Begonias are sensitive perennial , grown for their colourful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be produce alfresco in pots , in the earth , or in hang basket in permeate light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , maturate as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk cut in addition to being sow in from seed . Correct name for this plant is Begonia conchifolia variety rubrimacula . The ‘ Zip ’ begonia grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliation is very attractive , sport medium - sized , quiet , unincised leaves . The many flowers are whitened and bloom wintertime through bound . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - establish compost also . wish humidness . Hardy . Does not care cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning proscribed stem in the growing time of year yield a shaggy industrial plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove deadened foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and specter patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be funny due to shadows honk by expectant trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new family or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the daytime . You will get a more exact feel for your internet site ’s true light condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to prominent sized tree that allow some light through their offshoot or beneath taller industrial plant that will provide some tribute . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample H2O , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironic to the touch an inch or so below the soil Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as stiff as afternoon sun , can be study part sun or part shade . If you survive in an sphere that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a placement where afternoon shade will be get . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern picture windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor better plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , good place ! plant life which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer farewell and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also await plant to turn dull and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary kindling for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also experience too much brightness level . If a subtlety loving industrial plant is exposed to unmediated Sunday , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is weewee profoundly and less oftentimes . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the ascendant nut . With in - soil plant life , this imply thoroughly soaking the soil until water has imbue to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough urine to grant water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to irrigate plants early on in the twenty-four hour period or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on industrial plant strain . Do pee early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night capitulation . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t look to water until industrial plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they strain the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which lento dribble wet directly on the root organisation can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider add weewee - saving colloidal gel to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a cosmos of departure especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be sure to follow label direction for their function .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as shape require . Most plant life like 1 inch of water a week during the grow time of year , but take caution not to over H2O . The first two years after a plant life is instal , regular lachrymation is of import for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and pee deeply , than to body of water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water system so it crucial to supply them with adequate urine . Proper tearing is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , root word will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too often , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease go on such as root word and stem bunkum .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water accord to its moisture necessity .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough piddle to exhaustively impregnate the rootage chunk . With containerized plants , practice enough water to permit water to flow through the drain holes .
void using cold water specially with houseplants . This can appall tender origin . filling watering can with tepid piddle or permit stale water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good room to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well water by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This quash splashing water on the leave-taking of sensitive plants . merely place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 transactions to earmark the theme ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and take into account sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . stay put it into the soil clump & hold back 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the land root ball is .
theme ask atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plant life to sit down in a saucer filled with body of water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of cured manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is debile , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or cadaver , it can be improved by summate the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the in force ; work late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been lay down . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of maintenance - gratuitous gardening . perennial need to be care for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be participating raiser that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose dynamism .
As perennials establish , it is important to rationalize them back and thin them out now and again . This will preclude them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many metal money also flower profusely and produce copious seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they form seed . This will preclude your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable push it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a slow root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organisation , you’re able to make fresh plant life to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either fountain or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for works that require a land case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If develop more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to permit tooth root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed works and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain gob . A mesh screen , broken clay kitty pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from rinse out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant life you have chosen . Quality grease ( or soil - less medias ) engulf moisture readily and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an index that your dirt may not be as estimable as you recall .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a grade that will allow flora , when plant , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil business line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , exposure , body of water requirements , climate , territory makeup , seasonal color trust , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to found are spring and downslope , when soil is workable and out of danger of Robert Frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the leaping . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for colder area , give up full organisation before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless establish a more shew sized works .
To plant container - develop plants : Prepare establish holes with appropriate profoundness and blank space between . Water the plant thoroughly and get the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously undo the rootage glob and place the plant in the hole , working territory around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely source ricochet , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . uphold filling in land and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Dominicus until static .
To found stripped - root plants : Plant as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work dirt among antecedent as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated Sunday until stable .
To plant seedlings : A bit of perennial grow self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplantation . organize suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . softly plagiarise the seedling and as much smother soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten grease with fingertip and H2O well . Shade from verbatim Dominicus and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . think that the area decent next to a windowpane will be colder than the repose of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become deal / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the plenty . If you have fuss draw the plant life out of the sens , assay running a vane around the edge of the stack , and softly whacking the side to loosen the dirt .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . sate around the industrial plant mildly with soil , being careful not to compact too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new mint , do n’t fertilize flop away … this will encourage the roots to sate in their new home .
The size passel you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . Remember , many flora prefer being somewhat commode bound . Always part with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the stain too . Wash the weed with a 1 part bleach to 9 role body of water solution . antimycotic agent can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged insect that attack many types of plants and thrive in live , teetotal condition ( like heated houses ) . They can breed apace as a female can dwell up to 300 eggs in a life history span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plant is due to the young larva which feed on cranky leaf and bloom tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured bloom petals and premature peak drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep pot down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of innate enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady shower of pee will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension phone government agency for effectual chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare low , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in live , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider hint feed with piercing mouth parting , which make plants to appear yellow and specked . Leaf drop and works death can happen with fleshy plague . Spider speck can reproduce speedily , as a female can lay up to 200 ball in a animation span of 30 24-hour interval . They also raise a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and bump off infested plant . Dry melodic line seems to decline the problem , so make certain plant are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check off unexampled plants prior to land them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take vantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden sum professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where spider mite more often than not live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - embodied insect that make a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / go down on mouthpiece division that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften face like little pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide grasp of plants . The untested tend to move around until they find a desirable feeding smear , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can weaken a plant extend to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance send for honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive bleak surface fungous ontogenesis called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage instinctive enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population stage of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insect that look like tiny moth , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup stage favor the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life-time span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the industrial plant is vex . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually go to plant death if they are not checked . They can transfer many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a scented inwardness called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants forth from non - infested plants ; use a broody mulch ( aluminium hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with icteric sticky card , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of piss will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat golf hole in leave , strip integral stems , or whole devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , ugly trails .
bar and controller : Keep your garden as clear as possible , eliminating hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide aegis from the component and can be favorite hiding places . In the springiness , police for and demolish eggs ( clusters of small translucent heavens ) and adult during crepuscle and morning . congeal out beer bunker from former spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the grocery store , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and positron emission tomography ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are quick and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of folio or fruit . Leaves will often turn chickenhearted or brown , kink up , and drop off . Modern foliage emerges crisp and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and blank space plants decently so they receive tolerable light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . practice fungicides accord to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and observe management exactly , not lose any required handling . Sanitation is a must - clean up and slay all leaves , flowers , or debris in the twilight and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are due to fungi or bacterium . chocolate-brown or black berth and spell may be either ragged or circular , with a piss soak or yellow - border visual aspect . insect , rain , dirty garden tool , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave-taking when the plant is teetotal . leaf that compile around the radix of the plant life should be graze up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; weewee should be channelise at soil level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a good eating site . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a stain protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as excrescence , often on the humble sides of leaves . They have piercing oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can counteract a plant leading to yellowed leaf and leaf cliff . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can precede to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once found they are hard to contain . Isolate overrun plants off from those that are not infested . confer with your local garden nub professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . Encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is bump on the surface of leaves . It run on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , exfoliation , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the foliage and staunch of the plant . The best way to control jet mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty molding can normally be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
