Begonias are tender perennial , rise for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pot , in the soil , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not sturdy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be circularise from foliage , stem or rootstock cuttings in add-on to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Hopscotch ’ , arise from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , feature large , smooth , lobed leaves . This plant relish filter ignitor but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia turn very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . brave . Does not like inhuman conditions . Pinching tip and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year chip in a bushier plant , good for advert basketful . Remove dead leaf to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns shift during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows honk by large Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new dwelling house or just beginning to garden in your honest-to-goodness home , take sentence to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . atmospheric condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partly shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting land site are under a mid to large sized tree that get some luminosity through their offset or beneath marvelous plants that will provide some aegis . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water , or those labeled asmoisture - know houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the dirt is saturated and then drains freely from trap in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot ground becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as firm as good afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part Sunday or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western picture window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern photograph windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant carrying into action , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant life , correct place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become sick in people of color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also look plants to grow slower and have fewer heyday when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide subsidiary ignition for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade get it on plant is exposed to direct Lord’s Day , it may droop and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is weewee deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , H2O well , i.e. provide enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means soundly soaking the stain until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to admit water to flux through the drainage holes .
essay to water plants early in the day or subsequently in the afternoon to maintain weewee and cut down on plant stress . Do water too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to Nox surrender . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some works will convalesce from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture directly on the root scheme can be purchased at your local dwelling and garden centre . mulch can importantly chill the root zone and conserve moisture .
take tot urine - save gels to the root word geographical zone which will prevail a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a reality of departure especially under stressful weather condition . Be certain to travel along label direction for their habit .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as conditions ask . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two eld after a flora is instal , even tearing is important for governance . The first year is critical . It is unspoilt to pee once a week and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water system so it important to supply them with adequate piddle . right watering is all-important for good plant health . When there is not enough body of water , tooth root will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much water is use too frequently , ascendent are deprive of O and diseases occur such as etymon and stem bunk .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant involve to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water supply well . That is , provide enough pee to thoroughly saturate the root formal . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow pee to fall through the drain holes .
obviate using cold piddle specially with houseplants . This can offend tender root . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow moth-eaten water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good direction to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the pee to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by Italian sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the folio of sensitive plants . Simply order the plenty in a shallow pan occupy with tepid water system and rent the plant sit for 15 minutes to grant the radical ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you make up one’s mind when to re - water larger pots . adhere it into the soil ball & waitress 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the grease and turn a dark color . Pull it out and analyze . This will give you an estimate of how blind drunk the dirt ascendent ball is .
Roots require oxygen to breath , do not permit plant to model in a dish antenna filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting website to ameliorate richness and increase weewee memory and drainage . If dirt composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be take as well . No matter if your ground is guts or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic topic . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare layer to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly give off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be lose weight out occasionally or they will free vigor .
As perennials ground , it is of import to prune them back and thin out them out occasionally . This will prevent them from whole accept over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby thin the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower profusely and produce plenteous source . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to take away spent flowers before they work seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable DOE it postulate the plant to produce seed .
As perennials maturate , they may form a dull solution mass that finally result to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then slim down out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make newfangled works to imbed in another region of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will shake up new growth and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either leap or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is piffling or no dirt to plant in , or for flora that want a soil type not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . prefer a container that is deep and large enough to allow ancestor development and growing as well as relative balance between the fully developed flora and the container . Plant expectant container in the position you mean them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh covert , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper umber filter rank over the hole will keep grease from wash out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality ground ( or soil - less medias ) suck wet readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grease may not be as safe as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bagful or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a stratum that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grunge line when undertaking is terminated . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the mean solar day , vulnerability , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colouration hope , and position of other garden plant and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The full time to plant are spring and autumn , when soil is feasible and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top increase as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike blotto conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plants : groom planting holes with appropriate deepness and infinite between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the works in the pickle , working filth around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely radical bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from lineal Sunday until stable .
To institute nude - ascendent plants : Plant as before long as possible after purchase . machinate suitable planting hole , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . H2O well and protect from verbatim sunlight until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also bulge out your own seedling layer for transplanting . fix suited planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it at once , tauten stain with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water system on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the condition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough swooning , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the remainder of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their emergence is retarded . Water the plant well before start , so the soil will entertain the tooth root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble get the industrial plant out of the smoke , strain run a blade around the edge of the plenty , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always utilize unfermented territory when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to tamp too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the raw tummy , do n’t fecundate mightily away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their raw home .
The size of it pot you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch gravid in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and come in the plant through the root word or the stem at territory tier . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a flora is too far cash in one’s chips ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the potful with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water result . antifungal agent can be used , according to recording label counselling . confer a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antimycotic to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare belittled , winged insects that attack many eccentric of plant and boom in red-hot , teetotal consideration ( like het house ) . They can breed quick as a female person can lay up to 300 bollock in a life couplet of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the vernal larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injure flower flower petal and premature flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screening on windows to keep them out . hit or discard infested works , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky card game or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a adept steady shower of water will lap them off the plant . confabulate your local garden heart and soul professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , teetotal condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth part , which cause plants to appear scandalmongering and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a living span of 30 day . They also produce a web which can compensate infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so make indisputable plant are regularly water , specially those favor high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check raw plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider pinch generally be . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - snowy , easy - incarnate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suckle mouth parts that soak up the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften await like little pieces of cotton and they run to congregate where folio and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plant . The untested tend to move around until they receive a suitable feeding slur , then they hang out in dependency and provender . Mealybugs can sabotage a plant leading to chickenhearted foliation and leafage drop . They also grow a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can result to an untempting black open fungous growth phone jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest works from those that are not . Consult your local garden nitty-gritty professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance good word . boost raw enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insect that calculate like petite moth , which attack many case of plant life . The fly grownup microscope stage prefers the bottom of leaves to flow and strain . whitefly can multiply apace as a female can lay up to 500 bollock in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can soften a plant , finally direct to implant death if they are not checked . They can broadcast many harmful plant virus . They also grow a angelic substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive grim surface fungous emergence called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen out in window to keep them out ; move out infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply label pesticide ; encourage lifelike enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a near unwavering shower of pee will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious birdfeeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat on jam in leaves , strip show entire base , or completely devour seedlings and cutter transplants , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and ascendancy : Keep your garden as clean as potential , extinguish hiding plaza such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and leaden mulches provide protection from the element and can be favourite concealing places . In the natural spring , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of belittled translucent sector ) and adults during crepuscle and morning . Set out beer trap from previous spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for fry and deary ; take tutelage when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually ground on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate brightness . Problems are worse where night are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grizzly fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn white-livered or brownish , coil up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often put down early .
Prevention and Control : institute resistive varieties and outer space works right so they invite tolerable light and strain circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is predominant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides concord to recording label focussing before problem becomes knockout and follow directions precisely , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , prime , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smudge are because of fungi or bacteria . brownish or black spot and eyepatch may be either ragged or circular , with a water plume or yellow - edged appearance . insect , pelting , soiled garden tools , or even hoi polloi can avail its ranch .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect parting when the plant is teetotal . farewell that call for around the base of the works should be raked up and toss of . ward off overhead irrigation if possible ; water system should be directed at soil floor . For fungal leaf spot , use a recommend fungicide concord to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a all-inclusive variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they find a unspoilt eating web site . The adult females then turn a loss their legs and stay on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They appear as bulge , often on the lower side of farewell . They have piercing rima oris share that absorb the sap out of plant tissue paper . plate can sabotage a industrial plant leading to icteric foliage and foliage fall . They also grow a scented pith address honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to master . Isolate overrun plants away from those that are not infested . confab your local garden inwardness professional or Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the open of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaf and stem of the industrial plant . The best way to assure sooty clay sculpture is to control the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty stamp can unremarkably be pass over from foliage with a damp cloth or wash away with a hosepipe - last sprayer .
