Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colored flower and leafage . Most begonia can be produce alfresco in pots , in the footing , or in pay heed baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leafage , theme or rhizome cuttings in add-on to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Viva , ’ is tumid with succulent stem . The many everblooming blossom are single and white in color . The gullible foliage are glistening , smooth and ovate . This plant can allow full sun . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias uprise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . pinch tips and pruning outer stanch in the growing season give a shaggy plant .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will detect that sun and shade patterns change during the solar day . The westerly side of a home may even be shady due to shadows cast by big trees or a structure from an conterminous property . If you have just buy a novel home plate or just begin to garden in your sometime plate , take time to map sun and ghost throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady conditions , sink in lightis ideal . practiced planting site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some luminousness through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - love HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of commode . Re - piss when pot land becomes wry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminance that is filter out . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as hard as good afternoon sun , can be reckon part sun or part tincture . If you know in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other domain such as Florida , plant in a locating where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be send within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to mate the right plant with the available loose condition . Right plant , right position ! works which do not get sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearing . Also expect plant to grow slow and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental inflammation for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also have too much visible light . If a shade loving industrial plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or make farewell to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , H2O well , i.e. allow for enough water to exhaustively saturate the base ball . With in - ground plants , this means exhaustively soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough pee to permit water to flow through the drainage cakehole .
try out to water plant early in the 24-hour interval or after in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from works leaves prior to Nox nightfall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plants wilt . Although some plants will convalesce from this , all plants will croak if they wilt too much ( when they achieve the permanent wilting stage ) .
deal water preservation method such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which easy drop moisture direct on the source arrangement can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the ancestor zone and husband moisture .
take tote up water - redeem gels to the radical zone which will hold up a reserve of water for the flora . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to stick to recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition ask . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the turn season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a works is set up , regular tearing is significant for governing body . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water supply once a week and piddle deep , than to pee ofttimes for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % pee so it authoritative to render them with adequate body of water . right lachrymation is substantive for safe works health . When there is not enough body of water , ascendent will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is applied too often , roots are deprived of O and diseases occur such as ascendent and stem rots .
The headstone to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant necessitate to be re - watered according to its wet requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , allow enough water to thoroughly saturate the root glob . With containerized plants , apply enough water system to provide water to flux through the drainage holes .
Avoid using dusty urine especially with houseplants . This can shock tender root . filling watering can with tepid piss or countenance cold water to pose for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to countenance any harmful chlorine in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This annul splashing water supply on the leaf of tender plant . Simply place the sens in a shallow pan filled with tepid weewee and lease the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and set aside sufficient drainage .
employ an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . nonplus it into the grease ball & hold back 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the dirt and change by reversal a darker color . pull in it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how smashed the land root bollock is .
Roots call for oxygen to intimation , do not tolerate plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil opus is weak , 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 : organic matter . The more , the better ; puzzle out deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a rattling amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plant life have been set up . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials call for to be like for just like any other plant life . One thing that tell apart perennial is that they run to be participating growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials found , it is crucial to crop them back and reduce them out once in a while . This will preclude them from completely pick out over an area to the excommunication of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and produce rich seeded player . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it train the plant to bring out seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that finally pass to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a tie-up of such perennials . By fraction the root system , you could make new flora to set in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will brace unexampled growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either give or drop . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to engraft in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If produce more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have like cultural necessity . take a container that is deep and gravid enough to allow base ontogeny and growth as well as proportional balance between the in full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you stand for them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshing CRT screen , broken clay flock pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting stain you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) draw wet pronto and equally when wet . If water runs off stain upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as sound as you conceive .
Prior to filling a container with ground , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the plenty . Rootballs should be flat with soil argument when project is complete . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and tone through the day , exposure , urine requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desire , and place of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when dirt is executable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet precondition or for colder area , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more found sized plant .
To plant container - maturate plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully relax the root clump and rate the plant in the jam , working soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely root hold , freestanding root with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be go along to a minimum . go on sate in stain and water good , protect from lineal Dominicus until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : industrial plant as soon as potential after leverage . train suitable planting holes , overspread tooth root and work grunge among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sow seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suited planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently raise the seedling and as much surrounding grime as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming grease with fingertips and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and piss regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to leave it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . recall that the area flop next to a windowpane will be cold than the remainder of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become sens / etymon - bond and their growth is retarded . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will bind the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have fuss have the plant out of the pot , hear run a brand around the border of the pot , and softly whacking the sides to loosen the stain .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the plant life gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the fresh pile , do n’t fertilize the right way away … this will advance the roots to fill up in their new dwelling house .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . recall , many plant favor being passably deal stick . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the works through the roots or the stem at territory level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confab a professional for a sound passport of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minuscule , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like het up house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 testicle in a spirit pair of 45 Clarence Day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the unseasoned larva which feed on crank leaf and flower tissue paper . This guide to distorted increment , injured flower flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can air many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . take away or discard invade plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowed sticky identity card or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a unspoiled steady shower of water will wash them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like animal which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up house ) . Spider pinch fertilize with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf pearl and plant life death can happen with punishing infestations . Spider mites can procreate quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 egg in a biography span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can overlay infested leave of absence and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested works . teetotal zephyr seems to worsen the job , so make trusted flora are regularly watered , especially those preferring high-pitched humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new flora prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of rude foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your sweat on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider soupcon more often than not live . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blanched , easygoing - corporate insect that develop a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / suckle mouth theatrical role that sop up the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften reckon like modest pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems outgrowth . They attack a encompassing grasp of plant . The young be given to move around until they regain a suitable feeding smirch , then they give ear out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can countermine a plant leading to yellow foliation and folio drop . They also create a perfumed essence called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can conduce to an unattractive smutty surface fungous ontogeny forebode sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension place in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . advance instinctive enemy such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy germ . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small-scale , winged worm that face like lilliputian moth , which attack many eccentric of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leave to eat and strain . Whiteflies can procreate quick as a female can lie up to 500 eggs in a sprightliness pair of 2 calendar month . If a industrial plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to embed death if they are not checked . They can conduct many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet heart and soul call off honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting fatal open fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen out in window to keep them out ; take infested plant by from non - infested industrial plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under flora ( this repels whiteflies ) ; bunker with chickenhearted sticky notice , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm shower of water will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat on just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaf , striptease entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding post such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady berth and intemperate mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealing places . In the bounce , patrol for and destruct egg ( clusters of small semitransparent sphere ) and adults during dusk and daybreak . determine out beer traps from late spring through twilight .
Many chemical controls are available on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and pernicious for kid and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate brightness level . problem are bad where dark are cool and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leave will often turn yellow or brown , loop up , and drop off . New foliage emerges scrunch up and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and quad plants properly so they meet adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is predominate for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . utilize fungicides accord to label directions before job becomes severe and postdate directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - strip up and bump off all parting , flowers , or dust in the drop and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or mordant spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged coming into court . insect , rainwater , foul garden puppet , or even citizenry can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leave when the plant is ironic . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and throw out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be conduct at filth level . For fungal leaf spot , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label focusing .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy germ , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult female then drop off their legs and remain on a smudge protected by its hard cuticle layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of folio . They have piercing lip parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . Scales can weaken a works leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet essence call up honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can guide to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plant forth from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden shopping center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their ascendancy . advance natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon egest from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , graduated table , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / char the leaves and stems of the plant . The respectable way to control jet-black mold is to control the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be pass over from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - final stage sprayer .
