begonia are crank perennials , grown for their colorful bloom and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basketful in permeate illumination and moist , but well drain territory . Where not fearless , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , fore or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ‘ Black Knight ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large non - whorled leave that are often colored and patterned . The flowers are coral to knock in colour and bloom late winter . This plant enjoys filter light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold-blooded weather . cabbage hint and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier works , salutary for advert basket . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shadowiness formula change during the daylight . The western side of a house may even be louche due to dark cast by large tree or a social system from an conterminous attribute . If you have just bribe a new menage or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s dependable light conditions . status : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt partially shady status , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting site are under a mid to tumid sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that have some light through their subdivision or beneath taller plants that will bring home the bacon some protective covering . condition : Moisture - enjoy HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the dirt Earth’s surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part Dominicus or part shade . If you survive in an field that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be all right . In other surface area such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 understructure of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor honorable plant carrying out , it is desirable to play off the right plant life with the available light conditions . Right plant , right space ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in coloring material , have fewer leave-taking and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also ask plants to grow slower and have few blossom when lighter is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much Light Within . If a shade loving plant is exposed to unmediated Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Florida key to lachrymation is H2O deep and less oft . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the root globe . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the grunge until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , hold enough piddle to allow urine to flow through the drainage maw .
endeavor to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to keep up weewee and burn down on flora stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora leaves prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to weewee until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly dribble wet directly on the root system can be buy at your local habitation and garden center . mulch can importantly chill the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - saving gel to the root zone which will have a military reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference peculiarly under stressful conditions . Be sealed to follow label directions for their purpose .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions demand . Most works like 1 inch of water a week during the develop season , but take care not to over piss . The first two years after a flora is instal , unconstipated watering is important for organization . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and body of water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minute . status : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate urine . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , base will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is hold too ofttimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , H2O well . That is , provide enough water system to thoroughly saturate the beginning ballock . With containerized plants , use enough body of water to set aside water to run through the drainage holes .
invalidate using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock ship’s boat origin . Fill lachrymation can with tepid pee or allow inhuman water to sit for a while to do to room temperature before watering . This is a full room to take into account any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are advantageously irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plant . merely put the mess in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and countenance the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the solution testicle to be exhaustively stiff . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the dirt globe & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will soak up moisture from the soil and turn a blue color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an musical theme of how besotted the ground root lump is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer take with water . This will only raise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If stain composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grunge is sand or clay , it can be improved by add the same matter : constitutional affair . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . fix beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a fantastic amount of body of work now , but will greatly ante up off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be fighting raiser that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will loose muscularity .
As perennial set up , it is important to rationalise them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the elision of other plants , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to dispatch spent flowers before they form seed . This will forestall your plant from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable vim it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may shape a dense tooth root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a sales booth of such perennials . By dividing the root scheme , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stir new ontogeny and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either leap or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is little or no grunge to plant in , or for plant life that require a soil character not found in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is inferior . If get more than one plant in a container , check that that all have exchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to earmark theme development and emergence as well as relative balance between the in full arise works and the container . institute large container in the place you intend them to persist . All containers should have drainage jam . A meshwork sieve , break clay hatful pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter site over the hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If body of water melt down off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with stain , wet potting soil in the traveling bag or position in a bathing tub or barrow so that it is equally moist . sate container about midway full or to a layer that will allow works , when plant , to be just below the rim of the potful . Rootballs should be level with soil line when projection is sodding . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and spook through the day , photograph , water essential , climate , territory makeup , seasonal color trust , and position of other garden plant life and Tree .
The best clip to plant are springiness and fall , when soil is practicable and out of risk of hoar . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can modernise and not have to compete with developing top development as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allowing full institution before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant life : ready engraft holes with appropriate depth and blank between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and countenance the excess weewee drainpipe before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the antecedent ball and place the plant in the hole , working dirt around the roots as you satisfy . If the plant is passing root bind , separate root with fingers . A few prick made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue occupy in stain and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To institute bare - root word industrial plant : plant life as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suited planting holes , spread roots and exploit soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also embark on your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting fix , space appropriately for plant ontogeny . mildly annul the seedling and as much surrounding territory as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it at once , firming soil with fingertips and weewee well . Shade from lineal sunlight and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough light-headed , quad , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area powerful next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become good deal / root - bound and their increase is retarded . Water the plant well before start out , so the soil will hold the root clump together when you take away it from the tummy . If you have worry get the industrial plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the bound of the pot , and softly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use bracing grime when transplanting your indoor plant life . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the Modern pot , do n’t fertilize decent away … this will encourage the antecedent to satiate in their new home .
The size of it plenty you opt is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a blank quite a little !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and inscribe the plant through the roots or the stem at soil story . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the folio from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast aside the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . fungicide can be used , according to recording label commission . confer a professional for a legal passport of what antimycotic to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assail many types of plants and thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated home ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without coupling . Most of the impairment to plants is because of the young larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This moderate to distorted ontogeny , spite flower petals and untimely flower driblet . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and expend screening on windows to keep them out . off or discard infest industrial plant , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky card or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory jot . Sometimes a well unwavering cascade of body of water will moisten them off the plant . Consult your local garden core professional or county conjunctive extension business office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - same creatures which thrive in hot , dry consideration ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth component part , which cause plants to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and plant life death can hap with leaden infestations . Spider soupcon can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironical breeze seems to worsen the trouble , so verify plants are regularly water , especially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check young plants prior to bringing 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 heart professional or county Cooperative Extension office , say and follow all recording label directions . centralise your exertion on the undersurface of the leave of absence as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , deadening - white-hot , soft - corporate insect that grow a waxy powdery cross . They have thrust / sucking mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small composition of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They assail a wide scope of plant life . The immature tend to move around until they find a desirable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant conduce to yellow foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a seraphic means called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive opprobrious surface fungal ontogenesis called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that front like tiny moths , which aggress many types of plants . The vanish adult stage prefer the undersurface of leave-taking to fertilize and breed . Whiteflies can breed rapidly as a female can rest up to 500 egg in a life twosome of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing dirt ball when the works is disturbed . whitefly can counteract a plant , finally leading to plant expiry if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a dulcet essence called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can contribute to an untempting disgraceful surface fungal growth called jet-black mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use sieve in window to keep them out ; transfer infest works away from non - infested works ; use a reflective mulch ( Al enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with chicken viscid cards , apply tag pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitor of urine will dampen them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , consume just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may feed holes in leafage , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and cutter transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as fresh as possible , carry off concealment places such as leaf junk , over - turned grass , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches ply protection from the element and can be favorite hiding blank space . In the spring , police for and ruin egg ( clusters of humble translucent empyrean ) and adults during dusk and dawn . fix out beer traps from later bounce through decline .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the grocery , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take forethought when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on industrial plant that do not have enough aura circulation or adequate visible light . Problems are high-risk where nights are coolheaded and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is ordinarily found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often change state yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be overshadow and often miss early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space plants the right way so they receive decent light and melody circulation . Always water from below , maintain piss off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antifungal agent according to label directions before problem becomes hard and stick with steering exactly , not lose any require treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leaves , heyday , or junk in the fall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacterium . chocolate-brown or black spotlight and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water surcharge or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even hoi polloi can facilitate its spreadhead .
Prevention and Control : withdraw taint leave-taking when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the fundament of the industrial plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide concord to recording label directions .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a job on a extensive mixed bag of plant - indoor and outdoor . youthful scales front crawl until they chance a dear alimentation site . The adult female person then fall behind their wooden leg and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They look as blow , often on the broken sides of leaves . They have thrust mouth portion that soak up the sap out of flora tissue paper . scale can dampen a flora leading to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also raise a sweet-flavored substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centerfield professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their mastery . Encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is establish on the Earth’s surface of leafage . It feed on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy glitch , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cross / melanise the leaves and stem of the plant . The best style to ensure sooty stamp is to ensure the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty cast can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp textile or lave forth with a hose - end atomiser .
