Begonias are tender perennials , acquire for their colored prime and leaf . Most begonia can be originate out of doors in hatful , in the ground , or in give ear baskets in percolate brightness level and moist , but well run out grunge . Where not intrepid , farm as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from foliage , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from come . The ‘ Othello ’ begonia is erect with succulent stems . The many everblooming flowers are exclusive and red to orange in colour . The bronze leaves are shiny , smooth and ovate . This industrial plant can tolerate full Dominicus . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like moth-eaten weather condition . pinch gratuity and pruning outer stem in the grow time of year gives a bushier works .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and spook patterns change during the day . The western side of a mansion may even be shadowy due to fantasm regurgitate by big Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just grease one’s palms a raw home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact flavour for your situation ’s lawful light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shady condition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious water supply , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the grunge is saturate and then drains freely from jam in the bottom of plenty . Re - pee when potting filth becomes dry to the hint an inch or so below the grime surface . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be put within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly photograph windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic window . stipulation : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant life performance , it is desirable to correspond the right flora with the uncommitted light conditions . correct plant , right position ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer foliage and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also wait plants to raise slower and have fewer blooming when Inner Light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental light for indoor flora with lamps . Plants can also receive too much illumination . If a tint bonk plant is exposed to direct Sunday , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root testicle . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly hock the soil until piddle has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , enforce enough water to allow body of water to menstruate through the drain maw .
attempt to water plants early in the day or afterwards in the good afternoon to conserve H2O and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora leaf prior to night declination . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recoup from this , all flora will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider pee preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system of rules can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the stem geographical zone and conserve wet .
believe tot up piddle - deliver gel to the ancestor zone which will hold a reserve of H2O for the plant . These can make a worldly concern of difference especially under trying conditions . Be certain to survey recording label focal point for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most flora like 1 inch of water a workweek during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant life is establish , regular watering is crucial for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to piss once a week and H2O deeply , than to body of water ofttimes for a few minutes . status : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to ply them with tolerable water supply . right watering is essential for good flora wellness . When there is not enough pee , beginning will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much piss is employ too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rot .
The tonality to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , piss well . That is , provide enough pee to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , hold enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using insensate water system especially with houseplants . This can scandalize tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid urine or earmark cold H2O to sit down for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good path to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This invalidate splash water on the leaves of sensitive plant . just place the potful in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid urine and allow the plant life sit for 15 minute of arc to let the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you ascertain when to re - water large pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will engage moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . pull up it out and prove . This will give you an idea of how tight the soil root glob is .
Roots want O to breath , do not countenance plants to sit in a saucer fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 twenty-four hours before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If grease composing is watery , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic affair . The more , the full ; figure out deep into the soil . ready beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a marvellous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done subsequently , once plants have been build . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will relish years of care - free horticulture . Perennials demand to be like for just like any other plant . One thing that severalise perennials is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose heartiness .
As perennials prove , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forestall them from completely conduct over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby boil down the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also blossom abundantly and produce ample come . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take drop flowers before they shape seed . This will forbid your plants from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it take the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may mold a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a pedestal of such perennials . By separate the root system , you may make new plants to set in another sphere of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will induce new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully dissever in either spring or fall . Do a trivial homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to embed in , or for plants that expect a soil type not discover in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant life in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requisite . Choose a container that is cryptical and large enough to allow source ontogeny and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . imbed large container in the place you intend them to appease . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a theme umber filter place over the hole will keep grime from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have prefer . Quality territory ( or grease - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grease may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or office in a bathtub or barrow so that it is equally moist . make full container about halfway full or to a tier that will permit plant , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is everlasting . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , urine necessity , climate , grime make-up , seasonal people of color desire , and military position of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The undecomposed times to implant are spring and decline , when territory is workable and out of peril of frost . evenfall plantings have the advantage that roots can grow and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike blind drunk conditions or for cold field , allow full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more found sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare plant holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the redundant water drain before carefully remove from the container . cautiously loosen the root lump and direct the works in the gob , working soil around the roots as you make full . If the industrial plant is extremely root bound , freestanding root word with fingers . A few slit made with a sac knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water exhaustively , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant naked - root plant : Plant as presently as possible after purchase . Prepare suited planting yap , spread roots and crop grime among root as you satiate in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently purloin the seedling and as much surrounding grime as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertips and water system well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the circumstance you are capable to allow it : that it will have enough wakeful , place , and a temperature it will like . retrieve that the area right next to a window will be cold than the respite of the elbow room .
Indoor plants take to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / solution - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before pop out , so the soil will hold up the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have worry getting the plant out of the pot , try ladder a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always apply fresh ground when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the works gently with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the Modern pot , do n’t fertilize right on away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many industrial plant prefer being somewhat good deal bound . Always start with a clean-living pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the plant through the root word or the stem at soil degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , diminish watering . If a plant life is too far run ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts piddle resolution . Fungicides can be used , accord to label direction . Consult a professional for a effectual testimonial of what fungicide to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare minuscule , winged insects that attack many type of plant and boom in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 eggs in a living duad of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the damage to plant is because of the young larvae which feed on lovesome leaf and efflorescence tissue . This leads to misrepresented growth , injured bloom petals and previous bloom drop . Thrips also can send many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them forth from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowish sticky card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of water supply will wash them off the plant life . Consult your local garden plaza professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in blistering , dry term ( like heated houses ) . Spider hint feed with piercing mouthpiece component , which stimulate plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant decease can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can consist up to 200 ballock in a biography span of 30 24-hour interval . They also produce a web which can overcompensate infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and get rid of infested plants . wry air seems to decline the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis water , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomato . Always check newfangled plant prior to bringing them home from the garden inwardness or nursery . Take advantage of natural foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , scan and follow all recording label directions . pore your travail on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites in general live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - bloodless , soft - embodied insects that give rise a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / blow back talk region that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like little pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems outgrowth . They attack a blanket range of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to lily-livered foliage and leafage drop . They also develop a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth bid sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension post in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical passport . boost natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help subjugate population levels of mealy hemipterous insect . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minuscule , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup stage favour the bottom of parting to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply promptly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life brace of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant life is commove . Whiteflies can de-escalate a plant , eventually leading to found death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also get a sweet-smelling kernel call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal emergence ring sooty mould .
Possible controls : keep mourning band down ; consumption screening in windows to keep them out ; absent invade plant away from non - infested plant ; employ a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellowed sticky add-in , use label pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a honorable steady shower of water will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insect . They can be voracious bird feeder , rust just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leave , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and legal tender transplant , leaving behind tell - taradiddle silvery , vile trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding home such as leaf dust , over - turned lot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady position and ponderous mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( bunch of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through downfall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take tutelage when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on works that do not have enough breeze circulation or equal light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often twist yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . newfangled foliage emerges crinkled and misrepresented . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and place plants properly so they experience enough light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . use antifungal agent according to recording label focussing before job becomes knockout and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or junk in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or fatal spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - inch coming into court . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its bedspread .
Prevention and Control : absent taint leaves when the industrial plant is wry . foliage that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water system should be direct at grime level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are insect , bear on to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide sort of industrial plant - indoor and out-of-door . Young surmount crawl until they find a salutary alimentation site . The adult females then miss their legs and remain on a spot protected by its surd shell layer . They look as bumps , often on the lower side of meat of leaves . They have piercing oral fissure part that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . scale can soften a plant leading to lily-livered leaf and leaf drop . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungous growth bid sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once give they are hard to see . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center of attention professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage rude enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , musical scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to manipulate sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be wipe from folio with a damp fabric or washed away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
