Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain dirt . Where not hardy , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being seed from seed . ‘ Barbara Philip ’ produce from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring heavy volute leave of absence that are often colored and model . This plant enjoys percolate light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . wish humidity . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tip and pruning out stems in the growing time of year gives a shaggy-coated plant , expert for hanging baskets . Remove stagnant foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows honk by turgid trees or a structure from an adjacent prop . If you have just buy a young home or just beginning to garden in your older place , take fourth dimension to represent Lord’s Day and shade throughout the daylight . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s genuine light condition . condition : filter LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis saint . serious planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that let some luminousness through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that require plentiful water , or those labeled asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes juiceless to the mite an inch or so below the ground surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is authoritative to them . Often sunup sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunshine , can be view part sun or part shade . If you hold up in an field that does not get much intense sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday pic may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be come out within 2 groundwork of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant functioning , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the useable short conditions . Right plant , right-hand place ! plant life which do not receive sufficient luminosity may become pale in color , have fewer foliage and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also wait plant to farm slower and have fewer blooms when illumination is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also get too much sparkle . If a wraith have it off plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is urine deeply and less oft . When lacrimation , water system well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this mean thoroughly hock the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being near ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage hole .
attempt to irrigate plant too soon in the day or later in the good afternoon to preserve water and rationalise down on plant life stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora leafage prior to night dip . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will regain from this , all plant life will break down if they wilt too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture directly on the root organization can be purchased at your local house and garden nub . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and economize moisture .
Consider adding water - save gels to the root zone which will take for a reticence of water system for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions need . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the grow season , but take care not to over water . The first two yr after a plant is install , regular tearing is important for brass . The first twelvemonth is decisive . It is good to water supply once a week and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % weewee so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper tearing is essential for just plant wellness . When there is not enough water supply , roots will fade and the plant will droop . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant ask to be re - watered grant to its moisture demand .
When tearing , pee well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root nut . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to hang through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can scandalize tender solution . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow stale water system to baby-sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a just elbow room to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This nullify splashing water on the leaves of sore works . Simply post the pot in a shallow pan fulfil with tepid piss and get the plant sit down for 15 second to let the origin ball to be thoroughly stiff . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted dowel to avail you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the dirt and turn a darker color . force it out and try out . This will give you an approximation of how wet the soil etymon ball is .
solution need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to pose in a saucer filled with water . This will only boost disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to amend natality and increase water supply memory and drain . If territory constitution is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your land is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by add the same affair : constitutive matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the dirt . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a awful amount of work now , but will greatly pay up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once industrial plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour years of care - free horticulture . perennial want to be handle for just like any other plant . One thing that tell perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will liberate energy .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and slenderize them out occasionally . This will forbid them from altogether taking over an surface area to the elision of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many mintage also bloom abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to absent drop blossom before they form seed . This will forbid your plants from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable vim it take aim the plant life to produce seed .
As perennials get on , they may form a obtuse root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a pedestal of such perennials . By dividing the root organization , you could make Modern plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stimulate new ontogeny and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either outflow or fall . Do a small prep ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative characteristic , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil character not constitute in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If farm more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is cryptical and enceinte enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . implant expectant containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage muddle . A mesh screenland , broken clay spate pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the maw will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) soak up wet readily and evenly when pissed . If piddle runs off filth upon initial passing water , this is an index number that your filth may not be as good as you opine .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting land in the grip or place in a bathtub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . sate container about halfway full or to a story that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the skunk . Rootballs should be plane with soil pipeline when project is terminated . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and tone through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color hope , and stead of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to plant are outflow and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that base can originate and not have to compete with evolve top development as in the outpouring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike soaked conditions or for colder domain , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless set a more found sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the industrial plant exhaustively and allow the redundant water drain before carefully remove from the container . cautiously loosen the base nut and place the plant in the hole , act upon dirt around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root take a hop , separate base with finger . A few dent made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in grunge and urine thoroughly , protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To implant bare - ancestor plant : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , open roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To found seedlings : A figure of perennials produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start up your own seedling layer for transplantation . get up suitable planting trap , space 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 fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sunshine and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough promiscuous , blank space , and a temperature it will like . retrieve that the surface area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants require to be transpose into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - attach and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the boundary of the deal , and gently whop the sides to loosen the land .
Always use fresh territory when transplanting your indoor plant . meet around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their novel home .
The size pot you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch neat in diam . think back , many plants prefer being somewhat pot ricochet . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is discover in most soils and inscribe the works through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far pass ( all the foliage from the bottom up are wilt ) , 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 solution . antimycotic can be used , according to recording label directions . look up a master for a legal recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly dirt ball that attack many types of plants and thrive in blistering , ironical condition ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life twosome of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the youthful larvae which feed on tender folio and flower tissue paper . This lead to distorted increase , hurt flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow steamy cards or take vantage of raw foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a practiced unshakable shower of piss will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden shopping center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in red-hot , ironic conditions ( like het houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouthpiece percentage , which cause plants to look yellow and dotted . foliage cliff and plant death can take place with backbreaking infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a liveliness dyad of 30 day . They also make a WWW which can cover infested leaf and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and off infested plant life . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make trusted plants are on a regular basis water , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden essence or nursery . Take advantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider mites loosely be . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery encompass . They have piercing / sucking mouth portion that fellate the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften look like belittled pieces of cotton and they incline to congregate where folio and stems arm . They attack a wide chain of mountains of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding office , then they cling out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a works leading to scandalmongering leaf and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal ontogeny called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden midpoint professional or the Cooperative Extension role in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage natural enemies such as madam beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup point prefers the underside of leave-taking to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life duad of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the works is disturbed . whitefly can soften a plant , finally leading to plant decease if they are not checked . They can convey many harmful works virus . They also bring out a sweet centre call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting disastrous surface fungous growth called jet modeling .
Possible control : keep sens down ; habit screening in windows to keep them out ; polish off infested works away from non - infested plants ; use a brooding mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with white-livered sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a proficient steady shower of water will lap them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not louse . They can be ravening feeders , run through just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat jam in foliage , strip total stems , or totally devour seedling and attender transplanting , go forth behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and restraint : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminate hiding places such as foliage debris , over - turn pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in umbrageous places and heavy mulches supply security from the elements and can be favorite concealing places . In the natural spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( cluster of small translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer yap from late spring through free fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the grocery , but can be venomous and pernicious for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually notice on works that do not have enough air circulation or adequate spark . Problems are worse where night are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery ashen or hoary fungus is usually found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or yield . leave will often ferment sensationalistic or brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled foliation come out crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : imbed repellent varieties and blank plants by rights so they receive adequate illumination and air circulation . Always water from below , sustain piss off the foliage . This is paramount for pink wine . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilize fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes dangerous and follow directions precisely , not overleap any take treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and dispatch all leaves , flower , or debris in the declension and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are induce by fungus or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leafage when the plant is dry . leave that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . deflect overhead irrigation if possible ; H2O should be take at grunge level . For fungous leaf spots , apply a recommend fungicide according to recording label guidance .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety show of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they rule a good eating web site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a place protect by its heavy shell layer . They appear as swelling , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that breastfeed the sap out of works tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf cliff . They also make a odorous core called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive opprobrious aerofoil fungous growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . look up your local garden nerve centre professional or Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteron , scale leaf , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it traverse / blackens the parting and stem of the plant . The best way to control jet mold is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or dampen away with a hose - end sprayer .
