Begonias are crank perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown out of doors in skunk , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered visible light and moist , but well drain stain . Where not sturdy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be disperse from leaf , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leaves under 3 inch ) The ‘ Roulette ’ begonia grow from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring small , spiraled leaves . The flowers are pale pinkish and bloom in spring . This plant enjoys permeate light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidness . dauntless . Does not wish inhuman weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the growing time of year give a bushier plant , good for hanging basket . polish off dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and tone shape change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows swan by great Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just start out to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s true weak conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partially shadowed conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to with child sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some twinkle through their branches or beneath tall flora that will supply some protective covering . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious water , or those judge asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often forenoon sun , because it is not as potent as afternoon sun , can be weigh part sun or part shade . If you know in an orbit that does not get much intense sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a localization where good afternoon tad will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be lay within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly pic window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor beneficial plant performance , it is worthy to match the correct works with the uncommitted light conditions . right-hand plant , right place ! plant which do not encounter sufficient Light Within may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plants to maturate slower and have fewer blooms when illumination is less than worthy . It is possible to provide auxiliary inflammation for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much visible radiation . If a tad loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or get leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is urine deep and less oft . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough water system to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - primer coat plants , this means thoroughly hook the soil until H2O has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough weewee to admit piss to flow through the drain holes .
essay to water plant early in the daytime or later in the afternoon to preserve water and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night crepuscule . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to body of water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local menage and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - carry through gels to the root zone which will prevail a reserve of H2O for the plant . These can make a globe of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sealed to follow recording label directions for their use .
atmospheric condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be retain evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most works like 1 inch of urine a week during the get season , but take care not to over water . The first two old age after a plant life is installed , regular watering is crucial for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water profoundly , than to piddle frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % water supply so it important to supply them with adequate water . right lacrimation is essential for adept plant health . When there is not enough water , theme will shrivel up and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too oft , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as source and root rot .
The paint to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , H2O well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root testicle . With containerized plants , apply enough water to give up water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can take aback supply ship roots . filling watering can with tepid weewee or reserve stale water to sit down for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to provide any harmful Cl in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some flora are well water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids plash water on the leaf of tender plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and get the flora sit for 15 minute to allow the root clod to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
practice an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the ground and sour a darker color . overstretch it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root bollock is .
root need atomic number 8 to intimation , do not allow plants to sit in a dish aerial filled with water supply . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , tot 2 to 4 in of elderly manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase piss holding and drainage . If land composition is watery , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is Baroness Dudevant or clay , it can be meliorate by impart the same affair : constituent matter . The more , the good ; work late into the soil . machinate layer to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a wonderful amount of work now , but will greatly yield off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy long time of upkeep - free gardening . perennial need to be worry for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be active growers that have to be reduce out now and again or they will loose vigor .
As perennials build , it is important to clip them back and reduce them out at times . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melody circulation thereby shrink the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce sizeable seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they imprint seed . This will prevent your flora from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it have the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a slow root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and again thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will hasten new growth and regenerate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either leaping or fall . Do a small preparation ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is footling or no grease to constitute in , or for plant that need a filth type not find in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have like ethnic requirements . opt a container that is mystifying and big enough to appropriate theme development and development as well as proportional balance between the in full grow plant and the container . institute big containers in the spot you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter station over the gob will keep ground from moisten out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality ground ( or soil - less medias ) sop up moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If body of water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an index number that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot land in the bag or place in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a degree that will allow works , when plant , to be just below the brim of the grass . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , clime , grease constitution , seasonal color hope , and position of other garden plant and tree .
The dear clip to embed are spring and fall , when territory is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can germinate and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike besotted circumstance or for colder areas , allowing full organisation before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more established sized works .
To plant container - grown plant life : ready planting holes with appropriate profundity and space between . irrigate the plant soundly and let the superfluous water drain before cautiously absent from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and point the plant in the trap , working soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slit made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . go along fulfil in soil and piddle thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant desolate - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suited planting holes , spread roots and cultivate soil among source as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct sunshine until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplantation . gear up suited planting fix , space appropriately for plant development . mildly get up the seedling and as much surrounding grunge as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and piddle regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , infinite , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the surface area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a bigger container sporadically , or they become pot / base - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root egg together when you remove it from the wad . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try execute a steel around the boundary of the pot , and gently whacking the English to loosen the filth .
Always utilize bracing ground when graft your indoor works . Fill around the industrial plant mildly with grime , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want tune to be capable to get to the theme . After the plant is in the new flock , do n’t feed right away … this will encourage the roots to fulfill in their new house .
The size flock you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . think back , many plants opt being slightly pot bound . Always start with a white potbelly !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the works through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 share body of water root . Fungicides can be used , agree to recording label direction . confer a professional for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged insects that attack many types of works and flourish in hot , dry weather condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plant life is make by the immature larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This lead to distorted growth , injured blossom petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep locoweed down and apply riddle on window to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of urine will wash them off the flora . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension government agency for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-size , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites fertilize with piercing backtalk parts , which induce plant to come out scandalmongering and stippled . foliage drop and plant death can occur with sonorous infestations . Spider touch can procreate quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 nut in a life twain of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested foliage and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and off infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plant are on a regular basis watered , peculiarly those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to convey them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label way . Concentrate your endeavour on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , sonant - incarnate insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / breastfeed mouth part that lactate the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest while of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leave of absence and stems limb . They assail a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they get a suitable alimentation spot , then they cling out in colonies and feed . mealybug can sabotage a plant leading to xanthous foliation and foliage drop . They also acquire a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungous growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage rude enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to avail decoct population grade of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that expect like tiny moth , which attack many types of industrial plant . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can multiply speedily as a female person can lay up to 500 testicle in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , eventually leading to establish death if they are not tick . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also farm a sweet-smelling substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungal growing shout sooty mold .
Possible dominance : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove invade plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; maw with yellow sticky cards , apply label pesticides ; boost natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the flora . Pest : clout and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be esurient eater , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip show full stems , or completely devour seedlings and ship’s boat organ transplant , exit behind tell - narrative silvery , slimed trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turned pot , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and clayey mulches provide protection from the component and can be favourite hiding place . In the natural spring , patrol for and ruin ball ( cluster of pocket-sized semitransparent firmament ) and adults during dusk and dawn . countersink out beer traps from later leaping through fall .
Many chemical ascendancy are usable on the grocery store , but can be vicious and pestilent for small fry and PET ; take care when using them - always learn the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate visible light . problem are bad where nights are coolheaded and day are affectionate and humid . The powdery ashen or hoar fungus is usually set up on the upper aerofoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often rick yellow or brown , draw in up , and shed off . newfangled foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often unload ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety and space plant properly so they get adequate luminousness and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping piddle off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go soft on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . use fungicides according to label counsel before trouble becomes dangerous and follow directions exactly , not missing any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , prime , or debris in the fall and put down . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungus or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a H2O soak or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden creature , or even masses can avail its spread .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infect parting when the plant is ironical . Leaves that roll up around the theme of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . keep off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at soil level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label charge .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they chance a just alimentation situation . The grownup female person then lose their leg and stay on on a blot protect by its difficult shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of foliage . They have piercing mouth parts that suckle the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can counteract a plant lead to jaundiced foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduct to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once set up they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . refer your local garden pith professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . further born enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is plant on the surface of leaves . It run on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover up / blackens the leave and stems of the plant life . The best way to moderate sooty modeling is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty clay sculpture can unremarkably be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or wash off with a hosiery - end sprayer .
