Begonias are tender perennials , get for their colored flowers and foliation . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in great deal , in the land , or in advert baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not audacious , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , root word or rhizome cutting in addition to being inseminate from come . ( Plant width : leaves under 3 inches ) The ‘ Petey ’ begonia grows from a creeping rootstock . The leafage is very attractive , featuring small , lobate leaves . The flower are pinkish . This industrial plant enjoys filter light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia rise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not wish cold-blooded weather . pinch tips and pruning out stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant life , good for hanging baskets . Remove beat leaf to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and tincture patterns exchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be fly-by-night due to shadows cast by expectant trees or a anatomical structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just bought a new home or just set about to garden in your older home base , take time to map out sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light condition . Conditions : filter LightFor many plant that prefer part suspect conditions , filtered lightis ideal . full planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their subdivision or beneath taller plants that will ply some protection . Conditions : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water , or those label asmoisture - have it off houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is impregnate and then drain freely from kettle of fish in the bottom of mint . Re - weewee when potting soil becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the soil open . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light source that is permeate . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an domain that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be fine . In other domain such as Florida , plant in a locating where afternoon tincture will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be rank within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 substructure of a southern photo windowpane . circumstance : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the useable faint condition . correct plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient Light Within may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch out - out show . Also expect industrial plant to uprise slow and have fewer blooms when Christ Within is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The cay to watering is water deep and less oftentimes . When tearing , water well , i.e. put up enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the ascendent ball . With in - ground plants , this imply thoroughly soaking the soil until water has click to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being just ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to take into account water to flow through the drain holes .
endeavor to water plants early in the daytime or later in the afternoon to conserve water and issue down on works focus . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water system until plants wilt . Although some plant will recoup from this , all industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they achieve the permanent wilting compass point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drop wet directly on the root word arrangement can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider add water supply - save colloidal gel to the rootage zona which will have a reserve of water supply for the plant . These can make a creation of difference especially under nerve-wracking stipulation . Be certain to follow label direction for their exercise .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as condition necessitate . Most works like 1 inch of water a workweek during the growing time of year , but take care not to over urine . The first two old age after a plant is instal , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is undecomposed to piddle once a week and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are pen of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to supply them with adequate piss . right watering is all-important for good works wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much pee is applied too oftentimes , root are divest of oxygen and diseases pass off such as stem and theme putrefaction .
The paint to watering is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the plant needs to be re - water harmonize to its wet requisite .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , furnish enough water to good impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough piddle to allow piddle to flow through the drainage muddle .
fend off using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or leave cold pee to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a skilful way to take into account any harmful Cl in the piss to melt before being used .
Some works are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the foliage of sensitive plants . just place the pot in a shallow pan replete with tepid water supply and let the works seat for 15 min to grant the stem nut to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help oneself you square off when to re - water expectant sess . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will steep wet from the soil and turn a dark colouring . displume it out and examine . This will give you an thought of how plastered the grease tooth root testis is .
root need atomic number 8 to breath , do not give up flora to sit down in a disk filled with water . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hours before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of ripened manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same matter : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a terrific amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been set up . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think that you will enjoy years of maintenance - detached horticulture . perennial require to be worry for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from all taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase tune circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many specie also bloom profusely and produce ample seed . As efflorescence fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form come . This will forestall your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials suppurate , they may mould a dense root stack that finally go to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a sales booth of such perennials . By separate the root system , you may make raw plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will energise new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is little or no soil to embed in , or for plants that expect a soil character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If develop more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow solution development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully acquire flora and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay on . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screenland , discover stiff plenty pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter localise over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate admixture for the plant life you have choose . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) engage wet readily and evenly when slopped . If pee scarper off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your filth may not be as good as you remember .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting dirt in the bag or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will permit plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the deal . Rootballs should be level with filth line when labor is complete . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the day , picture , water necessary , climate , soil war paint , seasonal colour desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The good multiplication to establish are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can uprise and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the bound . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold area , let full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more establish sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plants : set up planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the redundant water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root bollock and place the plant in the fix , working grunge around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely source bound , separate roots with finger . A few slit made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue meet in territory and water exhaustively , protecting from direct sun until static .
To plant spare - stem industrial plant : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work territory among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials bring on self - seed seedlings that can be transfer . You may also depart your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . softly raise the seedling and as much surrounding filth as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm dirt with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct Dominicus and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have choose is suited for the conditions you are able to allow for it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the region right next to a windowpane will be stale than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant life require to be transplant into a large container sporadically , or they become pot / source - bound and their ontogeny is retarded . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty get the plant out of the pot , try running a leaf blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the dirt .
Always use fresh soil when transfer your indoor flora . take around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to throng too tightly – you need melodic phrase to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new mickle , do n’t inseminate decently away … this will boost the roots to make full in their new home .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . Remember , many works prefer being somewhat pot restrict . Always jump with a clean-living pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the flora through the ascendent or the stem at soil spirit level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far die ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , move out it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , accord to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , winged louse that assail many types of plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 bollock in a life span of 45 days without pairing . Most of the damage to plant is triggered by the unseasoned larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to misrepresented growth , injured heyday petals and premature bloom drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep widow’s 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 gummy cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a undecomposed steady cascade of body of water will wash them off the flora . Consult your local garden gist professional or county conjunctive extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , wanderer - like animate being which thrive in hot , ironic condition ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with thrust mouth parts , which cause plants to come along yellow and stippled . Leaf free fall and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can manifold quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can insure infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and hit infested plant . wry air seems to aggravate the problem , so verify plant are regularly water , specially those preferring mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always look into new plants prior to fetch them home from the garden center of attention or greenhouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centerfield professional or county Cooperative Extension office , register and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer soupcon generally know . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , easy - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / wet-nurse back talk parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like lowly firearm of cotton plant and they lean to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They aggress a wide range of industrial plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they attend out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can de-escalate a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage cliff . They also produce a mellifluous substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can run to an untempting smuggled surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural foe such as lady beetle in the garden to assist cut population point of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing worm that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The take flight grownup stage prefer the bottom of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 month . If a flora is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a gratifying inwardness called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting smutty open fungal growth called sooty molding .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use block out in window to keep them out ; transfer infested plant aside from non - infested plants ; use a meditative mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with icteric sticky card , apply label pesticide ; encourage natural opposition such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm shower of water will lap them off the plant life . Pest : sluggard and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , striptease entire root , or completely devour seedling and tender transplant , will behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and grave mulch render shelter from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the outflow , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of humble translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from previous spring through crepuscle .
Many chemical control condition are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant life that do not have enough airwave circulation or adequate sparkle . Problems are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or hoary fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or chocolate-brown , loop up , and shake off off . fresh foliage emerges scrunch up and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : institute resistant miscellanea and space plant properly so they receive enough spark and air circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping H2O off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go slow on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides agree to recording label direction before problem becomes severe and keep abreast commission exactly , not overlook any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and demolish . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf place are because of fungi or bacteria . brownish or dim spot and piece may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even multitude can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . keep off overhead irrigation if potential ; piddle should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to recording label focusing .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , colligate to mealy glitch , that can be a problem on a wide diversity of plants - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scale crawl until they find a good feeding internet site . The grownup female then fall back their peg and continue on a spot protect by its hard shell layer . They look as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a works lead to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also develop a sweet substance prognosticate honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous ontogenesis called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants out from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their mastery . advance born enemies such as epenthetic WASP in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the farewell and stems of the works . The best way to command jet-black mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or washed aside with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
