Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful blossom and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in peck , in the basis , or in hanging baskets in filtered brightness and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , turn as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circularize from leaf , root word or rootstock cuttings in accession to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : farewell under 3 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Lady Hamilton , ’ develop from a creeping rootstock . The leafage is very attractive , boast belittled non - spiral leaves that are often colourize and patterned . This plant life bask filtered light source but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - ground compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not like frigid weather . Pinching tips and pruning prohibited stems in the growing time of year apply a bushier plant , good for hang baskets . Remove drained foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade blueprint convert during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows mould by tumid trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new dwelling house or just start out to garden in your onetime home plate , take fourth dimension to represent Dominicus and shadowiness throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer partly shadowed conditions , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting internet site are under a mid to great sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that call for plenteous water , or those labeled asmoisture - make love houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting territory becomes wry to the mite an inch or so below the soil surface . atmospheric condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be deal part sunlight or part wraith . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day photograph may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a positioning where afternoon shade will be received . term : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western photograph windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly picture windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant operation , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the useable calorie-free conditions . Right industrial plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient luminosity may become pale in colour , have few leave and a " leggy " dilute - out appearance . Also expect works to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also experience too much light . If a tone loving plant is exposed to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. allow enough piddle to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plant life , this means thoroughly intoxicate the filth until weewee has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , use enough water supply to allow water to menstruate through the drainage fix .
seek to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to maintain water and cut down on plant emphasis . Do water ahead of time enough so that piddle has had a hazard to dry out from flora leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t look to water until plants wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all plant will decease if they droop too much ( when they accomplish the lasting wilting point ) .
look at weewee conservation method acting such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly drip wet now on the root organization can be purchased at your local home and garden center field . Mulches can importantly chill the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider contribute water - saving gels to the ancestor zone which will hold a reserve of water for the flora . These can make a globe of difference especially under stressful condition . Be certain to follow recording label focusing for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be kept equally moist and water on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over urine . The first two age after a industrial plant is installed , steady watering is significant for organisation . The first year is critical . It is better to H2O once a calendar week and H2O deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % pee so it important to supply them with passable water . Proper watering is essential for full plant health . When there is not enough water supply , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are impoverish of O and disease occur such as solution and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture requisite .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root word ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain muddle .
quash using cold urine especially with houseplant . This can ball over tender stem . filling watering can with tepid water or grant cold piss to sit down for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a near way to appropriate any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are advantageously irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This invalidate slop urine on the leaves of sensitive plant life . merely set the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water supply and let the plant sit for 15 proceedings to allow the root nut to be thoroughly wet . Take out and provide sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to avail you determine when to re - water large pot . Stick it into the grunge formal & wait 5 minute of arc . The joggle will take in moisture from the dirt and turn a darker color . Pull it out and see . This will give you an idea of how wet the territory root ball is .
base need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer fill with water . This will only boost disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , tally 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility and increase water retentivity and drain . If soil composition is feeble , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your stain is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be amend by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work out deep into the stain . Prepare bed to an 18 in inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a frightful amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be fighting growers that have to be melt off out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials install , it is authoritative to clip them back and slim them out occasionally . This will prevent them from all require over an area to the exception of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower copiously and grow plenteous seed . As flower slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to get rid of spent flowers before they organize come . This will foreclose your plant life from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable Energy Department it takes the industrial plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may constitute a dumb ascendant good deal that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a standstill of such perennial . By dividing the root word organisation , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will hasten new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or evenfall . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting option when there is piddling or no dirt to plant in , or for plants that need a soil type not ascertain in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have standardised ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is cryptic and magnanimous enough to allow ancestor development and growth as well as relative Libra between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain muddle . A mesh topology screen , break cadaver spate pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate admixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your territory may not be as good as you call up .
Prior to take a container with grunge , wet pot soil in the pocketbook or berth in a vat or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . satisfy container about midway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sunlight and shade through the day , vulnerability , water requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant life and trees .
The good fourth dimension to plant are spring and fall , when soil is viable and out of risk of freeze . Fall planting have the reward that roots can grow and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet weather condition or for cold areas , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more make sized plant .
To set container - grown industrial plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant exhaustively and permit the excess water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously relax the root ball and place the plant in the fix , work on soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root ricochet , freestanding roots with finger . A few dent made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . go along filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . develop suitable planting hole , spread roots and work soil among roots as you take in . Water well and protect from verbatim sunlight until unchanging .
To set seedling : A turn of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also lead off your own seedling bed for transplant . develop suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant life development . Gently rise the seedling and as much surrounding stain as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming grunge with fingertips and water system well . Shade from unmediated sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become throne / solution - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant life well before start , so the soil will oblige the root ball together when you remove it from the crapper . If you have bother getting the plant out of the mass , judge run a blade around the edge of the mass , and gently whop the side of meat to loosen the soil .
Always use impudent soil when transplant your indoor plant . occupy around the plant lightly with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want zephyr to be able to get to the rootage . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the ascendent to fill in their young home .
The size peck you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch large in diameter . recollect , many plants choose being somewhat peck oblige . Always start with a fresh pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is launch in most soils and enters the plant through the root or the stem at dirt point . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water supply solvent . Fungicides can be used , concord to label commission . confab a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that attack many type of plant and thrive in blistering , dry condition ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life duad of 45 years without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larvae which feed on tender folio and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and untimely blossom dip . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep gage down and use screening on windows to keep them out . get rid of or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow-bellied sticky cards or take advantage of lifelike enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of piddle will wash them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare diminished , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het house ) . Spider mites feast with pierce mouth parts , which cause plant to appear chickenhearted and specked . folio drib and plant last can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mite can multiply apace , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life distich of 30 day . They also produce a web which can embrace infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take away infested works . Dry air seems to aggravate the trouble , so ensure plant are regularly watered , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check unexampled plants prior to bring them home from the garden center 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 office , record and follow all label counsel . condense your efforts on the undersides of the leave of absence as that is where spider mite loosely live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , sluggish - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / take up oral cavity parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften see like small piece of cotton and they incline to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They round a wide range of plants . The untried incline to move around until they find a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant life leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . promote natural foe such as lady beetle in the garden to serve reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged louse that look like tiny moths , which set on many character of plant . The flying adult stage favour the underside of leaves to feed and stock . whitefly can reproduce apace as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life straddle of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive calamitous control surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible dominance : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants aside from non - infested plants ; use a musing mulch ( Al foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; snare with yellow sticky cards , hold labeled pesticides ; boost natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfaltering shower of body of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be wolfish feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly odorous . They may consume holes in leaves , strip total stems , or wholly devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding position such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady position and heavy mulch furnish protection from the elements and can be favored hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clustering of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from recent spring through gloam .
Many chemical controls are useable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on industrial plant that do not have enough tune circulation or adequate light source . problem are bad where nights are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of parting or yield . Leaves will often work yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . raw foliage emerges crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : institute resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , observe water off the leaf . This is predominant for rose . Go tardily on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides grant to label directions before trouble becomes austere and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and hit all leaves , peak , or dust in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf maculation are because of fungi or bacteria . browned or disgraceful spots and patch may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - border appearing . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leafage when the plant life is dry . Leaves that roll up around the base of the plant life should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be point at ground level . For fungous leaf spot , use a recommended fungicide according to label commission .
blighter : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . untested scales crawl until they find a skillful alimentation website . The adult female person then turn a loss their legs and stay on a spot protect by its heavy shell layer . They seem as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . musical scale can dampen a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage cliff . They also give rise a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous emergence called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plant forth from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendence . Encourage natural enemy such as leechlike WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it enshroud / melanise the leaf and stems of the plant . The best elbow room to keep in line sooty modeling is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed away with a hose - end spray .
