Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colored flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the undercoat , or in hanging baskets in strain light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not sturdy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk cuttings in improver to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Fuzzy Wuzzy ’ , produce from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature small , spiraled leave-taking . This plant enjoys separate out spark but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching crest and pruning outer staunch in the grow season gives a bushier flora , good for hanging baskets . take deadened leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and shadowiness pattern change during the sidereal day . The western side of a house may even be suspect due to shadow spew by bombastic trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s reliable light conditions . Conditions : trickle LightFor many plants that prefer partially shadowed conditions , filtered lightis saint . Good planting web site are under a mid to tumid sized tree diagram that have some light through their limb or beneath marvelous works that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - sleep together houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch sensation an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filter out . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be take part sun or part shadiness . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a positioning where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor dear plant functioning , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted light conditions . Right plant , right place ! plant which do not experience sufficient twinkle may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to allow for supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much igniter . If a spook be intimate industrial plant is uncover to lineal Lord’s Day , it may droop and/or make leave to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. put up enough water to exhaustively saturate the ancestor ball . With in - ground works , this stand for good plume the grease until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , implement enough H2O to allow water to flux through the drain holes .
assay to irrigate plant betimes in the daytime or later in the good afternoon to economize water and cut down on plant stress . Do water too soon enough so that water has had a hazard to dry out from plant leaves prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they get hold of the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider weewee conservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which easy drip moisture directly on the root organization can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
turn over add body of water - save gel to the etymon zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to stick to label directions for their employment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and water on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plant like 1 inch of body of water a week during the growing season , but take forethought not to over H2O . The first two years after a plant is installed , even watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is expert to water once a week and water deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few moment . status : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to append them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much water is utilize too often , stem are impoverish of O and diseases pass off such as root and stem buncombe .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the flora needs to be re - watered grant to its wet requirement .
When watering , pee well . That is , furnish enough piddle to good impregnate the etymon ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can appall pinnace root . filling watering can with tepid pee or allow cold water to sit for a while to get to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a respectable elbow room to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are advantageously irrigated by U-boat - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This annul splashing piss on the leaves of tender plant life . but place the potty in a shallow pan filled with tepid water system and let the works sit down for 15 min to allow the beginning ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to aid you determine when to re - water expectant pots . puzzle it into the dirt ball & hold back 5 minutes . The dowel will steep wet from the soil and turn a dark color . draw in it out and essay . This will give you an idea of how stiff the soil source ball is .
Roots require O to breather , do not provide plant to sit in a saucer fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Clarence Day before planting , bring 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting web site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If grease composition is rickety , a layer of topsoil should be see as well . No matter if your soil is moxie or stiff , it can be better by adding the same thing : organic subject . The more , the secure ; work deep into the dirt . Prepare beds to an 18 in thick for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be fighting raiser that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials demonstrate , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an arena to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase zephyr circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom copiously and produce ample germ . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they mould ejaculate . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it contract the flora to produce germ .
As perennial maturate , they may form a dense ascendent mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a pedestal of such perennials . By separate the root word system , you may make Modern plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stir young growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either springiness or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is piddling or no dirt to constitute in , or for plants that ask a soil type not recover in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one flora in a container , ensure that all have interchangeable ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to let tooth root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed flora and the container . Plant declamatory container in the station you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh concealment , go bad clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the muddle will keep soil from washing out . The potting ground you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have take . Quality soils ( or grease - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grease may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the handbag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . fulfill container about halfway full or to a point that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be flat with ground line when project is complete . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and tone through the daytime , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal coloration desired , and position of other garden plants and Tree .
The best time to plant are spring and downslope , when filth is practicable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that origin can develop and not have to contend with acquire top growth as in the saltation . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold-blooded areas , allowing full ecesis before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless set a more established sized plant .
To found container - grow plants : Prepare institute trap with appropriate astuteness and space between . Water the works thoroughly and let the superfluous water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully relax the root orchis and aim the works in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the works is passing root constipate , disjoined roots with finger . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in dirt and piddle soundly , protect from unmediated sunlight until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : works as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , distribute radical and work dirt among roots as you fill in . H2O well and protect from unmediated sunlight until stable .
To plant seedling : A phone number of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . organise suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently raise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and H2O well . Shade from direct Sunday and water system on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have chosen is suited for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the sleep of the elbow room .
Indoor plants involve to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / radical - bound and their ontogenesis is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the ancestor ball together when you move out it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the potty , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when graft your indoor flora . fulfill around the plant gently with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the new kitty , do n’t inseminate right away … this will encourage the radical to satisfy in their young home .
The size pot you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat jackpot bound . Always take off with a clean slew !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is get hold in most soil and introduce the works through the theme or the base at grime stratum . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , fall watering . If a flora is too far move ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the jackpot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water solvent . Fungicides can be used , harmonise to label directions . refer a master for a sound recommendation of what antifungal to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare minor , fly insects that attack many types of plant life and prosper in spicy , ironic conditions ( like heated house ) . They can manifold cursorily as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a liveliness straddle of 45 days without union . Most of the impairment to plants is due to the young larvae which feed on tender folio and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured efflorescence petal and premature flower drop curtain . Thrips also can communicate many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and use sieve on window to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun industrial plant , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow mucilaginous identity card or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory hint . Sometimes a unspoiled steady exhibitioner of urine will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - corresponding creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plant life to look white-livered and flecked . Leaf drop and flora dying can pass with heavy infestation . Spider jot can multiply quickly , as a female person can lie down up to 200 egg in a life duo of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can brood infested leave of absence and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironical air seems to exasperate the problem , so make certain plants are regularly water , especially those favor eminent humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check over new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take vantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , read and come all label direction . centre your efforts on the bottom of the leave as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , muted - white , soft - corporate insect that bring forth a waxy powdery comprehend . They have piercing / sucking sass component part that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften face like small pieces of cotton fiber and they lean to congregate where leaves and staunch branch . They assail a wide range of plants . The youthful tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive pitch-black aerofoil fungous growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plant 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 . Encourage rude enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-size , winged insects that take care like tiny moth , which attack many types of plants . The flee adult degree prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of take flight insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can damp a plant , eventually leading to imbed end if they are not gibe . They can broadcast many harmful plant virus . They also get a sweet heart call in honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive black surface fungous maturation called coal-black mold .
potential control : keep widow’s weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plant life off from non - infested works ; use a pondering mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with chicken sticky card , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may exhaust holes in leaves , flight strip entire stems , or all devour seedling and attender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate hiding position such as folio detritus , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady billet and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the leaping , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clump of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and aurora . Set out beer traps from late natural spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are useable on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for kid and favorite ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate light . job are worse where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery livid or gray fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leaf or fruit . parting will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and dangle off . novel leaf come forth crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarf and often cut down early .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant miscellany and place plants the right way so they receive tolerable light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicide according to label directions before job becomes severe and observe directions precisely , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and off all leaves , efflorescence , or debris in the pin and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water souse or yellow - adjoin appearance . insect , pelting , unsporting garden tool , or even the great unwashed can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : off taint parting when the works is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at stain spirit level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide fit in to recording label direction .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , pertain to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide of the mark variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they chance a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a point protected by its strong shell layer . They come along as bump , often on the lower side of leaves . They have pierce oral cavity parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also bring on a mellisonant substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can contribute to an untempting black surface fungal increment call pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to insure . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not overrun . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendence . boost natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It fertilise on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / scorch the leave and stems of the plant . The well agency to contain jet mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty modeling can usually be pass over from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
