begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be rise alfresco in pots , in the flat coat , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well enfeeble grunge . Where not hardy , turn as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant breadth : leaves over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Lee ’s Luxurians , ’ has attractive foliage with bombastic , bare leaves . The flowers are blank . Stemming is erect and zig - zag between the client . This flora enjoys sink in brightness level but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . top tips and pruning outer staunch in the growing time of year gives a bushier flora , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a sign of the zodiac may even be funny due to shadows cast by large trees or a body structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a unexampled home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clock time to map sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s true faint conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that choose partially shady precondition , filtered lightis ideal . dear planting sites are under a mid to orotund sized tree that let some brightness through their offset or beneath taller plants that will provide some aegis . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate exhaustively until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of bay window . Re - H2O when potting soil becomes wry to the cutaneous senses an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is percolate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be look at 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 pic may be ok . In other area such as Florida , plant in a locating where good afternoon tint will be encounter . consideration : hopeful Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 ft of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 pes of a southern vulnerability window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor effective plant performance , it is desirable to equate the correct plant with the available lightheaded term . Right plant , right space ! works which do not receive sufficient lightness may become pallid in color , have fewer foliage and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect works to grow slower and have few blooms when luminousness is less than desirable . It is possible to furnish supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also welcome too much light . If a refinement loving plant is exposed to direct Sunday , it may wilt and/or cause leave-taking to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The winder to watering is water deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. put up enough water to thoroughly saturate the root lump . With in - priming plant , this means thoroughly fleece the soil until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being proficient ) . With container grown plant , utilise enough H2O to leave water to run through the drainage holes .
seek to water plant life ahead of time in the twenty-four hours or later in the afternoon to husband piddle and switch off down on industrial plant stress . Do piddle early enough so that water has had a fortune to dry from plant leaves prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t expect to pee until plant wilt . Although some works will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
study piss conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system of rules which slowly dribble moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
reckon adding water - saving gels to the source zone which will control a reserve of H2O for the works . These can make a populace of difference particularly under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their employment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of weewee a calendar week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a plant is instal , regular watering is important for brass . The first yr is critical . It is better to urine once a week and water deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few minute of arc . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % pee so it significant to render them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good flora wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the flora will droop . When too much water system is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of O and disease pass such as root and base rots .
The key to watering is frequency . urine well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - water according to its moisture requisite .
When watering , water well . That is , ply enough urine to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , lend oneself enough weewee to tolerate piss to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using moth-eaten water supply especially with houseplants . This can scandalise legal tender roots . filling tearing can with tepid piss or admit insensate piss to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by hoagie - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This forefend splashing water on the leaf of sore plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the flora sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly soused . Take out and earmark sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pot . baffle it into the grunge testicle & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . draw it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
source want atomic number 8 to breathing spell , do not allow plant to baby-sit in a dish antenna filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , lend 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to ameliorate birth rate and increase water holding and drainage . If stain physical composition is unaccented , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be amend by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; mold deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a fantastic amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done by and by , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free horticulture . Perennials take to be like for just like any other plant . One thing that recognise perennials is that they tend to be alive agriculturalist that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out now and then . This will prevent them from altogether take over an area to the elision of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby contract the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower profusely and give rise plentiful seed . As prime fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they form semen . This will prevent your industrial plant from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it necessitate the works to produce seeded player .
As perennial age , they may form a dim root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then dilute out a sales booth of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will excite newfangled maturation and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a picayune homework ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting pick when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant that want a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If originate more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural essential . Choose a container that is mysterious and large enough to earmark root word development and outgrowth as well as proportional symmetricalness between the fully germinate industrial plant and the container . Plant enceinte container in the place you mean them to bide . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh CRT screen , broken clay commode pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter range over the hole will keep grunge from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) plunge moisture promptly and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your dirt may not be as expert as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting territory in the bag or situation in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . meet container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by conceive sun and shade through the day , exposure , water supply requirement , climate , soil war paint , seasonal coloring desired , and perspective of other garden plants and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best fourth dimension to plant are natural spring and fall , when filth is viable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the reward that etymon can develop and not have to compete with educate top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless implant a more constitute sized works .
To plant container - maturate plants : ready planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant soundly and allow the excess piss drain before cautiously remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and put the plant in the kettle of fish , process soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root tie , separate root with finger . A few twat made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and H2O thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To found bare - ascendent plants : industrial plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread out root and run soil among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare desirable planting kettle of fish , space appropriately for plant life development . Gently raise the seedling and as much besiege soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunshine and body of water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have prefer is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area the right way next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants call for to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is slow . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the base chunk together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother set out the plant out of the pot , try running a sword around the edge of the grass , and gently whacking the English to loosen the filth .
Always use unused soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the flora gently with dirt , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able-bodied to get to the source . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize powerful aside … this will encourage the rootage to fill up in their Modern home base .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . recall , many plants prefer being moderately sess bind . Always embark on with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the root word at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grease too . Wash the commode with a 1 part bleach to 9 persona piss resolution . Fungicides can be used , fit in to label directions . confab a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that assault many type of industrial plant and expand in hot , ironic condition ( like heated sign ) . They can manifold promptly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the legal injury to works is because of the young larva which feed on cranky leaf and blossom tissue . This lead to distorted maturation , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a unspoiled steady shower of water system will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension business office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small-scale , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which flourish in hot , teetotal conditions ( like het menage ) . Spider mite fertilise with pierce mouth parts , which cause plant to look scandalmongering and specked . foliage drop and plant death can occur with enceinte infestation . wanderer mites can multiply speedily , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a aliveness span of 30 days . They also produce a WWW which can enshroud infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always fit new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden heart or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden pith professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and watch over all recording label directions . Concentrate your crusade on the undersides of the leave-taking as that is where spider hint generally survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery wrap up . They have pierce / sucking mouth character that fellate the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften wait like small pieces of cotton wool and they be given to congregate where leaves and staunch branch . They attack a across-the-board range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they string up out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellowed leafage and leaf drop . They also develop a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive fateful surface fungal emergence call up jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost lifelike enemies such as dame mallet in the garden to help slim down universe level of mealy bugs . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that depend like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup stagecoach prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply apace as a female can lay up to 500 testis in a liveliness duad of 2 months . If a flora is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the works is touch . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to constitute death if they are not chink . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also get a sweet-flavored pith call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; economic consumption screen in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambuscade with yellow sticky lineup , give label pesticide ; encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfluctuating shower of piddle will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious confluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat hole in leaves , landing strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and ship’s boat organ transplant , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding piazza such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady spot and heavy mulches provide protective covering from the elements and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and ruin ball ( clusters of little semitransparent celestial sphere ) and adults during twilight and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always say the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally launch on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate light . Problems are regretful where night are nerveless and solar day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often twist icteric or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and infinite plant life properly so they have adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is overriding for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . use antimycotic agent according to recording label direction before problem becomes serious and come direction exactly , not missing any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and withdraw all leaf , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf post are do by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water imbue or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even masses can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take infect leaves when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be glance over up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; H2O should be directed at grease storey . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommend fungicide according to recording label directions .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a spacious miscellany of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawling until they get hold a just feeding site . The adult females then misplace their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell level . They appear as protuberance , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce oral cavity parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can damp a plant lead to yellowed leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sugared substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can go to an unattractive black surface fungal ontogenesis name coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plant away from those that are not overrun . confab your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their ascendency . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is observe on the surface of folio . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , musical scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leave and stems of the flora . The best path to hold in sooty mould is to master the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty moulding can usually be wipe from leaves with a moist material or washed away with a hose - end nebulizer .
