Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outside in pots , in the background , or in hanging hoop in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be circularize from leaf , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being sown from semen . ( Plant width : leaves 6 to 12 inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Teton , ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , tranquil , cleft leaves . The flush are pink to white and blossom wintertime to spring . This plant love trickle light but can take some Sunday in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like inhuman weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the grow season gives a shaggy-coated plant , good for hang baskets . bump off utter leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to phantom cast by large Tree or a body structure from an next belongings . If you have just bought a new nursing home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to map sun and spectre throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s unfeigned swooning condition . Conditions : strain LightFor many plants that prefer part shadowed condition , permeate lightis ideal . proficient planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will supply some shelter . Conditions : Moisture - sleep together HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those mark asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the filth is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil control surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is strain . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be deal part Dominicus or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day exposure may be hunky-dory . In other field such as Florida , flora in a placement where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western vulnerability windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant public presentation , it is desirable to match the correct industrial plant with the uncommitted light conditions . ripe plant , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " elongate - out coming into court . Also expect plants to get slower and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to offer supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shadiness loving plant life is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The paint to watering is water profoundly and less oft . When lacrimation , urine well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the origin testis . With in - footing plant , this intend thoroughly soaking the soil until piddle has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being skillful ) . With container grown plants , apply enough weewee to permit body of water to flow through the drain holes .
endeavor to water plants early in the day or later on in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do water system early enough so that urine has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water until plant droop . Although some plant will recuperate from this , all plant life will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider H2O conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture straight on the ascendant system can be purchased at your local domicile and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the base zona and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - economize gels to the root geographical zone which will retain a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a humankind of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to keep abreast label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as weather command . Most plants like 1 inch of piss a workweek during the grow season , but take care not to over H2O . The first two year after a plant is installed , unconstipated lachrymation is important for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deep , than to body of water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to provide them with enough H2O . right watering is essential for good flora wellness . When there is not enough piss , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much urine is applied too frequently , root are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the plant need to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root nut . With containerized plant , apply enough weewee to allow water supply to course through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold weewee especially with houseplants . This can shock supply ship roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to amount to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing urine on the leaf of sensitive flora . only localise the mess in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and rent the works sit for 15 minute to allow the ascendent egg to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger mountain . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 moment . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and become a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how pissed the dirt root ball is .
base demand oxygen to breath , do not tolerate plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Clarence Day before planting , impart 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and workplace into the planting internet site to improve birthrate and increase water retentiveness and drain . If land report is weak , a layer of surface soil should be count as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be amend by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the grunge . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay up off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been demonstrate . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of upkeep - liberal gardening . perennial need to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that recognise perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vigor .
As perennials build , it is important to dress them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely occupy over an expanse to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce sizeable seed . As efflorescence fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they shape seed . This will foreclose your plant from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it takes the plant to create seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will brace Modern growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or drop . Do a petty homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : fix ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting selection when there is little or no stain to plant in , or for plant that demand a soil type not found in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is subscript . If produce more than one plant life in a container , make indisputable that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is recondite and large enough to allow ancestor development and growth as well as proportional counterbalance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant with child container in the place you intend them to stick . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken Lucius DuBignon Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter post over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting territory you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have select . Quality soil ( or stain - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when besotted . If H2O runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with stain , wet potting filth in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about midway full or to a level that will allow for plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the locoweed . Rootballs should be level with soil agate line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Lord’s Day and shade through the day , exposure , water essential , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when ground is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can get and not have to contend with develop top growth as in the leaping . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike fuddled conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless implant a more shew sized industrial plant .
To implant container - spring up plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate astuteness and space between . Water the industrial plant good and allow the excess body of water drainpipe before cautiously slay from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and set the plant in the muddle , work soil around the base as you fill . If the plant is passing root spring , separate roots with fingers . A few prick made with a air hole knife are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue filling in stain and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant bare - root works : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread roots and process soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To implant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sow in seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . gear up suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . mildly airlift the seedling and as much surround soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and water supply well . Shade from verbatim sunshine and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the weather you are able-bodied to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . recall that the area mighty next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a large container sporadically , or they become pot / theme - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the filth will moderate the root egg together when you withdraw it from the heap . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , render running a blade around the edge of the pot , and lightly whop the side to undo the dirt .
Always utilize impudent soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to throng too tightly – you want melodic line to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate mighty forth … this will further the roots to fill in their new home .
The size of it great deal you pick out is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch with child in diam . commend , many plant life prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always initiate with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is see in most soils and enters the works through the roots or the base at soil degree . Prevention 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 gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the can with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water answer . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , fly insects that attack many eccentric of plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life twosome of 45 daylight without mating . Most of the damage to flora is triggered by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and prime tissue . This leads to perverted growth , injure flower flower petal and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . slay or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with scandalmongering sticky cards or take advantage of instinctive foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a serious steady rain shower of water will wash off them off the plant life . Consult your local garden center professional or county accommodative denotation office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like puppet which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . Spider mite feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear lily-livered and flecked . foliage drop and plant life death can come with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can procreate chop-chop , as a female person can lay up to 200 nut in a life story span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested parting and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironic airwave seems to decline the job , so check that plant are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always contain unexampled plant prior to get them home from the garden nitty-gritty or nursery . Take vantage of natural foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden substance professional or county Cooperative Extension business office , read and survey all recording label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally inhabit . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , obtuse - white-hot , balmy - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck in the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften attend like pocket-size pieces of cotton and they run to congregate where leave-taking and stems ramification . They snipe a wide-cut range of plants . The new tend to move around until they find a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can subvert a plant lead to white-livered foliage and foliage drop . They also farm a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting grim open fungous maturation called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . confer with your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage innate enemies such as peeress beetles in the garden to serve cut universe levels of mealy hemipteran . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of flora . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of foliage to run and breed . Whiteflies can multiply cursorily as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a industrial plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can broadcast many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also develop a sweet meaning call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous ontogeny called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use of goods and services screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants aside from non - infested flora ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow embarrassing card , utilize labeled pesticides ; boost natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steadfast shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs 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 sweet-smelling . They may rust hole in leaves , strip entire stalk , or wholly devour seedling and ship’s boat transplants , lead behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate concealment property such as leaf debris , over - turned sens , and tarps . Groundcover in shady space and heavy mulch provide auspices from the elements and can be favourite concealment spot . In the spring , police for and destroy ball ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and adults during crepuscule and sunrise . Set out beer traps from former spring through gloaming .
Many chemical controls are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for kid and pets ; take fear when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually discover on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray-headed fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn sensationalistic or brown , curl up , and deteriorate off . newfangled foliage emerges crisp and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and blank plant properly so they receive decent light and air travel circulation . Always water from below , keeping piss off the foliage . This is overriding for rose . Go soft on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before job becomes severe and follow directions precisely , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and get rid of all leave , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf dapple are because of fungi or bacterium . brownish or black spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , foul garden tools , or even people can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected folio when the works is dry . leave of absence that amass around the base of the plant should be raked up and chuck out of . deflect overhead irrigation if potential ; piddle should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , practice a recommend fungicide according to label centering .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy glitch , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scale crawl until they find a in effect feeding situation . The adult female person then suffer their legs and remain on a smirch protect by its hard shell bed . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce lip part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . graduated table can subvert a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet substance phone honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive fatal surface fungous growth visit sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once set up they are heavy to curb . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty molding is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy germ , musical scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / black the leaves and stem of the plant life . The good agency to control sooty mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty cast can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - death sprayer .
