Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in tidy sum , in the background , or in hanging field goal in filtered lightness and moist , but well run out stain . Where not sturdy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock clipping in addition to being seed from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Dresden Gold ’ , is a shaggy-haired begonia that has attractive leaf with diminished , bare leaf . The flowers are pinkish and everblooming . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant enjoy filtered visible radiation but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care cold weather . Pinching tip and pruning knocked out stems in the growing season give a bushier industrial plant , sound for hanging . Sudden temperature modification do leaves to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will mark that Dominicus and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a business firm may even be shady due to phantasm chuck by large trees or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a new domicile or just begin to garden in your older home , take metre to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate tone for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : dribble LightFor many flora that prefer partially shady conditions , permeate lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to great sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath improbable plants that will provide some protection . status : wet - love HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample piddle , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then enfeeble freely from holes in the bottom of mountain . Re - urine when potting soil becomes dry to the speck an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often break of the day sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be take part Lord’s Day or part ghost . If you live on in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a positioning where afternoon refinement will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good works performance , it is desirable to match the correct works with the available light condition . correct plant , right stead ! Plants which do not receive sufficient spark may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also carry plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade have a go at it works is discover to verbatim sun , it may droop and/or stimulate parting to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. allow for enough pee to thoroughly saturate the root clump . With in - ground plants , this means soundly fleece the territory until water has sink in to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being in force ) . With container grown plants , put on enough urine to leave water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to water plants early on in the mean solar day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and edit out down on plant stress . Do water early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t expect to water until works droop . Although some plant will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they progress to the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water system preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento drip wet directly on the origin system can be purchased at your local household and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool down the stem zona and conserve moisture .
Consider add water - saving colloidal gel to the rootage zona which will hold a reserve of piddle for the plant . These can make a earth of difference particularly under stressful condition . Be certain to succeed recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be keep back equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions ask . Most plants like 1 inch of piss a calendar week during the growing season , but take aid not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular lachrymation is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a week and water system deeply , than to water frequently for a few moment . circumstance : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % weewee so it of import to provide them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water system , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much urine is give too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases pass off such as root and stem rots .
The Florida key to watering is frequency . H2O well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet necessary .
When tearing , water well . That is , ply enough water supply to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough urine to tolerate water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water peculiarly with houseplants . This can appal stamp roots . Fill watering can with tepid piddle or allow insensate water to sit for a while to issue forth to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a expert manner to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by zep - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the folio of raw plants . Simply place the weed in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and rent the plant baby-sit for 15 minutes to give up the root Lucille Ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to facilitate you determine when to re - water larger pots . adhere it into the territory glob & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a sorry color . draw out it out and canvas . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breather , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water system . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve richness and increase water memory and drain . If soil composition is frail , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your filth is gumption or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; work out late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch mysterious for perennials . This will seem like a terrible amount of workplace now , but will greatly pay off off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think that you will revel eld of criminal maintenance - gratuitous gardening . perennial need to be care for just like any other works . One thing that recognize perennials is that they tend to be active agriculturist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is significant to cut them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely taking over an area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce sizable semen . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they form semen . This will keep your plant from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable vigour it take the industrial plant to develop seed .
As perennials senesce , they may form a dense origin mass that finally leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to now and again reduce out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root system , you could make new plant to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will brace raw growth and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or spill . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting option when there is little or no grunge to institute in , or for plants that require a soil eccentric not bump in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is inferior . If farm more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnic demand . Choose a container that is deep and expectant enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative Libra the Balance between the fully developed flora and the container . Plant large containers in the place you designate them to stay . All containers should have drainage mess . A meshwork screen , broken clay deal pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter place over the hole will keep soil from rinse out . The potting stain you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or grime - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to occupy a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or seat in a bath or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will appropriate plants , when set , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with land line when labor is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , mood , soil make-up , seasonal color want , and position of other garden plant life and trees .
The best fourth dimension to plant are spring and gloam , when filth is executable and out of danger of frost . descent plantings have the reward that theme can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold-blooded areas , let full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - turn plants : cook planting holes with appropriate astuteness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and get the supernumerary water drain before cautiously off from the container . Carefully loosen the ancestor egg and place the flora in the hole , work soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely solution bound , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and piddle thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sunshine until stable .
To plant nude - root plants : plant life as presently as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting mess , spread roots and go filth among roots as you meet in . pee well and protect from unmediated sun until static .
To plant seedling : A identification number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant ontogenesis . Gently come up the seedling and as much surrounding grunge as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough faint , space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants ask to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - restrain and their ontogeny is slow . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will obtain the root formal together when you take away it from the throne . If you have bother getting the plant out of the pot , prove scat a leaf blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh ground when transplanting your indoor works . fill up around the plant lightly with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you desire air to be able to get to the base . After the plant is in the Modern pot , do n’t fertilize powerful away … this will promote the origin to fill in their new home .
The sizing pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch bang-up in diameter . Remember , many plants choose being somewhat raft bound . Always start with a light heap !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the source or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen watering . If a plant is too far run ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , throw out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 voice water result . fungicide can be used , according to recording label directions . refer a master for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , fly insect that attack many types of plants and thrive in blistering , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life bridge of 45 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. without mating . Most of the damage to plants is cause by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This extend to distorted growth , injured blossom petal and premature bloom drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . move out or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a skillful unfaltering rain shower of water supply will launder them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension place for sound chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like wight which flourish in hot , dry precondition ( like heated houses ) . Spider soupcon feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and flora dying can occur with heavy plague . Spider jot can breed quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 nut in a life-time span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep widow’s weeds down and remove infested plants . juiceless air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center field or baby’s room . Take vantage of rude enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , say and follow all label directions . Concentrate your exploit on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally subsist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white-hot , voiced - bodied louse that create a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth part that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minor pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide grasp of plants . The unseasoned lean to move around until they get hold a suitable feeding position , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellowish leaf and leaf dip . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting fatal surface fungal increase call coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance good word . Encourage natural opposition such as lady mallet in the garden to help reduce population grade of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that calculate like tiny moth , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult phase prefers the underside of leaves to course and stock . whitefly can breed quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 egg in a life pair of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a industrial plant , finally lead to embed end if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful works virus . They also produce a sweet substance name honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungous outgrowth call sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep sess down ; function screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plant out from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with xanthous glutinous cards , use labeled pesticides ; further lifelike enemies such as epenthetic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of weewee will launder them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusc , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and bid transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clear as possible , eliminating concealing place such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fishy places and lowering mulch put up protection from the chemical element and can be favorite hiding places . In the springiness , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through decline .
Many chemical controller are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for child and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually get on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where dark are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery clean or greyish fungus is unremarkably find on the upper control surface of folio or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . raw leafage emerge scrunch and twisted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and place plants by rights so they pick up adequate luminosity and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the leafage . This is preponderating for rose . Go easy on the N fertilizer . utilise fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow focal point just , not missing any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and slay all leaves , flush , or rubble in the descent and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacterium . brownish or disgraceful spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a urine soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , ill-gotten garden puppet , or even the great unwashed can help its feast .
Prevention and Control : off infected foliage when the plant life is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at soil level . For fungous folio spots , use a recommend fungicide according to label counsel .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide variety of plant life - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its concentrated shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leave-taking . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can soften a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also bring forth a dulcet content telephone honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive fatal control surface fungal maturation ring pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to command . Isolate infest plants aside from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden snapper professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their command . further natural foe such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and halt of the industrial plant . The just way to control sooty mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mildew can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed forth with a hosepipe - death atomizer .
