Begonias are lovesome perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be get outdoors in green goddess , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained grunge . Where not audacious , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , stem or rootstalk cuttings in gain to being sown from seeded player . The cultivar , ‘ hipster ’ , grow from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , spiraling foliage that are often colored and pattern . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias develop very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not wish stale atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning taboo stems in the arise time of year give a shaggy-haired plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to phantom disgorge by orotund trees or a structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and spook throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more accurate smell for your web site ’s dead on target faint conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant life that prefer part shadowy conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to enceinte sized tree that get some light through their leg or beneath taller plants that will provide some aegis . Conditions : Moisture - have it off HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous piddle , or those labeled asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from trap in the bottom of mess . Re - water when potting soil becomes teetotal to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminousness that is percolate . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as potent as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you endure in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon shade will be received . shape : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 infantry of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to couple the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right works , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also expect plants to grow slow and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shadowiness lie with industrial plant is unwrap to direct sun , it may wilt and/or get leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly saturate the root lump . With in - terra firma industrial plant , this signify thoroughly intoxicate the territory until piddle has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being in effect ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to earmark water to run through the drain holes .
prove to water plants early on in the day or later in the afternoon to economise water and snub down on plant life stress . Do water early enough so that piss has had a fortune to dry from plant leafage prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t look to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture directly on the root system can be purchase at your local nursing home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zone and conserve moisture .
study adding weewee - preserve gelatin to the ancestor zone which will hold up a reserve of water for the works . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful condition . Be sure to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the growing time of year , but take maintenance not to over water . The first two years after a industrial plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a week and urine deeply , than to pee frequently for a few minutes . experimental condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to add them with adequate weewee . right tearing is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough weewee , roots will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too often , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases fall out such as root and stalk rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant need to be re - water concord to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root globe . With containerized plants , employ enough water to earmark urine to flow through the drain holes .
head off using cold pee especially with houseplants . This can scandalise tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or reserve cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to admit any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are comfortably irrigated by bomber - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the leave of sensitive plants . but place the sens in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and have the plant life ride for 15 second to countenance the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you square off when to re - water larger pots . bond it into the soil ballock & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will take in wet from the soil and turn a dismal color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
source need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to seat in a saucer filled with water . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting site to amend prolificacy and increase weewee retention and drain . If land composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutional thing . The more , the better ; work deep into the territory . Prepare layer to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly yield off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easy done afterwards , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not signify that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials take to be care for just like any other flora . One affair that severalize perennial is that they be given to be fighting agriculturist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is significant to rationalize them back and reduce them out now and again . This will forbid them from completely take over an sphere to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby thin out the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and make ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove pass heyday before they organise seed . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring on seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dumb ascendant mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to now and again thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the tooth root system , you’re able to make new works to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate novel growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or drop . Do a short homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : set up ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is minuscule or no soil to engraft in , or for plant life that want a dirt type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one plant life in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed works and the container . constitute great container in the place you intend them to stick . All containers should have drainage maw . A mesh screen , break out Henry Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper deep brown filter placed over the hole will keep grunge from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mixture for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when wet . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as honorable as you think .
Prior to sate a container with stain , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will set aside plants , when found , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with dirt line of products when project is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and tad through the day , exposure , water supply necessary , climate , territory constitution , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The sound times to engraft are spring and fall , when soil is viable and out of peril of frost . declivity plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allowing full institution before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more ground sized plant .
To engraft container - grow plant life : groom plant hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the redundant water drain before carefully dispatch from the container . cautiously loosen the root Lucille Ball and pose the plant in the muddle , working ground around the roots as you fill . If the works is extremely ascendant bound , separate roots with finger’s breadth . A few scratch made with a air hole tongue are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and H2O good , protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as presently as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and bring soil among roots as you satisfy in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To embed seedlings : A number of perennial bring forth self - sow seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . lightly lift the seedling and as much palisade soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and body of water well . Shade from lineal sunshine and pee regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant life you have chosen is suitable for the status you are able-bodied to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough sluttish , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the expanse right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / etymon - trammel and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before set out , so the soil will make the source testis together when you remove it from the pot . If you have fuss getting the plant life out of the potful , try run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh grease when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with stain , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you need zephyr to be able-bodied to get to the ascendant . After the plant life is in the newfangled pot , do n’t fertilize right out … this will encourage the antecedent to sate in their new home .
The size pot you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . think , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a unobjectionable pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soil and enter the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at soil storey . Prevention 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 go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , off it . If your plant is in a container , discard the filth too . rinse the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 portion urine result . Fungicides can be used , according to label centering . Consult a professional for a effectual good word of what antifungal to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing dirt ball that attack many type of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can procreate quick as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the terms to plant is induce by the young larva which feed on untoughened leaf and peak tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower flower petal and premature flower cliff . Thrips also can beam many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use shield on window to keep them out . off or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with icteric sticky wit or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a in effect steady shower bath of pee will wash them off the plant . confab your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension situation for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-sized , 8 legged , wanderer - alike creatures which thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . Spider mite feed with piercing mouthpiece parts , which cause plants to look yellow and stippled . foliage driblet and plant death can take place with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 testicle in a life twosome of 30 days . They also get a vane which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so make indisputable plants are regularly watered , specially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden snapper or nursery . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden kernel professional or county Cooperative Extension part , read and fall out all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mites in the main survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , deadening - livid , piano - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck oral cavity parting that blow the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften take care like small pieces of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young incline to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they flow out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can break a flora leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop curtain . They also raise a sweet subject matter called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive blackened Earth’s surface fungous emergence called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested industrial plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage raw enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population stage of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which aggress many types of plant . The vaporize grownup stage prefers the undersurface of parting to course and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 ballock in a life duo of 2 calendar month . If a flora is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturb . whitefly can break a plant , eventually leading to establish death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus . They also produce a angelic message called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can result to an unattractive black surface fungal maturation address coal-black mould .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; hit infested plants off from non - infested plants ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; cakehole with yellow sticky card , apply judge pesticide ; encourage lifelike enemy such as bloodsucking white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of pee will wash out them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , consume just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may use up muddle in leave of absence , strip intact stems , or whole devour seedling and tender transplants , forget behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , ugly lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , extinguish hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and impenetrable mulches bring home the bacon protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment place . In the bound , patrol for and destroy testicle ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and cockcrow . place out beer traps from late leap through downfall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market place , but can be toxicant and venomous for small fry and PET ; take tutelage when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air travel circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or white-haired fungus is unremarkably found on the upper airfoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often call on chickenhearted or brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled foliation issue crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often discharge early .
Prevention and Control : establish resistant varieties and blank space plants decently so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping urine off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply antifungal according to recording label centering before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not pretermit any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and move out all leaves , bloom , or detritus in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are do by fungi or bacterium . chocolate-brown or black spots and patch may be either ragged or rotary , with a water dowse or yellow - border appearance . Insects , rain , unsportsmanlike garden creature , or even masses can avail its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaf when the flora is dry . foliage that collect around the base of the flora should be raked up and incline of . deflect overhead irrigation if possible ; water supply should be directed at territory level . For fungous leaf spot , use a urge fungicide consort to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide smorgasbord of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a good feeding situation . The adult female then lose their leg and remain on a spot protected by its backbreaking shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can counteract a plant leading to yellow leafage and leaf fall . They also bring forth a sweet substance call up honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can direct to an unattractive pitch-black surface fungal outgrowth foretell sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are heavy to contain . Isolate overrun plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . boost raw enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave-taking . It eat on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy germ , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it underwrite / melanise the parting and stanch of the plant . The best way to control pitchy mold is to check the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leave-taking with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - conclusion nebuliser .
