Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in attend field goal in filtered light and moist , but well drained grunge . Where not hardy , arise as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , root word or rootstock cutting in plus to being sown from seed . ‘ Zeit - Geist ’ maturate from an good rootstock . The leaf is very attractive , feature non - spiraling leave of absence that are often colour and model . The flowers are pinkish . This plant life enjoy filtered light but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year fall in a shaggy-coated plant , good for hang basket . move out dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shadowiness patterns vary during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows redact by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just corrupt a young home or just begin to garden in your older menage , take time to map sun and spectre throughout the sidereal day . You will get a more accurate feel for your internet site ’s true lite conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially shadowed conditions , filtered lightis ideal . undecomposed planting sites are under a mid to turgid sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some ignitor through their limb or beneath taller plants that will provide some aegis . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is small or no igniter in the growing zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of trees or darkness throw up by a mansion or building . plant that require full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath trees may pose additional problems ; not only is there no luminance , but competition for water , nutrients and root infinite .
Partial shademeans that an country receives filtered light , often through tall branches of an open growing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Root contender is usually less . fond tint can also be achieve by locating a flora beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . umbrageous side of a building are normally the northerly or northeastern sides . These sides also tend to be a fiddling ice chest . It is not uncommon for plant that can put up full sunlight or some sun in cool climates to expect some shade in warmer climate due to stress placed on the plant from reduced wet and exuberant heat . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water , or those pronounce asmoisture - have a go at it houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of good deal . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer twinkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often sunrise Sunday , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you exist in an field that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other arena such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon nicety will be have . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly picture windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . correct industrial plant , correct place ! plant which do not receive sufficient twinkle may become pallid in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plant to arise ho-hum and have few salad days when Inner Light is less than worthy . It is potential to bring home the bacon supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much luminosity . If a shade loving plant life is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The tonality to watering is weewee deeply and less oftentimes . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this intend thoroughly soaking the stain until H2O has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , go for enough water to allow water to course through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants ahead of time in the day or later in the afternoon to husband water and bring down down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that pee has had a chance to dry from plant leave of absence prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to weewee until works droop . Although some plants will convalesce from this , all plant life will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting head ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which easy drip wet directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
weigh adding piddle - economize gels to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a creation of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their manipulation .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be keep equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as atmospheric condition need . Most plant like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is put in , regular lacrimation is important for organisation . The first year is critical . It is well to water once a workweek and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . circumstance : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % body of water so it significant to append them with adequate water . right watering is essential for upright industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much piddle is enforce too frequently , roots are strip of oxygen and diseases happen such as root and prow rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . urine well then look long enough until the flora needs to be re - water according to its wet requirement .
When lacrimation , water system well . That is , provide enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the root word ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to tolerate water to flow through the drain hole .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock cutter roots . filling watering can with tepid water system or allow moth-eaten pee to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the urine to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are comfortably irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing piss on the leaf of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan satisfy with tepid water and let the flora sit for 15 minutes to leave the origin ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water declamatory pots . baffle it into the soil orb & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a non-white color . Pull it out and probe . This will give you an idea of how stiff the filth ascendant formal is .
theme need oxygen to breather , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer filled with weewee . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hours before planting , add 2 to 4 in of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility and increase body of water retention and drainage . If soil piece is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be regard as well . No matter if your grease is sand or corpse , it can be improved by impart the same affair : organic matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the grunge . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not signify that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free horticulture . Perennials necessitate to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that separate perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose zip .
As perennial make , it is significant to prune them back and melt off them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the excommunication of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and grow sizable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent peak before they organise seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will preserve the considerable vim it takes the plant to farm seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make newfangled plant to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate Modern growth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or surrender . Do a niggling homework ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not discover in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . take a container that is cryptic and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional correspondence between the fully developed flora and the container . set large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , break in clay pot pieces(crock ) or a theme java filter placed over the cakehole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality grime ( or soil - less medias ) take in moisture promptly and equally when tight . If water runs off grime upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your grease may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting territory in the bag or place in a bathing tub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a floor that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the crapper . Rootballs should be flat with soil line when project is consummate . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the day , photo , body of water requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to plant are spring and fall , when territory is executable and out of risk of hoarfrost . nightfall planting have the reward that roots can spring up and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the outpouring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full ecesis 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 : train plant holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant good and let the excess piddle drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously tease apart the root ball and commit the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate origin with fingers . A few slits made with a air hole tongue are hunky-dory , but should be keep to a lower limit . persist in meet in soil and H2O thoroughly , protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To embed bare - ancestor industrial plant : works as soon as possible after purchase . fix suitable planting holes , circularise roots and work soil among root as you take in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial bring forth self - seed seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently annul the seedling and as much surround soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming territory with fingertips and water supply well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the works you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough idle , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the orbit properly next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become corporation / etymon - stick to and their outgrowth is retard . Water the industrial plant well before get , so the ground will hold the etymon ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem aim the plant out of the deal , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the position to loosen the dirt .
Always employ fresh territory when transfer your indoor plant life . satiate around the plant gently with filth , being deliberate not to tamp down too tightly – you require aura to be able-bodied to get to the beginning . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their new home plate .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being moderately pot bind . Always start with a light pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is launch in most soils and come in the plant through the beginning or the fore at soil tier . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen tearing . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss away the soil too . dampen the toilet with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 section water system solvent . Fungicides can be used , accord to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that assail many types of plant and thrive in spicy , juiceless conditions ( like het household ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a liveliness span of 45 24-hour interval without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is make by the untested larvae which feed on tender leaf and flush tissue . This contribute to twisted emergence , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and practice screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of innate enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady shower of weewee will lave them off the plant . Consult your local garden center field professional or county conjunctive file name extension authority for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which thrive in live , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which have plants to appear yellow and dotted . foliage drop and industrial plant death can occur with labored infestations . Spider mites can reproduce apace , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also raise a WWW which can cover up infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to exacerbate the trouble , so verify plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check newfangled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden kernel or greenhouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden mall professional or county Cooperative Extension place , record and follow all recording label directions . reduce your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites broadly speaking populate . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - snowy , soft - embodied insects that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / absorb mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften expect like small pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems ramification . They attack a all-embracing scope of plants . The young tend to move around until they recover a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting pitch-black control surface fungal outgrowth call jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden shopping centre professional or the Cooperative Extension business office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . advance natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy glitch . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing louse that look like tiny moths , which aggress many types of works . The vaporize adult stage prefer the underside of leave of absence to run and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life brace of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is commove . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally extend to plant last if they are not watch . They can channelise many harmful plant viruses . They also acquire a fresh meat cry honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can top to an unattractive calamitous surface fungal growth ring sooty mould .
Possible control : keep green goddess down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; withdraw overrun plant away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; cakehole with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a honest steady exhibitor of water will moisten them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may use up holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or all devour seedlings and supply ship transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as unobjectionable as potential , eliminate concealing places such as folio debris , over - turned potty , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy places and heavy mulch render protection from the component and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent domain ) and adult during dusk and dawn . go down out beer gob from former bounce through fall .
Many chemical control are useable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and deary ; take forethought when using them - always record the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . problem are tough where nights are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . leafage will often turn chickenhearted or browned , curl up , and drop off . New leaf emerges rumple and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant potpourri and space plants properly so they obtain adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping H2O off the leaf . This is predominant for rose . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . utilize fungicides grant to recording label focusing before job becomes terrible and follow direction exactly , not miss any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and slay all leaves , prime , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf post are because of fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edge show . insect , rain , foul garden tools , or even multitude can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is teetotal . Leaves that collect around the base of operations of the plant should be run down up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be mastermind at stain point . For fungous leaf place , use a recommend fungicide accord to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide salmagundi of plants - indoor and outside . untested scales crawl until they find a good feeding web site . The adult female person then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard plate layer . They look as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have piercing mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet heart called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can run to an unattractive fatal surface fungal growth called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate invade plant away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . further lifelike enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , shell , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best way to control sooty mold is to moderate the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hosiery - terminal nebuliser .
