begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtrate brightness level and moist , but well drained ground . Where not hardy , produce as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cutting in plus to being sow in from seed . The ‘ Prince Charming ’ begonia grows from an upright rootstalk . The leaf is very attractive , featuring spiral leaves that are often colored and model . This plant life enjoy filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like cold conditions . snarf crown and pruning outer staunch in the growing time of year gives a bushy plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove bushed foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and subtlety patterns change during the twenty-four hours . The western side of a house may even be shady due to phantasm project by large tree or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a Modern home or just begin to garden in your sometime home plate , take meter to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise spirit for your land site ’s unfeigned light conditions . shape : permeate LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady precondition , filtered lightis ideal . respectable planting sites are under a mid to bombastic sized tree that lets some luminosity through their branch or beneath taller flora that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - make love HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water system , or those labeled asmoisture - be intimate houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of plenty . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the dirt Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lighter that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunshine , can be look at part sunlight or part wraith . If you live in an orbit that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus pic may be hunky-dory . In other area such as Florida , plant in a emplacement where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localise within 2 substructure of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure windowpane . circumstance : Light and Plant SelectionFor adept industrial plant carrying out , it is desirable to pit the correct plant life with the available light weather condition . Right plant , right office ! plant which do not get sufficient visible light may become pale in color , have few leave of absence and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to originate dull and have fewer salad days when light is less than desirable . It is potential to offer supplemental inflammation for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also have too much Inner Light . If a subtlety loving flora is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is H2O deeply and less ofttimes . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root bollock . With in - primer coat works , this means exhaustively soaking the stain until water has penetrate to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , employ enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to water plants betimes in the day or later in the afternoon to economize water and cut down on plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that water has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die out if they wilt too much ( when they hit the lasting wilting item ) .
Consider urine conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet directly on the ascendant system can be purchased at your local home plate and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the source geographical zone and conserve wet .
weigh tally H2O - saving gels to the stem zona which will arrest a reserve of water supply for the plant . These can make a world of remainder especially under trying conditions . Be certain to succeed label directions for their utilization .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be save equally moist and watered regularly , as condition command . Most flora like 1 inch of water a week during the originate season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is instal , unconstipated lachrymation is important for establishment . The first class is decisive . It is good to water once a hebdomad and water system deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to issue them with adequate water supply . right watering is essential for respectable plant health . When there is not enough piddle , ascendant will wither and the works will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of O and disease happen such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then expect long enough until the plant ask to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , piss well . That is , provide enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough piddle to allow water to flow through the drainage hole .
Avoid using cold urine especially with houseplants . This can shock tender root . Fill watering can with tepid piss or reserve cold water to sit for a while to amount to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful Cl in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of sensitive plants . only come out the mess in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and permit the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root clump to be exhaustively wet . Take out and let sufficient drain .
habituate an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the ground chunk & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will engage wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and test . This will give you an idea of how wet the dirt root formal is .
theme involve O to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish antenna filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , bring 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or cadaver , it can be improved by tote up the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the in effect ; work deep into the soil . fix beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly yield off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will love twelvemonth of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials take to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that tell apart perennials is that they tend to be active cultivator that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials demonstrate , it is important to prune them back and lose weight them out from time to time . This will preclude them from wholly taking over an area to the censure of other plants , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom extravagantly and produce ample seed . As efflorescence fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it takes the plant to give rise seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root passel that eventually conduce to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root arrangement , you may make Modern plants to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will brace new growth and regenerate the works . Most perennials may be successfully dissever in either spring or pin . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no ground to plant in , or for plants that demand a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one works in a container , check that that all have standardised cultural requisite . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the amply modernize plant life and the container . set large container in the place you mean them to stick . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter placed over the hole will keep territory from washing out . The potting land you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality territory ( or soil - less medias ) engross wet promptly and evenly when lactating . If piss run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your territory may not be as serious as you think .
Prior to fill a container with grease , wet potting territory in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about midway full or to a stage that will countenance plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the Clarence Day , pic , water requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal people of colour desire , and position of other garden plant life and trees .
The estimable times to plant are outpouring and pin , when land is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that root word can develop and not have to compete with rise top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike pie-eyed conditions or for colder areas , allow full validation before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more install sized plant .
To plant container - grown works : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . irrigate the plant good and let the excess H2O drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the base nut and position the plant in the hole , working dirt around the roots as you satiate . If the flora is extremely ancestor bound , disjoined rootage with digit . A few slit made with a pocket knife are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . keep filling in dirt and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until static .
To found bare - root plant life : Plant as shortly as potential after purchase . Prepare desirable planting golf hole , overspread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . pee well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplant . Prepare worthy planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding grease as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it now , firm grime with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunlight and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant life you have take is suitable for the stipulation you are able-bodied to offer it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the arena flop next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plant involve to be graft into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the land will hold the root testis together when you withdraw it from the pot . If you have bother getting the plant out of the tidy sum , try go a blade around the bound of the pot , and gently wallop the side of meat to relax the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you require air to be capable to get to the theme . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size of it pile you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch swell in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is chance in most soil and enters the plant life through the origin or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease tearing . If a works is too far gone ( all the folio from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the soil too . lap the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , accord to label directions . Consult a professional person for a sound passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plant and flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life story twain of 45 years without mating . Most of the damage to plant is because of the young larvae which run on tender folio and flower tissue . This run to malformed increment , hurt peak petals and premature flower drib . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use test on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them out from non - infested flora . Trap with lily-livered glutinous carte du jour or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory speck . Sometimes a good steadfast shower of water will dampen them off the industrial plant . confer your local garden center professional or county accommodative annexe place for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - corresponding creatures which prosper in red-hot , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing oral fissure parts , which make flora to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf free fall and plant death can occur with cloggy infestations . wanderer mites can breed quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 day . They also produce a vane which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and move out infested plant . wry air seems to worsen the trouble , so verify plant are regularly watered , especially those opt high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always tick off new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your elbow grease on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mite generally go . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blanched , gentle - incarnate insects that produce a waxy powdery compensate . They have pierce / draw mouth parts that absorb the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like low piece of cotton fiber and they incline to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a blanket mountain range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a desirable eating spot , then they cling out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant life lead to chicken leafage and leaf drop . They also bring forth a sweet sum call up honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive disgraceful surface fungal increment called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade works from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying adult point prefers the underside of leave to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a living twosome of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of take flight louse when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually run to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful works virus . They also produce a dulcet substance call in honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungal outgrowth call pitchy mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use of goods and services screening in windows to keep them out ; take away infested plants away from non - infested plants ; expend a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; gob with yellow embarrassing cards , go for labeled pesticides ; encourage innate foe such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady cascade of urine will wash them off the plant . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may use up holes in leave , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf junk , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and operose mulches provide protection from the elements and can be preferent hiding place . In the saltation , police for and destroy eggs ( clump of humble translucent sphere ) and adults during fall and dawn . Set out beer traps from late springtime through evenfall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pet ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . trouble are spoiled where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or hoar fungus is usually found on the upper surface of parting or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , loop up , and spend off . New leaf emerges wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often spend early .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate multifariousness and blank works properly so they experience enough luminousness and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping piddle off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides fit in to label directions before problem becomes dangerous and stick with directions exactly , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , flower , or debris in the drop and put down . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf blot are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or smuggled spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - adjoin visual aspect . Insects , rain , marked-up garden putz , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : transfer taint leaves when the plant is ironical . Leaves that collect around the root of the plant should be raked up and toss of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at land storey . For fungous leaf spots , use a advocate fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , link to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a all-inclusive variety of plants - indoor and outside . unseasoned scales crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The grownup female then lose their stage and rest on a place protect by its hard cuticle layer . They come along as bump , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant life go to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf pearl . They also produce a sweet core called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can top to an untempting dim surface fungous growth send for jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are knockout to control . Isolate infested flora away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual passport regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as leechlike WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , graduated table , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to ensure sooty mold is to contain the louse that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp fabric or washed aside with a hose - close spray .
