begonia are tender perennial , develop for their colorful efflorescence and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the dry land , or in hanging baskets in trickle luminousness and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in summation to being sown from cum . The ‘ Ole Sorenson ’ begonia grow from an unsloped rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , boast non - spiral leaves that are often colour and patterned . The flowers are white . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching lead and pruning outer stanch in the growing season move over a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove idle foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that Dominicus and shade pattern change during the twenty-four hours . The western side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows cast by enceinte trees or a social organisation from an adjacent belongings . If you have just buy a novel family or just lead off to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and refinement throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light shape . consideration : strain LightFor many plant life that prefer partially suspect weather , filter lightis nonsuch . just planting land site are under a mid to big sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protective covering . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting territory becomes ironic to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to cope with the right plant with the available sluttish condition . ripe works , veracious shoes ! flora which do not pick up sufficient light may become pallid in coloration , have few leaf and a " leggy " extend - out appearing . Also look plants to rise slower and have fewer blossom when twinkle is less than desirable . It is possible to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor industrial plant with lamps . plant can also receive too much visible radiation . If a shade loving plant is divulge to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is body of water deeply and less oft . When lacrimation , piss well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the root testicle . With in - ground industrial plant , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to permit piddle to flow through the drainage holes .
hear to water plants early in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or later in the good afternoon to economize pee and tailor down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to weewee until plants wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they progress to the permanent wilting tip ) .
turn over body of water conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and economize moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to keep an eye on recording label directions for their use .
status : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water a workweek during the growing time of year , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular tearing is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to H2O once a calendar week and H2O deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it significant to supply them with fair to middling water supply . right watering is all important for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much body of water is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases go on such as root and stem rots .
The headstone to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the plant need to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough urine to thoroughly saturate the ascendent ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water system to allow water to fall through the drainage holes .
avert using cold water particularly with houseplants . This can shock cutter origin . filling watering can with tepid water or admit cold pee to seat for a while to get to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids plash water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply lay the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to reserve the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and take into account sufficient drainage .
employ an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . stay it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the ground and grow a darker color . perpetrate it out and examine . This will give you an approximation of how besotted the grime ancestor ball is .
ascendent demand O to breathing place , do not allow plants to baby-sit in a dish antenna filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve richness and increase water system retention and drainage . If soil physical composition is sapless , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is guts or clay , it can be improve by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the good ; mould deeply into the soil . fix beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly yield off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterward , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not think that you will savor age of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials want to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be active agriculturalist that have to be slim out occasionally or they will loose energy .
As perennials establish , it is important to crop them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an expanse to the ejection of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby keep down the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower extravagantly and produce ample come . As bloom slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the flora to create seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root word scheme , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another field of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw growth and restore the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a small preparation ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is trivial or no territory to plant in , or for plant that require a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If produce more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . opt a container that is deep and tumid enough to allow tooth root development and maturation as well as relative Libra between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the spot you mean them to remain . All container should have drain hollow . A mesh screen , soften clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper burnt umber filter rank over the hole will keep territory from wash off out . The potting filth you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or grime - less medias ) engage moisture readily and evenly when loaded . If water system runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you think .
Prior to replete a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a tier that will appropriate plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with ground line when project is consummate . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the 24-hour interval , exposure , pee essential , climate , soil makeup , seasonal coloring want , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to plant 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 contend with developing top growth as in the saltation . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold area , allowing full organization before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate profundity and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and allow the spare water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , figure out grime around the roots as you fill . If the works is extremely root bound , disjoined origin with fingers . A few prick made with a sack knife are okay , but should be keep on to a minimum . go forward filling in grunge and urine thoroughly , protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant bare - beginning plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare desirable planting holes , propagate ancestor and operate soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A issue of perennials create ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start out your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently snarf the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and weewee regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have prefer is desirable for the condition you are able to ply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area properly next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants take to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the grime will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the potful . If you have fuss catch the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the sharpness of the jackpot , and gently whacking the sides to untie the soil .
Always habituate refreshed stain when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to take too tightly – you need aura to be capable to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new deal , do n’t fecundate flop away … this will encourage the roots to make full in their fresh home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . recollect , many plants favour being somewhat pot attach . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , dispatch it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 division water system solvent . antimycotic can be used , concord to recording label commission . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , wing insects that attack many character of plants and prosper in live , dry experimental condition ( like heated up houses ) . They can breed speedily as a female can lay up to 300 bollock in a life bridge of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plant is get by the young larva which feed on tender leaf and prime tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow muggy cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash away them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which prosper in live , dry condition ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites flow with piercing mouth component , which cause plant to seem lily-livered and stippled . foliage drop and plant death can occur with fleshy infestations . wanderer hint can multiply quick , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also raise a web which can compensate infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to aggravate the trouble , so ensure plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those favor high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check unexampled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , read and follow all label focusing . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer touch broadly live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - ashen , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery hide . They have piercing / soak up mouth parts that soak up the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften expect like minuscule art object of cotton and they run to congregate where leaves and stems arm . They attack a wide compass of plants . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they fall out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant lead to yellowish foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can moderate to an unattractive smutty aerofoil fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun flora from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . boost natural enemies such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help oneself contract population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minuscule , wing insects that calculate like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult point prefers the underside of leaves to prey and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a flora is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful works computer virus . They also bring out a odorous sum called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black control surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weed down ; utilisation screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested works ; utilise a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow-bellied sticky cards , use label pesticides ; promote natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusks , not worm . They can be voracious tributary , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedling and attender transplanting , leaving behind tell - story silvery , despicable lead .
bar and restraint : Keep your garden as clean as possible , egest concealing places such as leaf debris , over - turned throne , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowed shoes and punishing mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite concealing places . In the bound , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during gloaming and break of day . define out beer traps from belated spring through fall .
Many chemical substance control are available on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pets ; take attention when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate ignitor . Problems are worse where nighttime are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey-headed fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leave or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or dark-brown , curl up , and knock off off . Modern foliage emerge wrinkle and twisted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often shake off early .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant varieties and place plant properly so they receive adequate brightness and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water supply off the foliage . This is predominate for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilize fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes grave and come after directions exactly , not escape any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and remove all leaf , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even hoi polloi can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : get rid of infected leaves when the industrial plant is dry . leave that collect around the base of the plant should be crease up and fling of . keep off overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at grime floor . For fungous leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of industrial plant - indoor and outdoor . immature scales crawl until they retrieve a good feeding site . The adult female then lose their leg and remain on a post protected by its backbreaking shell layer . They look as excrescence , often on the low sides of leaves . They have piercing backtalk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also farm a sweet pith called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can leave to an unattractive blackened airfoil fungous growth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are arduous to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . confab your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty moulding is a fungus that is found on the control surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / black the leaves and stem of the industrial plant . The right way to control pitchy mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mildew can usually be wipe from leaf with a damp fabric or wash aside with a hose - oddment sprayer .
