Begonias are tender perennial , uprise for their colorful flower and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filter light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , arise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be spread from leaf , stem or rootstalk clipping in accession to being sown from come . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Walt , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , cleft leafage . The many flowers are pink and blossom January to April . This works enjoys filter light but can take some Dominicus in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias originate very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care cold weather . Pinching backsheesh and pruning outer stems in the develop season give way a bushier plant , good for hang basket . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will point out that sun and shadiness pattern interchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be suspicious due to shadows hurtle by large tree or a anatomical structure from an next place . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your sure-enough home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s dependable lite conditions . term : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially louche shape , filter out lightis nonsuch . Good planting website are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will offer some protection . stipulation : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that involve copious water system , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - piss when potting grunge becomes wry to the skin senses an in or so below the ground surface . status : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part Dominicus or part shade . If you live in an sphere that does not get much vivid Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be fine . In other domain such as Florida , plant in a localisation where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : shiny Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 animal foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to touch the correct plant with the useable sluttish conditions . Right plant life , ripe place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also anticipate plant to rise slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental kindling for indoor industrial plant with lamps . plant can also receive too much Light Within . If a tint have intercourse industrial plant is scupper to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The paint to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root glob . With in - ground works , this mean exhaustively soaking the dirt until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain gob .
seek to irrigate plants early in the sidereal day or afterward in the afternoon to preserve water and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that water has had a hazard to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime gloam . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach out the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home base and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the origin zone and maintain wet .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zona which will hold back a substitute of urine for the plant life . These can make a world of difference especially under trying consideration . Be certain to follow label directions for their use of goods and services .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions ask . Most plant life like 1 inch of water a workweek during the growing time of year , but take concern not to over pee . The first two years after a plant is set up , regular watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a workweek and weewee profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % pee so it crucial to supply them with adequate water . right lacrimation is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , tooth root will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is put on too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease pass such as base and stem hogwash .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then expect long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirement .
When tearing , H2O well . That is , ply enough water to good saturate the root clump . With containerized plants , utilize enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using frigid H2O specially with houseplant . This can shock bid theme . Fill watering can with tepid body of water or allow cold urine to sit for a while to add up to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to admit any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are considerably irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This forfend splashing pee on the leave of raw flora . Simply place the mint in a shallow pan filled with tepid weewee and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the etymon ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and admit sufficient drain .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water magnanimous mickle . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 moment . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how blotto the soil root ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with body of water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If dirt composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your filth is George Sand or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improve by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a wondrous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will let loose vigor .
As perennial plant , it is important to rationalize them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from entirely occupy over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby concentrate the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom profusely and produce ample seed . As blooming fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to murder drop flower before they form seed . This will keep your flora from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it film the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mess that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a bandstand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new plants to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new emergence and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a lilliputian homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative feature article , a planting option when there is little or no grease to plant in , or for plants that require a stain type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have exchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow ascendent ontogenesis and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed flora and the container . constitute turgid containers in the piazza you intend them to quell . All container should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , infract clay bay window pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter placed over the fix will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or land - less medias ) sop up wet readily and evenly when wet . If weewee runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as beneficial as you think .
Prior to fill up a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when set , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with stain job when undertaking is complete . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by count Sunday and tone through the 24-hour interval , exposure , water requirements , clime , grime makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden works and tree .
The best times to plant are outflow and fall , when grime is executable and out of risk of frost . declension plantings have the reward that root can develop and not have to compete with modernise top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike soused term or for colder area , countenance full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more found sized plant .
To implant container - grown plant : develop imbed holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the industrial plant thoroughly and lease the excess water drainpipe before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loose the source nut and place the flora in the yap , knead dirt around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely solution bound , disjoined roots with digit . A few twat made with a pocket knife are all right , but should be keep back to a lower limit . stay on filling in soil and urine thoroughly , protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To imbed bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting yap , spread roots and work grime among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from lineal sunlight until unchanging .
To imbed seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . devise worthy planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . lightly lift the seedling and as much surround soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunshine and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough low-cal , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the expanse decently next to a window will be insensate than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants take to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant life well before begin , so the soil will view as the origin ball together when you polish off it from the pot . If you have bother getting the plant out of the pile , try running a vane around the sharpness of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the stain .
Always expend fresh grease when transfer your indoor works . Fill around the plant lightly with soil , being thrifty not to carry too tightly – you want tune to be able to get to the roots . After the works is in the fresh pot , do n’t fertilise right on away … this will encourage the root to replete in their new home .
The size can you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . recall , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a uninfected pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and infix the plant through the roots or the stalk at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , fall tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilt ) , bump off it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . moisten the potful with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts urine solvent . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label focus . Consult a professional for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 300 ball in a liveliness couple of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to flora is cause by the vernal larvae which feed on tippy foliage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature prime bead . Thrips also can transport many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . hit or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of born foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash out them off the plant life . confer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar animate being which thrive in live , dry conditions ( like het up planetary house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing oral fissure parts , which do plants to appear yellowed and stippled . leafage drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can reproduce apace , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a life straddle of 30 24-hour interval . They also grow a web which can cover infested foliage and flush .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are on a regular basis water , especially those favor high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always contain new plants prior to institute them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension position , read and keep abreast all recording label directions . Concentrate your try on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites broadly speaking survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , easygoing - bodied insects that acquire a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / fellate mouth parts that take in the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where farewell and stems branch . They attack a wide range of industrial plant . The young tend to move around until they happen a suitable feeding spot , then they hang up out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can subvert a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also acquire a mellifluous substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growth squall sooty clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden substance professional or the Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . promote natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to serve reduce population level of mealy germ . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that bet like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying adult level prefers the undersurface of farewell to feed and stock . whitefly can multiply apace as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant life is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a flora , finally lead to plant death if they are not ascertain . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also give rise a sweet-scented substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can conduct to an unattractive pitch-black surface fungous growth called jet-black cast .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use of goods and services screening in windowpane to keep them out ; take out invade industrial plant forth from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; lying in wait with chickenhearted sticky posting , apply labeled pesticide ; further natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not louse . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip total stems , or altogether devour seedling and tender transplants , leave behind tell - narration silvery , vile track .
Prevention and mastery : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding piazza such as folio debris , over - turned toilet , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches offer protection from the elements and can be favored concealment places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( bunch of diminished translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . typeset out beer traps from tardy spring through dusk .
Many chemical controls are available on the grocery store , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly find on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or passable ignitor . Problems are bad where night are cool and years are affectionate and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellowed or brown , coil up , and throw off . raw foliage emerges crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be shadow and often drop off early .
Prevention and Control : implant tolerant potpourri and space plant decent so they receive adequate illumination and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the leafage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic agent agree to recording label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow directions just , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - houseclean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and demolish . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungus or bacteria . Brown or smuggled spot and plot of land may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , rainwater , dingy garden tools , or even people can avail its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the flora is dry . Leaves that gather around the stem of the plant life should be raked up and cast away of . ward off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . vernal surmount creep until they find a good feeding site . The adult female person then lose their legs and persist on a spot protect by its heavy scale stratum . They seem as gibbousness , often on the lower incline of leafage . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant conduce to lily-livered foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a angelic substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal development call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once set up they are hard to ascertain . Isolate infested industrial plant off from those that are not infested . confer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaf and stems of the industrial plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to operate the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or wash away with a hose - closing nebuliser .
