Begonias are lovesome perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outside in mass , in the ground , or in hang basket in filter out brightness and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , base or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Lucy Closson , ’ grows from an good rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring non - whorled leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys filter out light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Does not like cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning stunned stanch in the growing time of year gives a shaggy-coated plant , good for hang baskets . Remove dead foliation to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will mark that sun and ghost patterns change during the day . The western side of a star sign may even be shady due to shadows cast by expectant trees or a construction from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new house or just beginning to garden in your quondam home , take meter to represent sun and shade throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s dependable light consideration . Conditions : filtrate LightFor many plant life that prefer part shady conditions , filtered lightis saint . Good planting sites are under a mid to turgid sized tree that lets some Inner Light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . experimental condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that postulate ample water , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from muddle in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when pot dirt becomes dry to the tactile sensation an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as strong as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part tad . If you live in an country that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , flora in a locating where afternoon shade will be received . weather : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly photograph window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . term : Light and Plant SelectionFor unspoiled plant life performance , it is desirable to couple the right plant with the useable wakeful conditions . Right industrial plant , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leave and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few bloom when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plant life with lamp . works can also receive too much light . If a wraith bed plant life is expose to direct sun , it may wilt and/or stimulate leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , body of water well , i.e. render enough water to thoroughly saturate the root clump . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly soak the ground until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , lend oneself enough water to let water to flow through the drainage hole .
seek to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water system and cut down on plant stress . Do water supply too soon enough so that body of water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet directly on the root arrangement can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool down the root zone and maintain moisture .
believe adding body of water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of urine for the plant . These can make a world of difference peculiarly under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that stain should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as weather demand . Most plants like 1 in of water system a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over weewee . The first two years after a plant is install , regular lacrimation is crucial for establishment . The first year is vital . It is good to pee once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for full plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water is utilise too frequently , roots are deprived of O and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant involve to be re - water according to its moisture requirement .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , cater enough H2O to good saturate the root egg . With containerized plant life , apply enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage holes .
invalidate using insensate water system specially with houseplant . This can traumatize tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold piss to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a ripe way to take into account any harmful Cl in the water to disappear before being used .
Some plants are well water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the folio of raw plants . only localize the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and rent the works sit around for 15 minute to allow the antecedent ball to be thoroughly cockeyed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you ascertain when to re - water big pots . Stick it into the dirt clod & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and ferment a darker colour . pluck it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how plastered the soil root ball is .
ascendent need O to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , bestow 2 to 4 column inch of senior manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If grime musical composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be count as well . No matter if your grunge is sand or clay , it can be improved by add the same affair : constituent thing . The more , the better ; exploit late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly make up off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plant have been prove . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy days of care - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguish perennial is that they incline to be active growers that have to be melt off out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out on occasion . This will prevent them from completely taking over an domain to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase line circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce sizable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent peak before they form seed . This will forestall your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable free energy it takes the works to produce seeded player .
As perennials ripen , they may constitute a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a tie-up of such perennial . By separate the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate Modern growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either leap or tumble . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no grunge to constitute in , or for plant life that involve a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have exchangeable ethnical requirements . take a container that is deep and magnanimous enough to take into account root growing and growth as well as proportional balance between the to the full developed plant and the container . constitute heavy container in the place you intend them to rest . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh filmdom , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the maw will keep soil from washing out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have prefer . Quality soil ( or land - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when loaded . If water supply runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as dependable as you cerebrate .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a vat or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a degree that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with soil occupation when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal people of color desire , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to implant are springtime and fall , when land is workable and out of danger of freeze . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can grow and not have to contend with developing top increment as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold areas , appropriate full organisation before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown flora : Prepare establish holes with appropriate deepness and blank space between . Water the plant thoroughly and allow the supererogatory H2O drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the radical as you fill . If the works is highly root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a sac knife are okay , but should be hold back to a minimum . carry on satisfy in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To engraft marginal - root plants : flora as soon as possible after leverage . set up suitable planting holes , circularize roots and act upon grime among ascendant as you make full in . water supply well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials farm ego - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space fittingly for industrial plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it at once , firming dirt with fingertips and H2O well . Shade from lineal sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have take is suitable for the weather you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the surface area right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants demand to be graft into a expectant container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their development is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before take up , so the filth will hold the root ball together when you off it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the mickle , essay running a blade around the bound of the potty , and gently wham the side of meat to loose the soil .
Always use fresh grease when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to take too tightly – you want aviation to be able to get to the root . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fulfill in their raw home base .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being middling pot throttle . Always get going with a clean flock !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enroll the industrial plant through the root or the root at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , murder it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 role water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label focusing . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many types of plants and flourish in red-hot , juiceless weather condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a lifetime span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is stimulate by the new larvae which feed on raw leaf and peak tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature peak bead . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screen out on window to keep them out . off or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow muggy cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good stiff shower of water will lap them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative propagation office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , teetotal condition ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to look yellow and stippled . folio fall and industrial plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider speck can multiply quickly , as a female can rest up to 200 bollock in a lifespan span of 30 days . They also acquire a web which can cover infested leaves and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . juiceless airwave seems to exasperate the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis water , especially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check novel plants prior to bringing them home from the garden substance or nursery . Take vantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden inwardness professional or county Cooperative Extension role , read and take after all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , boring - white , soft - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth part that imbibe the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small-scale pieces of cotton and they incline to congregate where leaves and stems limb . They attack a wide range of plants . The young run to move around until they find a worthy feeding spot , then they hang out in Colony and feed . Mealybugs can countermine a plant leading to yellow leafage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can top to an untempting black surface fungal growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested industrial plant from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage raw enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population point of mealy hemipteron . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that take care like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can set up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of flee insects when the plant is interrupt . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can pass to an untempting black surface fungal maturation address sooty mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; enjoyment block out in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , practice pronounce pesticides ; promote natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a safe steadfast shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious tributary , deplete just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat kettle of fish in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and ascendancy : Keep your garden as sporty as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf dust , over - turned bay window , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and impenetrable mulches leave protection from the component and can be preferred hiding places . In the leaping , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clump of small translucent vault of heaven ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer cakehole from late bound through gloaming .
Many chemical substance controls are uncommitted on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pet ; take maintenance when using them - always record the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable lighter . Problems are worse where dark are cool and day are affectionate and humid . The powdery clean or grey-headed fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leave will often turn yellow or browned , curl up , and drop off . novel leafage emerges crinkled and deformed . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant multifariousness and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and zephyr circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping piss off the foliation . This is overriding for rosebush . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label guidance before job becomes knockout and pursue focussing just , not miss any require intervention . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , peak , or junk in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacterium . chocolate-brown or bootleg spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even citizenry can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : get rid of infected leave when the plant is ironical . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , expend a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , tie in to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a all-inclusive variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scale crawling until they happen a practiced feeding site . The adult female then lose their legs and persist on a spot protected by its hard eggshell stratum . They come out as bumps , often on the downhearted position of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant lead to yellow leaf and leaf drib . They also bring forth a sweet heart call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to see . Isolate infest plant off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage instinctive foeman such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty molding is a fungus that is found on the surface of parting . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy glitch , musical scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leave and stanch of the plant life . The best way to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish textile or washed away with a hose - end atomizer .
