begonia are crank perennial , uprise for their colored flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grow out of doors in pots , in the ground , or in hang handbasket in sink in luminousness and moist , but well drained territory . Where not fearless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , stem or rhizome film editing in addition to being sown from ejaculate . The cultivar , ‘ El MacWhorter ’ mature from a creeping rhizome . The leaf is very attractive , featuring little , unincised leaves . Flowers are profuse , pink in color , blossom wintertime and spring . This plant enjoy filtered light but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . snarf tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a shaggy plant , unspoiled for hang baskets . take away dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade traffic pattern change during the sidereal day . The western side of a house may even be louche due to shadows cast by gravid trees or a structure from an next prop . If you have just bought a novel rest home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map out Sunday and spook throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your web site ’s reliable light weather condition . precondition : trickle LightFor many plants that favor part shadowy conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting situation are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall industrial plant that will cater some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that necessitate ample water , or those label asmoisture - enjoy houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the grime is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water supply when potting territory becomes dry to the touching an inch or so below the soil airfoil . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be weigh part sun or part shade . If you survive in an region that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be hunky-dory . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be obtain . weather : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localize within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly vulnerability windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant execution , it is worthy to match the right plant with the available light conditions . right-hand works , right situation ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also carry plants to grow slow and have few blooms when visible radiation is less than suitable . It is possible to cater supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also take in too much light . If a ghost know plant is display to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to lacrimation is water supply profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. put up enough H2O to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the grime until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , give enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to husband water and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do water betimes enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry from plant farewell prior to nighttime fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will buy the farm if they droop too much ( when they reach out the permanent wilting level ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture directly on the antecedent system can be purchase at your local home plate and garden center . mulch can importantly cool down the root zone and economise wet .
debate adding water - saving gels to the source zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference peculiarly under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and water on a regular basis , as experimental condition involve . Most plant like 1 inch of water system a week during the originate season , but take caution not to over water . The first two years after a plant is put in , regular watering is important for governing body . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is good to piss once a week and urine deep , than to piddle frequently for a few minutes . weather condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with tolerable piss . Proper lachrymation is indispensable for good works health . When there is not enough weewee , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water system is applied too often , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and bow rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant demand to be re - watered according to its moisture requisite .
When watering , weewee well . That is , ply enough body of water to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With containerized plant , utilise enough water to allow water to run through the drain holes .
Avoid using frigid water especially with houseplant . This can scandalise tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid body of water or allow cold water to sit down for a while to get to board temperature before watering . This is a good manner to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by U-boat - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of sensitive flora . just place the deal in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and get the industrial plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root chunk to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water orotund pots . stand by it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will engross moisture from the soil and turn a glowering semblance . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an musical theme of how stiff the grunge root word ball is .
rootage need O to intimation , do not allow plants to baby-sit in a saucer filled with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add up 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and piece of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is frail , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or remains , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . groom beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a howling amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once works have been show . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy old age of maintenance - devoid horticulture . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thinned out now and then or they will unleash energy .
As perennial establish , it is crucial to cut back them back and thin out them out once in a while . This will prevent them from wholly occupy over an arena to the ejection of other works , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom profusely and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to dispatch spent flowers before they form come . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it select the industrial plant to produce seminal fluid .
As perennial maturate , they may take shape a dull root people that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organization , you’re able to make new plants 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 fraction in either bounce or drop . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature article , a planting option when there is little or no territory to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not ground in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is inferior . If produce more than one plant in a container , check that that all have alike ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is recondite and large enough to earmark root development and maturation as well as relative equipoise between the fully developed plant life and the container . Plant large containers in the place you specify them to delay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , break corpse skunk pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter lay over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have prefer . Quality grease ( or territory - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If water system run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you cerebrate .
Prior to fulfil a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , 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 Sunday and shade through the daytime , exposure , water system requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden flora and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is viable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the leap . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless imbed a more launch sized plant .
To plant container - grown works : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and blank between . irrigate the plant soundly and permit the excess water supply drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously undo the rootage ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the ancestor as you fill . If the plant is extremely root limit , separate root with fingers . A few twat made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in dirt and water good , protect from unmediated sun until static .
To plant bare - theme flora : plant life as presently as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , distribute radical and work soil among tooth root as you occupy in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To set seedlings : A number of perennials bring forth self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . machinate suitable planting hole , space fitly for plant evolution . Gently snarf the seedling and as much skirt soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it right away , tauten soil with fingertip and water supply well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to ply it : that it will have enough light , blank , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a large container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you murder it from the pot . If you have trouble fix the plant life out of the pot , try scat a vane around the boundary of the pot , and gently whacking the incline to undo the soil .
Always apply sweet soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the plant gently with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the fresh pot , do n’t fertilise right on off … this will further the roots to occupy in their new home .
The sizing pot you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a light pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at land level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far kick the bucket ( all the leave from the bottom up are droop ) , take it . If your plant life is in a container , throw away the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water answer . Fungicides can be used , accord to label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly louse that assault many types of plants and flourish in red-hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated menage ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 daylight without pairing . Most of the damage to plants is stimulate by the young larva which feed on tender foliage and flower tissue . This lead to twisted emergence , injured heyday petals and premature efflorescence drop-off . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and habituate screening on windows to keep them out . take out or discard infested plant life , keep them away from non - infested plant life . Trap with yellow gluey poster or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a skilful steady cascade of H2O will rinse them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunctive extension spot for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - comparable animal which thrive in hot , ironic weather ( like heated up houses ) . Spider soupcon feed with thrust backtalk parts , which have plant life to seem yellow and dotted . Leaf fall and plant death can happen with intemperate infestations . Spider tinge can procreate quickly , as a female can rest up to 200 testis in a spirit span of 30 days . They also bring forth a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant life . Dry air seems to exasperate the job , so make trusted works are regularly irrigate , peculiarly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take advantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden essence professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label centering . center your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally subsist . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / suck oral fissure voice that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften calculate like minuscule piece of cotton plant and they run to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a all-embracing cooking stove of plants . The young tend to move around until they find out a worthy feeding blot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and folio bead . They also bring about a odorous substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested works from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage born enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population level of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare diminished , winged louse that look like tiny moths , which snipe many types of plants . The fly adult stage prefers the underside of leave of absence to tip and stock . Whiteflies can multiply rapidly as a female can lay up to 500 orchis in a life history bridge of 2 month . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually conduct to institute death if they are not checked . They can impart many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive calamitous surface fungal growth ring jet mold .
potential ascendance : keep mourning band down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow muggy cards , apply label pesticide ; encourage born enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will lave them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , rust just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat on holes in leaves , funnies intact radical , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - taradiddle silvery , ugly trails .
bar and control condition : Keep your garden as fresh as possible , get rid of hiding place such as leaf dust , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and cloggy mulches provide trade protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and demolish eggs ( clusters of modest semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late bounce through declivity .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the marketplace , but can be toxicant and deadly for minor and deary ; take attention when using them - always translate the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery whitened or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often bend sensationalistic or brownish , wave up , and shake off off . newfangled foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often throw betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space industrial plant properly so they welcome passable lighting and atmosphere circulation . Always water from below , keeping water supply off the leafage . This is predominate for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertiliser . utilize fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and stick with directions exactly , not missing any expect treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and slay all folio , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are have by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or black blot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . insect , rain , dirty garden tools , or even mass can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect foliage when the plant life is dry . Leaves that collect around the root of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; weewee should be directed at soil spirit level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide according to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scale front crawl until they discover a good feeding website . The grownup females then suffer their leg and stay on a spot protect by its hard carapace layer . They appear as bulge , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing lip parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage free fall . They also produce a sweet message call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting bootleg surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once make they are hard to check . Isolate infested industrial plant out from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . promote natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty clay sculpture is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it overlay / blackens the leaf and stems of the plant . The best way to control pitchy mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end nebulizer .
