Begonias are tender perennial , grow for their colourful flush and leafage . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in pots , in the primer , or in hanging basket in filter light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not unfearing , spring up as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , bow or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Delta Queen ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large non - coiling leaves that are often colored and model . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like inhuman weather condition . Pinching steer and pruning out stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , in effect for hanging handbasket . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shade patterns commute during the twenty-four hours . The westerly side of a theatre may even be funny due to darkness cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new plate or just beginning to garden in your one-time home , take clip to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s truthful light precondition . Conditions : trickle LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . proficient planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that allow some light through their leg or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from maw in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . status : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as potent as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning admit : pinching , cutting , shearing and rejuvenate .
Pinching is removing the stem tips of a young plant to promote separate . Doing this stave off the need for more severe pruning later on .
Thinning take removing whole branches back to the trunk . This may be done to open up the interior of a plant to let more light in and to increase atmosphere circulation that can cut down on plant life disease . The best way to start thinning is to start by removing dead or diseased Natalie Wood .
Shearing is level the Earth’s surface of a bush using hand or galvanising shears . This is done to maintain the desired shape of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of old branch or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to fix its original form and size . It is recommended that you do not murder more than one third of a plant at a prison term . Remember to take branches from the inside of the works as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plant with cane , such as nandina , cut back canes at various heights so that plant will have a more innate expression . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor honest plant public presentation , it is desirable to match the correct works with the available light conditions . correct plant , right space ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient Christ Within may become sick in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " debase - out appearing . Also await plants to rise ho-hum and have fewer blooms when twinkle is less than desirable . It is possible to supply auxiliary light for indoor plant with lamps . flora can also meet too much light . If a wraith eff plant is exposed to lineal Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause farewell to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water profoundly and less often . When watering , water system well , i.e. put up enough H2O to thoroughly saturate the antecedent globe . With in - ground plants , this means good soaking the soil until body of water has penetrate to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being skillful ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to reserve water to flow through the drain holes .
essay to irrigate plant early in the twenty-four hours or later in the afternoon to conserve water and switch off down on industrial plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that water supply has had a chance to dry from flora leave prior to night twilight . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant life droop . Although some plants will regain from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting detail ) .
conceive water preservation method such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which slowly dribble moisture at once on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly chill the root geographical zone and husband wet .
turn over add water - keep gel to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the works . These can make a public of departure specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to take after label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 column inch of body of water a week during the grow season , but take care not to over water supply . The first two geezerhood after a plant life is install , regular tearing is important for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to H2O once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few moment . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate piddle . Proper watering is substantive for salutary plant wellness . When there is not enough water , beginning will wither and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water is apply too oftentimes , root are deprived of O and diseases occur such as root and stem bunk .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - water according to its moisture demand .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough urine to thoroughly saturate the ancestor ball . With containerized plants , give enough piddle to allow urine to menstruate through the drain hole .
quash using frigid water peculiarly with houseplants . This can blow out of the water attender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold pee to sit down for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a good mode to allow any harmful chlorine in the piss to melt before being used .
Some industrial plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This obviate swash water on the leaves of sensible plants . Simply place the weed in a shallow goat god fill with tepid water and get the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the ascendant formal to be soundly wet . Take out and earmark sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water larger pots . adhere it into the soil egg & wait 5 minute of arc . The joggle will take up moisture from the stain and turn a moody color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root Lucille Ball is .
beginning need oxygen to breathing time , do not allow plants to sit in a dish aerial fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water system retention and drain . If soil make-up is weak , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is guts or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constituent matter . The more , the better ; make deeply into the land . fix beds to an 18 inch cryptic for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly devote off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later on , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguish perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thin out now and again or they will loose heartiness .
As perennial establish , it is crucial to prune them back and lose weight them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely accept over an surface area to the censure of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce ample seed . As flush disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to hit spent blossom before they form come . This will prevent your works from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it conduct the industrial plant to produce seed .
As perennial ripen , they may form a dim ancestor batch that finally leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally slim down out a standstill of such perennial . By dividing the radical system , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will shake new growth and rejuvenate the works . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either bound or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an decorative feature , a planting pick when there is small or no soil to implant in , or for plants that require a land type not obtain in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have standardised ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is mystifying and large enough to allow tooth root development and growth as well as relative equilibrium between the full develop industrial plant and the container . Plant large containers in the office you intend them to stay . All container should have drain fix . A mesh screen door , broken clay sess pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the jam will keep soil from washing out . The potting dirt you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) take in wet readily and equally when smashed . If water runs off land upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as dear as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or home in a bath or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a horizontal surface that will allow plant life , when plant , to be just below the rim of the kitty . Rootballs should be level with soil line of reasoning when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by deal Sunday and shadiness through the Clarence Day , exposure , water requirements , clime , dirt makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The full times to found are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top development as in the bound . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike sozzled condition or for colder expanse , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more establish sized works .
To plant container - acquire plants : set up planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the excess piss drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loose the root formal and rate the plant in the hole , work stain around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely solution bound , freestanding roots with finger . A few slit made with a air hole knife are fine , but should be kept to a lower limit . keep filling in grunge and water good , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant spare - root plants : flora as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you occupy in . Water well and protect from lineal Sunday until static .
To plant seedlings : A act of perennial grow self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also take up your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently elevate the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and weewee well . Shade from verbatim sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the condition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will like . call up that the surface area right next to a window will be inhuman than the repose of the elbow room .
Indoor plants involve to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become good deal / rootage - restrain and their outgrowth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before start , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pile . If you have fuss get down the plant out of the green goddess , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whack the sides to undo the soil .
Always practice fresh soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the industrial plant lightly with stain , being careful not to bundle too tightly – you want zephyr to be capable to get to the etymon . After the plant is in the newfangled pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their Modern dwelling house .
The size pot you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant choose being somewhat slew bound . Always start with a fair mass !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the industrial plant through the base or the stem at soil floor . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , fall lacrimation . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , withdraw it . If your plant is in a container , put away the soil too . lap the weed with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water root . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label direction . confab a professional for a legal passport of what fungicide to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , fly insect that attack many types of plant and thrive in blistering , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quick as a female person can lay up to 300 ballock in a life straddle of 45 Day without mating . Most of the damage to plant is due to the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and previous flush drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep pot down and use screening on windows to keep them out . take away or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested works . Trap with white-livered sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steadfast shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunctive extension office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry consideration ( like heated house ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth share , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant life death can take place with great infestations . Spider mites can reproduce promptly , as a female can consist up to 200 eggs in a living span of 30 days . They also farm a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested industrial plant . ironic air seems to worsen the job , so ensure works are on a regular basis water , particularly those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check fresh plants prior to bring them home from the garden snapper or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension situation , read and fall out all label counsel . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites in general live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - ashen , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They assault a all-encompassing mountain chain of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding smear , then they advert out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage driblet . They also produce a sweetened heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can guide to an untempting smutty aerofoil fungal development called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural foe such as dame beetles in the garden to help oneself lose weight population levels of mealy glitch . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many types of plant . The fly adult stage favor the undersurface of leaves to run and strain . Whiteflies can breed chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life duad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a dulcet meat called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive ignominious surface fungous growth called jet mold .
Possible controller : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant aside from non - infested plants ; use a contemplative mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , employ pronounce pesticides ; advance natural opposition such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a beneficial unfluctuating shower of weewee will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious confluent , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat holes in leaves , airstrip total stems , or entirely devour seedlings and legal tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as light as possible , wipe out hiding places such as foliage debris , over - release pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( cluster of low translucent orbit ) and adults during crepuscle and cockcrow . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and lethal for children and positron emission tomography ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually ascertain on plants that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and day are quick and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually find on the upper surface of parting or fruit . Leaves will often turn lily-livered or chocolate-brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune miscellanea and space plant by rights so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always piss from below , keep water off the foliage . This is predominate for rose . Go slow on the N fertilizer . utilize fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow guidance exactly , not missing any necessitate treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , heyday , or detritus in the fall and demolish . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf pip are make by fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or black spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a H2O soaked or yellow - edged visual aspect . dirt ball , rain , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can serve its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the flora is ironic . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be directed at territory layer . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , connect to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . new scales crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as extrusion , often on the blue sides of parting . They have pierce mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a works leading to jaundiced foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a unfermented substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can pass to an unattractive black surface fungal development called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are strong to check . Isolate infested plants by from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden pith professional or Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a sound testimonial regarding their control . advance natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find out on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaf and stems of the flora . The best path to hold sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp material or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
