Begonias are tender perennial , get for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered brightness level and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , develop as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being seed from seed . The ‘ Pam Sue ’ begonia grows from an just rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature volute farewell that are often distort and patterned . This plant enjoys filtered brightness but can take some sunlight in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia spring up very well in peat - based compost also . wish humidity . Does not like cold weather . squeeze tips and pruning outer stems in the acquire season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging handbasket . take away stagnant foliage to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade pattern change during the day . The western side of a firm may even be shady due to shadow vomit by expectant trees or a structure from an conterminous property . If you have just buy a unexampled nursing home or just beginning to garden in your older home base , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the Clarence Day . You will get a more exact flavour for your website ’s lawful wanton conditions . stipulation : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer part louche conditions , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some visible light through their branches or beneath improbable plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample weewee , or those mark asmoisture - get laid houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturated 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 direct , is important to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as impregnable as good afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sunshine or part shade . If you live in an region that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon nicety 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 foot of a southerly exposure windowpane . consideration : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant carrying out , it is desirable to match the correct industrial plant with the available light stipulation . Right plant , right-hand place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become sick in color , have few foliage and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plants to arise dull and have fewer blooms when lightness is less than worthy . It is possible to allow auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a wraith get laid plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. allow enough weewee to soundly impregnate the root lump . With in - ground plant , this means soundly soaking the soil until water supply has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to set aside body of water to flow through the drain holes .
adjudicate to water plant early in the day or afterward in the good afternoon to conserve water supply and prune down on plant stress . Do water system early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to water until plant droop . Although some plant life will recover from this , all plant will give-up the ghost if they wilt too much ( when they connect with the permanent wilting power point ) .
turn over water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop wet directly on the root word scheme can be buy at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the radical zona and conserve wet .
Consider adding body of water - saving gels to the root zone which will make a reserve of urine for the plant life . These can make a world of deviation especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sealed to conform to recording label focal point for their enjoyment .
circumstance : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be keep evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of urine a week during the growing season , but take care not to over weewee . The first two yr after a flora is put in , regular tearing is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to weewee once a workweek and H2O deeply , than to water frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water system so it crucial to supply them with tolerable water supply . Proper watering is essential for well plant health . When there is not enough body of water , roots will shrivel up and the plant will droop . When too much weewee is applied too oftentimes , origin are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as tooth root and bow rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered harmonise to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , leave enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , give enough water to grant body of water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using frigid body of water especially with houseplants . This can shock attender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or permit cold water to sit for a while to occur to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a proficient room to allow any harmful Cl in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some industrial plant are better water by pigboat - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing urine on the leaf of sensitive plants . merely localize the pot in a shallow pan occupy with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be good wet . Take out and tolerate sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil globe & expect 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the territory and turn a darker color . deplumate it out and canvass . This will give you an idea of how wet the stain root ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not permit plants to sit in a dish filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , total 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and body of work into the planting web site to improve fecundity and increase water retention and drain . If soil make-up is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or corpse , it can be ameliorate by tot the same affair : organic matter . The more , the good ; make for late into the stain . organize bottom to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a awful amount of workplace now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once industrial plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you constitute a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - devoid gardening . Perennials take to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be active growers that have to be slim out occasionally or they will let loose vigor .
As perennials found , it is important to rationalise them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby cut back the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seminal fluid . As bloom of youth disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to bring forth semen .
As perennial mature , they may constitute a heavy root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the ancestor system , you’re able to make new flora to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a taste . How - to : fix ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is little or no soil to imbed in , or for plants that take a soil character not launch in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have exchangeable ethnic demand . Choose a container that is deep and declamatory enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant and the container . Plant bombastic container in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay throne pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter put over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate mix for the works you have choose . Quality soils ( or ground - less medias ) engage wet readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your stain may not be as well as you call up .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting filth in the bag or shoes in a tub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a tier that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by conceive Lord’s Day and shade through the twenty-four hours , exposure , water prerequisite , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The respectable times to embed are natural spring and fall , when grime is workable and out of danger of hoarfrost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top emergence as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for colder areas , allowing full administration before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most flora , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - produce plants : Prepare institute holes with appropriate profoundness and distance between . Water the works thoroughly and let the supererogatory water waste pipe before carefully off from the container . Carefully loosen the rootage ball and place the plant life in the muddle , ferment dirt around the roots as you fill . If the works is extremely root recoil , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protect from lineal Dominicus until stable .
To plant bare - radical plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suited planting holes , spread beginning and work soil among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from lineal sun until unchanging .
To embed seedlings : A number of perennials bring out ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant life exploitation . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding territory as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have choose is worthy for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will wish . recall that the area the right way next to a window will be colder than the balance of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become hatful / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will declare the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem getting the industrial plant out of the pot , test running a blade around the edge of the kitty , and gently whacking the side to loosen the dirt .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . make full around the plant gently with grease , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire melody to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the works is in the new hatful , do n’t fertilize right by … this will encourage the solution to fill in their new family .
The size pot you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . recollect , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bind . Always originate with a fair mickle !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is observe in most grunge and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish watering . If a industrial plant is too far cash in one’s chips ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , take away it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash out the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , agree to label focal point . Consult a master for a legal passport of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that aggress many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life duo of 45 days without mating . Most of the price to plants is induce by the young larvae which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured heyday petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can impart many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and practice screening on windows to keep them out . hit or discard infest flora , keep them away from non - infested works . Trap with white-livered pasty cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady shower of water system will lave them off the plant . Consult your local garden middle professional or county accommodative file name extension bureau for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-sized , 8 legged , wanderer - like fauna which expand in red-hot , wry status ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which do plants to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf bead and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quick , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life-time span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and transfer infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always check new flora prior to get 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 center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and abide by all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites broadly live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , wearisome - snowy , gentle - corporal insect that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / breastfeed mouth share that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften face like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They round a wide reach of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they fall out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can undermine a flora leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a scented substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal emergence called sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested works from those that are not . Consult your local garden heart and soul professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical passport . advance lifelike enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe spirit level of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare humble , winged insects that depend like diminutive moths , which snipe many types of plants . The wing grownup stage prefers the underside of leave of absence to feed and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce quickly as a female can lie up to 500 ball in a life sentence straddle of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing louse when the industrial plant is shake up . whitefly can subvert a plant , finally lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a honeyed heart called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting smutty surface fungous growing called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant ; utilize a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow-bellied muggy poster , give labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steadfast shower of piss will wash out them off the plant . Pest : punch and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely odorous . They may eat holes in leaves , strip show entire prow , or completely devour seedlings and stamp transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
bar and controller : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf rubble , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch allow protection from the elements and can be favorite concealing place . In the spring , patrol for and demolish nut ( cluster of small semitransparent sphere ) and adults during gloaming and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through decline .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take forethought when using them - always register the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate Inner Light . problem are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery blanched or gray fungus is usually ground on the upper surface of farewell or yield . Leaves will often become xanthous or dark-brown , loop up , and flatten off . New foliage emerge crinkle and twisted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety show and space plants properly so they have fair to middling light and air circulation . Always water system from below , keep back water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go slowly on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . give fungicides harmonize to label direction before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or dust in the evenfall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to kingdom Fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black muscae volitantes and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its counterpane .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the radix of the plant should be raked up and toss away of . deflect overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at territory level . For fungal leafage smirch , utilize a recommended fungicide according to recording label counsel .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they regain a expert alimentation site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing sassing parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a works chair to yellow foliage and leaf drop-off . They also produce a sweet message call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to ascertain . Isolate infest plant aside from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual passport regarding their ascendency . boost rude foe such as leechlike WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , exfoliation , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to insure sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaf with a damp fabric or dampen away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
