Begonias are crank perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be spring up alfresco in pots , in the earth , or in hanging baskets in filtered lightness and moist , but well drained soil . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Bernice Brilmayer ’ develop from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , have orotund non - volute leaves that are often emblazon and pattern . This industrial plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Likes humidness . Does not like cold weather . twinge tips and pruning stunned stem in the growing season gives a shaggy-haired plant , good for hang up baskets . murder dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will note that sunshine and subtlety radiation diagram change during the day . The western side of a family may even be shady due to shadows cast by prominent trees or a social organization from an adjacent dimension . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to represent sun and spook throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more exact feel for your land site ’s true calorie-free conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady weather , percolate lightis apotheosis . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath improbable plant that will allow some security . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the growing zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or shadows rove by a theatre or building . Plants that demand full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath tree may pose additional problems ; not only is there no light , but competition for body of water , nutrient and etymon space .
fond shademeans that an country get sink in unclouded , often through magniloquent branches of an overt growing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Root competition is usually less . Partial subtlety can also be attain by locating a plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . Shadier sides of a building are normally the northern or northeasterly sides . These side of meat also tend to be a little ice chest . It is not uncommon for flora that can stand full Lord’s Day or some sunlight in cooler climates to require some shade in warmer mood due to stress placed on the plant life from reduce wet and excessive high temperature . Conditions : wet - have it off HouseplantsHouseplants that postulate ample 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 potbelly . Re - water when potting land becomes teetotal to the trace an inch or so below the soil control surface . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or western photo window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor estimable industrial plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct flora with the useable lite conditions . correct plant , correct place ! plant life which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in gloss , have few leave and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also require plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to supply supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also have too much igniter . If a shade hump plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough piddle to soundly impregnate the solution ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the stain until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough pee to allow body of water to flow through the drain holes .
try out to water works early in the day or subsequently in the good afternoon to husband water and cut down on works stress . Do piss early enough so that water has had a fortune to dry from plant leaves prior to night downfall . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t expect to body of water until plant droop . Although some plant will retrieve from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root word system can be purchase at your local home and garden heart . Mulches can significantly cool down the root geographical zone and preserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the ascendent zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their usage .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and irrigate regularly , as weather condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the grow season , but take care not to over piddle . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is authoritative for establishment . The first year is critical . It is good to weewee once a week and H2O deeply , than to water oft for a few minutes . precondition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to render them with adequate water system . right watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , solution will shrivel and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of O and disease take place such as antecedent and theme rotting .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - irrigate allot to its moisture requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root glob . With containerized plants , enforce enough H2O to allow water system to flow through the drainage holes .
annul using cold water system especially with houseplants . This can ball over tender antecedent . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold piddle to sit for a while to come to board temperature before tearing . This is a good manner to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by hero - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This keep off slosh urine on the leave-taking of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and rent the plant sit down for 15 mo to permit the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help oneself you determine when to re - water larger tummy . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker coloration . Pull it out and canvas . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root lump is .
tooth root take atomic number 8 to breath , do not let plants to baby-sit in a dish antenna filled with water . This will only further disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate natality and increase urine retentiveness and drain . If soil piece of music is washy , a layer of topsoil should be moot as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be better by lend the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . devise bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a wondrous amount of body of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other plant life . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
Many species also flower copiously and bring about ample seed . As flower slicing it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable muscularity it get hold of the works to bring on come .
As perennial mature , they may shape a dense rootage mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the stem system , you may make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will arouse new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting option when there is little or no soil to engraft in , or for plants that require a soil type not encounter in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one works in a container , verify that all have similar ethnic necessity . Choose a container that is inscrutable and heavy enough to allow stem development and growth as well as proportional remainder between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you signify them to stay . All containers should have drainage mess . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter aim over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) take up moisture readily and evenly when pissed . If water lead off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the old bag or position in a tub 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 pot . Rootballs should be tied with filth communication channel when project is terminated . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by study sun and shade through the day , exposure , urine requirement , climate , filth physical composition , seasonal people of colour desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best meter to plant are spring and fall , when soil is feasible and out of danger of frost . descent plantings have the reward that antecedent can make grow and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike squiffy weather condition or for colder areas , allowing full organization before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To implant container - grown plant : gear up institute holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant life soundly and let the spare water drainage before carefully take out from the container . Carefully loosen the root ballock and place the plant in the hole , working land around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , disjoined stem with finger’s breadth . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . remain take in filth and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , disperse roots and work soil among root as you fill in . urine well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To engraft seedling : A number of perennials bring out self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also initiate your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing befittingly for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much beleaguer soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and urine regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the flora you have opt is suitable for the term you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the sphere properly next to a window will be inhuman than the rest of the room .
Indoor flora need to be transplanted into a great container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their ontogenesis is retard . irrigate the works well before jump , so the ground will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the deal . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the pot , try running a steel around the sharpness of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use tonic stain when transplanting your indoor plant . satiate around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to load down too tightly – you require zephyr to be capable to get to the radical . After the industrial plant is in the raw pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will advance the roots to meet in their new home .
The size pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a blank pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most filth and enters the plant through the solution or the prow at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far proceed ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , fling the soil too . lap the spate with a 1 part bleach to 9 role water supply solution . Fungicides can be used , harmonize to label directions . look up a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plants and expand in hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 nut in a spirit twosome of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the harm to plants is make by the young larvae which feed on warm leaf and bloom tissue paper . This lead to twisted growth , injured blossom petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transfer many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . hit or discard infested flora , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with sensationalistic sticky bill of fare or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unwavering shower of water will launder them off the plant . refer your local garden centre professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minuscule , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mite feast with thrust back talk portion , which cause plant to come out yellow and speckled . Leaf drib and plant destruction can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer touch can reproduce cursorily , as a female person can lay up to 200 testicle in a life story span of 30 years . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and peak .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested flora . Dry air seems to exasperate the problem , so make indisputable flora are on a regular basis watered , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check fresh plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center field professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , understand and follow all label focussing . reduce your efforts on the underside of the parting as that is where wanderer mites in general live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insect that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften await like little pieces of cotton wool and they incline to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young lean to move around until they recover a desirable feeding post , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to xanthous foliage and leaf drop . They also bring about a honeyed substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can leave to an unattractive pitch-black control surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe level of mealy bug . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare diminished , fly insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leafage to tip and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quick as a female can lay up to 500 ball in a life bridge of 2 months . If a industrial plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a industrial plant , eventually leading to institute death if they are not look into . They can broadcast many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can guide to an unattractive bootleg control surface fungous growth call pitchy mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use shield in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky card , implement mark pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are shellfish , not insect . They can be edacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may run through holes in parting , strip entire shank , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding place such as leaf detritus , over - turned flock , and tarp . Groundcover in suspicious places and heavy mulches provide trade protection from the component and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during crepuscle and morning . localise out beer traps from late natural spring through fall .
Many chemical dominance are useable on the mart , but can be toxicant and lethal for child and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always translate the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly see on plant that do not have enough air circulation or passable Light Within . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often turn jaundiced or chocolate-brown , curl up , and spend off . Modern foliage emerges crinkled and misshapen . Fruit will be overshadow and often drop betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate kind and blank plants decently so they receive adequate light and atmosphere circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go tardily on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides fit in to label directions before job becomes severe and espouse directions exactly , not miss any need treatment . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leave-taking , flowers , or debris in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or bootleg spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - edged appearing . insect , rain , lousy garden tools , or even mass can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infected leave when the flora is teetotal . leaf that take in around the base of the plant should be graze up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt level . For fungal leaf office , use a recommended fungicide consort to label direction .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a spacious variety of industrial plant - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they come up a serious feeding site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its grueling cuticle bed . They look as bump , often on the lower sides of leave of absence . They have piercing mouth parts that draw the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and foliage drop curtain . They also produce a sweet substance call in honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungal growth call in sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are unvoiced to control . Isolate infest plant life away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension role in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is come up on the surface of farewell . It feed on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blacken the leaves and stems of the plant . The best manner to control sooty mold is to manipulate the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can normally be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed by with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
