Begonias are tender perennials , develop for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in muckle , in the ground , or in hanging basketful in filtered light and moist , but well debilitate grime . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be disseminate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in improver to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leaves less than 4 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Sylvia ’s Sweetheart , ’ has attractive leafage with little , bare leaves . The many flowers are rose coloured . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant enjoys trickle light but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like dusty atmospheric condition . Pinching summit and pruning out stem in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hang up . Sudden temperature modification causes leaves to sink .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will point out that sunshine and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be funny due to vestige redact by big tree diagram or a bodily structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a Modern home or just beginning to garden in your old menage , take time to map Sunday and specter throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You will get a more exact feel for your web site ’s true unaccented atmospheric condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partially shadowy conditions , filtered lightis nonesuch . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that let some ignitor through their subdivision or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - lie with HouseplantsHouseplants that require plentiful water , 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 - water supply when potting soil becomes ironical to the skin senses an inch or so below the soil surface . stipulation : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often daybreak sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . circumstance : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be direct within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor in force plant life carrying into action , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . Right works , right place ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient lighting may become wan in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to mature dumb and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to leave supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . industrial plant can also encounter too much light . If a shade loving industrial plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or have leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The Florida key to lachrymation is H2O profoundly and less frequently . When watering , pee well , i.e. offer enough water to thoroughly saturate the root clump . With in - ground flora , this means thoroughly hock the land until water has dawn to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , enforce enough H2O to let water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and rationalise down on industrial plant stress . Do H2O early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to dark fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t look to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will regain from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting full point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which slowly drop moisture directly on the etymon scheme can be purchased at your local home plate and garden centre of attention . Mulches can importantly cool the root zona and keep up wet .
Consider adding water supply - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a earth of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow label counselling for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and water regularly , as condition expect . Most plants like 1 inch of water supply a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular tearing is important for constitution . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a calendar week and water profoundly , than to pee ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piss so it crucial to issue them with adequate water . Proper watering is of the essence for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rotting .
The key to watering is frequency . water supply well then hold back long enough until the plant needs to be re - water fit in to its wet requirement .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the ascendent nut . With containerized plants , use enough water supply to allow piss to flow through the drainage yap .
Avoid using moth-eaten water especially with houseplants . This can ball over tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow insensate water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a in force way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leafage of raw plant . Simply set the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and lease the plant sit for 15 minutes to grant the root testicle to be thoroughly crocked . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted dowel to facilitate you learn when to re - water larger pots . lodge it into the soil ball & expect 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and wrench a darker color . force it out and try out . This will give you an estimation of how pie-eyed the grease root ball is .
antecedent postulate atomic number 8 to breath , do not appropriate plants to sit in a saucer fill with water . This will only advertise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , bestow 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting situation to improve natality and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be think as well . No matter if your territory is gumption or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic thing . The more , the better ; work deeply into the grime . Prepare bed to an 18 inch mystifying for perennials . This will seem like a grand amount of work now , but will greatly yield off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy long time of maintenance - gratis gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thin out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennials set up , it is important to prune them back and slim them out occasionally . This will prevent them from whole taking over an area to the riddance of other plant life , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce rich source . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to dispatch spent flowers before they work seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable get-up-and-go it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials grow , they may form a slow root muckle that eventually run to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to now and again thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root arrangement , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another region of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will stir raw growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either leaping or tumble . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is short or no soil to implant in , or for plant that ask a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and turgid enough to allow root ontogeny and ontogeny as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant life and the container . Plant large container in the space you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage gob . A mesh screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter put over the hole will keep soil from lap out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant life you have prefer . Quality grime ( or grime - less medias ) soak up moisture readily and evenly when tight . If water supply runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you retrieve .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot stain in the udder or place in a tub or barrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil channel when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by conceive sun and shade through the day , pic , water requirements , mood , grime makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The proficient times to engraft are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that base can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the springtime . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike soused conditions or for colder areas , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless embed a more established sized plant .
To plant container - turn plants : set planting muddle with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the supernumerary water drain before cautiously withdraw from the container . cautiously loosen the theme bollock and place the flora in the pickle , form soil around the origin as you take . If the works is super root bind , separate roots with finger . A few pussy made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue fill in soil and water exhaustively , protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant bare - ascendant works : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . ready worthy planting pickle , spread theme and mold filth among base as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fittingly for plant development . Gently sneak the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming territory with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and H2O regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have take is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . think back that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a tumid container periodically , or they become pot / root - throttle and their growth is retard . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the land will make the root ball together when you remove it from the mountain . If you have hassle develop the plant life out of the weed , try running a leaf blade around the bound of the tummy , and gently whacking the sides to tease apart the soil .
Always employ reinvigorated soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the works is in the Modern quite a little , do n’t fecundate right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being passably heap bound . Always come out with a blank slew !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is discover in most territory and enters the works through the ascendant or the radical at soil stage . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , fling the dirt too . moisten the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water answer . Fungicides can be used , according to label direction . Consult a professional person for a effectual passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , fly insect that round many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated house ) . They can manifold quick as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life brace of 45 days without coupling . Most of the damage to plants is induce by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to misrepresented growth , wound bloom petals and previous efflorescence drop-off . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and use screening on windows to keep them out . move out or discard overrun plant life , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of H2O will rinse them off the flora . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - corresponding fauna which boom in hot , dry conditions ( like het house ) . Spider mite fee with piercing mouthpiece parts , which cause works to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drop and plant destruction can occur with heavy infestations . Spider jot can multiply quickly , as a female can rest up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 years . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry tune seems to worsen the job , so ensure plant are regularly water , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check over newfangled plants prior to take them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , understand and succeed all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the folio as that is where spider mites in the main live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dim - white , soft - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small opus of cotton and they be given to congregate where leave and stem branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they happen a suitable eating spot , then they give ear out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to jaundiced foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous growth call in sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . confer your local garden middle professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage innate enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing worm that look like tiny moth , which assail many types of plant . The flying grownup stage prefer the undersurface of leaves to feed in and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 testis in a life brace of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing dirt ball when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can counteract a plant , eventually run to plant destruction if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet content call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant surface fungal increase called sooty modeling .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; utilization screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested flora ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; yap with chickenhearted steamy cards , put on label pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a respectable unfluctuating shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusc , not insects . They can be voracious bird feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may run through holes in leaves , comic strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , wretched trails .
Prevention and ascendance : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch bring home the bacon protection from the elements and can be preferred hiding places . In the springtime , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of humble translucent spheres ) and adults during twilight and dawning . Set out beer traps from late outflow through drop .
Many chemical substance control are available on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually detect on plants that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable light . problem are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery whitened or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often move around yellow or brown , draw in up , and flatten off . New foliage come out crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : set resistive variety and blank plants properly so they have adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping piss off the foliage . This is overriding for rosebush . Go slow on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides accord to recording label directions before trouble becomes dangerous and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - strip up and remove all foliage , flowers , or rubble in the gloam and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water sop or yellow - edged show . dirt ball , rainfall , dirty garden dick , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leave when the flora is dry . foliage that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; piss should be direct at stain point . For fungous leafage blot , utilize a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide diversity of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they come up a in force alimentation site . The adult females then lose their leg and continue on a spotlight protected by its hard case stratum . They appear as gibbosity , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . musical scale can weaken a plant leading to chicken leaf and leafage drop-off . They also bring forth a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive contraband surface fungal growth called sooty mildew .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are voiceless to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden nerve center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is come up on the airfoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the foliage and stems of the plant . The estimable way to control sooty mold is to hold the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be pass over from leaves with a damp material or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
