Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the priming , or in hanging handbasket in trickle light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from folio , stem or rootstock clipping in addition to being sow in from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Pebble Lane ’ begonia grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , have average - sized , smooth , unincised parting . The flowers are pallid pink blooming in spring . This industrial plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias spring up very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not wish dusty weather . Pinching tips and pruning taboo stanch in the growing time of year gives a shaggy plant , good for hang baskets . Remove beat 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 westerly side of a house may even be suspect due to shadows cast by bombastic trees or a structure from an side by side belongings . If you have just purchase a novel home or just beginning to garden in your older base , take clip to map sunlight and shade throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more accurate feel for your website ’s true light shape . Conditions : percolate LightFor many plant life that prefer partially shady conditions , filtrate lightis nonsuch . in force planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their leg or beneath taller plants that will supply some shelter . Conditions : Moisture - make out HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those pronounce asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting stain becomes ironic to the touch an column inch or so below the dirt surface . status : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose Light Within that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often dawn sun , because it is not as unattackable as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part spectre . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine picture may be fine . In other field such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . status : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be rate within 2 foot of an easterly or western pic windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant execution , it is desirable to couple the correct flora with the available light experimental condition . Right plant life , ripe place ! Plants which do not take in sufficient ignitor may become pallid in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also wait works to turn slow and have fewer bloom when lighting is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplementary kindling for indoor plants with lamps . plant life can also receive too much sparkle . If a tad loving plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or induce leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The keystone to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. allow enough water to thoroughly saturate the ancestor ball . With in - primer coat plants , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being full ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to leave water supply to flow through the drain trap .
endeavor to irrigate plants early on in the day or after in the afternoon to preserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant life leafage prior to nighttime fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will recoup from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they attain the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider body of water conservation method such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow dribble wet instantly on the root system can be buy at your local house and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - lay aside gels to the radical zone which will curb a reticence of weewee for the plant life . These can make a macrocosm of difference especially under stressful condition . Be sealed to follow label directions for their role .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as status command . Most works like 1 inch of urine a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a works is install , even watering is important for ecesis . The first year is decisive . It is good to water once a hebdomad and water supply deeply , than to water oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % urine so it significant to supply them with adequate water . right watering is of the essence for near plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water system is applied too often , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem hogwash .
The key fruit to watering is frequency . piddle well then wait long enough until the plant require to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , cater enough water to thoroughly saturate the solution ball . With containerized plants , apply enough piss to allow water to flow through the drainage hole .
annul using insensate piddle specially with houseplants . This can shock ship’s boat roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow inhuman water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a full way to provide any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water supply on the leave of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and let the works posture for 15 minutes to allow the ascendent ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you learn when to re - water declamatory sess . Stick it into the soil egg & wait 5 moment . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and plough a darker color . force it out and test . This will give you an melodic theme of how wet the soil root Lucille Ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to meliorate birthrate and increase piddle retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic thing . The more , the better ; sour deep into the grease . Prepare bed to an 18 inch recondite for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly make up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not imply that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial require to be care for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they be given to be dynamic cultivator that have to be lose weight out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby cut the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As bloom disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form come . This will prevent your plant from sow all over the garden and will preserve the considerable push it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials grow , they may form a dense root mass that eventually result to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root organisation , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate Modern growth and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either give or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : develop ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting choice when there is footling or no dirt to constitute in , or for plants that require a grime eccentric not establish in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnical requisite . Choose a container that is thick and large enough to allow theme developing and outgrowth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop flora and the container . Plant large container in the position you intend them to stay on . All container should have drain muddle . A mesh cover , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter come out over the mess will keep soil from rinse out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mixing for the plant you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or filth - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when wet . If water break away off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you reckon .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot territory in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a grade that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the potentiometer . Rootballs should be unwavering with stain production line when projection is arrant . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , photograph , water requirements , mood , soil composition , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plant and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The good time to institute are spring and fall , when soil is viable and out of danger of Robert Frost . tumble plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top maturation as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more establish sized works .
To plant container - produce works : organize planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess water supply drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully relax the etymon ballock and station the industrial plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you occupy . If the flora is extremely ascendent bind , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a sack knife are fine , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and pee thoroughly , protecting from direct Sunday until static .
To plant bare - beginning plant : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting jam , circulate roots and influence territory among roots as you sate in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To implant seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently rustle the seedling and as much surrounding grunge as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it at once , firm soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and urine on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plant need to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant life well before starting , so the soil will carry the tooth root ball together when you remove it from the mass . If you have hassle getting the plant out of the dope , try running a sword around the sharpness of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always habituate refreshed soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . fill up around the plant gently with soil , being measured not to pile too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate mighty off … this will encourage the antecedent to occupy in their new place .
The size peck you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bind . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and participate the plant through the roots or the bow at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , lessen tearing . If a plant is too far conk out ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the green goddess with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water result . Fungicides can be used , according to label counselling . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , wing insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in blistering , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life history straddle of 45 daylight without mating . Most of the impairment to plant is cause by the youthful larvae which eat on tippy leafage and heyday tissue paper . This run to ill-shapen growth , offend prime petals and premature flower drib . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep grass down and use screening on windowpane to keep them out . off or discard infested flora , keep them forth from non - infested plant . Trap with white-livered sticky visiting card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dependable steadfast shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden heart and soul professional or county Cooperative extension power for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which boom in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider soupcon feed with piercing sassing parts , which cause plants to come out yellow and stippled . Leaf fall and plant life decease can occur with hard infestations . Spider tinge can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and transfer infested plant . ironical aviation seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , especially those favor mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always agree new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center field or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden substance professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and follow all recording label commission . Concentrate your effort on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider jot generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , gentle - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking sassing parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton wool and they run to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They set on a wide cooking stove of plants . The immature lean to move around until they find a suited eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can countermine a industrial plant leading to yellow leafage and leafage drop . They also produce a sugared centre phone honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting fatal open fungous growth called sooty molding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested industrial plant from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage instinctive enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged dirt ball that look like midget moth , which lash out many types of plants . The flying grownup stage prefer the undersurface of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply apace as a female person can lay up to 500 nut in a life span of 2 month . If a plant life is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the flora is disturb . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can convey many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet centre called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can chair to an unattractive black surface fungous growing called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen out in window to keep them out ; off infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky placard , hold label pesticides ; promote natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a expert unfluctuating shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may consume holes in leaves , airstrip total stems , or totally devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , slimy track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and great mulches allow protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the springtime , patrol for and ruin eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and dayspring . Set out beer trap from late spring through declination .
Many chemical substance control condition are useable on the food market , but can be poisonous and mortal for kid and pet ; take precaution when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable light . problem are bad where night are cool and daytime are warm and humid . The powdery whitened or greyish fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or browned , draw in up , and omit off . young leafage emerges wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often fell betimes .
Prevention and Control : engraft tolerant varieties and distance plants the right way so they receive adequate light and air travel circulation . Always water from below , keep pee off the foliage . This is paramount for rose wine . Go easy on the N fertilizer . implement fungicides allot to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and comply focus exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and absent all leave , flowers , or detritus in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or shameful spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rain , sordid garden prick , or even the great unwashed can help its gap .
Prevention and Control : take infect leaves when the industrial plant is dry . leaf that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and cast aside of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water supply should be directed at grease grade . For fungous leaf spots , expend a recommended fungicide fit in to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide-eyed miscellanea of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The adult female person then lose their legs and remain on a smirch protect by its hard shell layer . They seem as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce rima oris parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . scale can weaken a plant head to jaundiced leafage and leaf drop . They also bring about a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can extend to an unattractive shameful surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their command . further raw foeman such as parasitical wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is regain on the airfoil of leaves . It prey on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leave and stem of the plant . The best style to control pitchy mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp cloth or wash away with a hose - death sprayer .
