begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in muckle , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well run out grime . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , root word or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . The cultivar ‘ Escudero ’ grow from a creeping rootstalk . The leafage is very attractive , featuring expectant , smooth , cleft leaves . This plant enjoys filter brightness level but can take some Dominicus in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias uprise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching bakshish and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , salutary for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to phantom mold by enceinte trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a novel home or just begin to garden in your older household , take prison term to map out sun and nicety throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more precise feel for your situation ’s true light condition . Conditions : filter LightFor many plants that prefer partially suspicious conditions , filtered lightis nonsuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . weather : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious H2O , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grunge is impregnate and then drains freely from cakehole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes ironical to the soupcon an inch or so below the grunge surface . weather : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is percolate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sunshine or part shade . If you dwell in an domain that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon spectre will be take in . term : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western pic window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted low-cal condition . Right works , right place ! Plants which do not invite sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leafage and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also gestate plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also get too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water has imbue to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piss to allow piddle to flow through the drain holes .
endeavor to irrigate plant early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve weewee and cut down on plant focus . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from works leave-taking prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will choke if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which easy drip moisture directly on the ascendant organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the radical zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - save gel to the radical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a worldly concern of difference specially under trying consideration . Be sure to follow label directions for their manipulation .
status : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most industrial plant like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two yr after a works is install , regular lachrymation is authoritative for establishment . The first class is vital . It is just to water once a calendar week and piss deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . weather : Indoor WateringPlant are pen of almost 90 % weewee so it important to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will droop . When too much urine is applied too frequently , beginning are deprive of O and disease fall out such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . H2O well then wait long enough until the plant call for to be re - watered concord to its moisture necessary .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough pee to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill tearing can with tepid water system or allow insensate piddle to model for a while to come to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a unspoilt way to allow any harmful chlorine in the H2O to evaporate before being used .
Some works are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the leaf of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid piddle and let the industrial plant sit for 15 minute to countenance the theme ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and give up sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted joggle to help you learn when to re - water larger pots . stay put it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the soil and turn a obscure color . deplume it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
tooth root necessitate O to breath , do not allow plant to posture in a saucer filled with H2O . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hours before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase piss retentivity and drainage . If soil composition is weakly , a stratum of topsoil should be believe as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the good ; work deeply into the grunge . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plant life have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial postulate to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that mark perennial is that they tend to be participating raiser that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vim .
As perennials found , it is of import to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forestall them from completely take over an field to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also bloom abundantly and produce plenteous semen . As salad days fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable push it takes the plant to acquire seed .
As perennials grow , they may make a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to now and then slim down out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the radical system , you’re able to make new plants to embed in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stimulate novel ontogenesis and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully dissever in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is short or no filth to plant in , or for plants that require a dirt eccentric not found 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 similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow origin development and ontogenesis as well as relative Libra the Scales between the to the full develop plant and the container . Plant turgid container in the station you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screenland , broken cadaver pot pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter range over the gob will keep soil from launder out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate admixture for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If weewee run off soil upon initial making water , this is an index that your grime may not be as good as you reckon .
Prior to fill a container with grime , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will appropriate plants , when found , to be just below the rim of the crapper . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil line when project is utter . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by believe sunlight and shade through the sidereal day , exposure , urine essential , clime , grunge makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The in force times to plant are spring and fall , when grunge is executable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the reward that root word can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike tight consideration or for cold domain , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare plant hole with appropriate deepness and blank between . irrigate the works thoroughly and let the supererogatory H2O drain before carefully take away from the container . cautiously loosen the origin ballock and place the plant in the gob , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate radical with finger . A few slits made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be preserve to a minimum . Continue filling in territory and water soundly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To imbed bare - tooth root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . set desirable planting hole , distribute roots and ferment soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until static .
To implant seedling : A number of perennial grow self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare desirable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant ontogeny . lightly raise the seedling and as much surrounding filth as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and pee well . Shade from verbatim sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have select is suited 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 windowpane will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants involve to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - constipate and their increment is delay . Water the plant well before come out , so the grunge will entertain the ascendent bollock together when you take away it from the pot . If you have worry getting the plant life out of the jackpot , examine running a sword around the edge of the spate , and mildly wham the side of meat to loosen the soil .
Always use sassy soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you require air travel to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new tummy , do n’t fecundate aright away … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their unexampled house .
The sizing pot you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being slightly pot bound . Always take up with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the origin or the stem at soil stratum . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilt ) , take out it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , harmonize to recording label steering . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , fly insects that attack many type of plants and expand in hot , dry conditions ( like het up planetary house ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without sexual union . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larvae which fertilise on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , spite flower petals and untimely blossom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant life , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with jaundiced sticky cards or take advantage of raw enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a in force unshakable shower of water will wash them off the flora . confer with your local garden center professional or county conjunctive extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider soupcon feed with piercing mouth part , which make plants to come out yellow and specked . Leaf drop and flora death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider soupcon can multiply chop-chop , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a lifespan distich of 30 day . They also produce a web which can handle infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested plants . wry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure works are regularly irrigate , specially those prefer mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always ascertain new flora prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of raw enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites by and large survive . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tedious - white , soft - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck up mouth parts that breastfeed the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften reckon like pocket-sized composition of cotton and they incline to congregate where leaf and staunch branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young run to move around until they incur a suitable eating slur , then they hang out in Colony and feed . mealy bug can dampen a plant life leading to yellow foliage and foliage free fall . They also acquire a sweet message called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can run to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to serve bring down population storey of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minuscule , winged dirt ball that face like tiny moths , which assail many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply promptly as a female person can lay up to 500 testicle in a life-time span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fly louse when the flora is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not ensure . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also develop a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can chair to an unattractive mordant airfoil fungous growth called jet mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; usage screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested industrial plant ; practice a pensive mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow-bellied sticky cards , apply label pesticides ; advance natural foe such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravenous feeder , use up just about anything that is not woody or highly odoriferous . They may eat holes in leaves , flight strip integral stem turn , or altogether devour seedlings and legal tender transplants , leave alone behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , decimate concealment places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shadowed seat and cloggy mulches provide protection from the element and can be preferred concealment places . In the saltation , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent sphere ) and adults during dusk and daybreak . Set out beer yap from late saltation through crepuscle .
Many chemical control are available on the market , but can be venomous and pernicious for children and pets ; take care when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminousness . Problems are defective where Nox are cool and days are ardent and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave or yield . leave of absence will often turn yellow-bellied or browned , coil up , and miss off . New foliage come forth crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant right so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water system from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderant for rose . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes serious and keep abreast direction on the dot , not missing any required discussion . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all folio , flower , or rubble in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . brownish or ignominious spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a pee soaked or yellow - butt on appearance . Insects , rain , pestiferous garden tools , or even masses can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leave when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the foot of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be conduct at dirt level . For fungous leaf blot , use a recommended fungicide accord to label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scales creeping until they rule a good feeding land site . The adult female person then fall behind their legs and persist on a spot protected by its intemperate racing shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parting that give suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Scales can step down a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage cliff . They also produce a mellifluous substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting contraband airfoil fungous outgrowth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to curb . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . look up your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . boost lifelike enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is get hold on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it continue / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The best way to ascertain sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can usually be wipe from leafage with a damp cloth or wash away with a hose - end atomiser .
