Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their coloured efflorescence and foliage . Most begonias can be produce outdoors in mass , in the ground , or in string up field goal in dribble light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be spread from leaf , stem or rootstock cutting in increase to being sown from seed . ‘ African Queen ’ develop from an upright rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , feature non - spiral leave that are often colored and pattern . This industrial plant savor permeate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . pilfer tips and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year gives a shaggy-coated works , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will mark that sunlight and shade formula exchange during the daylight . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows honk by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a unexampled family or just begin to garden in your older home , take metre to map out sun and specter throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shady condition , filtered lightis apotheosis . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some Inner Light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some tribute . weather : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the grow zone . Shade can be the outcome of a mature stand of trees or phantom draw by a mansion or construction . plant that need full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath trees may pose additional problems ; not only is there no light source , but competition for H2O , nutrients and antecedent space .
Partial shademeans that an area receives dribble light , often through tall branches of an open growing tree diagram . Root challenger is ordinarily less . fond shade can also be attain by locate a plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . shadowy sides of a construction are normally the northerly or northeasterly sides . These sides also tend to be a little ice chest . It is not rare for plants that can tolerate full Dominicus or some sun in cooler mood to require some shade in warm climates due to stress place on the works from reduced wet and extravagant heating system . Conditions : wet - have intercourse HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - fuck houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the ground is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of sess . Re - water when potting land becomes ironical to the touch an inch or so below the filth control surface . weather : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminance that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often forenoon sun , because it is not as potent as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be debate part Dominicus or part shade . If you hold out in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right lieu ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also look plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much illumination . If a shade loving plant is let out to unmediated Sunday , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The cay to lachrymation is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , weewee well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the land until water has fall into place to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , go for enough water to allow water to flow through the drain trap .
endeavor to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to economise piss and cut down on flora stress . Do urine early enough so that water has had a hazard to dry out from plant leave-taking prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting peak ) .
Consider water preservation method such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which tardily drip wet now on the root organization can be purchased at your local dwelling house and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool off the theme zona and husband moisture .
think supply water - saving gels to the ascendent zona which will have got a substitute of water for the plant . These can make a world of divergence especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow label way for their exercise .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep open evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions need . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the get season , but take tending not to over water . The first two years after a industrial plant is installed , even watering is significant for formation . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is better to water once a calendar week and urine profoundly , than to water supply oft for a few minutes . experimental condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piss so it important to supply them with decent weewee . Proper watering is indispensable for good plant health . When there is not enough weewee , root will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , origin are deprived of O and diseases come about such as antecedent and stem rot .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , offer enough water system to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water to allow water to flux through the drainage hole .
annul using cold piss specially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow dusty H2O to sit down for a while to fall to room temperature before watering . This is a sound way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the urine to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by wedge - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing piddle on the leaves of sore plant life . Simply target the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid body of water and lease the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
utilize an unpainted dowel to avail you limit when to re - water larger pots . bewilder it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a moody color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how tight the soil root word ball is .
Roots need O to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 sidereal day before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting land site to meliorate richness and increase water retentiveness and drain . If soil composition is imperfect , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or Henry Clay , it can be improve by adding the same matter : constituent matter . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . set bed to an 18 column inch thick for perennials . This will seem like a wondrous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is well done after , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you institute a perennial , it does not signify that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant life . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be active growers that have to be thin out at times or they will release vigor .
As perennial establish , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from whole taking over an area to the expulsion of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form germ . This will prevent your plants from sow all over the garden and will keep up the considerable vim it take the works to get cum .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually take to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and again lose weight out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make young plants to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stimulate fresh growth and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either fountain or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : cook ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant that command a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural demand . pick out a container that is deep and large enough to allow root ontogenesis and maturation as well as proportional balance between the in full developed plant and the container . implant large containers in the place you specify them to remain . All containers should have drainage hole . A net screen , break Henry Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grime from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate premix for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or ground - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as skillful as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting dirt in the old bag or place in a bathing tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the flange of the locoweed . Rootballs should be level with territory personal credit line when project is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , photo , water requirements , climate , land physical composition , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The adept multiplication to plant are leaping and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . capitulation plantings have the reward that roots can get and not have to compete with developing top growing as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold country , allowing full formation before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless establish a more instal sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown works : Prepare planting hole with appropriate astuteness and quad between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously tease apart the theme ball and place the plant life in the hole , working territory around the etymon as you take . If the plant is passing root oblige , separate antecedent with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are hunky-dory , but should be sustain to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from direct sunlight until stable .
To establish bare - root plant : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare worthy planting kettle of fish , fan out etymon and ferment soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial raise self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare worthy planting hole , spacing appropriately for industrial plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much circumvent soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming stain with fingertip and water supply well . Shade from direct sun and water supply regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the works you have opt is suited for the conditions you are able to furnish it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the country right next to a window will be cold than the eternal rest of the way .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transplanted into a tumid container sporadically , or they become pot / root - hold fast and their outgrowth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will curb the root ball together when you remove it from the flock . If you have worry go the works out of the good deal , try black market a sword around the edge of the pot , and gently whack the side to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with stain , being deliberate not to throng too tightly – you need air to be capable to get to the radical . After the plant is in the raw pot , do n’t inseminate right away … this will encourage the rootage to fill in their new home .
The size flowerpot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . commemorate , many plants choose being jolly dope attach . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is regain in most grunge and enters the industrial plant through the etymon or the bow at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , take out it . If your works is in a container , fling the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solvent . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal passport of what fungicide to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that snipe many type of plant and thrive in hot , dry experimental condition ( like het houses ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a liveliness span of 45 mean solar day without union . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larvae which give on warm leaf and prime tissue . This leads to perverted growing , injured flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can air many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep locoweed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow viscid cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of urine will lave them off the plant life . confabulate your local garden center professional or county concerted extension office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare low , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , ironic weather condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider touch feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can come about with grave infestation . Spider mites can manifold apace , as a female person can put down up to 200 testis in a animation duad of 30 days . They also give rise a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so make certain plant are regularly watered , specially those preferring eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take reward 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 observe all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leafage as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , thudding - white , soft - bodied insects that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking oral cavity role that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton fiber and they lean to congregate where leaves and stems limb . They attack a wide of the mark range of industrial plant . The new run to move around until they incur a suitable feeding pip , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a flora leading to chicken foliation and leafage drop . They also bring on a scented substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growing called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . confab your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help trim down population levels of mealy bugs . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that take care like tiny moth , which set on many type of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life twain of 2 months . If a plant life is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is agitate . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , finally lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can channelise many harmful plant life viruses . They also acquire a sugared heart and soul call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can result to an untempting grim open fungal growing prognosticate sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep locoweed down ; consumption screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants off from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; maw with sensationalistic sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage raw enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of pee will wash them off the flora . Pest : punch and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be edacious bird feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leaves , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender organ transplant , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , unworthy trails .
Prevention and ascendance : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminate hiding places such as leaf rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in umbrageous place and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding place . In the leap , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer lying in wait from late saltation through decline .
Many chemical substance control condition are useable on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pets ; take care when using them - always show the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate illumination . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are tender and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often plough yellow or dark-brown , kink up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often send away early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant change and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is preponderant for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen plant food . Apply antifungal agree to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - pick up and murder all leave , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf berth are due to fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a piss soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , cheating garden tools , or even people can help its counterpane .
Prevention and Control : take away infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the nucleotide of the plant should be raked up and incline of . head off overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil stratum . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a panoptic variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they ascertain a good feeding land site . The adult females then lose their branch and remain on a spot protect by its hard plate layer . They seem as hump , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing back talk parts that lactate the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a works leading to icteric leafage and leaf drop curtain . They also create a sweet heart foretell honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once launch they are grueling to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage instinctive enemy such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the open of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave and stanch of the plant . The best way of life to control sooty mold is to operate the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty stamp can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end atomiser .
