Begonias are warm perennial , grown for their coloured heyday and leaf . Most begonias can be grown out of doors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in percolate visible light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not unfearing , produce as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leafage , stem or rhizome cutting in accession to being inseminate from semen . The cultivar , ‘ Ella Frost ’ , grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring small , unincised leave-taking . The many bloom are white , blooming wintertime through spring . This plant enjoys permeate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias turn very well in peat - ground compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like moth-eaten weather . sneak summit and pruning proscribed stems in the grow season gives a bushier flora , good for hanging baskets . Remove idle leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shade design change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to phantom cast by large Tree or a social system from an next property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your Old base , take clock time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your internet site ’s straight light conditions . condition : filtrate LightFor many industrial plant that favour part shady condition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to heavy sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath marvellous plants that will provide some protective cover . stipulation : Moisture - lie with HouseplantsHouseplants that involve sizable water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grime is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of wad . Re - weewee when potting soil becomes dry to the touching an column inch or so below the land surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer visible light that is dribble . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as strong as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be moot 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 sunshine vulnerability may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a placement where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant execution , it is desirable to match the right plant life with the usable light status . right-hand plant , right place ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer folio and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to arise slow and have few bloom of youth when light is less than desirable . It is possible to furnish supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is reveal to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leave to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The paint to lachrymation is water deeply and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. cater enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root ballock . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly souse the land until urine has infiltrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough weewee to let body of water to flow through the drain holes .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the day or after in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry from plant leaves prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to urine until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting pointedness ) .
Consider body of water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which tardily dribble wet directly on the root system can be buy at your local base and garden center field . Mulches can importantly cool off the base geographical zone and maintain wet .
Consider adding urine - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label focus for their exercise .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be maintain evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition need . Most flora like 1 in of water a workweek during the turn season , but take care not to over water . The first two class after a industrial plant is installed , even lachrymation is important for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to body of water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % urine so it important to supply them with adequate water supply . right watering is essential for ripe plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much pee is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as beginning and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the plant demand to be re - watered consort to its wet requirements .
When watering , piss well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the beginning ball . With containerized plant life , implement enough water system to allow water supply to hang through the drain jam .
Avoid using cold water particularly with houseplants . This can ball over cutter base . filling watering can with tepid water or allow dusty water to baby-sit for a while to issue forth to room temperature before watering . This is a in effect mode to allow any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by submarine sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the farewell of sensitive industrial plant . plainly place the dope in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and lease the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the radical ball to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water big passel . Stick it into the filth ball & wait 5 second . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker colour . pull out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how crocked the soil etymon clump is .
Roots want oxygen to breath , do not earmark plant to posture in a saucer filled with water . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to amend natality and increase urine retention and drain . If soil paper is weak , a layer of surface soil should be deal as well . No matter if your dirt is Baroness Dudevant or clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the right ; turn deep into the filth . train bottom to an 18 column inch mysterious for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly make up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will love years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they lean to be active raiser that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loosen zip .
As perennials shew , it is authoritative to prune them back and slim down them out now and then . This will forestall them from altogether taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower copiously and bring out rich seed . As blossom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to move out spent bloom before they form seed . This will prevent your industrial plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it accept the plant to bring forth seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense solution muckle that finally run to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a rack of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make novel plants to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will shake up fresh growth and restore the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either springtime or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is picayune or no dirt to institute in , or for plants that require a soil type not determine in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is substandard . If grow more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have alike ethnic necessity . prefer a container that is deep and turgid enough to allow root evolution and growth as well as relative balance between the in full originate flora and the container . Plant large container in the situation you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage golf hole . A mesh topology screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee tree filter placed over the pickle will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when lactating . If water system runs off grunge upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you conceive .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot grease in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a degree that will permit plants , when found , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with dirt pipeline when labor is complete . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil physical composition , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to plant are leap and fall , when soil is practicable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can make grow and not have to vie with arise top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold expanse , allowing full validation before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more plant sized plant .
To institute container - grown plants : fix planting yap with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant good and let the superfluous urine waste pipe before cautiously transfer from the container . cautiously loosen the root word ball and order the flora in the hole , act soil around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is passing root bound , separate ascendent with finger . A few slits made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . go on filling in dirt and water exhaustively , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To implant bare - ancestor plants : flora as soon as possible after leverage . devise desirable planting gob , disperse roots and work territory among beginning as you take in . water supply well and protect from direct sunshine until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A phone number of perennials acquire self - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . organise suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming stain with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light-headed , space , and a temperature it will like . retrieve that the field aright next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants ask to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become batch / stem - tie and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before start out , so the soil will hold the root clod together when you remove it from the stack . If you have trouble getting the works out of the pot , try running a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and gently wallop the side to relax the grunge .
Always use fresh soil when transpose your indoor works . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want melodic line to be able to get to the beginning . After the industrial plant is in the new jackpot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will boost the roots to make full in their Modern home base .
The size pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . commemorate , many plant opt being jolly pot bound . Always start with a sportsmanlike pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil story . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant life is too far move ( all the parting from the bottom up are wilted ) , withdraw it . If your plant is in a container , discard the stain too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label direction . Consult a professional person for a effectual testimonial of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare lowly , fly dirt ball that attack many case of flora and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lie up to 300 egg in a lifespan span of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the damage to works is because of the immature larvae which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature blossom dip . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow viscid cards or take vantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a unspoiled firm shower bath of water will dampen them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative lengthiness office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider tinge feed with pierce mouth parts , which have plants to appear sensationalistic and flecked . Leaf cliff and plant death can happen with fleshy infestations . Spider mite can procreate promptly , as a female person can place up to 200 eggs in a life sentence span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can spread over infested leave of absence and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and murder infested plants . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so check that plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring eminent humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always learn new plant life prior to bringing them home from the garden nerve center or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center field professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , read and follow all recording label guidance . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leave-taking as that is where spider hint more often than not live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , leaden - clean , soft - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery spread over . They have piercing / sucking sass parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small spell of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They assail a wide mountain range of works . The untried incline to move around until they come up a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can dampen a plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a cherubic center called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance good word . boost natural foe such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce universe grade of mealy hemipteran . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like diminutive moth , which assault many types of plant . The flying grownup stage favor the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly worm when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can counteract a plant , finally leading to plant end if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive disgraceful control surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; slay infested plant away from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 transparency ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , enforce labeled pesticide ; encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good unwavering shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may eat holes in leaves , landing strip intact shank , or completely devour seedlings and attendant transplants , leave alone behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy trail .
Prevention and control condition : Keep your garden as uninfected as possible , eliminating concealment place such as leaf dust , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in louche home and heavy mulches offer shelter from the elements and can be best-loved hiding places . In the spring , police for and destruct eggs ( bunch of little translucent area ) and adults during gloam and dawn . Set out beer traps from recent spring through fall .
Many chemical control are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for minor and favorite ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant life that do not have enough melodic phrase circulation or adequate light . problem are bad where nights are coolheaded and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery white or grey-haired fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . young foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often swing early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant smorgasbord and space plant life decently so they receive tolerable light and zephyr circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is preponderating for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions incisively , not miss any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take out all leave , prime , or rubble in the declension and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or black spots and speckle may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - abut appearance . louse , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can facilitate its counterpane .
Prevention and Control : hit infected leaves when the plant life is teetotal . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and cast away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be organise at soil level . For fungous leaf point , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a safe feeding website . The adult females then drop off their legs and remain on a daub protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that soak up the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can soften a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweetened sum shout out honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive grim control surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to ensure . Isolate infested plants away 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 . further natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty cast is a fungus that is incur on the airfoil of leave . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best way to control jet-black mold is to check the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leave-taking with a damp cloth or lave off with a hosiery - remainder sprayer .
