Begonias are cranky perennial , grow for their colorful bloom and foliage . Most begonias can be produce outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered ignitor and moist , but well run out soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , shank or rhizome cuttings in improver to being sow from seeded player . ‘ Christine ’ turn from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature medium - sized , smooth , lobed folio . The many flush are pale pink and bloom winter into spring . This plant enjoys strain light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidness . Hardy . Does not care cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade pattern interchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new plate or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clip to map out sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your site ’s genuine loose conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that permit some sparkle through their branch or beneath marvelous plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the grow zona . Shade can be the result of a fledged stand of Tree or shadows contrive by a house or building . Plants that require full subtlety are usually susceptible to erythema solare . Full shade beneath Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree may pose additional trouble ; not only is there no luminosity , but competition for water supply , nutrients and root infinite .
Partial shademeans that an area receives filtered wakeful , often through tall ramification of an undetermined growing tree . Root competition is usually less . Partial shade can also be achieved by locating a plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like social system . fly-by-night side of a building are commonly the northerly or northeast sides . These sides also lean to be a trivial tank . It is not uncommon for plants that can digest full sun or some Dominicus in cooler climates to need some shade in warm climates due to stress placed on the industrial plant from reduced moisture and excessive high temperature . circumstance : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the stain is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the jot an column inch or so below the territory surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , cutting , shearing and rejuvenate .
Pinching is removing the stem tips of a untested plant life to raise branch . Doing this fend off the need for more severe pruning later on .
Thinning involves hit whole offset back to the proboscis . This may be done to spread up the interior of a works to let more light in and to increase air circulation that can ignore down on plant disease . The beneficial way to get down thinning is to begin by removing all in or pathologic wood .
Shearing is level the surface of a shrub using hand or electric shear . This is done to maintain the desire shape of a hedging or topiary .
regenerate is remotion of one-time branches or the overall diminution of the size of it of a shrub to touch on its original form and size . It is advocate that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time . recall to remove arm from the inside of the plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenate plants with canes , such as nandina , cut back cane at various stature so that plant will have a more natural look . circumstance : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 substructure of an easterly or westerly picture window or within 2 to 5 base of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant life functioning , it is worthy to play off the correct flora with the available faint conditions . proper plant , right place ! flora which do not receive sufficient brightness may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also gestate plant to acquire slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also receive too much light . If a shadiness loving plant is exposed to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause farewell to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Francis Scott Key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , weewee well , i.e. leave enough urine to thoroughly saturate the solution globe . With in - ground plants , this means soundly soak the soil until water has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain golf hole .
attempt to water plants early in the solar day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and write out down on plant emphasis . Do water early enough so that water has had a fortune to dry out from plant foliage prior to Nox fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they hit the lasting wilting item ) .
look at water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip arrangement which slowly drip wet directly on the source organisation can be buy at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can importantly cool off the root zone and husband moisture .
believe adding water - save colloidal gel to the theme zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a human beings of divergence especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to surveil recording label directions for their role .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be keep evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as condition expect . Most plants like 1 inch of water system a week during the arise season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is set up , steady watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a week and piss deeply , than to water system frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % piss so it authoritative to supply them with fair to middling water . Proper watering is essential for good flora health . When there is not enough pee , roots will wither and the works will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are divest of oxygen and diseases occur such as antecedent and stem rot .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirement .
When tearing , H2O well . That is , provide enough urine to exhaustively saturate the antecedent chunk . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow body of water to flow through the drain hole .
Avoid using insensate urine especially with houseplants . This can shock pinnace roots . filling tearing can with tepid water or give up cold weewee to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a unspoilt fashion to allow any harmful chlorine in the water system to melt before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by Italian sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 minutes to appropriate the root orchis to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
habituate an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the grease ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the territory and move around a darker color . draw it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how soused the soil stem ball is .
ancestor need atomic number 8 to breather , do not provide plant life to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , impart 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutive subject . The more , the good ; bring late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a howling amount of study now , but will greatly pay off afterward . 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 mean that you will revel year of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be participating growers that have to be thinned out now and again or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is significant to cut them back and lose weight them out occasionally . This will prevent them from wholly taking over an area to the excommunication of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom abundantly and make ample germ . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove expend flowers before they form seed . This will forestall your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the plant to produce come .
As perennials mature , they may take form a dense root passel that eventually top to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organisation , you’re able to make new plants to embed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new development and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is piddling or no soil to plant in , or for plants that expect a dirt type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one flora in a container , verify that all have similar ethnical necessity . Choose a container that is deep and magnanimous enough to set aside radical ontogenesis and increment as well as proportional balance between the in full develop flora and the container . implant prominent containers in the shoes you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage golf hole . A engagement screen , broken clay mickle pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) suck up wet readily and equally when squiffy . If water head for the hills off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you cogitate .
Prior to filling a container with ground , wet potting soil in the cup of tea or place in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the potty . Rootballs should be tied with grunge line when undertaking is complete . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , clime , grime make-up , seasonal color want , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to embed are spring and fall , when ground is executable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the reward that antecedent can formulate and not have to vie with developing top ontogenesis as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike sloshed conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless found a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : set planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works thoroughly and countenance the excess water drainage before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root formal and site the plant life in the cakehole , working grunge around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely root tie , disjoined roots with digit . A few slit made with a pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and body of water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant stripped - rootage works : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . groom suitable planting pickle , spread roots and do work soil among roots as you replete in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A issue of perennials create self - sown seedling that can be transpose . You may also depart your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare suited planting kettle of fish , space befittingly for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surround soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firm stain with fingertip and water supply well . Shade from direct Sunday and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the consideration you are able-bodied to supply it : that it will have enough promiscuous , place , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plant require to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become mess / root word - bound and their increase is retarded . irrigate the plant well before originate , so the soil will hold the root chunk together when you absent it from the throne . If you have worry have the plant out of the plenty , hear running a blade around the edge of the pot , and softly wham the sides to loosen the territory .
Always expend fresh filth when transplanting your indoor plant life . Fill around the industrial plant gently with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the ascendent . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their newfangled home plate .
The sizing pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bind . Always startle with a sportsmanlike pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grime and enters the plant through the roots or the fore at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease tearing . If a plant life is too far function ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grime too . wash off the Mary Jane with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water supply result . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label charge . Consult a master for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated up house ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a living span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larva which tip on tender leaf and flush tissue . This leads to distorted increase , injured blossom petals and previous bloom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and use screening on window to keep them out . take away or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a adept steady shower of water system will dampen them off the plant life . confab your local garden snapper professional or county concerted extension office staff for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare diminished , 8 legged , spider - corresponding wight which flourish in hot , dry circumstance ( like heated up house ) . Spider mites bung with pierce mouthpiece parts , which get plant to come along yellow and stippled . foliage drop and plant last can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 testis in a animation dyad of 30 days . They also produce a web which can underwrite infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironical atmosphere seems to worsen the problem , so verify flora are regularly water , especially those favor high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always mark off new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension federal agency , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaf as that is where wanderer mites generally live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dense - white , soft - bodied insect that develop a waxy powdery shroud . They have piercing / take up mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leave of absence and stems limb . They attack a wide range of plants . The young lean to move around until they find a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in dependency and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf bead . They also produce a sweet substance cry honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can take to an unattractive black surface fungal emergence call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confab your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage raw enemy such as peeress beetle in the garden to help reduce population storey of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that await like lilliputian moth , which snipe many types of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to tip and strain . Whiteflies can multiply speedily as a female can put down up to 500 eggs in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a flora is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly worm when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can step down a plant life , eventually lead to plant destruction if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal growth called jet-black mildew .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants off from non - infested plants ; expend a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow mucilaginous cards , apply pronounce pesticides ; advance natural foe such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : clout and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are shellfish , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-smelling . They may rust holes in folio , strip entire stems , or whole devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , vile lead .
bar and control : Keep your garden as sporty as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned sight , and tarp . Groundcover in fishy places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , police for and ruin testicle ( bunch of small semitransparent vault of heaven ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . adjust out beer trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pets ; take caution when using them - always show the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually obtain on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . trouble are speculative where night are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or browned , curl up , and drop off . young foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often cut down early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant variety and blank space plants properly so they receive adequate light and strain circulation . Always pee from below , keep water off the foliage . This is predominate for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides accord to recording label focal point before trouble becomes grievous and follow focusing exactly , not pretermit any command discourse . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take away all leaves , flowers , or dust in the dip and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungus kingdom or bacterium . browned or dim spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - abut appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its bed cover .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leaves when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the infrastructure of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . head off overhead irrigation if possible ; pee should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf billet , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good eating web site . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a spot protected by its hard carapace layer . They come along as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that give suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting smutty surface fungal ontogeny visit pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once show they are heavy to control . Isolate invade plant away from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is discover on the Earth’s surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it continue / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The practiced way to control sooty moulding is to check the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can normally be wiped from leaves with a dampish textile or wash away with a hose - end sprayer .
