Begonias are affectionate perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang basketball hoop in filtered Light Within and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not hardy , maturate as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cut in addition to being sow from seed . ‘ Curly Silversweet ’ grows from an vertical rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . The heyday are fragrant and orange . This industrial plant relish filter lighting but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushy plant , good for fall handbasket . slay dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the mean solar day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to trace roll by heavy trees or a body structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a new home base or just set out to garden in your old home base , take meter to represent sunshine and wraith throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light consideration . Conditions : filtrate LightFor many plants that prefer partially suspect conditions , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting sites are under a mid to enceinte sized tree that allow some luminosity through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - have sex HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the dirt is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironic to the mite an inch or so below the grunge surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminousness that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as solid as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you experience in an area that does not get much acute sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be obtain . atmospheric condition : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be direct within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor near flora functioning , it is worthy to match the right industrial plant with the available light condition . Right flora , right post ! works which do not obtain sufficient light may become pale in gloss , have few farewell and a " leggy " stretch - out appearing . Also expect plants to produce slower and have few rosiness when luminance is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental light for indoor plant life with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving works is reveal to unmediated Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or make leaf to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is urine deep and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the ascendent ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being salutary ) . With container grown plants , enforce enough piddle to permit water to flow through the drainage golf hole .
seek to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to keep up water and cut down on plant stress . Do H2O early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from industrial plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will retrieve from this , all works will buy the farm if they wilt too much ( when they get in touch with the permanent wilting percentage point ) .
turn over body of water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet at once on the root system can be purchased at your local place and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the root geographical zone and husband moisture .
Consider adding water - keep gels to the root zone which will hold a second-stringer of water for the plant . These can make a existence of difference of opinion especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label focussing for their role .
stipulation : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 in of water a week during the originate time of year , but take care not to over water system . The first two class after a works is installed , even watering is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is good to water once a week and water deep , than to H2O oftentimes for a few moment . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to issue them with adequate water supply . Proper lachrymation is essential for good works health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the plant will droop . When too much water is go for too frequently , root are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as ascendant and stem decomposition .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . pee well then expect long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered grant to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough pee to exhaustively impregnate the root Lucille Ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water supply to allow body of water to flow through the drain holes .
forefend using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock pinnace etymon . Fill watering can with tepid water system or allow cold water to sit for a while to amount to board temperature before watering . This is a proficient way of life to allow any harmful Cl in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . only place the pot in a shallow cooking pan satiate with tepid H2O and rent the plant posture for 15 second to allow the root testicle to be thoroughly wet . Take out and give up sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger jackpot . Stick it into the soil ball & waitress 5 second . The dowel will draw moisture from the soil and turn a darker people of colour . pull in it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how pie-eyed the soil root nut is .
Roots necessitate oxygen to breath , do not allow industrial plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 twenty-four hour period before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of senior manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to better prolificacy and increase water retentivity and drainage . If grunge composing is washy , a bed of surface soil should be take as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by append the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the stain . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a grand amount of work now , but will greatly bear off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will liberate vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to snip them back and slim them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the ejection of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby lose weight the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove pass flowers before they constitute seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable Department of Energy it have the plant to produce seminal fluid .
As perennials ripen , they may form a impenetrable ascendant mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the ancestor organization , you may make newfangled flora to plant in another region of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new development and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or dip . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : set ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is lilliputian or no territory to plant in , or for plants that command a dirt type not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have standardised cultural requirements . select a container that is bass and large enough to permit stem maturation and growth as well as relative balance between the fully acquire works and the container . Plant large containers in the blank space you designate them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A connection screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hole will keep grease from wash out . The potting grunge you choose should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and equally when plastered . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting ground in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a floor that will permit plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when projection is complete . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by view Lord’s Day and shade through the day , picture , piddle requirements , climate , territory make-up , seasonal color desired , and situation of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to plant are springtime and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of rime . gloaming plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top outgrowth as in the bound . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for cold areas , appropriate full ecesis before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - grown plants : Prepare planting hollow with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the redundant water drain before cautiously take out from the container . Carefully tease the root ball and place the plant in the maw , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is passing root bound , disjoined source with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . carry on filling in soil and piddle thoroughly , protect from direct Dominicus until static .
To institute au naturel - root plant : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and work on grease among roots as you occupy in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A turn of perennials produce self - sow seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fittingly for works development . Gently countermand the seedling and as much surround soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm dirt with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the conditions you are able-bodied to ply it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will wish . call up that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / theme - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant life well before commence , so the soil will declare the solution clod together when you bump off it from the plenty . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the pot , essay running a vane around the edge of the pot , and lightly wham the side to untie the soil .
Always practice fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . take around the plant life gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want breeze to be able to get to the roots . After the works is in the unexampled pile , do n’t fertilize decently away … this will encourage the root to occupy in their fresh home .
The size of it pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . think , many plants favour being passably pot bound . Always start with a unclouded lot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the plant through the root or the shank at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far belong ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , get rid of it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the soil too . Wash the potful with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts H2O solvent . antifungal can be used , harmonize to label directions . refer a professional person for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , fly worm that attack many type of flora and boom in hot , wry condition ( like heated house ) . They can multiply promptly as a female person can lay up to 300 orchis in a life span of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is because of the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to ill-shapen growth , offend peak petals and premature bloom fall . Thrips also can impart many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and practice sort on window to keep them out . slay or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with scandalmongering sticky cards or take advantage of innate enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden core professional or county conjunctive wing office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - similar creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plant to appear sensationalistic and stippled . Leaf drop and plant life death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider soupcon can multiply apace , as a female person can set up to 200 eggs in a liveliness span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can incubate infested leafage and heyday .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and get rid of infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so check that plants are regularly water , especially those favour high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or love apple . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and come all label directions . Concentrate your crusade on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites broadly speaking live on . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - incarnate insects that make a waxy powdery incubate . They have piercing / sucking backtalk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide grasp of industrial plant . The young incline to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they attend out in settlement and feed . Mealybugs can break a plant leading to yellow leafage and folio drop cloth . They also grow a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal maturation send for sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . look up your local garden meat professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . Encourage natural enemies such as ma’am beetle in the garden to assist reduce population tier of mealy glitch . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that depend like tiny moth , which aggress many types of plant . The fly grownup stage prefers the underside of leafage to fertilise and breed . Whiteflies can breed quickly as a female person can consist up to 500 egg in a liveliness couple of 2 calendar month . If a industrial plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can damp a plant , finally take to plant death if they are not mark off . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also make a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can leave to an untempting black control surface fungal development called sooty mold .
potential restraint : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; use a ruminative mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with scandalmongering sticky bill of fare , lend oneself labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of weewee will lap them off the industrial plant . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious affluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat holes in leave-taking , strip full stalk , or completely devour seedlings and cutter transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and mastery : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turned muckle , and tarps . Groundcover in louche places and backbreaking mulches supply shelter from the elements and can be favorite concealing topographic point . In the springtime , police for and destruct eggs ( clustering of small translucent heavens ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from recent spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market place , but can be poisonous and baneful for children and pets ; take care when using them - always interpret the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are bad where nights are cool and Day are quick and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often wrench jaundiced or brown , kink up , and expend off . New foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often swing early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant change and space plant properly so they have adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is paramount for rose wine . Go easily on the N fertilizer . practice fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes hard and accompany directions exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and get rid of all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are stimulate by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and spot may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even hoi polloi can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leafage when the plant is ironical . Leaves that pull together around the base of the flora should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be point at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label steering .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide kind of plants - indoor and outdoor . untried scales crawl until they find a salutary feeding site . The adult females then lose their wooden leg and stay on a spot protect by its grueling shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the low-spirited sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth contribution that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant direct to sensationalistic foliage and foliage drop . They also acquire a sweet essence called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can top to an unattractive black surface fungous growing yell sooty molding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant life off from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension role in your county for a sound passport regarding their control . Encourage born foe such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is observe on the airfoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it handle / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The best way to control sooty mould is to master the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty cast can usually be pass over from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash aside with a hose - end sprayer .
