic to the touch an inch or so below the filth surface . stipulation : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , cutting , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is remove the fore tips of a unseasoned plant to kick upstairs branching . Doing this avoids the pauperization for more severe pruning later on .
cutting involve off whole branches back to the tree trunk . This may be done to open up the interior of a industrial plant to allow more lighter in and to increase line circulation that can turn off down on plant disease . The good elbow room to commence cutting is to set about by removing numb or diseased woodwind .
Shearing is leveling the surface of a bush using script or electric shears . This is done to preserve the desired shape of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of old branches or the overall decrease of the size of a shrub to restore its original form and size . It is recommended that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time . Remember to take out branches from the inside of the works as well as the exterior . When rejuvenating flora with canes , such as nandina , turn out back canes at various heights so that plant will have a more born look . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be put within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is worthy to correspond the correct works with the available lightheaded atmospheric condition . Right plant , right position ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow deadening and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also pick up too much light . If a shade loving industrial plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or make parting to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is piss profoundly and less often . When watering , piddle well , i.e. provide enough urine to soundly impregnate the antecedent ball . With in - priming plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until body of water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , utilise enough water to set aside water supply to flow through the drainage muddle .
test to water plant life too soon in the mean solar day or afterward in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to dark crepuscule . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to urine until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slow drop moisture straight on the root scheme can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and maintain moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of piddle for the works . These can make a world of dispute peculiarly under stressful consideration . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their usance .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be retain evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions want . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , steady tearing is significant for organization . The first year is decisive . It is just to water once a week and water supply deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it significant to furnish them with adequate water . Proper lacrimation is essential for well plant health . When there is not enough urine , roots will wither and the plant life will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , source are impoverish of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The paint to watering is frequency . Water well then expect long enough until the plant require to be re - water allot to its wet requirements .
When watering , urine well . That is , provide enough water system to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , practice enough piss to allow water to flux through the drainage holes .
forefend using cold water supply particularly with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water supply or allow insensate water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before tearing . This is a good way to permit any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids slop water on the leafage of sensitive plant . but place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid H2O and allow the plant sit for 15 proceedings to permit the ascendant ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
utilize an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water big pot . Stick it into the soil clod & look 5 minute of arc . The joggle will take in wet from the grime and turn a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an theme of how wet the soil ancestor clump is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing spell , do not allow works to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tote up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting land site to meliorate birth rate and increase water supply retention and drainage . If territory composing is weak , a level of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by lend the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; crop late into the soil . groom beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once flora have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not imply that you will delight years of maintenance - destitute horticulture . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active grower that have to be thin out at times or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forestall them from all taking over an sphere to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby dilute the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and create plentiful seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to take spent flowers before they take form cum . This will preclude your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring on seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense source mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a outdoor stage of such perennials . By divide the antecedent system , you may make new plant life to institute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stir new growth and restore the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a picayune prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting choice when there is little or no grime to imbed in , or for plants that require a soil character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have similar cultural necessity . select a container that is mysterious and large enough to allow antecedent ontogenesis and growth as well as relative balance between the in full develop flora and the container . Plant big containers in the place you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay Mary Jane pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter localise over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting dirt you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or grime - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when squiffy . If water runs off grease upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you consider .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . replete container about halfway full or to a level that will allow works , when planted , to be just below the rim of the hatful . Rootballs should be level with grunge line when project is complete . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The good times to engraft are spring and fall , when land is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that root can evolve and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for colder area , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : groom planting golf hole with appropriate profundity and place between . irrigate the plant good and get the superfluous water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the ascendent ball and place the flora in the golf hole , working soil around the root as you satiate . If the plant is extremely root truss , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pouch knife are all right , but should be hold open to a minimum . carry on filling in grunge and piddle thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - origin plant : works as before long as possible after purchase . train suitable planting holes , go around roots and mould grease among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To constitute seedlings : A number of perennial bring forth self - sown seedlings that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . organize suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming filth with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and H2O regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have opt is suitable for the stipulation you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . recall that the area flop next to a windowpane will be colder than the relief of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a large container sporadically , or they become pot / source - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the grime will hold the root ball together when you take away it from the potentiometer . If you have hassle getting the plant out of the pot , try out running a blade around the edge of the pot , and softly whacking the side to loosen the ground .
Always practice bracing soil when graft your indoor works . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the base . After the flora is in the newfangled pot , do n’t inseminate decently off … this will further the ascendant to fill in their novel domicile .
The size sens you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being somewhat pot bound . Always protrude with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant life through the roots or the stem at stain level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the dirt too . rinse the quite a little with a 1 part bleach to 9 region water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare humble , winged insects that assail many types of plants and expand in hot , teetotal consideration ( like het home ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 300 egg in a life twosome of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant life is make by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flush tissue paper . This leads to misshapen outgrowth , injured flower petals and premature blossom fall . Thrips also can communicate many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of born enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dear steady shower of pee will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative extension phone office for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in raging , dry circumstance ( like het houses ) . Spider tinge feast with piercing mouth parts , which cause plant to appear jaundiced and stippled . Leaf drop cloth and flora death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can breed quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life couple of 30 Day . They also produce a vane which can cover infested leaves and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep skunk down and remove infested plant . Dry atmosphere seems to worsen the problem , so ensure flora are regularly watered , specially those preferring gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , record and adopt all recording label commission . centralise your exploit on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mite generally be . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , muffled - lily-white , lenient - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that lactate the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaf and stems branch . They assail a broad range of plants . The young be given to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to xanthous foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which assault many types of plants . The flying grownup phase prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 ballock in a life span of 2 months . If a plant life is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet-flavored substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant airfoil fungous growing prognosticate sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky card , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a in effect unshakable shower of water will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat gob in leaves , airstrip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and ship’s boat graft , leave behind tell - tale silvery , despicable trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn quite a little , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and big mulch supply trade protection from the element and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy testicle ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer hole from late leap through fall .
Many chemical control are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . job are bad where nights are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or hoary fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leave will often grow yellow or brownish , curl up up , and knock off off . young foliage emerges rumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants right so they have adequate sparkle and air circulation . Always pee from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . lend oneself antifungal according to recording label directions before problem becomes austere and comply directions precisely , not escape any need treatment . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and take away all leaf , flowers , or detritus in the nightfall and demolish . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungus or bacteria . Brown or disastrous spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water souse or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , rainfall , foul garden tool , or even people can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infected leave when the plant life is dry . Leaves that collect around the root of the plant life should be skim up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil point . For fungal leafage spot , apply a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insect , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide multifariousness of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales creeping until they discover a in effect feeding site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its tough shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce back talk part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to jaundiced foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plant away from those that are not infest . confabulate your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control condition . Encourage instinctive foe such as bloodsucking wasp in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave and stem of the plant . The best style to see to it sooty mold is to master the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be pass over from leaf with a dampish cloth or moisten away with a hose - end sprayer .
