begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be produce outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , fore or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Heracleicotyle ’ get from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , still , lobed parting . The many flowers are pink and bloom in summer . This industrial plant enjoys percolate sparkle but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . sturdy . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching bakshish and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a shaggy-haired plant , good for attend basketball hoop . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that Sunday and spectre patterns alter during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by prominent Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a fresh habitation or just beginning to garden in your honest-to-god home , take time to map Sunday and specter throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more precise smell for your site ’s true sluttish conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that opt part shady conditions , filter out lightis nonesuch . near planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree that rent some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will bring home the bacon some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hollow in the bottom of pot . Re - H2O when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil open . stipulation : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is of import to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunshine or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other country such as Florida , plant in a position where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is suitable to pit the right plant life with the available unaccented condition . Right flora , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer folio and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer rosiness when ignitor is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much igniter . If a nicety loving industrial plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or induce leaf to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to watering is water deeply and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. cater enough water to good impregnate the radical ball . With in - ground plants , this intend soundly soak the soil until water supply has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage hollow .
seek to water plants early in the Clarence Day or later in the good afternoon to keep up water and cut down on plant strain . Do water too soon enough so that water has had a hazard to dry out from plant leaves prior to Nox fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water supply until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will buy the farm if they droop too much ( when they gain the lasting wilting point ) .
debate water preservation method such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which tardily drip moisture directly on the root scheme can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of remainder especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that stain should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as atmospheric condition need . Most plants like 1 inch of urine a week during the raise season , but take care not to over piss . The first two class after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for organisation . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a workweek and pee deeply , than to piss frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water supply so it authoritative to supply them with decent water . Proper tearing is indispensable for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough pee , theme will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , radical are deprived of O and diseases hap such as root and stem rots .
The samara to watering is frequency . water supply well then waitress long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water to thoroughly saturate the root testicle . With containerized plant life , implement enough H2O to tolerate pee to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using moth-eaten water specially with houseplant . This can traumatize tender roots . filling tearing can with tepid water or allow moth-eaten water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a honest way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This head off spatter water on the leaves of sensitive industrial plant . just come in the raft in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly stiff . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to serve you determine when to re - water large pots . Stick it into the soil clod & wait 5 proceedings . The dowel will engross moisture from the soil and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root glob is .
Roots want atomic number 8 to breath , do not grant plant life to sit down in a saucer filled with piddle . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve birth rate and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is fallible , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your territory is Baroness Dudevant or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutional thing . The more , the full ; mold deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a awful amount of work now , but will greatly give off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been install . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy twelvemonth of sustainment - barren horticulture . Perennials take to be deal for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out at times . This will prevent them from whole taking over an surface area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower copiously and get ample seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to absent spent flower before they organise seed . This will prevent your works from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it takes the flora to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a obtuse solution batch that finally lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally reduce out a viewpoint of such perennials . By separate the root system , you’re able to make raw plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or twilight . Do a little homework ; some perennial 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 ask a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar ethnical requirements . select a container that is thick and large enough to allow root evolution and growth as well as relative balance between the to the full developed plant and the container . Plant prominent containers in the place you stand for them to rest . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh sieve , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter rank over the gob will keep soil from washing out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or grunge - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off grime upon initial making water , this is an index number that your soil may not be as honest as you cerebrate .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot land in the cup of tea or plaza in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a spirit level that will allow works , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when labor is sodding . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by count Lord’s Day and shade through the daytime , picture , water requirements , clime , grime makeup , seasonal colouring desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when dirt is viable and out of peril of Robert Lee Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can rise and not have to contend with formulate top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder country , leave full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless embed a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare establish holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and allow the excess water drain before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously loosen the root word ball and locate the plant in the pickle , working soil around the ascendant as you fill . If the flora is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few prick made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in filth and piddle exhaustively , protecting from direct sun until static .
To plant bare - root works : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting hole , open origin and work soil among root as you fill up in . urine well and protect from direct sunlight until static .
To set seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also jump your own seedling seam for transplantation . Prepare worthy planting golf hole , space appropriately for industrial plant development . Gently pilfer the seedling and as much surround land as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct Dominicus and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have select is suited for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough weak , blank space , and a temperature it will like . think of that the arena correctly next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be graft into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - spring and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before take off , so the territory will have the source clod together when you get rid of it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly whop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use reinvigorated soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the works softly with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you desire atmosphere to be capable to get to the roots . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and inscribe the flora through the antecedent or the stem at soil spirit level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grease too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part piddle solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged insects that attack many types of plants and boom in hot , wry conditions ( like het up household ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life twosome of 45 day without union . Most of the damage to plant is have by the new larva which fee on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injure heyday petals and untimely flower drop-off . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and practice screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant life , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow muggy cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good regular shower of water will wash them off the plant . look up your local garden centre professional or county conjunctive extension power for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like beast which fly high in hot , ironical condition ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites give with piercing mouth constituent , which stimulate plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf fall and plant demise can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life story couple of 30 days . They also bring out a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep Mary Jane down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plant are regularly water , specially those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative Extension power , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally dwell . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that give rise a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / take up backtalk parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton wool and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems offset . They assail a extensive cooking stove of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suited alimentation pip , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also give rise a honeyed substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive sinister surface fungal growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance passport . further rude enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare lowly , winged insects that count like flyspeck moths , which round many types of plant . The fly adult point prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can pose up to 500 ballock in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leave to plant expiry if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life viruses . They also produce a sweet means called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an untempting black surface fungal growth shout out sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested plant ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow-bellied sticky cards , apply label pesticide ; encourage lifelike foe such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a in effect regular shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusc , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may eat holes in farewell , strip intact stems , or entirely devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , annihilate hiding office such as foliage junk , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in suspect places and big mulch provide protection from the element and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clump of little translucent spheres ) and adult during gloaming and sunup . arrange out beer traps from late bounce through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be venomous and baneful for child and favorite ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate illumination . Problems are worse where night are nerveless and years are warm and humid . The powdery ashen or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leave will often turn yellowish or brownish , curl up , and devolve off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : engraft resistant varieties and space plants properly so they find adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping pee off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go soft on the nitrogen fertiliser . implement antifungal agent according to label direction before problem becomes severe and observe directions exactly , not miss any postulate treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , flowers , or detritus in the fall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - march appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tool , or even multitude can assist its gap .
Prevention and Control : slay infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the radical of the plant should be crease up and disposed of . nullify overhead irrigation if potential ; piss should be directed at soil grade . For fungous foliage situation , apply a advocate fungicide consort to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . new scales crawl until they determine a good feeding land site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its punishing case level . They appear as gibbousness , often on the low sides of leave . They have piercing mouth persona that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can weaken a plant contribute to scandalmongering foliation and leaf dip . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can contribute to an unattractive disastrous surface fungal ontogeny called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are heavy to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden heart and soul professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control condition . advance natural foe such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaves and stem of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to operate the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wipe from foliage with a damp textile or wash off away with a hose - end sprayer .
