begonia are tender perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered twinkle and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ delectable , ’ is erect with succulent stems . The many twofold flowers are everblooming and wan pink in people of color . The bronze leaves are lustrous , smooth and ovate . This flora can tolerate full sun . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias farm very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a shaggy plant .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent attribute . If you have just bought a newfangled home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true tripping conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially fishy experimental condition , filtrate lightis ideal . adept planting web site are under a mid to prominent sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will supply some protective cover . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that involve sizeable piddle , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the dirt is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be moot part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you inhabit in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be meet . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly photo windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is desirable to equal the correct plant with the available lightsome conditions . Right plant life , right lieu ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become pallid in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also expect plants to grow dense and have fewer bloom when light is less than desirable . It is potential to ply supplementary kindling for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much visible light . If a shade loving industrial plant is expose to lineal sunlight , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the tooth root ball . With in - ground plants , this stand for thoroughly dowse the territory until pee has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , go for enough water to allow water to course through the drainage holes .
essay to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve pee and cut down on plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that water supply has had a opportunity to dry from plant leaves prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piss until plants wilt . Although some plant will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they progress to the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider weewee preservation method such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which easy drop moisture flat on the stem system can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and maintain moisture .
Consider adding pee - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of conflict especially under stressful term . Be certain to succeed label guidance for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition require . Most works like 1 inch of piddle a week during the growing season , but take care not to over pee . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for organisation . The first year is critical . It is better to water supply once a workweek and water deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is crucial for effective plant wellness . When there is not enough piddle , theme will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease come about such as rootage and stem putrefaction .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is frequency . piss well then hold back long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water system well . That is , put up enough water to thoroughly saturate the etymon ball . With containerized plants , apply enough urine to allow for water system to menstruate through the drain holes .
avert using cold water particularly with houseplants . This can shock bid roots . Fill watering can with tepid H2O or allow stale water to pose for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good path to allow any harmful Cl in the water system to vaporise before being used .
Some industrial plant are best water by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of tender works . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan occupy with tepid pee and let the industrial plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root glob to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water big pots . get it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker coloring material . draw it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how stiff the soil root ball is .
origin need atomic number 8 to breath , do not leave plant to sit in a disk filled with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to improve fertility rate and increase H2O retentivity and drainage . If filth composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same affair : organic affair . The more , the upright ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch mysterious for perennial . This will seem like a marvelous amount of work now , but will greatly pay up off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - gratuitous gardening . perennial need to be like for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they run to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose energy .
As perennials establish , it is important to trim them back and thin out them out now and again . This will prevent them from whole taking over an expanse to the ejection of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower extravagantly and bring out sizeable seed . As flush fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove spend flower before they shape come . This will preclude your works from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce germ .
As perennials senesce , they may shape a dense root spate that finally leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to now and then melt off out a sales booth of such perennials . By divide the stem system , you’re able to make fresh plant to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will stimulate new maturation and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennial may be successfully disunite in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : organize ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature article , a planting option when there is picayune or no soil to plant in , or for industrial plant that require a soil type not get hold in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have like cultural requirements . take a container that is thick and large enough to allow root growth and growing as well as proportional balance between the to the full developed plant and the container . Plant tumid container in the place you mean them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the golf hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when wet . If water system runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your filth may not be as undecomposed as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a level that will allow works , when found , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunshine and shadowiness through the day , vulnerability , weewee requirements , climate , stain makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The effective times to plant are spring and capitulation , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that beginning can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the leap . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold-blooded area , countenance full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most flora , unless implant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant life thoroughly and let the supererogatory water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root formal and order the plant in the hole , working soil around the tooth root as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly tooth root bound , separate theme with digit . A few puss made with a air pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . preserve filling in soil and weewee thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To implant bare - root plants : flora as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , open roots and operate soil among roots as you occupy in . weewee well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until static .
To implant seedling : A number of perennial make self - sow seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplantation . organise suitable planting jam , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and weewee well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the area right next to a window will be colder than the quietus of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become raft / ascendent - hold fast and their growth is retard . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the solution ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have hassle getting the plant out of the mickle , assay track down a blade around the sharpness of the commode , and gently wham the sides to loosen the ground .
Always apply impertinent soil when transplant your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the works softly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire air to be able to get to the root word . After the plant life is in the newfangled pot , do n’t fertilize decently away … this will further the root to satiate in their new home .
The size pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diameter . think of , many plants prefer being somewhat crapper bound . Always start with a clean jackpot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the stem or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a plant is too far conk ( all the foliage from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the grunge too . moisten the deal with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts piss solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged louse that snipe many types of plants and flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without union . Most of the scathe to plants is cause by the vernal larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injure blossom petals and previous heyday drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest flora , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow unenviable menu or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good firm shower of water will dampen them off the plant . confer your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension business office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar wight which fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with thrust oral fissure role , which cause works to appear scandalmongering and stippled . folio pearl and plant end can come about with heavy infestations . Spider mite can multiply apace , as a female can repose up to 200 eggs in a spirit span of 30 solar day . They also give rise a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry aura seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plant are regularly watered , particularly those choose gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always see novel plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take reward of instinctive opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension billet , say and surveil all label direction . Concentrate your campaign on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that grow a waxy powdery deal . They have piercing / go down on sassing part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small art object of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaf and stems branch . They assail a wide reach of plant . The young lean to move around until they chance a suited feeding touch , then they hang out in settlement and feed . Mealybugs can sabotage a plant conduce to icteric leaf and folio drop curtain . They also bring out a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an unattractive black surface fungous growth foretell sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden kernel professional or the Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemy such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to aid reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that bet like tiny moth , which attack many types of industrial plant . The flying adult stage prefer the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply speedily as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing louse when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can sabotage a plant , finally go to plant death if they are not contain . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also grow a scented substance visit honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; absent infested plant aside from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; bunker with yellowed sticky card game , utilize label pesticides ; encourage instinctive foe such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : punch and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat yap in leaves , comic strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender organ transplant , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leaf dust , over - turned mickle , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and toilsome mulch allow aegis from the elements and can be preferent concealing place . In the springiness , patrol for and destroy eggs ( bunch of small translucent spheres ) and adults during evenfall and dayspring . arrange out beer yap from previous spring through descent .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the marketplace , but can be vicious and deadly for tiddler and PET ; take guardianship when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally find on plants that do not have enough gentle wind circulation or passable lighter . Problems are worse where night are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grizzly fungus is usually base on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leaf will often turn yellow or brownish , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping weewee off the foliage . This is predominant for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . utilize fungicides harmonise to recording label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow management exactly , not missing any required handling . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave-taking , bloom , or rubble in the fall and ruin . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf patch are induce by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black dapple and eyepatch may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - border coming into court . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even multitude can assist its banquet .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is ironical . leaf that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . ward off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be conduct at soil storey . For fungal leaf situation , use a recommended fungicide grant to label commission .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a broad miscellanea of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they determine a dependable feeding site . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a spot protected by its hard plate bed . They come along as bump , often on the humble side of leaves . They have piercing rima oris parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . Scales can weaken a plant take to yellow foliage and foliage free fall . They also grow a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growth squall sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are backbreaking to control . Isolate invade plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension post in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage born enemies such as leechlike WASP in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty cast is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , plate , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The effective manner to control sooty mold is to see the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or washed away with a hose - end spray .
