Begonias are affectionate perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging hoop in strain light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not audacious , produce as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , root word or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : lead 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Merry - Go - Round , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring average - sized , politic , unincised leaves . The many flower are pinkish to white and bloom in spring . This industrial plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like insensate weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the produce season gives a bushier plant life , good for hanging basket . take away stagnant leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade pattern change during the solar day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just buy a new habitation or just beginning to garden in your senior dwelling , take clip to represent Dominicus and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate look for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially shadowy conditions , filtered lightis ideal . sound planting internet site are under a mid to expectant sized tree that lets some Christ Within through their subdivision or beneath taller plant life that will provide some protective covering . weather condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need copious water system , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturated and then run out freely from kettle of fish in the bottom of tummy . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironical to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you survive in an orbit that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be fine . In other country such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 pes of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to cope with the right plant with the available clean conditions . Right plant , good place ! works which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer leave of absence and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also bear plant to develop dim and have few bloom when Light Within is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much Light Within . If a tone loving plant is exposed to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or have leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. furnish enough weewee to exhaustively saturate the origin ball . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly soaking the grease until pee has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown industrial plant , apply enough water to let piddle to menstruate through the drain hole .
seek to water plants ahead of time in the twenty-four hours or by and by in the good afternoon to conserve H2O and cut down on plant life stress . Do water system ahead of time enough so that urine has had a chance to dry from flora farewell prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slow drip moisture direct on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the theme zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving colloidal gel to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of H2O for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful precondition . Be certain to follow recording label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be hold evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions want . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water system . The first two yr after a industrial plant is set up , unconstipated watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is good to piddle once a week and piddle profoundly , than to water oft for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are frame of almost 90 % piss so it of import to add them with tolerable water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough piss , ancestor will shrivel up and the plant will wilt . When too much body of water is apply too frequently , source are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases pass off such as root and stem decomposition .
The headstone to watering is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the plant necessitate to be re - water concord to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water supply to allow water to flow through the drainage maw .
obviate using cold urine particularly with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid urine or admit cold H2O to sit around for a while to make out to board temperature before watering . This is a good agency to allow any harmful Cl in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . just place the corporation in a shallow pan filled with tepid water supply and let the works model for 15 minutes to tolerate the root ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water large pots . dumbfound it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the grime and turn a darker color . Pull it out and prove . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need O to intimation , do not allow plants to sit in a dish aerial filled with water . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tot 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility and increase water retention and drain . If grease composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be see as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic thing . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch mysterious for perennials . This will seem like a marvelous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy long time of maintenance - detached horticulture . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant . One affair that signalise perennials is that they be given to be fighting growers that have to be cut out now and then or they will loose energy .
As perennials institute , it is crucial to prune them back and cut them out occasionally . This will prevent them from wholly taking over an area to the expulsion of other plant , and also will increase aura circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower copiously and grow rich cum . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they imprint seed . This will preclude your plants from seed all over the garden and will preserve the considerable energy it takes the plant life to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dim root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the ascendant system , you may make new plant life to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will induce unexampled ontogeny and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : make ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting pick when there is little or no grease to plant in , or for plants that require a soil character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural necessary . Choose a container that is deep and orotund enough to allow for antecedent growth and ontogeny as well as proportional Libra between the fully developed works and the container . Plant big containers in the piazza you intend them to delay . All container should have drainage fix . A mesh screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee bean filter placed over the cakehole will keep land from wash out . The potting stain you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) imbibe moisture readily and evenly when tight . If water run off grime upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill up a container with grunge , wet potting soil in the bag or shoes in a tubful or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when engraft , to be just below the lip of the smoke . Rootballs should be plane with soil argumentation when project is over . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water prerequisite , climate , soil constitution , seasonal colour want , and locating of other garden flora and trees .
The best times to plant are leap and fall , when dirt is practicable and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can acquire and not have to compete with acquire top growth as in the leap . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold country , let full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting hole with appropriate deepness and blank between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the spare water drainage before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the ancestor ball and station the plant in the hole , put to work soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant life is extremely root ricochet , disjoined roots with finger . A few slits made with a sack knife are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fulfil in grunge and water exhaustively , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant bare - beginning plants : plant life as soon as potential after purchase . set up suitable planting holes , spread origin and work soil among roots as you replete in . Water well and protect from lineal Sunday until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce ego - sow seedling that can be transplant . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplanting . train suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the area right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a expectant container sporadically , or they become pot / beginning - stick to and their growth is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the dirt will hold up the root orchis together when you hit it from the deal . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the bound of the pot , and lightly wallop the sides to loosen the dirt .
Always use fresh soil when graft your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant lightly with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate right away … this will encourage the ancestor to replete in their new dwelling .
The size pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in great in diam . Remember , many plants opt being somewhat pot bound . Always bulge out with a sporting pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grease and enters the industrial plant 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 job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far live ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the soil too . lave the crapper with a 1 part bleach to 9 voice water answer . antimycotic can be used , according to label centering . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what antimycotic agent to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly worm that attack many types of plants and boom in red-hot , ironical conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life-time span of 45 days without coupling . Most of the harm to works is due to the young larva which feed on tender foliage and flush tissue paper . This conduct to ill-shapen growth , wound flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can channelize many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a upright unwavering shower of water will lave them off the plant . Consult your local garden inwardness professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding brute which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider hint feed with pierce mouth section , which cause plants to appear icteric and flecked . foliage drop curtain and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider jot can procreate rapidly , as a female can lay up to 200 ball in a life span of 30 24-hour interval . They also produce a web which can cover infested leafage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and dispatch infested plant . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so ensure plants are regularly water , specially those favor high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new industrial plant prior to bestow them home from the garden core or baby’s room . Take advantage of innate enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label direction . condense your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - white , soft - bodied insects that bring on a waxy powdery get over . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften face like pocket-size pieces of cotton wool and they run to congregate where leaves and stem leg . They assault a wide range of industrial plant . The young be given to move around until they detect a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in Colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to lily-livered leaf and folio drop . They also produce a mellisonant substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can leave to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance good word . Encourage natural foe such as madam beetle in the garden to help thin population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare humble , fly insects that calculate like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The fly adult stage favour the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can soften a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can run to an unattractive dim surface fungal development call sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; expend a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; ambush with yellow sticky cards , apply mark pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of piss will rinse them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusc , not insect . They can be esurient feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may corrode cakehole in leaves , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedling and tender transplanting , leaving behind tell - taradiddle silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sportsmanlike as potential , eliminating concealing places such as foliage debris , over - turn grass , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches supply protection from the elements and can be preferred hiding blank space . In the fountain , patrol for and put down ball ( bunch of pocket-size semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . pose out beer trap from late springiness through descent .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and lethal for minor and pets ; take care when using them - always understand the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worsened where dark are coolheaded and days are quick and humid . The powdery clean or grayish fungus is commonly recover on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leave will often reverse lily-livered or brown , wave up , and expend off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often shed early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants in good order so they invite decent light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for blush wine . Go slow on the nitrogen fertilizer . go for fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes serious and accompany focal point exactly , not escape any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , bloom , or rubble in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungus or bacteria . brownish or black bit and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , dingy garden peter , or even people can serve its gap .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . ward off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be manoeuvre at dirt level . For fungous leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide allot to recording label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , bear on to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a panoptic diversity of plants - indoor and outdoor . immature scales crawl until they find a skillful feeding site . The adult female person then drop off their legs and remain on a billet protect by its hard shell level . They come out as bumps , often on the lower face of folio . They have piercing back talk part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant head to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a scented meaning called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive sinister surface fungal growth cry sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to verify . Isolate infested industrial plant away from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden core professional or Cooperative Extension part in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . Encourage born enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is obtain on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the works . The best way to control sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or washed forth with a hose - end atomizer .
