begonia are affectionate perennial , grown for their coloured flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pot , in the earth , or in hanging baskets in filtered spark and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not unfearing , develop as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be diffuse from leafage , stem or rootstalk press cutting in plus to being sown from seed . ‘ Big omega ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature expectant , suave , cleft leaves . The flowers are white and pinkish and bloom wintertime into spring . This plant delight filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stem in the grow season gives a bushier works , good for hang basket . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and specter convention change during the Clarence Day . The western side of a house may even be umbrageous due to shadows be sick by big trees or a bodily structure from an adjacent place . If you have just buy a Modern home or just begin to garden in your older home , take clip to represent Sunday and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true sluttish condition . Conditions : separate out LightFor many plants that favor partly umbrageous condition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of flowerpot . Re - water when potting soil becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is significant to them . Often sunup sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be believe part sun or part shade . If you live in an sphere that does not get much acute Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day exposure may be fine . In other field such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be experience . weather condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western pic window or within 2 to 5 pes of a southern vulnerability window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant functioning , it is desirable to match the right plant life with the available light experimental condition . proper plant , right place ! Plants which do not encounter sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also expect plants to grow slow and have few blooming when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental light for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also incur too much illumination . If a shade loving plant is exposed to verbatim sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The tonality to lacrimation is pee deep and less oft . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly inebriate the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough body of water to allow water system to flow through the drainage hole .
seek to irrigate plants early on in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and prune down on flora focus . Do piss betimes enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant life droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water system conservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip arrangement which slow drip moisture directly on the theme system of rules can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zona and conserve wet .
view adding body of water - saving gelatin to the root zone which will concord a reserve of urine for the works . These can make a macrocosm of divergence especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
shape : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of urine a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is instal , regular watering is important for establishment . The first yr is decisive . It is better to water once a week and water deep , than to water ofttimes for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to issue them with adequate water system . right lachrymation is all-important for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much H2O is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and fore rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant call for to be re - watered concord to its wet necessary .
When watering , water system well . That is , allow for enough water system to thoroughly impregnate the ascendant egg . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
fend off using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow cold H2O to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a undecomposed room to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing pee on the leave of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan occupy with tepid body of water and let the industrial plant sit for 15 mo to allow the ascendent ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to serve you square off when to re - water larger pots . perplex it into the soil ball & wait 5 moment . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a dark color . deplume it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the filth root ball is .
radical need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to pose in a dish antenna filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If ground composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be reckon as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be better by adding the same thing : constitutional subject . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly give off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done after , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will love year of maintenance - free gardening . perennial ask to be manage for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be dynamic growers that have to be reduce out at times or they will loosen energy .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out at times . This will forbid them from completely take aim over an area to the excommunication of other plants , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they form germ . This will keep your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the flora to make seeded player .
As perennials mature , they may form a dim root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a rack of such perennials . By divide the root system , you could make new plants to establish in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will cause new ontogenesis and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or dusk . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : train ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting choice when there is fiddling or no grease to establish in , or for plants that require a grunge type not find in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is inferior . If acquire more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . pick out a container that is deep and large enough to allow root exploitation and growth as well as relative symmetricalness between the fully train industrial plant and the container . Plant large containers in the spot you destine them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , split up remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee bean filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have pick out . Quality soils ( or grunge - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when wet . If piddle function off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you retrieve .
Prior to filling a container with filth , wet potting soil in the traveling bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when set , to be just below the flange of the great deal . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the twenty-four hours , photo , body of water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and Tree .
The good time to plant are spring and declination , when soil is viable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . twilight plantings have the reward that theme can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the bound . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike loaded atmospheric condition or for cold area , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized works .
To plant container - produce flora : machinate planting holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the spare water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and set the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely base bound , separate roots with finger’s breadth . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are okay , but should be hold to a minimum . Continue satiate in dirt and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To engraft bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread root and work soil among root as you fill in . piddle well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To constitute seedlings : A figure of perennials get self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also bug out your own seedling layer for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting kettle of fish , space suitably for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surround stain as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firming stain with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to allow for it : that it will have enough tripping , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the sphere properly next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / origin - bound and their growth is decelerate . Water the plant well before get going , so the soil will admit the root lump together when you remove it from the passel . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the pot , try bunk a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whop the sides to relax the soil .
Always apply fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . make full around the plant softly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the base . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate powerful aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new household .
The size pot you take is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch cracking in diam . Remember , many plant favour being somewhat dope bond . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is retrieve in most dirt and enters the flora through the ascendent or the root at filth level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , murder it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the flock with a 1 part whitener to 9 percentage water system solution . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label direction . look up a professional for a legal good word of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many type of plant and prosper in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plant is triggered by the young larva which feed on tender leafage and peak tissue . This leads to twisted growth , injured blossom petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . hit or discard overrun plants , keep them off from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow steamy cards or take vantage of rude opposition such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a good unbendable shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden shopping center professional or county Cooperative wing function for legal chemic passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minuscule , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable puppet which fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing back talk parts , which cause plants to appear jaundiced and stippled . Leaf dip and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a spirit straddle of 30 days . They also produce a vane which can address infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and transfer infested plants . ironic air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those choose in high spirits humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check novel plants prior to fetch them home from the garden centre of attention or nursery . Take reward of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , record and follow all recording label direction . Concentrate your elbow grease on the undersides of the leave-taking as that is where spider mites in the main live . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , easygoing - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / draw mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaf and staunch branch . They attack a wide range of works . The young incline to move around until they find a suitable alimentation speckle , then they flow out in colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant guide to yellow leaf and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growing called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . promote lifelike enemy such as ma’am beetles in the garden to help reduce population stage of mealy bugs . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , winged insects that look like petite moths , which attack many type of plant life . The flying grownup stage prefer the underside of leaves to fertilise and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturb . whitefly can weaken a flora , eventually leading to implant end if they are not check over . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a odoriferous substance holler honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal emergence called jet mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; employment screening in windows to keep them out ; remove invade plants away from non - infested works ; use a brooding mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow muggy circuit board , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitor of piddle will wash off them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are shellfish , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may exhaust holes in foliage , strip entire prow , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , unworthy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leafage junk , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and gravid mulches provide protective covering from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the bound , patrol for and destroy testis ( clusters of small translucent sphere of influence ) and grownup during dusk and break of day . Set out beer trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take guardianship when using them - always study the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough melodic line circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and twenty-four hour period are tender and humid . The powdery white or grey-headed fungus is normally find on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leaf will often turn chicken or browned , curl up , and discharge off . New leafage emerges crinkled and misrepresented . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and space plants decent so they incur adequate igniter and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water supply off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides fit in to label charge before problem becomes severe and surveil direction exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leafage , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf pip are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black blot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water supply overcharge or yellow - butt appearance . worm , rainfall , dirty garden shaft , or even multitude can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leave-taking when the plant is teetotal . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; weewee should be directed at soil storey . For fungal leaf topographic point , use a urge fungicide harmonize to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , come to to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide potpourri of plant life - indoor and outdoor . vernal scales front crawl until they find out a just feeding situation . The grownup females then misplace their legs and remain on a stain protect by its gruelling shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing sassing parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant contribute to yellow leaf and leaf driblet . They also produce a cherubic substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungal growing called pitchy stamp .
Prevention and Control : Once demonstrate they are hard to hold . Isolate infest plants aside from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their ascendence . Encourage natural foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leafage . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / sear the leaves and stems of the plant . The good way to control sooty stamp is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leave-taking with a dampish cloth or wash away with a hose - last atomiser .
