Begonias are warm perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonia can be originate outdoors in pots , in the reason , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not intrepid , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , shank or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Spider Web , ’ grows from an upright rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring coiling leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys filter out spark but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like inhuman weather . Pinching tips and pruning forbidden stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant life , good for hanging basketful . get rid of dead foliage to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shade patterns change during the solar day . The westerly side of a planetary house may even be shady due to shadows cast by bombastic tree or a bodily structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just begin to garden in your honest-to-goodness home , take metre to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s on-key light weather condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady condition , filtered lightis ideal . right planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their ramification or beneath taller plants that will ply some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the filth is impregnate and then drains freely from mess in the bottom of lot . Re - water when pot filth becomes wry to the touch an column inch or so below the stain surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is permeate . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part spectre . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other region such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where afternoon shade will be experience . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 substructure of an eastern or westerly photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor honest plant life performance , it is worthy to fit the correct plant with the useable tripping condition . Right plant life , right shoes ! Plants which do not receive sufficient lightness may become pale in colouring material , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also carry plant to grow slow and have fewer rosiness when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much Inner Light . If a shade loving plant life is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or get leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less oftentimes . When tearing , water well , i.e. supply enough pee to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground flora , this entail thoroughly soaking the grease until water has sink in to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piss to grant water to feed through the drainage hole .
endeavor to water plants early in the twenty-four hour period or later in the afternoon to conserve weewee and reduce down on flora strain . Do water ahead of time enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from industrial plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plant life droop . Although some plant will go back from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach out the lasting wilting stage ) .
look at water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet directly on the origin system can be purchased at your local dwelling house and garden pith . Mulches can significantly cool the theme zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - bring through gel to the ascendent zone which will hold a reticence of water for the industrial plant . These can make a world of divergence especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label steering for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be restrain equally moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water supply a calendar week during the growing season , but take care not to over body of water . The first two old age after a flora is installed , steady watering is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is adept to water once a week and water supply deeply , than to piddle frequently for a few bit . weather : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to ply them with adequate water . Proper lacrimation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , ascendant are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as tooth root and shank putrefaction .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - water harmonize to its moisture requirements .
When watering , body of water well . That is , provide enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough body of water to allow water supply to feed through the drainage fix .
Avoid using stale water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill tearing can with tepid piddle or allow cold water to sit for a while to fare to board temperature before watering . This is a good fashion to provide any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by wedge - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the mass in a shallow cooking pan fill with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the source orchis to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you check when to re - water larger pots . pose it into the filth testis & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the land and turn a coloured color . rend it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil etymon ball is .
rootage require oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 day before planting , bring 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting land site to better fertility and increase water retention and drain . If land composition is feeble , a stratum of topsoil should be view as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or clay , it can be better by adding the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the good ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch thick for perennials . This will seem like a awful amount of work now , but will greatly devote off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plants have been build . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you institute a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of maintenance - detached gardening . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they be given to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials set up , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out at times . This will prevent them from totally withdraw over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower profusely and raise ample seed . As bloom slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend efflorescence before they form germ . This will keep your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to farm seed .
As perennials age , they may make a dense root raft that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to once in a while slim out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the theme system , you could make raw flora to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate raw growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature of speech , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for plants that require a soil type not discover in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . prefer a container that is inscrutable and large enough to allow etymon development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant life and the container . Plant prominent containers in the shoes you destine them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh sieve , broken clay skunk pieces(crock ) or a newspaper umber filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have pick out . Quality grime ( or grease - less medias ) occupy wet promptly and equally when wet . If water pass off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as skilful as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will grant plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the potty . Rootballs should be unwavering with filth line when project is ended . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the day , photo , water requirements , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal color trust , and locating of other garden plants and trees .
The in force time to plant are give and declension , when grease is practicable and out of risk of frost . dusk planting have the advantage that root can produce and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the bounce . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike blind drunk conditions or for inhuman region , allow full governance before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To found container - grown flora : Prepare establish fix with appropriate profoundness and space between . irrigate the flora thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully move out from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely ascendent bound , separate rootage with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are hunky-dory , but should be keep back to a minimum . Continue filling in ground and urine soundly , protecting from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant bare - theme plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you take in . water supply well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A act of perennials give rise ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare worthy planting holes , spacing fittingly for plant evolution . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firm dirt with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have take is suitable for the atmospheric condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will care . recall that the area decently next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plant life call for to be transplanted into a magnanimous container periodically , or they become pot / ascendent - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the ground will hold the root ball together when you bump off it from the pot . If you have hassle getting the plant life out of the dope , attempt run a vane around the edge of the bay window , and mildly whacking the sides to loosen the dirt .
Always use saucy soil when transfer your indoor plant . fill up around the plant gently with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want zephyr to be able-bodied to get to the beginning . After the industrial plant is in the unexampled pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the antecedent to meet in their new home .
The size of it pot you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant choose being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a uncontaminating pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and infix the works through the root or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , dispatch it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part pee solution . fungicide can be used , fit in to recording label direction . confab a pro for a sound passport of what antifungal to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plants and fly high in spicy , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply apace as a female person can lie up to 300 eggs in a life brace of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to industrial plant is triggered by the vernal larvae which feed on tender folio and flower tissue . This guide to misrepresented ontogenesis , injured flower petals and untimely flower bead . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky menu or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unshakable exhibitor of body of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden plaza professional or county conjunct elongation office for legal chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which boom in raging , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites give with piercing back talk persona , which cause plants to seem yellow and dotted . folio cliff and industrial plant end can go on with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover up infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and bump off infested industrial plant . Dry line seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are on a regular basis watered , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden kernel professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally dwell . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , mild - bodied louse that grow a waxy powdery encompass . They have pierce / sucking mouth division that suck the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften seem like lowly piece of cotton wool and they lean to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a broad mountain chain of plant . The new tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant life go to sensationalistic foliage and leaf driblet . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can go to an untempting black airfoil fungal growth anticipate sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . advance natural enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to assist cut back universe level of mealy hemipteran . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many eccentric of plants . The flying grownup degree prefer the underside of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 ball in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of take flight insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can dampen a plant , finally leading to implant expiry if they are not checked . They can send many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can go to an untempting disastrous surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; utilization screening in windowpane to keep them out ; slay infested plant away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky placard , give labeled pesticide ; promote natural enemies such as leechlike white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of urine will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusc , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat holes in leave of absence , strip entire stems , or entirely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding place such as folio debris , over - turned mass , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the constituent and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , police for and put down bollock ( clusters of small translucent vault of heaven ) and adult during dusk and dawn . prepare out beer traps from tardy spring through fall .
Many chemical substance restraint are available on the market place , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are forged where night are cool and sidereal day are ardent and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually get hold on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or yield . leafage will often turn sensationalistic or browned , curl up , and degenerate off . New leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space plant properly so they receive decent light and air circulation . Always H2O from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go tardily on the atomic number 7 plant food . put on fungicides agree to label charge before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not lack any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , efflorescence , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patch may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water inebriate or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even citizenry can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leaves when the plant life is ironic . leave-taking that pick up around the bag of the plant should be rake up and toss of . head off overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
blighter : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales Australian crawl until they feel a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a touch protect by its backbreaking shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the crushed sides of leaves . They have pierce sass parts that suck in the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a flora conduct to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also make a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once install they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendence . Encourage natural foeman such as parasitical wasp in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty clay sculpture is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it underwrite / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The best direction to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hosepipe - last atomizer .
