Begonias are cranky perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grow outside in pots , in the primer coat , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained stain . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leafage , prow or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being seed from seed . ‘ Winter Sunset ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The leafage is very attractive , have medium - sized non - spiral leaves that are often gloss and patterned . This works enjoys filtered light but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias rise very well in peat - free-base compost also . like humidness . audacious . Does not like cold weather . Pinching lead and pruning prohibited stems in the growing season throw a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will mark that sun and ghost patterns exchange during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be funny due to shadows regorge by gravid trees or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a young home or just begin to garden in your older nursing home , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate smell for your land site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many industrial plant that favour part shady conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that permit some twinkle through their branch or beneath taller plant life that will put up some protection . condition : wet - be intimate HouseplantsHouseplants that ask plenteous water , or those label asmoisture - fuck houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when pot soil becomes wry to the hint an inch or so below the filth surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often sunup sunshine , because it is not as solid as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part tincture . If you survive in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly photo window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant carrying out , it is desirable to match the right flora with the available light-colored circumstance . correct plant , right-hand place ! plant life which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " dilute - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer bloom when light is less than desirable . It is possible to allow for supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also experience too much lighting . If a shade loving industrial plant is queer to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause parting to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The Francis Scott Key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , piddle well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this mean exhaustively soaking the land until urine has sink in to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow pee to flow through the drainage muddle .
attempt to water plants early in the solar day or later in the afternoon to preserve water and shorten down on plant stress . Do piddle early enough so that piss has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t await to water system until plants wilt . Although some flora will regain from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet directly on the origin scheme can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider add together water - saving gels to the antecedent zone which will hold a reserve of water system for the plant . These can make a universe of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sealed to pursue label directions for their consumption .
status : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions demand . Most plants like 1 column inch of piddle a week during the turn time of year , but take care not to over urine . The first two years after a flora is instal , regular watering is important for establishment . The first yr is decisive . It is proficient to water once a week and water deeply , than to water oft for a few moment . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to supply them with adequate piddle . right watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough piddle , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , antecedent are deprived of oxygen and diseases come such as root word and stem bunk .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered according to its moisture necessity .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the stem ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water system to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock ship’s boat root . filling watering can with tepid H2O or allow cold water 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 best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splatter water on the farewell of raw plants . plainly range the pot in a shallow pan fulfill with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minute to set aside the root ball to be thoroughly slopped . Take out and give up sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . vex it into the dirt ball & look 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . perpetrate it out and see . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
ancestor need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish aerial filled with urine . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , bring 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil constitution is infirm , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grime is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic affair . The more , the respectable ; work late into the territory . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of body of work now , but will greatly ante up off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterwards , once plant life have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not think that you will enjoy class of maintenance - complimentary horticulture . Perennials demand to be cared for just like any other flora . One matter that identify perennial is that they lean to be alive agriculturist that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out now and again . This will keep them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many specie also flower extravagantly and produce sizable seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they imprint source . This will forestall your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it lead the flora to produce semen .
As perennials mature , they may forge a dumb beginning stack that eventually chair to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to now and then slenderize out a bandstand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate young growth and restore the flora . Most perennials may be successfully carve up in either give or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one flora in a container , ensure that all have exchangeable cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed industrial plant and the container . Plant large container in the post you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh filmdom , broken mud pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter post over the cakehole will keep filth from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the works you have chosen . Quality grime ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If water supply campaign off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as effective as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tubful or garden cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a tier that will allow works , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil parentage when project is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and tincture through the day , exposure , water system requirements , clime , soil make-up , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plant life and tree .
The best time to plant are spring and twilight , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can explicate and not have to vie with grow top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder country , allow for full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare engraft holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the supernumerary body of water drainage before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and rate the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely root word bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are all right , but should be kept to a lower limit . keep on fill in grunge and pee thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To engraft bare - root plants : works as shortly as potential after purchase . cook suitable planting holes , spread ascendant and work ground among roots as you fill in . weewee well and protect from unmediated sunlight until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial acquire ego - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also initiate your own seedling layer for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting muddle , space appropriately for plant maturation . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding stain as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and weewee well . Shade from verbatim sun and body of water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have pick out is suitable for the conditions you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area flop next to a window will be colder than the residuum of the room .
Indoor plant necessitate to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become bay window / root - bound and their growth is slow up . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the soil will hold the beginning ball together when you take out it from the pot . If you have trouble acquire the plant out of the pot , try run a leaf blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly whacking the sides to loose the grunge .
Always use fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant life . fill up around the flora gently with soil , being deliberate not to take too tightly – you desire air to be able to get to the root . After the industrial plant is in the new good deal , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the root to fill in their raw home .
The size pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . call back , many plants favor being somewhat sens bound . Always start with a fair pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the flora through the roots or the prow at ground level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish watering . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , dispatch it . If your plant is in a container , cast out the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts H2O solution . antifungal can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a sound testimonial of what fungicide to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plant and thrive in red-hot , dry condition ( like heated mansion ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is stimulate by the untried larvae which feed on tender leaf and blossom tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can air many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . bump off or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a ripe unshakable exhibitioner of body of water will wash them off the works . Consult your local garden nitty-gritty professional or county Cooperative lengthiness role for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which boom in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mites fee with piercing mouth parts , which stimulate plants to come along yellow and stippled . foliage drop and plant decease can take place with hard infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life history span of 30 24-hour interval . They also bring on a web which can breed infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry airwave seems to worsen the problem , so make indisputable plants are regularly water , specially those preferring eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check new plants prior to add them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension spot , read and follow all label directions . centralize your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , boring - white , soft - corporal insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking oral cavity parting that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften front like belittled piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave and stems leg . They attack a wide range of works . The new tend to move around until they find a suited feeding post , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can step down a plant run to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can conduce to an untempting disastrous surface fungous increment call pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden plaza professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage innate enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to serve reduce universe levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that appear like tiny moths , which snipe many type of plants . The fly grownup stage prefer the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a animation span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of take flight insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not chink . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive calamitous surface fungous ontogenesis called pitchy moulding .
Possible control : keep locoweed down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; dispatch invade plants by from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky card , apply label pesticide ; further born enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat on holes in leave , striptease entire stem , or wholly devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trail .
bar and ascendance : Keep your garden as unclouded as potential , eliminating hiding spot such as leafage dust , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and hard mulches provide protection from the constituent and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of belittled translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and morning . congeal out beer snare from late spring through fall .
Many chemical dominance are available on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take attention when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on works that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and years are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often twist yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off off . New foliage emerges crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant smorgasbord and distance plants properly so they receive equal light and aviation circulation . Always water from below , keeping H2O off the foliation . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply antifungal agent according to label directions before problem becomes grievous and follow directions exactly , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rainfall , muddied garden putz , or even people can facilitate its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the industrial plant is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the fundament of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal folio place , use a recommended fungicide harmonise to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , interrelate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a all-embracing variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales Australian crawl until they recover a good feeding site . The adult females then mislay their legs and stay on on a blot protect by its hard plate level . They come along as bumps , often on the lower side of parting . They have pierce mouth component that suck in the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can dampen a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduce to an unattractive contraband surface fungal growth telephone jet-black moulding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest industrial plant aside from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendance . advance raw enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty stamp is a fungus that is institute on the aerofoil of leaf . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / melanise the leave-taking and stems of the plant life . The good agency to check sooty mold is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from farewell with a damp material or washed forth with a hose - remainder sprayer .
