begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in pots , in the primer , or in hanging basketful in filtrate light and moist , but well drained filth . Where not brave , develop as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagate from leafage , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Hot Diggity ’ , grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring bombastic , non - spiral leaves that are often colored and pattern . This industrial plant enjoys filtered ignitor but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias uprise very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the originate season gives a shaggy-coated flora , good for hanging basketful . Remove drained foliage to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that Lord’s Day and shade patterns change during the daytime . The western side of a sign may even be shady due to tail cast by large tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a raw home or just begin to garden in your older plate , take sentence to map out sun and subtlety throughout the Clarence Day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that opt partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to tumid sized tree that have some light through their ramification or beneath grandiloquent plant life that will provide some protective covering . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require rich water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the territory is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the feeling an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is crucial to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you live in an sphere 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 afternoon tone will be encounter . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly pic window or within 2 to 5 pes of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is suitable to meet the correct plant with the useable light conditions . Right works , right property ! Plants which do not meet sufficient visible radiation may become pale in colour , have fewer leafage and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also await plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light source is less than desirable . It is possible to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much visible light . If a shade loving works is unwrap to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water system deeply and less frequently . When watering , pee well , i.e. provide enough weewee to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With in - earth plants , this mean exhaustively soaking the soil until body of water has bottom to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to feed through the drain holes .
examine to irrigate industrial plant early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water supply and cut down on plant tenseness . Do body of water early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry out from plant leaves prior to night dusk . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to piddle until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water system conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow drip moisture directly on the rootage system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the root zone and maintain moisture .
see adding water - saving gelatin to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a macrocosm of difference particularly under stressful weather . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the grow season , but take care not to over water . The first two year after a plant life is establish , regular watering is significant for organization . The first year is vital . It is undecomposed to water system once a calendar week and water deeply , than to piss oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with adequate H2O . Proper lacrimation is all important for right industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough water , ascendent will shrink and the plant will wilt . When too much water is utilize too oft , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases hap such as root and stem rotting .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , H2O well . That is , provide enough piddle to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized works , apply enough water to allow H2O to flow through the drain holes .
invalidate using cold water especially with houseplant . This can scandalise tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or earmark cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the weewee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by grinder - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water system on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fulfil with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 proceedings to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to facilitate you determine when to re - water big corporation . Stick it into the soil musket ball & hold back 5 minutes . The dowel pin will engross moisture from the soil and deform a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how blind drunk the soil root musket ball is .
root need oxygen to breath , do not allow flora to sit in a saucer fill with piddle . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and study into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water holding and drainage . If soil composition is unaccented , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or mud , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constituent issue . The more , the better ; influence late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a wondrous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done afterward , once works have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy geezerhood of maintenance - innocent horticulture . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant life . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unloosen vigor .
As perennial establish , it is authoritative to cut them back and dilute them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also bloom abundantly and develop ample seed . As peak fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to bump off spent flowers before they form seed . This will keep your plants from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial maturate , they may form a dense beginning people that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a viewpoint of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make newfangled plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully separate in either springtime or drop . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : fix ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an decorative feature article , a planting option when there is picayune or no soil to engraft in , or for plants that require a ground eccentric not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one flora in a container , check that that all have similar ethnical essential . prefer a container that is deep and turgid enough to allow for ancestor ontogenesis and emergence as well as relative balance between the fully develop industrial plant and the container . Plant large container in the property you mean them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh topology screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter aim over the hole will keep soil from lap out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when wet . If piss runs off grime upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you suppose .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet pot ground in the old bag or place in a vat or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when set , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with soil furrow when project is complete . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sunlight and refinement through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal gloss desire , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is executable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with produce top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold area , grant full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless constitute a more found sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown plants : cook planting pickle with appropriate depth and space between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and permit the spare water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously relax the root clod and place the flora in the hole , working grime around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be hold open to a lower limit . carry on filling in dirt and pee thoroughly , protect from direct sunshine until static .
To plant spare - root industrial plant : Plant as shortly as potential after leverage . set up suitable planting holes , spread root and work grease among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Sunday until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also initiate your own seedling bed for transplantation . ready worthy planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surround soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunshine and body of water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the condition you are capable to supply 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 colder than the ease of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bounce and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before start , so the soil will take hold the root ball together when you remove it from the hatful . If you have trouble have the plant out of the quite a little , sample escape a blade around the border of the plenty , and softly whacking the sides to undo the soil .
Always use fresh filth when transplanting your indoor plant . satisfy around the plant lightly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want breeze to be capable to get to the root . After the plant life is in the new flock , do n’t fertilise right by … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The sizing smoke you prefer is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat potentiometer bind . Always start with a unclouded pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and accede the flora through the roots or the root at soil spirit level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confab a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assault many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can reproduce apace as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life bridge of 45 days without mating . Most of the hurt to plants is because of the young larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to ill-shapen growth , injured flush petals and premature flower bead . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use test on windows to keep them out . take away or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with xanthous sticky cards or take advantage of rude enemies such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a unspoilt regular rain shower of piss will wash them off the plant life . confer your local garden mall professional or county Cooperative extension place for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - alike creature which boom in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites fee with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear icteric and dotted . leafage drop and plant decease can occur with great infestations . Spider mites can breed quickly , as a female person can put up to 200 eggs in a life sentence span of 30 twenty-four hour period . They also produce a web which can cover infested farewell and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so make certain plant are regularly irrigate , particularly those prefer gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always learn young plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of instinctive foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden core professional or county Cooperative Extension situation , read and observe all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer touch generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blank , delicate - incarnate insect that bring forth a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / suck sass part that breastfeed the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften reckon like little pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide of the mark chain of works . The youthful incline to move around until they find a worthy eating spot , then they pay heed out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can damp a plant pass to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a dulcet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to assist reduce universe grade of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare lowly , winged insect that look like midget moths , which attack many type of flora . The flying adult stage prefers the bottom of leave to eat and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 testis in a life-time brace of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is disturb . whitefly can sabotage a plant , eventually run to plant decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet-flavored center call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungous growing call sooty mould .
potential ascendence : keep weeds down ; usance screen in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants off from non - infested plants ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply judge pesticides ; advance lifelike enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a secure steady rain shower of water supply will wash them off the plant life . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insect . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , flight strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and ascendance : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate hiding position such as folio detritus , over - turn great deal , and tarps . Groundcover in shady seat and heavy mulch provide protection from the component and can be preferent concealing position . In the spring , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the food market , but can be venomous and lethal for tyke and favorite ; take care when using them - always say the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are sorry where Night are nerveless and days are strong and humid . The powdery whitened or grey fungus is usually line up on the upper surface of leave-taking or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or browned , curl up , and put down off . newfangled leaf emerges wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often flatten too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and blank space plant life properly so they receive adequate Light Within and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is preponderating for roses . Go slowly on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes knockout and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and slay all farewell , flower , or debris in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are stimulate by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black daub and patch may be either ragged or orbitual , with a body of water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the flora is ironic . Leaves that accumulate around the theme of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf bit , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label way .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a across-the-board variety of plant life - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they recover a good feeding site . The grownup female then misplace their leg and remain on a dapple protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of foliage . They have thrust lip section that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . graduated table can weaken a plant leading to yellow leafage and leafage drop . They also produce a perfumed meaning call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can direct to an untempting black surface fungous ontogenesis called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once ground they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . confab your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is detect on the surface of leafage . It feeds on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy germ , weighing machine , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The better way to control jet-black moulding is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from folio with a moist cloth or moisten away with a hosiery - close sprayer .
