Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be develop outdoors in grass , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not intrepid , develop as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be circularize from leaf , theme or rhizome cutting in addition to being sow from seed . The cultivar , ‘ King Henry VII ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized , non - spiral farewell that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . care humidity . Hardy . Does not wish cold weather condition . Pinching crest and pruning tabu stanch in the growing season gives a shaggy-coated industrial plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will mark that Dominicus and shadowiness radiation pattern change during the daylight . The western side of a household may even be shadowy due to shadows vagabond by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to represent sun and shadiness throughout the day . You will get a more accurate tone for your site ’s true unclouded conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially umbrageous atmospheric condition , filter lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to big sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some Christ Within through their branches or beneath taller plants that will bring home the bacon some protection . status : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require rich water , or those labeled asmoisture - sleep together houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of crapper . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironical to the touch an inch or so below the soil aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour lighting that is sink in . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often cockcrow Dominicus , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part spook . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . condition : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western photo window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . correct industrial plant , correct place ! plant which do not pick up sufficient light may become pale in coloring material , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out visual aspect . Also expect flora to produce tiresome and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide auxiliary inflammation for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade bed plant is exposed to lineal sun , it may droop and/or have leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly saturate the ascendent ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until piddle has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow urine to flow through the drain holes .
adjudicate to irrigate plant life early in the day or later in the good afternoon to preserve water and cut down on plant tension . Do urine betimes enough so that urine has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will convalesce from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider H2O conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento drip moisture forthwith on the antecedent system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the ascendent zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding pee - salvage gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of urine for the plant . These can make a world of remainder especially under stressful condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept 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 aid not to over water . The first two yr after a plant life is installed , unconstipated lachrymation is crucial for establishment . The first year is critical . It is proficient to water once a workweek and weewee deeply , than to water frequently for a few second . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % H2O so it important to ply them with adequate pee . right lachrymation is crucial for in effect works health . When there is not enough water , etymon will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as solution and stem bunk .
The headstone to lacrimation is frequency . urine well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - watered harmonize to its wet requirement .
When watering , piss well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water to soundly impregnate the root egg . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water to give up body of water to flow through the drainage kettle of fish .
void using cold water especially with houseplant . This can outrage tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid piddle or earmark moth-eaten water to sit for a while to hail to room temperature before tearing . This is a honest way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by U-boat - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids slush water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the tidy sum in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root clump to be thoroughly wet . Take out and reserve sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water big pots . Stick it into the filth ball & look 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the stain and turn a darker color . Pull it out and canvas . This will give you an idea of how fuddled the soil root clod is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer replete with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of elderly manure or compost and workplace into the planting land site to meliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If dirt composition is imperfect , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be better by adding the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the dirt . train bed to an 18 inch thick for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of sustenance - free gardening . Perennials demand to be like for just like any other works . One matter that make out perennials is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be thin out out now and again or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to rationalise them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an field to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower abundantly and produce copious seed . As efflorescence fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spent bloom before they form germ . This will foreclose your industrial plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant life to bring forth seed .
As perennials mature , they may take shape a thick ascendant deal that finally leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a point of view of such perennials . By dissever the root system , you’re able to make young flora to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is petty or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a filth character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If uprise more than one industrial plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirement . select a container that is deep and large enough to permit root maturation and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the spot you intend them to stick around . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , bust clay pile pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee berry filter direct over the golf hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet pronto and evenly when wet . If water run off ground upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your grease may not be as good as you recall .
Prior to make full a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or piazza in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fulfil container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant life , when embed , to be just below the flange of the green goddess . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil line when labor is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and wraith through the 24-hour interval , exposure , water demand , climate , soil composition , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best clip to found are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . capitulation plantings have the advantage that roots can acquire and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike pixilated conditions or for colder domain , set aside full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most flora , unless set a more establish sized plant .
To set container - grown plants : develop planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and get the supererogatory water supply drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and rank the works in the hole , exploit soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant life is exceedingly source bounce , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a sac tongue are fine , but should be kept to a lower limit . proceed fulfil in grime and water thoroughly , protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To imbed naked - source plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , distribute roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . water supply well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also set out your own seedling bed for transplanting . ready worthy planting holes , spacing befittingly for plant growing . Gently revoke the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and H2O well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough tripping , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants call for to be transpose into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is delay . irrigate the works well before starting , so the ground will admit the base ball together when you off it from the pile . If you have bother getting the plant life out of the pot , try running a blade around the bound of the pot , and mildly whop the side to relax the soil .
Always use refreshed land when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . satisfy around the works gently with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want aviation to be able to get to the base . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize powerful away … this will promote the roots to fill in their new place .
The size of it spate you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch large in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being more or less throne bind . Always start out with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and enter the flora through the root or the fore at stain horizontal surface . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , diminish watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water system solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confer a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antifungal to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that snipe many type of plants and thrive in live , dry condition ( like heated sign of the zodiac ) . They can procreate quickly as a female person can put down up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 Day without union . Most of the damage to works is cause by the young larva which feed on tender folio and bloom tissue . This leads to distorted development , injure flower flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep widow’s weeds down and apply screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow unenviable cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dependable steady shower of water system will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office staff for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like beast which thrive in hot , teetotal condition ( like het houses ) . Spider mites feed with thrust mouth parts , which have plant to appear yellowed and dotted . Leaf fall and plant death can occur with sonorous infestation . wanderer mite can multiply cursorily , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a spirit brace of 30 days . They also bring forth a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to exacerbate the problem , so ensure industrial plant are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or love apple . Always chink new plant life prior to bringing them home from the garden centerfield or nursery . Take reward of born enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centerfield professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label guidance . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites more often than not live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , deadening - white-hot , soft - corporate dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking back talk portion that imbibe the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften front like small-scale pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They assault a all-encompassing range of works . The untested tend to move around until they come up a suited eating spot , then they hang out in settlement and feed . mealybug can step down a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a angelical subject matter called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive ignominious surface fungal growth forebode coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested industrial plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical good word . promote natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help concentrate population levels of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that look like tiny moths , which set on many type of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of leafage to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 testicle in a life couple of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant is trouble . Whiteflies can soften a plant , finally leading to embed last if they are not ascertain . They can transport many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet gist call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal ontogenesis address sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weed down ; manipulation screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested plants ; utilise a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with icteric sticky cards , give labeled pesticides ; promote natural foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good stiff exhibitioner of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravening affluent , deplete just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may deplete maw in leave-taking , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and stamp transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean-living as possible , eliminating hiding stead such as leaf dust , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fishy places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destruct ballock ( clump of modest semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer hole from late outflow through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for kid and PET ; take care when using them - always learn the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plants that do not have enough airwave circulation or adequate lighter . trouble are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery whitened or gray fungus is usually discover on the upper control surface of leaves or yield . folio will often turn yellowish or chocolate-brown , curve up , and shake off off . fresh foliage emerge crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often cast too soon .
Prevention and Control : imbed resistive varieties and space plant by rights so they receive passable light and air circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping urine off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides harmonize to recording label directions before trouble becomes spartan and follow directions exactly , not overlook any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all farewell , flowers , or dust in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are induce by kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , lousy garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the al-Qaeda of the flora should be scan up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf touch , use a advocate fungicide according to label commission .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , tie in to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of flora - indoor and outdoor . Young scales Australian crawl until they find a good feeding internet site . The adult females then lose their branch and stay on a blot protect by its punishing shell bed . They appear as swelling , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant life leading to lily-livered foliage and foliage drop . They also bring out a sweet substance visit honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungous ontogeny forebode pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are strong to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a legal recommendation 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 surface of foliage . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The good means to control pitchy mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp cloth or wash forth with a hose - end sprayer .
