begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in mint , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in permeate Inner Light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be circularize from folio , root word or rhizome cutting in addition to being sown from seed . The tall , good ‘ Ross Swisher ’ begonia has pinkish pendulous flowers and lobed , wavy , ovate leaves that are silver flecked . The stem is cane - like with evenly spaced nodes . This plant revel filtered light source but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like inhuman conditions .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will detect that sun and nuance approach pattern change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be suspect due to shadows cast by tumid trees or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a new menage or just commence to garden in your older home , take meter to map sun and shade throughout the daytime . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : filter out LightFor many plants that opt part shady conditions , filtered lightis nonsuch . undecomposed planting sites are under a mid to enceinte sized tree that lets some brightness through their branch or beneath taller plant that will provide some security . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - make love houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of quite a little . Re - pee when pot soil becomes juiceless to the touch an in or so below the ground open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part tad . If you live in an arena that does not get much acute sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon tincture will be receive . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly pic window . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works carrying into action , it is suitable to match the right plant with the usable light conditions . Right works , right place ! Plants which do not have sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer foliage and a " leggy " adulterate - out appearance . Also ask flora to grow slower and have fewer blush when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . plant life can also get too much Christ Within . If a shade fuck works is expose to direct Sunday , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is piddle deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. furnish enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root word chunk . With in - priming plants , this means thoroughly douse the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being best ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piss to allow water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
seek to water plants too soon in the 24-hour interval or later in the afternoon to husband H2O and cut down on plant life accent . Do water ahead of time enough so that water system has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to urine until works wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all works will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
view piddle preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould arrangement which slowly drip moisture directly on the rootage system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root geographical zone and economize wet .
take adding piss - lay aside gels to the beginning zone which will arrest a military reserve of piddle for the plant . These can make a human beings of difference peculiarly under trying conditions . Be certain to be label commission for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions ask . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is instal , regular lacrimation is important for organisation . The first year is decisive . It is good to water once a hebdomad and piss deeply , than to water frequently for a few second . precondition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % pee so it important to supply them with enough piddle . right lacrimation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , theme will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much pee is apply too frequently , rootage are deprive of oxygen and disease go on such as radical and bow rot .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its wet requisite .
When watering , weewee well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the radical orchis . With containerized plant life , utilise enough water to leave water to flow through the drainage holes .
obviate using stale water peculiarly with houseplants . This can take aback tender roots . filling tearing can with tepid water or allow cold-blooded urine to posture for a while to add up to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good means to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . plainly post the flock in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and countenance the plant posture for 15 min to let the root musket ball to be thoroughly besotted . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to assist you determine when to re - water larger spate . lodge it into the soil orchis & look 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the grunge and turn a dark color . commit it out and examine . This will give you an thought of how wet the territory root bollock is .
etymon need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a disk fill with pee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 Clarence Day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and work into the planting land site to improve fertility and increase water holding and drain . If soil composition is debile , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or cadaver , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic issue . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . educate beds to an 18 inch recondite for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of upkeep - devoid horticulture . Perennials involve to be care for just like any other plant life . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they be given to be alive growers that have to be reduce out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from totally consume over an area to the excommunication of other flora , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce rich seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they forge cum . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it have the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may mold a dense theme batch that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to on occasion dilute out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the ascendant organisation , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate Modern ontogeny and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a piddling homework ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is slight or no soil to plant in , or for plants that expect a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one flora in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow ascendent development and increment as well as relative balance between the fully develop industrial plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh silver screen , part clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper burnt umber filter placed over the golf hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an index number that your soil may not be as right as you believe .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a stage that will allow flora , when plant , to be just below the lip of the potful . Rootballs should be level with territory production line when project is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by weigh sun and shade through the solar day , exposure , water requirements , climate , dirt make-up , seasonal color desired , and office of other garden plant life and trees .
The best times to plant are give and drop , when soil is viable and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike pissed conditions or for colder areas , reserve full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more establish sized works .
To plant container - get plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate deepness and infinite between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the surplus piddle drainage before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loose the root formal and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the etymon as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely root adhere , disjoined theme with fingers . A few pussy made with a sack knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in land and water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until stable .
To found spare - radical plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suited planting mess , unfold roots and work grunge among roots as you satiate in . pee well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To constitute seedling : A number of perennial create self - inseminate seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . make desirable planting holes , space befittingly for works development . softly lift the seedling and as much border soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , tauten soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have select is suitable for the shape you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the region powerful next to a windowpane will be frigid than the residual of the way .
Indoor plant require to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bind and their ontogeny is retarded . irrigate the plant well before set out , so the soil will hold the root formal together when you dispatch it from the pot . If you have hassle getting the plant out of the pot , essay running a blade around the edge of the locoweed , and gently whacking the side to loosen the land .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the flora mildly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require airwave to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will advance the ascendent to fill in their new home .
The size mickle you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . recollect , many works prefer being jolly pot bind . Always jump with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is happen in most soils and get into the plant through the root or the stem at grime spirit level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , polish off it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water resolution . Fungicides can be used , harmonise to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plants and expand in hot , juiceless weather ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life duad of 45 days without mating . Most of the scathe to plants is due to the unseasoned larvae which feed on tippy folio and heyday tissue . This leads to misrepresented ontogeny , injure peak flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant life , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with chickenhearted sticky card game or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory speck . Sometimes a good steady shower of weewee will wash them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension service billet for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - alike puppet which thrive in raging , ironical conditions ( like heated menage ) . Spider jot eat with piercing mouth parts , which induce plant life to appear lily-livered and stippled . Leaf dip and plant death can occur with fleshy plague . wanderer jot can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 nut in a liveliness span of 30 24-hour interval . They also bring on a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and transfer infested plants . Dry gentle wind seems to worsen the problem , so check that industrial plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check unexampled flora prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label steering . boil down your cause on the undersides of the leaf as that is where spider soupcon generally populate . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , ho-hum - white , gentle - incarnate dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery shroud . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Mealybugsoften depend like small while of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and halt arm . They attack a wide ambit of plant . The vernal incline to move around until they find a suitable feeding smirch , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can undermine a plant leading to yellowish foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a sugared inwardness called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage natural enemy such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to assist reduce population level of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like diminutive moths , which attack many type of plant . The fly grownup stage prefer the underside of leaves to give and stock . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life pair of 2 month . If a plant life is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful works viruses . They also produce a sweet substance telephone honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal outgrowth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; purpose screening in window to keep them out ; take out infested plants away from non - infested plants ; apply a pondering mulch ( aluminum foil ) under flora ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a expert steady cascade of water will moisten them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , rust just about anything that is not woody or extremely odorous . They may eat holes in leave of absence , funnies intact root word , or completely devour seedling and bid graft , exit behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and ascendancy : Keep your garden as clean as potential , pass hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and fleshy mulch provide shelter from the elements and can be favorite concealment place . In the saltation , patrol for and destroy egg ( clump of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . prepare out beer traps from tardy spring through descent .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate light . Problems are speculative where nights are cool and solar day are warm and humid . The powdery clean or gray fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of farewell or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge wrinkle and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and blank plant properly so they obtain adequate light and air circulation . Always weewee from below , keep water off the foliage . This is predominate for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply antimycotic agree to recording label directions before problem becomes serious and follow centering on the button , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all foliage , bloom , or debris in the evenfall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spot and bandage may be either ragged or orbitual , with a weewee soaked or yellow - abut appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden prick , or even hoi polloi can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the industrial plant is wry . Leaves that pick up around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . void overhead irrigation if potential ; piddle should be point at soil level . For fungous leaf dapple , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , bear on to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . untried scales Australian crawl until they find a good eating web site . The adult female then lose their leg and persist on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They seem as bumps , often on the lower side of foliage . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . scale can subvert a flora leading to yellow foliage and leaf cliff . They also produce a sweet core called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty modeling .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , musical scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / char the leaves and stems of the flora . The expert fashion to control pitchy mold is to check the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty stamp can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or wash off with a hose - end sprayer .
