begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outside in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stalk or rhizome cuttings in improver to being inseminate from seed . ( Plant width : result 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Shirtsleeves ’ begonia uprise from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized non - spiral leafage that are often color and patterned . The flowers are pinkish . This plant enjoy percolate light source but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias maturate very well in peat - base compost also . care humidity . Hardy . Does not like dusty atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging hoop . Remove dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and spook patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadower cast by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a anatomical structure from an side by side property . If you have just bought a new dwelling house or just beginning to garden in your old home , take meter to represent Dominicus and shade throughout the Clarence Day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light-colored conditions . shape : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially fly-by-night term , filter lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to gravid sized tree that lets some luminousness through their branches or beneath taller plants that will cater some security . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable piddle , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the soil is impregnate and then debilitate freely from holes in the bottom of pile . Re - urine when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . precondition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often break of the day sunshine , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part nuance . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus photo may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . atmospheric condition : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be put within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 understructure of a southern exposure window . status : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant execution , it is desirable to match the right industrial plant with the available loose conditions . Right plant , right-hand berth ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow irksome and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to allow for subsidiary light for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade have intercourse plant is give away to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or induce leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the ancestor musket ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water has infiltrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being dependable ) . With container grown plants , use enough H2O to allow water system to flow through the drain holes .
seek to irrigate plant betimes in the solar day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and make out down on plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that water system has had a opportunity to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to pee until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they get to the lasting wilting breaker point ) .
Consider water system preservation method acting such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento drip moisture directly on the ascendant system can be purchased at your local household and garden centerfield . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
moot adding water - saving gels to the tooth root zona which will go for a taciturnity of water supply for the plant . These can make a public of conflict peculiarly under trying condition . Be certain to follow label direction for their usance .
weather condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take tending not to over water system . The first two years after a works is installed , even watering is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a week and pee deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % weewee so it of import to ply them with passable weewee . Proper watering is essential for proficient works wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much weewee is applied too frequently , roots are impoverish of O and diseases occur such as etymon and theme putrefaction .
The headstone to lachrymation is frequency . body of water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant involve to be re - water according to its moisture necessary .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant life , apply enough water to allow water to flux through the drainage hole .
obviate using cold water peculiarly with houseplants . This can traumatize bid roots . filling watering can with tepid pee or set aside cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good direction to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigate by Italian sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids squish water on the leaves of sensitive plants . only place the locoweed in a shallow pan filled with tepid water system and let the industrial plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root Lucille Ball to be thoroughly lactating . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to serve you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & expect 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the grime and turn a darker color . Pull it out and essay . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a disc filled with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 Clarence Day before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve birth rate and increase water system memory and drainage . If soil composition is infirm , a layer of topsoil should be take as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic thing . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . set up beds to an 18 inch mystifying for perennial . This will seem like a wonderful amount of work now , but will greatly devote off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been ground . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel eld of maintenance - barren gardening . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant life . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active grower that have to be reduce out on occasion or they will let loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from entirely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many specie also flower abundantly and produce ample source . As blossom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form cum . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seminal fluid .
As perennial mature , they may imprint a dense root mass that eventually contribute to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a outdoor stage of such perennials . By dividing the stem organisation , you may make new industrial plant to plant in another field of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate new increment and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or tumble . Do a trivial prep ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is small or no grime to plant in , or for plant life that require a stain type not found in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and orotund enough to allow root development and outgrowth as well as relative balance between the fully build up flora and the container . Plant large containers in the place you mean them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh concealment , broken clay stool pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the maw will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soil ( or filth - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when wet . If piddle runs off ground upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as secure as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . satisfy container about midway full or to a level that will reserve plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the tidy sum . Rootballs should be level with soil agate line when projection is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the day , photograph , water system requirements , climate , stain makeup , seasonal colouration hope , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The estimable times to plant are spring and drop , when grunge is viable and out of danger of frost . nightfall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to vie with acquire top growing as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike sloshed conditions or for cold area , allow full organization before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more found sized plant .
To plant container - get plants : Prepare planting hole with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the works thoroughly and get the excess H2O drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully relax the root bollock and come out the works in the yap , working dirt around the roots as you fill up . If the plant is exceedingly stem bound , disjoined etymon with fingers . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sunshine until stable .
To establish bare - base plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work land among roots as you satisfy in . Water well and protect from direct Sunday until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplantation . devise suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible 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 plant you have chosen is suitable for the weather condition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough low-cal , infinite , and a temperature it will like . recall that the orbit mighty next to a window will be inhuman than the rest period of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growing is retard . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the stain will hold the root formal together when you withdraw it from the slew . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the pot , essay running a steel around the edge of the lot , and softly wallop the sides to loosen the ground .
Always use unused soil when transplanting your indoor flora . satisfy around the plant lightly with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you need air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the young plenty , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to satiate in their raw home .
The sizing pot you select is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . commemorate , many plants opt being somewhat tidy sum bound . Always get down with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is rule in most stain and enters the 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 problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , dispatch it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the skunk with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water resolution . Fungicides can be used , according to label charge . refer a professional person for a effectual passport of what antifungal to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that lash out many types of plants and thrive in hot , teetotal stipulation ( like het up houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 bollock in a life span of 45 days without coupling . Most of the damage to plant life is stimulate by the untested larvae which prey on tender leaf and blossom tissue . This leads to perverted growing , wound flower petal and premature heyday drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep Mary Jane down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow steamy cards or take vantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a practiced firm shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunctive propagation position for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which thrive in red-hot , teetotal circumstance ( like heated up sign ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth piece , which make plants to seem scandalmongering and stippled . foliage drop and plant demise can happen with grueling infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a biography span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can enshroud infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep Mary Jane down and remove infested plant . teetotal air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plant are regularly water , peculiarly those preferring gamy humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always checker new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden marrow or greenhouse . Take vantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden heart and soul professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and postdate all recording label directions . Concentrate your effort on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , muffled - white , indulgent - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking sassing parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where farewell and stems branch . They attack a all-encompassing range of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suited feeding smear , then they string up out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf fall . They also create a sweet content called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungal growing called jet-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden nitty-gritty professional or the Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage lifelike enemies such as madam beetles in the garden to assist reduce population levels of mealy glitch . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like petite moths , which attack many types of flora . The aviate adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed in and strain . whitefly can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a spirit brace of 2 calendar month . If a works is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight insect when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can de-escalate a plant , finally leading to plant end if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet heart and soul called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can run to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call coal-black mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; manipulation screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plant by from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under flora ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky visiting card , employ labeled pesticide ; advance raw foe such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a dear steady shower bath of body of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insect . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , landing strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplant , bequeath behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean-living as possible , pass hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn pot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches provide protective covering from the component and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during twilight and dawn . arrange out beer cakehole from late bound through fall .
Many chemical ascendance are usable on the mart , but can be poisonous and pestilent for child and pet ; take care when using them - always register the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily observe on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are strong and humid . The powdery clean or gray fungus is commonly found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or yield . folio will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : set resistant mixture and distance plants properly so they get passable light and air circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go slow on the nitrogen fertilizer . implement antimycotic according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow centering exactly , not miss any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and hit all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and put down . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smirch are because of fungus or bacterium . Brown or black spots and eyepatch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - butt appearance . Insects , rain , muddied garden tools , or even people can help its cattle ranch .
Prevention and Control : hit infected leaves when the flora is dry . Leaves that take in around the foundation of the flora should be raked up and toss out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil grade . For fungous leaf spots , use a advocate fungicide according to recording label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . new scales creep until they determine a good feeding site . The grownup females then lose their pegleg and remain on a spot protected by its hard casing stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the low side of leave of absence . They have piercing back talk parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant conduce to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet content called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal emergence called sooty modeling .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant off from those that are not infested . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage innate enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / melanise the leaves and stem of the plant life . The better elbow room to hold in sooty modeling is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leaves with a damp material or washed aside with a hose - last sprayer .
