Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flush and leafage . Most begonias can be produce outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in permeate visible light and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not dauntless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , stem or rhizome film editing in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Doctor ’s Wife ’ grow from an upright rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , sport non - coiling leave that are often colored and patterned . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . wish humidity . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer staunch in the growing season gives a shaggy plant life , good for advert baskets . Remove dead foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and shade patterns transfer during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow chuck by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a construction from an adjacent property . If you have just grease one’s palms a new rest home or just begin to garden in your Old abode , take time to map sun and tincture throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your site ’s truthful light conditions . Conditions : filter LightFor many industrial plant that prefer partially louche conditions , filtrate lightis apotheosis . dependable planting sites are under a mid to turgid sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller industrial plant that will cater some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those label asmoisture - eff houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the dirt is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of mass . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the trace an inch or so below the ground open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer illumination that is sink in . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you be in an region that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tincture will be receive . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor adept flora operation , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light condition . correct plant , right topographic point ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer leave-taking and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also bear plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when lighter is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor industrial plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade sleep with plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or induce leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. supply enough pee to thoroughly saturate the origin ball . With in - ground plants , this signify thoroughly soaking the soil until pee has imbue to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown industrial plant , apply enough water to provide body of water to fall through the drain holes .
attempt to irrigate industrial plant early in the Clarence Day or by and by in the good afternoon to conserve H2O and cut down on plant accent . Do water system early on enough so that water has had a probability to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to water supply until plants droop . Although some plant life will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they strive the permanent wilting full stop ) .
Consider weewee conservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold organisation which slowly drip wet directly on the root organisation can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding pee - saving gels to the root zone which will go for a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a world of departure especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and watered regularly , as consideration expect . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the raise season , but take precaution not to over water . The first two years after a plant life is installed , even lacrimation is important for governing body . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water system frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % pee so it important to supply them with decent body of water . Proper watering is essential for full plant health . When there is not enough water , base will wither and the industrial plant will droop . When too much H2O is utilise too frequently , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases pass such as root and fore rots .
The headstone to tearing is frequency . pee well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its wet requirement .
When lacrimation , urine well . That is , offer enough water to thoroughly saturate the tooth root egg . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water to flux through the drainage hole .
Avoid using inhuman body of water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid body of water or reserve stale water to sit down for a while to do to room temperature before watering . This is a estimable means to allow any harmful chlorine in the weewee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are good irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This stave off splashing water on the parting of sensitive plants . merely rate the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and rent the plant sit for 15 minute to let the root globe to be soundly wet . Take out and let sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you find when to re - water larger pots . mystify it into the grunge ball & waitress 5 mo . The dowel pin will assimilate moisture from the soil and plow a dark-skinned color . draw in it out and analyze . This will give you an idea of how crocked the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not permit flora to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 mean solar day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase pee retentiveness and drainage . If grease composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be moot as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by add the same thing : organic affair . The more , the better ; mold deeply into the dirt . Prepare bottom to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is well done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial postulate to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that describe perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and dilute them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an domain to the exclusion of other plant life , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and grow plentiful seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flower before they shape germ . This will foreclose your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to raise seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a heavy root mass that finally lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then cut out a rack of such perennial . By dividing the origin system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will arouse new growing and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either springiness or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a orientation . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to institute in , or for plant that need a soil type not found in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one flora in a container , verify that all have similar ethnical demand . select a container that is cryptical and large enough to appropriate root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the full developed plant and the container . Plant big containers in the plaza you signify them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A engagement screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee tree filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have opt . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as effective as you reckon .
Prior to replete a container with soil , wet pot soil in the dish or piazza in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a degree that will earmark plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with dirt line when project is all over . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , clime , soil composition , seasonal color desired , and place of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of hoarfrost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with train top growing as in the saltation . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet experimental condition or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless embed a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : set planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and have the excess pee waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously tease the root ball and place the plant life in the gob , form soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely stem bound , freestanding root with finger . A few pussy made with a pouch tongue are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . keep on filling in soil and water good , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To imbed bare - root word plant : flora as before long as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting trap , spread roots and work filth among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To plant seedling : A bit of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start up your own seedling bottom for transplant . ready suited planting hole , space appropriately for plant ontogenesis . Gently raise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming grunge with fingertip and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have choose is suitable for the condition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , blank , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the repose of the way .
Indoor plants take to be transplanted into a expectant container periodically , or they become pot / ascendent - tie up and their growth is decelerate . Water the plant well before set forth , so the dirt will hold the root ball together when you move out it from the pot . If you have problem fetch the plant out of the pot , try run a blade around the edge of the lot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh dirt when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the plant life gently with filth , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new quite a little , do n’t fertilise right off … this will encourage the roots to make full in their young home .
The size smoke you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant favour being somewhat pot bind . Always jump with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is feel in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stalk at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts piddle solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label counselling . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that assail many types of plants and fly high in spicy , ironic conditions ( like het up household ) . They can multiply chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the damage to works is because of the young larva which feed on sore leaf and flower tissue . This leads to malformed maturation , injure blossom petals and premature flower drop-off . Thrips also can convey many harmful works virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilize test on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow embarrassing batting order or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a practiced unshakable shower of piddle will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative denotation business office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare belittled , 8 legged , wanderer - like tool which thrive in hot , dry consideration ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing backtalk parts , which have plants to appear white-livered and flecked . Leaf drop and plant demise can come about with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 ballock in a life yoke of 30 day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaf and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air travel seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , especially those prefer gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always check young plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of instinctive enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , interpret and accompany all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally exist . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , mild - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth part that suck in the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leafage and stems limb . They attack a panoptic range of plants . The untested incline to move around until they find a worthy eating spot , then they attend out in colony and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant pass to yellow foliage and leaf driblet . They also produce a sweet subject matter call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive blackened surface fungous emergence call sooty stamp .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer with your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help scale down population horizontal surface of mealy hemipteron . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged worm that look like tiny moth , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leave to tip and breed . Whiteflies can breed speedily as a female can put down up to 500 testis in a life pair of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant life is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually direct to plant death if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful plant virus . They also create a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive dim surface fungal growth called sooty cast .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; off infested plant by from non - infested plant ; use a musing mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with xanthous gluey cards , utilise label pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a near steady shower of urine will wash them off the plant . Pest : type slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat hole in leaves , funnies entire base , or entirely devour seedling and pinnace transplants , exit behind tell - taradiddle silvery , slimy lead .
bar and control : Keep your garden as sporty as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in funny post and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be best-loved concealing places . In the saltation , patrol for and put down eggs ( clusters of little semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and morning . position out beer traps from recent outflow through fall .
Many chemical substance restraint are available on the food market , but can be poisonous and virulent for children and pets ; take care 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 fair to middling light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and daytime are strong and humid . The powdery livid or gray fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often become xanthous or brown , curl up , and dismiss off . novel foliation emerges scrunch up and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : imbed resistant varieties and space flora properly so they receive adequate Christ Within and atmosphere circulation . Always water from below , keeping water system off the foliation . This is preponderant for roses . Go tardily on the atomic number 7 plant food . use fungicides according to label direction before problem becomes spartan and follow direction exactly , not drop any ask discussion . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all foliage , flowers , or junk in the surrender and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piss soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even citizenry can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . leaf that gather around the base of the plant should be run down up and throw out of . annul overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be aim at soil level . For fungal leaf place , apply a recommended fungicide accord to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a all-embracing variety of flora - indoor and outdoor . new scales crawl until they line up a in force eating website . The grownup female then lose their legs and remain on a smudge protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth voice that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can undermine a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also get a sweetened substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting mordant surface fungous growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension bureau in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . advance lifelike opposition such as leechlike white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of parting . It prey on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the parting and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty cast can usually be wipe from leave-taking with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hose - closing sprayer .
