Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grow outside in pots , in the ground , or in cling baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stout , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circulate from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : bequeath 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Hg , ’ grow from a creeping rhizome . The leaf is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , lobed leaves . The many flowers are pinkish to rose colored and flower wintertime to spring . This works enjoys filtered visible light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning extinct stem in the growing season gives a shaggy-coated works , good for hanging baskets . hit deadened leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and subtlety patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows stray by big Tree or a structure from an adjacent dimension . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your quondam home , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact flavour for your site ’s true clear conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly funny conditions , strain lightis nonesuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their outgrowth or beneath marvelous plants that will provide some protection . shape : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the growing zone . Shade can be the result of a matured stand of trees or shadow cast by a theater or construction . Plants that require full shade are unremarkably susceptible to sunburn . Full tincture beneath Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree may impersonate additional problems ; not only is there no light , but competition for water , nutrient and root space .
Partial shademeans that an sphere receives filtrate light , often through tall branch of an open growing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Root contender is usually less . Partial shade can also be achieved by locating a industrial plant beneath an bower or lathe - corresponding structure . Shadier side of a building are commonly the northern or northeastern position . These sides also tend to be a small cooler . It is not rare for plant that can brook full sun or some sun in cooler climates to require some nicety in warmer climates due to stress placed on the industrial plant from reduced wet and inordinate heat . Conditions : wet - enjoy HouseplantsHouseplants that command ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - jazz houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from cakehole in the bottom of mess . Re - water system when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor ignitor that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is of import to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be okay . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon ghost will be received . experimental condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or western pic window or within 2 to 5 pes of a southerly picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is suitable to correspond the right plant with the available light condition . right-hand plant , ripe post ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few farewell and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also await plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when brightness is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is break to unmediated Sunday , it may droop and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is pee deeply and less frequently . When watering , H2O well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the solution ball . With in - background plant , this mean good soaking the soil until water has fathom to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , go for enough piddle to allow piddle to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants too soon in the day or after in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water too soon 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 problems .
Do n’t hold back to weewee until plant wilt . Although some plant life will reclaim from this , all works will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
count water conservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which slow drop wet directly on the root organization can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly chill the beginning zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the etymon zone which will hold a reserve of weewee for the industrial plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful term . Be sealed to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be retain evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the grow time of year , but take caution not to over water . The first two years after a industrial plant is install , steady watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to weewee once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minute of arc . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % pee so it important to add them with tolerable water . right watering is essential for skilful plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are impoverish of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The paint to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant demand to be re - watered grant to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , offer enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to let pee to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold pee especially with houseplants . This can scandalise tender root . Fill lacrimation can with tepid H2O or allow cold water to sit for a while to come in to room temperature before watering . This is a just elbow room to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing urine on the leaves of tender plants . just set the pot in a shallow goat god replete with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly blind drunk . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger sens . Stick it into the dirt ball & wait 5 hour . The dowel will absorb moisture from the dirt and twist a darker people of color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how blind drunk the soil root ball is .
Roots demand oxygen to breath , do not set aside plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hours before planting , tally 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If land composition is infirm , a stratum of topsoil should be look at as well . No matter if your land is sand or clay , it can be improved by total the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . set up beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay up off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been instal . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will savour days of upkeep - free horticulture . Perennials involve to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they lean to be combat-ready agriculturalist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is authoritative to prune them back and slenderize them out on occasion . This will keep them from completely taking over an arena to the elision of other industrial plant , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce copious seed . As blossom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove expend flowers before they form cum . This will keep your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring forth seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root pile that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the rootage organisation , you may make new plant to plant in another orbit of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will get new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either outpouring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is footling or no soil to institute in , or for plants that call for a soil case not find in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have like cultural requirement . Choose a container that is cryptical and magnanimous enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the to the full grow works and the container . Plant large container in the spot you intend them to appease . All containers should have drain golf hole . A mesh concealment , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee filter placed over the hole will keep filth from lap out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when wet . If water draw off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as expert as you think .
Prior to filling a container with land , wet potting soil in the pocketbook or place in a bath or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a storey that will allow plant , when establish , to be just below the brim of the spate . Rootballs should be plane with dirt line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by regard sun and shade through the day , exposure , urine requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal color hope , and position of other garden works and trees .
The skillful prison term to plant are spring and drop , when soil is practicable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To engraft container - grown plants : Prepare plant jam with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works soundly and get the excess water drain before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root glob and place the plant in the hollow , act dirt around the roots as you fill up . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate source with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be keep to a lower limit . go on filling in filth and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root flora : industrial plant as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and work on soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until static .
To plant seedlings : A figure of perennial make ego - inseminate seedlings that can be transfer . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare worthy planting holes , space appropriately for industrial plant development . Gently hook 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 direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have opt is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the field right next to a window will be cold-blooded than the eternal rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become wad / theme - trammel and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the base testis together when you absent it from the pot . If you have trouble get the plant out of the pot , try run a brand around the edge of the pot , and mildly whacking the sides to loose the soil .
Always use unfermented soil when transplant your indoor plant . occupy around the works mildly with territory , being deliberate not to take too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize decently away … this will encourage the stem to fill in their new home .
The size pot you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch gravid in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being more or less mass bound . Always start up with a sporty potentiometer !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is ground in most soils and enters the plant life through the roots or the stem at grime story . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen lachrymation . 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 , discard the soil too . wash off the throne with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water answer . Fungicides can be used , allot to recording label directions . confer with a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , winged insects that attack many character of plant and flourish in blistering , dry conditions ( like heated sign of the zodiac ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can dwell up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the damage to plants is do by the youthful larva which feed on tender leaf and bloom tissue . This leads to distorted increment , injured flush petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant life , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory tinge . Sometimes a good unfaltering shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemic good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - alike tool which prosper in raging , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing back talk parts , which cause works to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drib and industrial plant death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer pinch can multiply chop-chop , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life history pair of 30 days . They also get a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are regularly water , especially those preferring gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check raw plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of rude foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centerfield professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your effort on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mite loosely last . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / take in rima oris share that fellate the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like little pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems limb . They attack a wide ambit of plant life . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a works lead to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a honeyed substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can take to an untempting black surface fungal growth prognosticate sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to facilitate deoxidise population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which assail many type of plant . The flying adult stage favour the undersurface of leaf to feed in and stock . whitefly can procreate cursorily as a female can pose up to 500 eggs in a life duo of 2 month . If a flora is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to imbed last if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting disastrous aerofoil fungous growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep widow’s weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants aside from non - infested plants ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky lineup , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage lifelike enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitor of weewee will moisten them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravenous feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may exhaust yap in leave of absence , strip intact stems , or wholly devour seedlings and tender transplants , forget behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and ascendance : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealing places such as foliage debris , over - turned skunk , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches allow for aegis from the elements and can be favorite concealment place . In the leap , police for and destruct eggs ( clusters of little translucent sphere ) and adult during gloam and aurora . Set out beer gob from former spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controller are available on the market , but can be poisonous and pestilent for nestling and pet ; take aid when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually observe on plants that do not have enough air circulation or equal sparkle . Problems are worse where night are nerveless and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery blank or gray fungus is normally happen on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often ferment yellow or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and place industrial plant properly so they receive adequate lighting and air circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping weewee off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertiliser . utilize antifungal agent harmonize to label centering before trouble becomes severe and follow counselling incisively , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , flower , or junk in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , contaminating garden tools , or even masses can help its bed covering .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the industrial plant is dry . leave that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . deflect overhead irrigation if possible ; body of water should be direct at ground tier . For fungal leaf dapple , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide mixed bag of plants - indoor and outdoor . untested scales crawl until they recover a good feeding internet site . The grownup female person then lose their peg and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell level . They appear as bulge , often on the low side of leaves . They have piercing sassing parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . scale of measurement can step down a plant life leading to icteric foliage and leaf cliff . They also produce a sweet content called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous increment called jet stamp .
Prevention and Control : Once show they are hard to master . Isolate infested plant aside from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendence . advance natural opposition such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is find on the airfoil of leaves . It fertilize on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , exfoliation , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / nigrify the leaves and staunch of the plant . The good way to control pitchy mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can unremarkably be wiped from leaves with a damp material or washed away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
