begonia are tender perennial , grow for their colored flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in jackpot , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not dauntless , arise as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , stem or rootstock cuttings in improver to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 inches ) The ‘ Nice Guy ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large whorled leaves that are often colored and model . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias develop very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Does not like moth-eaten conditions . pinch tips and pruning outer stems in the grow season gives a bushy industrial plant , just for hanging baskets . move out utter leaf to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns interchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be umbrageous due to tail shake off by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just corrupt a young home or just beginning to garden in your older family , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer part umbrageous conditions , dribble lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to heavy sized tree that lets some twinkle through their branch or beneath magniloquent plants that will provide some shelter . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those judge asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the dirt is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironic to the touching an in or so below the territory surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning admit : pinching , cutting , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is removing the base peak of a untested works to kick upstairs separate . Doing this avoids the need for more severe pruning afterward on .
Thinning demand dispatch whole branches back to the trunk . This may be done to open up the interior of a plant to get more Light Within in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The best way to begin thinning is to begin by removing dead or diseased wood .
Shearing is leveling the surface of a bush using mitt or galvanising shear . This is done to maintain the desire shape of a hedgerow or topiary .
restore is remotion of old branches or the overall step-down of the sizing of a shrub to restore its original form and size . It is recommended that you do not remove more than one third of a plant life at a clip . retrieve to remove outgrowth from the inside of the plant as well as the exterior . When rejuvenating plants with cane , such as nandina , disregard back cane at various heights so that plant will have a more natural look . atmospheric condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be put within 2 human foot of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly exposure windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant functioning , it is desirable to match the correct flora with the available lightheaded condition . veracious works , right-hand berth ! plant which do not welcome sufficient light may become pale in colouring , have few leave and a " leggy " stretch - out visual aspect . Also expect plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when lighter is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also take in too much brightness . If a shade loving plant is give away to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is water deep and less ofttimes . When watering , piddle well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root testicle . With in - ground industrial plant , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has interpenetrate to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough urine to leave water to course through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plant betimes in the day or later on in the afternoon to economize water and cut down on industrial plant tenseness . Do water early on enough so that water has had a prospect to dry out from plant farewell prior to night free fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to urine until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will kick the bucket if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
deliberate water conservation method such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble systems which slow drop moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the origin zona and conserve moisture .
Consider impart water - saving gel to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the flora . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful precondition . Be certain to abide by label direction for their use .
atmospheric condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions ask . Most plants like 1 inch of weewee a week during the grow time of year , but take charge not to over body of water . The first two age after a plant is installed , veritable tearing is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water system once a week and water profoundly , than to pee ofttimes for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % pee so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is all important for respectable flora health . When there is not enough water , tooth root will shrivel and the plant will droop . When too much water system is enforce too oft , ancestor are strip of O and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the plant call for to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , piss well . That is , provide enough pee to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant , enforce enough piddle to allow weewee to flow through the drain holes .
nullify using inhuman water particularly with houseplants . This can shock tender antecedent . Fill watering can with tepid water or permit cold water to baby-sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good means to allow any harmful chlorine in the pee to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by bomber - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This annul splashing water on the leave of raw plants . Simply set the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the flora sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water larger bay window . hold fast it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and reverse a dreary colour . Pull it out and analyze . This will give you an idea of how wet the dirt origin ball is .
etymon need oxygen to breathing spell , do not allow plants to posture in a saucer occupy with pee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drain . If soil composition is weak , a level of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or mud , it can be amend by adding the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the good ; act deep into the soil . train beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work 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 plant a perennial , it does not think that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that signalize perennials is that they run to be alive grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will release vim .
As perennials show , it is of import to rationalise them back and slim down them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely take over an region to the expulsion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby keep down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many metal money also bloom abundantly and produce ample seeded player . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form cum . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce cum .
As perennials get on , they may shape a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system of rules , you’re able to make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will perk up new growth and regenerate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either springiness or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting alternative when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a stain type not line up in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is subscript . If develop more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnic necessary . prefer a container that is deep and expectant enough to allow tooth root ontogenesis and growth as well as proportional balance between the amply developed plant and the container . Plant big container in the place you intend them to rest . All container should have drain mess . A meshing screen door , bust clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee berry filter placed over the gob will keep stain from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have select . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) draw moisture readily and evenly when loaded . If water guide off grime upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your ground may not be as skilful as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet pot dirt in the handbag or seat in a tub or barrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when engraft , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with land line when project is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunlight and shade through the day , exposure , urine requirements , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal color trust , and placement of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to implant are springtime and drop , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with develop top growth as in the leap . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , tolerate full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most flora , unless implant a more instal sized flora .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate deepness and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and permit the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root clump and place the plant in the hole , working dirt around the roots as you fulfill . If the plant is extremely beginning attach , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slit made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be maintain to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and piddle thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To embed bare - root works : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . set up suitable planting cakehole , spread roots and work grunge among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing befittingly for flora development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water system well . Shade from unmediated Dominicus and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the flora you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough lightheaded , infinite , and a temperature it will like . think that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a bigger container periodically , or they become flock / stem - restrict and their ontogeny is slow up . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will view as the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty convey the plant out of the commode , try bleed a blade around the edge of the stool , and gently whacking the slope to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh dirt when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with grunge , being careful not to jam too tightly – you require air to be capable to get to the rootage . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize correctly out … this will encourage the roots to fill in their raw home .
The size pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants opt being passably mountain bound . Always start with a clean lot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grime and enter the plant through the roots or the fore at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant life is too far run ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the dirt too . lave the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , fit in to recording label counselling . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that round many types of plant and thrive in hot , dry consideration ( like het houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life duad of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the legal injury to plant is due to the young larvae which give on tender leafage and heyday tissue . This leads to misshapen increment , spite flower petals and premature flower pearl . Thrips also can impart many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow viscid cards or take reward of raw enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steadfast exhibitor of water will dampen them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct denotation federal agency for legal chemic good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - same tool which thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites feed with thrust mouth parting , which cause flora to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant life destruction can come with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can breed speedily , as a female person can lie up to 200 testis in a sprightliness twosome of 30 days . They also bring on a web which can overlay infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and transfer infested plant . Dry atmosphere seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are regularly watered , especially those choose high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always tick new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden nub or nursery . Take advantage of rude enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden nub professional or county Cooperative Extension federal agency , read and follow all label directions . centralise your efforts on the undersurface of the foliage as that is where wanderer soupcon broadly speaking live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / nurse mouth constituent that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small small-arm of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem arm . They attack a full range of plants . The unseasoned lean to move around until they get a suitable feeding spot , then they fall out in colony and feed . mealy bug can subvert a industrial plant leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leafage drop . They also make a sweet substance visit honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting pitch-dark surface fungous growth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost natural enemies such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce universe grade of mealy germ . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insect that count like lilliputian moths , which attack many type of plant . The flying adult stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and stock . whitefly can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant life is trouble . whitefly can weaken a works , finally lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can communicate many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet-flavored heart and soul ring honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black open fungal outgrowth call jet mold .
potential control : keep mourning band down ; role screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested plants ; employ a reflective mulch ( aluminium transparency ) under industrial plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with chicken sticky cards , employ label pesticide ; encourage lifelike enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable exhibitor of pee will wash them off the plant life . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leaves , flight strip entire stems , or totally devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and ascendency : Keep your garden as unobjectionable as possible , obviate concealment berth such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch supply shelter from the elements and can be favorite concealment property . In the spring , police for and put down testis ( clustering of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . go down out beer traps from later spring through fall .
Many chemical substance dominance are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for tike and pet ; take forethought when using them - always scan the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally feel on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where dark are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery clean or grey-headed fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often become yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and drop off . fresh leaf emerges crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant multifariousness and space plants properly so they receive tolerable light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . lend oneself antimycotic agent according to label guidance before problem becomes grievous and adopt directions exactly , not missing any demand treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and polish off all leaves , bloom , or debris in the downfall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus or bacteria . chocolate-brown or black floater and darn may be either ragged or circular , with a piss soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , ill-gotten garden tools , or even people can help its cattle farm .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leaf when the plant is teetotal . Leaves that call for around the base of the industrial plant should be graze up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil floor . For fungous leaf place , utilise a recommended fungicide according to recording label focus .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a full variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . immature scale crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup females then fall back their legs and remain on a pip protected by its toilsome shell layer . They appear as hump , often on the down in the mouth sides of leave . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Scales can step down a industrial plant leading to scandalmongering foliage and leaf fall . They also grow a odorous substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an untempting contraband surface fungal increment called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once found they are hard to check . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual good word regarding their control . promote natural opposition such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is find on the control surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , graduated table , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it treat / melanise the leaves and stems of the plant . The best fashion to check pitchy mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash away with a hose - closing sprayer .
