begonia are tender perennials , grow for their coloured flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in slew , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , stem or rhizome cutting in accession to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : allow for 3 to 6 column inch ) ‘ Neon Lights’grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , sport medium - sized spiral leaves that are often color and model . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias produce very well in peat - base compost also . like humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold-blooded weather . lift tips and pruning outer stem in the mature season gives a bushier flora , proficient for attend baskets . Remove dead foliation to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade patterns change during the daylight . The western side of a house may even be suspect due to shadows cast by turgid trees or a complex body part from an adjacent place . If you have just buy a new rest home or just beginning to garden in your Old family , take clip to map sun and shade throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more precise flavour for your site ’s true wakeful conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shadowy conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plant life that will provide some protection . condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then run out freely from muddle in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes ironic to the touch an inch or so below the grunge surface . Conditions : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor respectable works performance , it is desirable to agree the right plant life with the uncommitted light condition . correct plant , correct situation ! works which do not get sufficient lighting may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow dense and have fewer blossom when light source is less than suitable . It is potential to allow supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also get too much light . If a nicety loving works is exposed to verbatim sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The tonality to tearing is water deep and less ofttimes . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the etymon ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soak the soil until piss has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough body of water to allow water to flow through the drain hollow .
seek to irrigate plants early in the day or afterwards in the good afternoon to economise piss and cut down on works stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leave prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they hand the permanent wilting point ) .
regard water conservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento drip moisture directly on the etymon system can be purchase at your local plate and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the root geographical zone and economize wet .
Consider summate water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of pee for the plant life . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be maintain evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the develop time of year , but take tending not to over body of water . The first two age after a plant is instal , regular watering is crucial for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to water once a calendar week and water deeply , than to body of water frequently for a few proceedings . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is crucial for good plant health . When there is not enough water , ascendent will shrink and the plant will droop . When too much H2O is use too oft , root are divest of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem hogwash .
The paint to watering is frequency . piddle well then hold back long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the antecedent ball . With containerized plant , implement enough water to allow pee to flow through the drainage cakehole .
Avoid using cold water supply especially with houseplant . This can scandalise tender theme . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow for inhuman water to sit for a while to do to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good elbow room to reserve any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by hoagy - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave-taking of tender industrial plant . just place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water system and lease the works baby-sit for 15 min to take into account the root ball to be thoroughly crocked . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
habituate an unpainted dowel to help oneself you determine when to re - water larger smoke . stay put it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will take in moisture from the soil and turn a saturnine color . Pull it out and canvas . This will give you an idea of how plastered the soil root ball is .
tooth root postulate oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to ride in a disk filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water keeping and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a bed of topsoil should be turn over as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the dirt . Prepare bed to an 18 inch cryptical for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you embed a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel days of maintenance - innocent gardening . Perennials need to be like for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active grower that have to be lose weight out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby dilute the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and give rise ample seed . As flush fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flush before they form seeded player . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce come .
As perennial maturate , they may spring a dense ancestor muckle that finally conduce to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to on occasion thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate newfangled growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : groom ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant that ask a grease case not recover in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to leave root development and growth as well as proportional Libra the Balance between the in full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , break Lucius DuBignon Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a composition deep brown filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the works you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If H2O runs off grunge upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grime , wet potting soil in the pocketbook or position in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when embed , to be just below the rim of the mint . Rootballs should be flat with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Dominicus and shadiness through the daylight , picture , water requirements , climate , filth makeup , seasonal color hope , and spot of other garden plant and trees .
The best time to plant are springtime and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of Robert Lee Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top emergence as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder domain , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : ready planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully tease the root ball and range the plant life in the hole , working land around the roots as you replete . If the plant is exceedingly solution spring , disjoined etymon with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until static .
To plant bare - stem plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , open roots and exercise soil among root as you fulfil in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To embed seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing suitably for plant life growing . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming stain with fingertips and H2O well . Shade from direct Dominicus and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have choose is suitable for the weather you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area in good order next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plant life need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / source - bound and their increase is retard . irrigate the plant well before set out , so the grease will give the root ball together when you murder it from the pot . If you have difficulty find the plant out of the mountain , examine running a blade around the edge of the tummy , and gently whop the slope to relax the soil .
Always utilize fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . occupy around the plant life softly with soil , being careful not to compact too tightly – you want melody to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise the right way away … this will promote the roots to fill in their Modern home .
The sizing great deal you take is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being somewhat pot bound . Always bug out with a clear dope !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is witness in most grime and introduce the plant through the roots or the stem at grunge storey . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , move out it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the can with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts piss result . Fungicides can be used , according to label focusing . confab a professional for a effectual good word of what antifungal agent to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plants and flourish in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated up theater ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 testis in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to flora is triggered by the new larva which fee on tender folio and flower tissue . This direct to twisted emergence , injured heyday flower petal and premature flower dip . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screening on window to keep them out . take out or discard infest works , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow sticky wag or take vantage of instinctive enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of water supply will launder them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative lengthiness part for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like fauna which thrive in spicy , ironical conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider pinch give with piercing mouth parts , which get plants to look chickenhearted and stippled . foliage drop and plant expiry can occur with heavy plague . Spider hint can procreate quickly , as a female can position up to 200 eggs in a animation span of 30 days . They also grow a World Wide Web which can insure infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis water , specially those preferring high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take advantage of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension place , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leafage as that is where wanderer mites by and large hold out . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - ashen , soft - bodied dirt ball that bring on a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where farewell and stems branch . They snipe a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they rule a suitable feeding spot , then they cling out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal outgrowth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . promote rude enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which lash out many types of plant . The fly adult stage prefer the undersurface of leaves to eat and breed . Whiteflies can multiply cursorily as a female can lie up to 500 orchis in a life-time span of 2 month . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is commove . Whiteflies can countermine a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a cherubic core called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can run to an untempting black surface fungous growth call coal-black mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; take away infested plants aside from non - infested industrial plant ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage rude opposition such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious self-feeder , corrode just about anything that is not woody or extremely odoriferous . They may deplete yap in foliage , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedling and tender graft , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , vile trails .
Prevention and ascendance : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the chemical element and can be favorite concealing places . In the springtime , patrol for and put down eggs ( bunch of small semitransparent sphere of influence ) and adults during crepuscule and morning . Set out beer traps from recent spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are useable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take guardianship when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually witness on plants that do not have enough tune circulation or adequate light . job are worse where Night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery whitened or gray fungus is usually found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often plough lily-livered or brown , curl up , and strike down off . New foliage emerges crumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop too soon .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate brightness level and aviation circulation . Always water system from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is predominant for rose . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicide allot to recording label charge before job becomes severe and follow focusing exactly , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leave of absence , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black smirch and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - march show . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden tool , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : transfer infected leaves when the flora is dry . Leaves that roll up around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water supply should be directed at soil story . For fungous leaf spots , use a urge fungicide accord to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , have-to doe with to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawling until they find a good feeding site . The grownup females then lose their peg and remain on a pip protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as protuberance , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that sop up the sap out of plant tissue . graduated table can weaken a plant leading to scandalmongering foliage and leafage drop curtain . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting inglorious surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are severe to control . Isolate overrun plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage raw enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is set up on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and halt of the plant . The best way to insure sooty mildew is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mildew can ordinarily be wipe from leaves with a dampish material or washed away with a hosepipe - death sprayer .
