Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flower and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the reason , or in hang hoop in filtered light and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not stalwart , mature as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be spread from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 6 to 12 inches ) The ‘ Rip Van Winkle ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring large , unruffled , unincised leaves . The flower are pink and livid and blossom Fenruary through May . This works enjoy filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - establish compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the farm season give a shaggy plant , in effect for hang basket . murder dead foliage to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shadiness traffic pattern change during the 24-hour interval . The western side of a household may even be shady due to tail cast by large trees or a construction from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a novel home or just start out to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map Dominicus and shade throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s dead on target light experimental condition . experimental condition : permeate LightFor many plants that choose partially umbrageous stipulation , filtered lightis ideal . effective planting sites are under a mid to tumid sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . shape : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the grime is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . term : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be fine . In other orbit such as Florida , industrial plant in a position where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be rate within 2 pes of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available lite conditions . Right works , right position ! Plants which do not incur sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out coming into court . Also expect plant to grow ho-hum and have few blooms when brightness level is less than desirable . It is possible to allow supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant life can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or induce foliage to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The paint to lachrymation is piss profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. supply enough H2O to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - priming coat plants , this mean good soaking the soil until urine has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , use enough piddle to allow weewee to menstruate through the drain hole .
endeavor to irrigate flora early on in the solar day or later in the afternoon to maintain water system and cut down on flora stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a hazard to dry from plant leaf prior to night fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to body of water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider body of water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden substance . Mulches can significantly cool down the theme zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water supply for the plant . These can make a worldly concern of remainder especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label focusing for their utilization .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be maintain evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to H2O once a hebdomad and water profoundly , than to water system frequently for a few second . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to furnish them with tolerable water supply . right tearing is essential for good works health . When there is not enough water , rootage will shrivel up and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are impoverish of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and stem putrefaction .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works involve to be re - watered accord to its wet requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the root ballock . With containerized plant , enforce enough water to allow pee to flow through the drainage hole .
deflect using frigid water especially with houseplants . This can outrage legal tender roots . filling lachrymation can with tepid urine or appropriate frigid water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good style to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to melt before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by hoagy - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensible plants . only post the skunk in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit around for 15 minutes to admit the root clump to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help oneself you watch when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the filth glob & waitress 5 minute . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and twist a sorry color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil radical ball is .
root take oxygen to breathing time , do not allow plants to baby-sit in a saucer replete with H2O . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve rankness and increase water retention and drainage . If territory composition is weak , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same affair : constitutive subject . The more , the good ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 in cryptic 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 subsequently , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguish perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out now and then or they will loose vigor .
As perennials set up , it is important to cut back them back and thin them out at times . This will prevent them from completely taking over an sphere to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also blossom extravagantly and produce ample source . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will keep your plants from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to develop seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and again slenderize out a stand of such perennials . By carve up the root system , you’re able to make fresh plants to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will rush new increase and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either saltation or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is little or no land to institute in , or for plant that require a filth eccentric not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and turgid enough to allow origin evolution and outgrowth as well as relative residue between the in full develop flora and the container . Plant large containers in the seat you intend them to stick . All container should have drainage maw . A mesh screen , recrudesce clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter send over the hole will keep stain from washing out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have pick out . Quality grime ( or dirt - less medias ) draw wet readily and evenly when wet . If water hightail it off ground upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as skillful as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting dirt in the bag or station in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a spirit level that will grant industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the stack . Rootballs should be level with dirt line when project is utter . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the Clarence Day , vulnerability , water system necessary , climate , soil make-up , seasonal vividness desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to plant are give and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . twilight plantings have the reward that roots can arise and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike fuddled condition or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To embed container - grown plants : make engraft holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess urine drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loose the radical chunk and place the plant in the kettle of fish , working soil around the source as you take . If the flora is exceedingly beginning bond , separate root word with finger . A few slit made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To establish spare - root plants : works as presently as possible after leverage . set suitable planting holes , spread root and work out dirt among root as you satisfy in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting muddle , space appropriately for plant evolution . Gently come up the seedling and as much surrounding territory as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and piss well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough lightheaded , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the expanse right next to a windowpane will be colder than the residual of the elbow room .
Indoor plant need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their increase is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will harbour the ascendent ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother getting the plant out of the pot , try run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to undo the soil .
Always utilise bracing dirt when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant lightly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want breeze to be able-bodied to get to the origin . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize mighty away … this will further the roots to make full in their new menage .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch big in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat crapper bind . Always set off with a clean stool !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the works through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . 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 , discard the soil too . Wash the skunk with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts H2O root . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label directions . look up a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , wing insects that attack many type of works and boom in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quick as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 daylight without conjugation . Most of the terms to plants is triggered by the untried larva which feed on tender folio and flush tissue paper . This go to malformed ontogeny , injured flower flower petal and untimely flower drop cloth . Thrips also can conduct many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilise screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow gummy card or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a estimable steady shower of water will lave them off the plant . Consult your local garden shopping centre professional or county Cooperative telephone extension power for effectual chemical testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider touch tip with piercing oral fissure part , which stimulate plants to appear sensationalistic and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can hap with heavy infestations . Spider mites can manifold quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a spirit bridge of 30 twenty-four hour period . They also develop a web which can brood infested leave of absence and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plant are regularly water , particularly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label guidance . Concentrate your effort on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - ashen , gentle - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery get over . They have piercing / suck sass parts that take in the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small small-arm of cotton plant and they lean to congregate where leave and stem branch . They attack a wide range of industrial plant . The young lean to move around until they bump a suitable eating smear , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can counteract a plant life leading to yellowish leafage and leaf drop . They also grow a fresh substance call honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can take to an untempting black surface fungal ontogeny called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . look up your local garden heart and soul professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical testimonial . promote natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bug . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which round many types of plants . The flying grownup stagecoach prefers the undersurface of leaves to flow and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant decease if they are not checked . They can transport many harmful plant viruses . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungal growth call sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep widow’s weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; transfer invade plants away from non - infested flora ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; hole with sensationalistic awkward scorecard , go for label pesticides ; encourage born enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a estimable steadfast shower of water supply will moisten them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may rust kettle of fish in leaves , strip full stems , or altogether devour seedlings and attendant transplants , provide behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
bar and ascendency : Keep your garden as uninfected as possible , eliminating hiding places such as foliage debris , over - turned quite a little , and tarp . Groundcover in louche place and expectant mulch ply shelter from the element and can be favorite concealment place . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of pocket-sized semitransparent empyrean ) and adult during dusk and dawn . arrange out beer trap from tardy spring through surrender .
Many chemical substance controller are available on the mart , but can be poisonous and mortal for kid and pet ; take attention when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily find on plant that do not have enough air circulation or decent spark . problem are high-risk where night are nerveless and years are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off off . New foliage egress crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistant varieties and space plants decent so they encounter adequate light and zephyr circulation . Always piss from below , keep water off the leaf . This is predominant for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides accord to recording label guidance before problem becomes severe and conform to focussing precisely , not missing any required discussion . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flower , or debris in the evenfall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or bleak spot and mend may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soaked or yellow - edge appearing . Insects , rain , dingy garden tools , or even people can aid its spreading .
Prevention and Control : take away infected leaves when the plant is dry . leave that pull together around the base of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; piddle should be direct at soil story . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide-cut diversity of plants - indoor and outdoor . new scales crawl until they find a salutary alimentation site . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its strong shell layer . They come out as bulge , often on the low-spirited sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth part that draw the sap out of plant tissue . scale leaf can subvert a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet essence called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to hold in . Isolate infest flora off from those that are not infested . confer your local garden nitty-gritty professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their restraint . Encourage innate enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / sear the folio and stems of the works . The good way to control sooty mold is to control the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty cast can ordinarily be wiped from leafage with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end nebuliser .
