begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colored prime and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in fall basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained grease . Where not intrepid , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in summation to being sown from seed . ‘ Fred Moore ’ uprise from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , feature medium - sized , unruffled , cleft leave . The flower are arise colored and bloom in leaping . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . wish humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stanch in the growing season gives a bushy works , good for hanging baskets . Remove utter foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade convention change during the mean solar day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to vestige cast by large trees or a social organization from an conterminous property . If you have just bought a new household or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to map Lord’s Day and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your situation ’s straight light condition . condition : Filtered LightFor many plant that favour partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonsuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that allow some light through their offset or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is fiddling or no light in the growing geographical zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of trees or shadows cast by a theatre or building . Plants that require full nicety are usually susceptible to suntan . Full tone beneath trees may pose additional problem ; not only is there no luminosity , but contender for water , nutrients and root space .
fond shademeans that an area receives filtered tripping , often through tall branches of an open growing tree diagram . Root competition is normally less . Partial shade can also be attain by situate a works beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . shadowy side of a building are normally the northern or northeastern incline . These side of meat also lean to be a little cooler . It is not uncommon for plants that can suffer full sun or some sun in cooler climates to necessitate some shade in warmer clime due to stress placed on the plant from reduced moisture and excessive heat . atmospheric condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - pee when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . weather : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is removing the base wind of a young works to promote branching . Doing this avoids the want for more severe pruning after on .
Thinning involves removing whole branches back to the trunk . This may be done to open up the inside of a plant to let more lighter in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The adept way to begin cutting is to begin by removing dead or diseased Sir Henry Wood .
Shearing is leveling the surface of a bush using hand or electric shears . This is done to maintain the desired shape of a hedging or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of old branch or the overall reducing of the size of it of a shrub to restore its original form and size . It is commend that you do not slay more than one third of a plant at a time . Remember to remove branches from the interior of the flora as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plants with canes , such as nandina , cut back canes at various heights so that works will have a more natural look . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 human foot of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the useable wakeful conditions . Right plant , right place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in coloration , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slow and have fewer blooms when visible light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . flora can also pick up too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct Lord’s Day , it may droop and/or do leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water deeply and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this mean thoroughly soak the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough weewee to allow urine to hang through the drain holes .
seek to water plant early in the day or subsequently in the afternoon to husband water and turn off down on works stress . Do water early enough so that water supply has had a chance to dry from works leaves prior to night dip . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t await to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all flora will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture straight on the ancestor system can be purchased at your local home and garden midpoint . Mulches can importantly cool the root zona and conserve moisture .
take adding H2O - saving gels to the source zone which will take hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference of opinion specially under nerve-wracking term . Be certain to follow recording label management for their use .
atmospheric condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a workweek during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two long time after a plant life is establish , regular lachrymation is important for establishment . The first yr is vital . It is salutary to water once a week and water system profoundly , than to weewee frequently for a few transactions . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to cater them with fair to middling H2O . Proper watering is essential for in effect plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , ascendent will wither and the plant life will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem turn rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works ask to be re - watered allot to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , ply enough piss to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , utilize enough water to allow urine to flux through the drainage holes .
deflect using cold water system especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling tearing can with tepid water or allow frigid water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before tearing . This is a secure way to tolerate any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by submarine sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This invalidate squish body of water on the leaves of sensitive industrial plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water system and let the plant posture for 15 minutes to countenance the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and take into account sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to serve you fix when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & hold back 5 mo . The dowel will soak up moisture from the soil and turn a dour color . Pull it out and essay . This will give you an idea of how cockeyed the soil antecedent ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not grant industrial plant to sit in a dish antenna filled with water . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 twenty-four hour period before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of older manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to ameliorate fecundity and increase water supply retentivity and drainage . If soil composition is decrepit , a layer of topsoil should be regard as well . No matter if your soil is guts or clay , it can be improved by add the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a frightful amount of body of work now , but will greatly make up off after . Besides , this is not something that is easy done by and by , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight years of upkeep - liberal gardening . perennial need to be handle for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active raiser that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will relax dynamism .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the censure of other plants , and also will increase melody circulation thereby reduce the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower profusely and bring forth ample seeded player . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to take away spent flowers before they form germ . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant life to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a obtuse root mass that finally lead to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a rack of such perennials . By disunite the root system of rules , you may make new industrial plant to establish in another domain of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will perk up unexampled growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a piffling preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is small or no soil to engraft in , or for plants that want a soil type not found in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If uprise more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . prefer a container that is deep and prominent enough to allow root development and outgrowth as well as proportional balance between the amply developed flora and the container . engraft large container in the billet you mean them to stay put . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , go bad clay tummy pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter placed over the muddle will keep territory from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have pick out . Quality land ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off grunge upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you remember .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will permit plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the flock . Rootballs should be level with territory line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and spook through the day , vulnerability , body of water requirements , clime , grime war paint , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The good time to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . autumn plantings have the advantage that base can develop and not have to contend with modernise top growing as in the natural spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full governance before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and get the excess H2O waste pipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working dirt around the root as you meet . If the flora is extremely root bound , separate etymon with fingers . A few slits made with a air hole tongue are o.k. , but should be preserve to a lower limit . Continue fill in soil and H2O thoroughly , protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant unsheathed - root plants : works as shortly as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work grease among tooth root as you fulfill in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until static .
To embed seedling : A act of perennials acquire self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , space appropriately for flora growing . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water supply on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . commemorate that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transpose into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - truss and their development is retarded . irrigate the flora well before pop , so the soil will have the root glob together when you off it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the pot , try pass a blade around the border of the pot , and gently whack the sides to loosen the filth .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the flora gently with filth , being careful not to load down too tightly – you desire air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the raw pot , do n’t feed right away … this will encourage the tooth root to satiate in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . call up , many plants prefer being somewhat commode stick to . Always start with a uninfected potentiometer !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and go into the plant through the roots or the stem at soil degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the farewell from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , fling the soil too . wash out the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 portion body of water result . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minuscule , winged insects that attack many case of plant and fly high in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can set up to 300 egg in a living span of 45 twenty-four hours without coupling . Most of the damage to works is due to the new larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This head to distorted ontogeny , wound flush flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous glutinous cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a estimable steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county conjunctive extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in blistering , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites bung with pierce mouth piece , which cause plants to seem yellow and stippled . folio drop and plant death can occur with heavy plague . Spider mite can multiply promptly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life history pair of 30 days . They also produce a web which can track infested leaves and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep pot down and bump off infested plants . juiceless air seems to exasperate the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomato . Always check novel flora prior to bring in them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take vantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden marrow professional or county Cooperative Extension power , read and play along all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leave as that is where spider mites broadly live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insect that bring forth a waxy powdery spread over . They have pierce / wet-nurse mouth parts that wet-nurse the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a all-embracing range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding smear , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a works lead to yellowish foliage and leaf cliff . They also grow a mellisonant substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal emergence called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun works from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage innate enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which snipe many types of plants . The vanish grownup phase prefers the undersurface of leave of absence to give and strain . whitefly can breed quick as a female can repose up to 500 testicle in a liveliness span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight worm when the plant is interrupt . Whiteflies can weaken a industrial plant , finally extend to plant decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal ontogenesis cry sooty mould .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plant ; expend a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow gluey cards , apply labeled pesticide ; advance natural enemies 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 voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat on pickle in leaf , strip show intact stems , or altogether devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and ascendence : Keep your garden as clear as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leaf detritus , over - call on pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fly-by-night places and heavy mulches allow aegis from the elements and can be favorite hiding lieu . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent orbit ) and adult during dusk and break of day . go down out beer ambuscade from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and darling ; take care when using them - always study the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate lighter . problem are worse where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually discover on the upper aerofoil of leave of absence or yield . folio will often turn white-livered or brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant tolerant miscellanea and space works properly so they have equal light and atmosphere circulation . Always pee from below , continue water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply antifungal according to recording label direction before trouble becomes severe and follow direction just , not neglect any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf slur are because of kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and spell may be either ragged or circular , with a water surcharge or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infected foliage when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . void overhead irrigation if potential ; water supply should be direct at soil grade . For fungal foliage spots , employ a recommended fungicide accord to label guidance .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insects , link to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a encompassing variety of plant life - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The adult females then lose their leg and rest on a spot protect by its tough shell layer . They come along as gibbosity , often on the scurvy sides of leave of absence . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can de-escalate a plant leading to yellow-bellied foliage and folio drop . They also produce a fresh core called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can chair to an unattractive black surface fungal maturation call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are intemperate to control . Isolate infested plants by from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center field professional or Cooperative Extension role in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . promote rude enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The honest way of life to control pitchy mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or washed off with a hose - remainder atomizer .
