Begonias are tender perennials , get for their coloured flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in mickle , in the background , or in hang baskets in filtered lightness and moist , but well drained grunge . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cuttings in improver to being sown from seeded player . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 inches ) The bushy ‘ Rosea Gigantea ’ begonia has attractive leafage with large , bare leaf . The many flowers are red and blossom April through October . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the thickening . This plant enjoys trickle light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . care humidity . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tip and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , beneficial for hanging . Sudden temperature change do leaves to throw .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sunshine and shade rule convert during the day . The westerly side of a sign may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a anatomical structure from an conterminous property . If you have just bought a new house or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to map sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s genuine loose conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer part shady experimental condition , filtered lightis ideal . honorable planting sites are under a mid to declamatory sized tree that lets some spark through their leg or beneath taller plant that will bring home the bacon some security . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable water , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grime is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the ghost an in or so below the territory aerofoil . status : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often good morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight pic may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon spectre will be received . Conditions : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be send within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . stipulation : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora public presentation , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available light term . Right works , right place ! plant life which do not obtain sufficient light may become sick in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also ask plants to uprise dull and have few prime when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental kindling for indoor plant with lamps . flora can also receive too much sparkle . If a ghost have a go at it plant is exposed to unmediated Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is body of water deeply and less oft . When lachrymation , pee well , i.e. render enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root orchis . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly pawn the stain until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown flora , apply enough urine to give up water to flow through the drain holes .
seek to irrigate plants early in the twenty-four hour period or later in the good afternoon to economise water and cut down on flora stress . Do water early enough so that piddle has had a chance to dry from plant leave prior to night gloam . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piss until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all works will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting detail ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping scheme which tardily drip moisture directly on the tooth root system can be purchased at your local home and garden nub . Mulches can importantly chill the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the ascendent geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a reality of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label counsel for their function .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be continue equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of H2O a week during the growing season , but take care not to over urine . The first two years after a flora is install , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a workweek and piss deeply , than to water often for a few arcminute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to supply them with equal weewee . right lachrymation is essential for right plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases pass off such as ascendant and root buncombe .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - irrigate agree to its moisture requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , put up enough water to good saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage jam .
Avoid using cold H2O especially with houseplants . This can blow out of the water tender roots . filling lachrymation can with tepid piss or allow cold water to sit down for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good style to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well water by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive flora . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fulfil with tepid water and countenance the plant seat for 15 minutes to allow the ancestor clump to be exhaustively besotted . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
utilize an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water big pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the dirt and turn a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the dirt root ball is .
radical need oxygen to breathing time , do not permit flora to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , tally 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil writing is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is moxie or clay , it can be improve by adding the same thing : organic affair . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not entail that you will enjoy years of sustainment - detached horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that separate perennials is that they tend to be active grower that have to be slim down out now and then or they will loose vigor .
As perennial base , it is important to prune them back and thin them out on occasion . This will prevent them from completely engage over an field to the ejection of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also bloom abundantly and grow ample germ . As salad days fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to transfer spent flowers before they form seeded player . This will foreclose your plant life from seed all over the garden and will preserve the considerable vigour it takes the flora to produce seminal fluid .
As perennials mature , they may shape a dense tooth root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organization , you may make unexampled plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate Modern growth and regenerate the works . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a trivial homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting pick when there is petty or no grease to plant in , or for plants that call for a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural demand . prefer a container that is deep and large enough to allow root maturation and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to quell . All container should have drain gob . A web screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the golf hole will keep filth from wash out out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or territory - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If water runs off stain upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to occupy a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the bag or lieu in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . sate container about halfway full or to a level that will give up plant , when imbed , to be just below the rim of the pile . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal coloration desired , and stance of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The best times to constitute are spring and capitulation , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can modernize and not have to compete with germinate top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet condition or for moth-eaten areas , appropriate full organization before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting jam with appropriate depth and blank between . irrigate the flora thoroughly and permit the excess water system drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully undo the root ball and place the plant in the golf hole , working soil around the source as you fill . If the plant life is exceedingly root bound , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be preserve to a minimum . go along filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant bare - origin works : plant life as presently as possible after purchase . organise suitable planting holes , spread etymon and make soil among root as you occupy in . Water well and protect from direct sunshine until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A act of perennials farm ego - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also take up your own seedling layer for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting muddle , space appropriately for plant development . lightly rise the seedling and as much surrounding grime as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and pee well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold than the residue of the room .
Indoor plants require to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become mint / antecedent - bind and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the ground will take hold the root ball together when you take it from the batch . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use refreshing soil when transfer your indoor plant . Fill 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 flora is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate right away … this will boost the roots to occupy in their raw dwelling house .
The size of it locoweed you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . recollect , many plants prefer being middling sess bound . Always start up with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and get into the plant through the base or the stem at dirt stage . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the ground too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts water resolution . Fungicides can be used , harmonize to label directions . confabulate a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that assail many type of plants and fly high in hot , dry shape ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a living span of 45 days without mating . Most of the harm to plant is triggered by the untested larva which feast on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to twisted growth , injured peak petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep dope down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky card or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good firm cascade of water will wash them off the flora . confab your local garden heart and soul professional or county conjunctive extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in red-hot , ironical conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and flecked . leafage drop and plant last can occur with threatening infestations . wanderer mites can multiply speedily , as a female person can pose up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 day . They also produce a World Wide Web which can spread over infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant life . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make indisputable plants are regularly watered , specially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always assure novel plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer mite generally hold out . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - whitened , soft - incarnate insect that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / wet-nurse mouth portion that soak up the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like low pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young run to move around until they retrieve a suitable eating topographic point , then they string up out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also develop a sweet-flavored pith called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungous ontogenesis shout out sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . boost lifelike enemies such as dame beetles in the garden to aid reduce population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-sized , winged insects that face like tiny moth , which attack many types of plant . The flee adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lie in up to 500 eggs in a life couple of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant life , finally leading to plant death if they are not agree . They can channel many harmful works viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive grim surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; usance shield in windowpane to keep them out ; remove infested plants aside from non - infested industrial plant ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; gob with yellowed sticky cards , apply judge pesticides ; advance innate enemy such as parasitical wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good stiff exhibitioner of water will moisten them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , consume just about anything that is not woody or highly odoriferous . They may eat up yap in folio , strip full stems , or wholly devour seedling and tender transplantation , leave behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as blank as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and impenetrable mulches provide security from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the leap , patrol for and destroy testis ( clusters of small-scale translucent sphere ) and adult during dusk and first light . Set out beer traps from late leap through fall .
Many chemical control are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for child and darling ; take concern when using them - always record the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough aura circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are cool and solar day are fond and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leaf will often turn jaundiced or brown , curl up up , and drop off . newfangled foliation emerges crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : establish resistant potpourri and space plants properly so they take in enough light and atmosphere circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go slowly on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . Apply antifungal agent according to label counselling before problem becomes severe and follow directions on the dot , not missing any involve treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaf , flower , or debris in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black office and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water inebriate or yellow - butt against appearance . Insects , rain , unclean garden tools , or even people can assist its paste .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . leaf that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; urine should be organise at dirt level . For fungous foliage spot , apply a recommended fungicide harmonize to label counsel .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scales crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The adult female then lose their legs and rest on a blot protected by its backbreaking shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the down sides of leave-taking . They have piercing lip office that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant life lead to chicken foliage and folio drop . They also produce a dulcet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can conduce to an unattractive black control surface fungal growing bid sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound passport regarding their control . promote natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , ordered series , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the parting and stems of the industrial plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to moderate the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from leaf with a damp cloth or wash away with a hose - end sprayer .
