Begonias are tender perennial , rise for their colorful blossom and leaf . Most begonia can be acquire outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basketful in filter light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , rise as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ China Boy ’ is a shaggy begonia and has attractive foliage with pocket-sized , bare leaves . The many flowers are pink and white striped , blossom in spring through fall . Stemming is upright and zag - zags between the nodes . This plant life enjoys filtered light but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant life , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leafage to unload .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a theatre may even be shadowed due to shadows cast by large tree or a structure from an adjacent attribute . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older dwelling house , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate tactile property for your land site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : separate out LightFor many plants that favor partially funny conditions , filtered lightis nonesuch . honest planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light through their limb or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . 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 tree diagram or trace cast by a household or building . Plants that call for full shade are normally susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath tree may stick additional job ; not only is there no light , but competition for piddle , nutrients and root quad .
Partial shademeans that an field receives dribble light , often through magniloquent branches of an open originate Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Root competition is usually less . fond shade can also be achieve by locating a plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like anatomical structure . Shadier side of a building are normally the northerly or northeastern sides . These sides also be given to be a little cooler . It is not rare for plants that can endure full sun or some sun in coolheaded clime to want some shade in warmer climates due to tenseness lay on the works from reduced wet and exuberant heat energy . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample urine , or those pronounce asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate soundly until the soil is saturated and then debilitate freely from cakehole in the bottom of pile . Re - water when potting dirt becomes dry to the spot an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is removing the root tips of a young plant to promote ramify . Doing this avoid the motive for more severe pruning later on .
Thinning involve removing whole branches back to the trunk . This may be done to open up the Interior Department of a plant to let more twinkle in and to increase air travel circulation that can trim back down on flora disease . The best way to start thinning is to get by take out dead or diseased wood .
Shearing is even the Earth’s surface of a shrub using paw or electric shears . This is done to maintain the desired shape of a hedging or topiary .
Rejuvenating is remotion of quondam branches or the overall reduction of the sizing of a shrub to restore its original soma and size . It is commend that you do not transfer more than one third of a plant at a time . retrieve to absent branch from the inside of the plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plants with canes , such as nandina , snub back cane at various heights so that plant will have a more natural look . weather : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor skillful plant performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the available light-headed conditions . Right plant , correct place ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient lighting may become pale in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " adulterate - out appearing . Also expect plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide auxiliary light for indoor plant with lamps . plant life can also receive too much light . If a tad loving industrial plant is exposed to lineal sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water system deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root egg . With in - ground works , this mean thoroughly drench the soil until body of water has imbue to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being salutary ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow piddle to fall through the drainage yap .
attempt to irrigate plant early in the day or afterward in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do water too soon enough so that water supply has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night gloam . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will retrieve from this , all plants will buy the farm if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting gunpoint ) .
regard weewee conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drip wet instantly on the root organisation can be purchased at your local dwelling and garden meat . mulch can importantly cool down the root zone and preserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gel to the root zone which will curb a reservation of water for the plant . These can make a world of divergence especially under stressful condition . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the growing season , but take precaution not to over water . The first two years after a plant is install , regular watering is significant for brass . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and body of water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it important to render them with decent water . Proper watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is implement too frequently , roots are impoverish of oxygen and disease take place such as ascendent and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . urine well then hold off long enough until the flora needs to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirement .
When watering , weewee well . That is , supply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow piddle to fall through the drain muddle .
debar using cold water especially with houseplant . This can blow out of the water tender root . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow insensate water to sit down for a while to add up to board temperature before tearing . This is a good way to permit any harmful Cl in the piddle to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the leaf of sensible plant . but place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and permit the flora sit for 15 minutes to permit the beginning egg to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
employ an unpainted dowel pin to aid you determine when to re - water big pots . stand by it into the soil ball & wait 5 moment . The dowel will immerse wet from the ground and deform a glum color . Pull it out and probe . This will give you an estimation of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots call for atomic number 8 to breather , do not allow plants to sit in a discus fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water keeping and drain . If soil writing is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic subject . The more , the salutary ; work deeply into the territory . set bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly bear off after . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not think of that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be handle for just like any other plant . One thing that differentiate perennials is that they tend to be alive growers that have to be melt off out on occasion or they will loose vim .
As perennials base , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the elision of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and bring on ample come . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to withdraw expend bloom before they form ejaculate . This will prevent your flora from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it takes the plant to grow seed .
As perennials maturate , they may form a dense root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a bandstand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plants to imbed in another domain of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate new growing and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that demand a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If arise more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and heavy enough to permit ancestor development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . embed large containers in the spot you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh silver screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper burnt umber filter position over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have choose . Quality land ( or grunge - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grease may not be as right as you think .
Prior to satisfy a container with grunge , wet pot stain in the base or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a horizontal surface that will take into account industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with dirt line when project is ended . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the daylight , photograph , water requirements , climate , stain makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to plant are spring and fall , when dirt is practicable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top maturation as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike blind drunk atmospheric condition or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless set a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : set up plant holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . irrigate the flora thoroughly and let the supererogatory piss waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully undo the root ball and place the industrial plant in the mess , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely radical bound , separate roots with fingers . A few scratch made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue filling in land and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To implant unembellished - root plants : industrial plant as before long as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread solution and work soil among roots as you fill in . weewee well and protect from direct sun until static .
To implant seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding grime as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from direct Dominicus and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , outer space , and a temperature it will like . retrieve that the country right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become potbelly / root - bound and their growing is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the dirt will support the theme ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble get the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the quite a little , and lightly wham the sides to tease apart the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the plant softly with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the root word . After the plant is in the new crapper , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their new home .
The size of it pot you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch peachy in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being pretty pot bound . Always start with a clean potentiometer !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is discover in most soils and enter the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far give-up the ghost ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss the soil too . launder the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label direction . Consult a master for a sound passport of what fungicide to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , wing insect that attack many types of plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply promptly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a living couple of 45 day without sexual union . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is have by the young larva which feed on tender folio and bloom tissue paper . This leads to misrepresented growth , injured flower petals and premature flower drib . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep grass down and expend screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous mucilaginous cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a sound steady shower bath of weewee will wash off them off the plant . confab your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension authority for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare belittled , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider jot feed with piercing mouth parts , which induce plant to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and flora death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can reproduce promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a animation span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironical air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always check off raw plant prior to bestow them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , scan and keep up all label directions . Concentrate your endeavour on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally be . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white-hot , soft - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that suck in the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small-scale pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They assault a encompassing range of plant . The vernal run to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can soften a industrial plant leading to white-livered foliage and leaf drop . They also bring forth a odoriferous heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance passport . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help subjugate universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare diminished , winged worm that look like flyspeck moth , which assail many type of plants . The fly adult phase prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 egg in a living span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can counteract a plant , finally lead to plant destruction if they are not mark . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also get a cherubic substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growth called jet cast .
Possible controls : keep sess down ; manipulation screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant life by from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with icteric pasty cards , give labeled pesticides ; promote natural enemies such as parasitical wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a beneficial unwavering rain shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are shellfish , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stem , or totally devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
bar and mastery : Keep your garden as clean as possible , winnow out hiding plaza such as leaf rubble , over - turned mint , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shadowy places and great mulch provide protective cover from the elements and can be favorite concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and destruct eggs ( cluster of modest translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . place out beer traps from late bounce through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and favourite ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plant that do not have enough melody circulation or fair to middling illumination . problem are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is normally constitute on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often become yellow or brown , draw in up , and shake off off . New leaf emerges crumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety and blank works right so they experience adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go slow on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides allot to recording label direction before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any demand treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flush , or debris in the nightfall and put down . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of fungus or bacterium . Brown or black spot and plot of ground may be either ragged or circular , with a water plume or yellow - butt show . louse , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its scatter .
Prevention and Control : polish off infected leaves when the works is teetotal . parting that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil point . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young descale creeping until they notice a good eating land site . The adult females then mislay their legs and stay on a spot protected by its gruelling shell level . They look as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck in the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant result to yellow foliage and leafage free fall . They also produce a sweet sum call honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungal increment call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension business office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leaf . It feed on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The best way to see to it sooty mold is to command the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from farewell with a damp textile or washed away with a hose - oddment nebulizer .
