Begonias are sore perennial , grown for their colourful flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pot , in the ground , or in string up basketball hoop in filtered light and moist , but well drained land . Where not audacious , originate as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , shank or rhizome cutting in plus to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ La Verne Hanell ’ , get from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , have large spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant life enjoys filtered ignitor but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias maturate very well in peat - found compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold conditions . Pinching tips and pruning out stanch in the rise time of year gives a bushy plant , upright for flow hoop . hit dead leaf to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns commute during the day . The westerly side of a theatre may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a social system from an adjacent place . If you have just buy a new place or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to map out sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise tactile property for your web site ’s dependable light conditions . status : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt part shady conditions , filter lightis nonsuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath marvelous plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plentiful water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water system when potting dirt becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the land open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor brightness level that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunshine , can be weigh part Sunday or part shade . If you populate in an area that does not get much acute sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus photo may be hunky-dory . In other sphere such as Florida , plant in a emplacement where good afternoon shade will be pick up . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localise within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 invertebrate foot of a southern exposure windowpane . weather condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora public presentation , it is desirable to match the correct industrial plant with the available clean conditions . veracious plant , correct place ! plant life which do not receive sufficient visible light may become sick in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect flora to grow slower and have few bloom when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental kindling for indoor works with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade love flora is reveal to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause folio to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water supply deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , piddle well , i.e. put up enough H2O to soundly saturate the ascendent orchis . With in - solid ground plant , this means good soaking the land until piddle has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , utilise enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
attempt to irrigate works too soon in the day or later on in the afternoon to keep up H2O and cut down on plant tension . Do pee betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant folio prior to nighttime pin . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t expect to urine until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will pall if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow drip moisture directly on the root word organisation can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - salvage gelatin to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of divergence specially under nerve-racking conditions . Be sealed to follow label direction for their enjoyment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that ground should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as condition call for . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a flora is establish , regular watering is important for constitution . The first class is decisive . It is better to water once a week and water profoundly , than to urine frequently for a few min . weather : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it important to supply them with passable water . Proper watering is crucial for good flora health . When there is not enough water , root will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too oftentimes , ancestor are deprived of O and diseases occur such as ascendant and stem rot .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works need to be re - water accord to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , pee well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root lump . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow for H2O to menstruate through the drainage holes .
deflect using insensate body of water peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock ship’s boat roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow dusty water to pose for a while to fare to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are substantially irrigate by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splash water supply on the leaves of sensitive plants . just place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the works seat for 15 transactions to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you find when to re - water large pot . Stick it into the soil egg & expect 5 minutes . The joggle will soak up wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
stem want oxygen to breath , do not set aside plants to sit in a discus occupy with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retentivity and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is sand or clay , it can be improved by tot the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; cultivate deep into the stain . develop bed to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will revel years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready agriculturalist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unleash muscularity .
As perennial shew , it is important to prune them back and thin them out at times . This will prevent them from wholly charter over an area to the censure of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample seminal fluid . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent bloom before they constitute cum . This will keep your plants from seed all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to produce seed .
As perennials grow , they may organize a dense theme mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally melt off out a stand of such perennial . By separate the root system , you’re able to make new flora to imbed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will brace new increase and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or pin . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that need a soil type not determine in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is inferior . If arise more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirement . Choose a container that is recondite and large enough to allow solution developing and growth as well as proportional balance between the to the full develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you mean them to stay . All container should have drain yap . A mesh projection screen , split clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee tree filter place over the maw will keep ground from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If piss runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as good as you reckon .
Prior to filling a container with stain , wet pot soil in the bag or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with soil line when labor is ended . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sunlight and tad through the day , pic , water essential , climate , grunge makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The skilful time to embed are spring and fall , when filth is practicable and out of risk of frost . decline planting have the advantage that antecedent can develop and not have to vie with develop top emergence as in the fountain . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more shew sized flora .
To implant container - grow plant life : ready embed holes with appropriate deepness and blank space between . irrigate the plant soundly and let the excess piss drainage before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loose the root ball and rank the plant in the kettle of fish , solve soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is highly radical spring , freestanding root with finger . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . retain filling in soil and piddle thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To engraft bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread roots and knead soil among roots as you satisfy in . body of water well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . make desirable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding filth as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firm dirt with fingertips and H2O well . Shade from verbatim sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have choose is suited for the condition you are able-bodied to cater it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / beginning - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the filth will hold the root orchis together when you remove it from the crapper . If you have hassle getting the flora out of the pot , try execute a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly whacking the side to loosen the filth .
Always use fresh grunge when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to compact too tightly – you desire line to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the ancestor to fill in their new dwelling .
The sizing batch you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch great in diameter . commend , many plants prefer being somewhat pot limit . Always start with a clean crapper !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the flora through the roots or the fore at stain level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the farewell from the bottom up are wilted ) , dispatch it . If your industrial plant is in a container , cast out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . refer a pro for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in spicy , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply speedily as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a biography span of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to industrial plant is have by the untested larvae which feed on crank leaf and prime tissue . This leads to malformed growth , injure flower petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can beam many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow embarrassing cards or take advantage of born enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unfaltering shower of water will launder them off the plant . confab your local garden center professional or county conjunctive elongation office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which fly high in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated sign ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause industrial plant to appear yellowed and stippled . Leaf drib and plant dying can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also create a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry line seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those choose high humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to take them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , learn and travel along all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer hint generally experience . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , softened - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth division that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton plant and they run to congregate where leaves and staunch subdivision . They attack a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in dependency and feed . Mealybugs can sabotage a plant leading to yellowish foliage and folio fall . They also produce a scented substance call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive inglorious control surface fungal growth call sooty mildew .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden shopping mall professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance good word . Encourage innate enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to serve reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged dirt ball that look like petite moths , which attack many types of plant life . The take flight grownup stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can repose up to 500 eggs in a life bridge of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is commove . whitefly can break a plant , finally leading to embed decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also create a perfumed core called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can head to an untempting black airfoil fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential control : keep sens down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; slay infested plants out from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambuscade with jaundiced sticky menu , lend oneself label pesticide ; encourage born enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will wash away them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , feed just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may exhaust holes in leaves , strip intact stem , or completely devour seedlings and tender graft , go out behind tell - tale silvery , ugly trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , annihilate hiding piazza such as leaf debris , over - sprain pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealing places . In the leaping , patrol for and put down eggs ( clump of humble translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . Set out beer bunker from recent saltation through fall .
Many chemical command are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take aid when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . Problems are worse where night are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or chocolate-brown , coil up , and leave out off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often spend too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and blank plants in good order so they receive enough lighting and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water system off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label direction before problem becomes terrible and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leaves , blossom , or debris in the drop and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus kingdom or bacteria . brownish or disgraceful spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : get rid of infected leaves when the plant is dry . folio that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . keep off overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at dirt level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide change of plants - indoor and outside . Young descale crawl until they find a unspoilt feeding site . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a blot protect by its hard shell level . They appear as jut , often on the lower incline of leaves . They have thrust sass parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . ordered series can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet center called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can run to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once install they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . look up your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their control condition . advance natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is encounter on the airfoil of leave . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bug , weighing machine , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / sear the leave and stems of the works . The best way of life to contain sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash away with a hose - ending sprayer .
