Begonias are tender perennials , turn for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagate from folio , radical or rhizome cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Holly Leaf ’ is a bushy begonia that has attractive leafage with small , scanty leaves . The many efflorescence are everblooming and white-hot . Stemming is upright and zig - zags between the nodes . This plant enjoys filtered lighting but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like insensate weather . lift tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier flora , good for hanging . Sudden temperature modification causes leaves to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade pattern commute during the daytime . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just buy a new home or just begin to garden in your older nursing home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your web site ’s true weak conditions . Conditions : filter LightFor many plants that prefer partially shadowy conditions , filtered lightis nonsuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that let some igniter through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plant life that will provide some shelter . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the growing zona . Shade can be the result of a ripe stand of trees or shadows cast by a theater or building . Plants that require full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full nuance beneath trees may pose additional problems ; not only is there no sparkle , but rivalry for H2O , nutrient and ascendant infinite .
Partial shademeans that an area receives filtered light , often through grandiloquent branches of an open growing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Root competition is usually less . Partial shade can also be reach by locate a plant beneath an spindle or lathe - same body structure . Shadier sides of a building are normally the northern or northeastern side . These sides also tend to be a niggling cooler . It is not uncommon for plant that can tolerate full Sunday or some sun in cool climate to involve some shade in warm climate due to stress placed on the plant from reduced moisture and excessive heat . weather : Moisture - lie with HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample urine , or those mark asmoisture - have intercourse houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of peck . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . shape : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor dear works performance , it is desirable to twin the correct flora with the available unaccented conditions . Right works , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient visible light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to get tedious and have fewer bloom when light is less than desirable . It is possible to supply supplemental light for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also get too much light . If a shade loving industrial plant is exposed to verbatim sun , it may droop and/or cause leave to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the source lump . With in - ground plant life , this mean thoroughly soaking the soil until body of water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow urine to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants early in the day or afterward in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant strain . Do water betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to piss until plant life wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all works will exit if they wilt too much ( when they get through the lasting wilting point ) .
view water conservation method acting such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which slowly drop moisture directly on the origin organization can be buy at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool down the ascendent zona and conserve wet .
conceive adding piddle - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their manipulation .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as condition require . Most plant life like 1 column inch of pee a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two old age after a industrial plant is set up , steady watering is authoritative for establishment . The first yr is vital . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few second . stipulation : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with decent body of water . Proper lacrimation is all important for in effect industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is applied too oft , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirement .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , allow for enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , lend oneself enough water to allow water system to fall through the drain hole .
void using frigid water specially with houseplants . This can shock legal tender beginning . Fill lacrimation can with tepid pee or countenance frigid water to baby-sit for a while to follow to room temperature before watering . This is a skilful way to admit any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids spatter water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the great deal in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and let the works model for 15 minutes to allow the root orb to be thoroughly pixilated . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pot . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and twist a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the grunge base formal is .
theme need oxygen to intimation , do not allow plants to sit around in a dish aerial sate with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , bestow 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase pee retention and drainage . If soil makeup is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by add the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; form deeply into the grunge . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of body of work now , but will greatly yield off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once flora have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight geezerhood of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials demand to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out at times or they will loose vigor .
As perennial base , it is authoritative to prune them back and slim them out from time to time . This will prevent them from completely taking over an domain to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby thin the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower copiously and produce plenteous seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take away spent flowers before they form seed . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will preserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to develop seed .
As perennials mature , they may shape a dense base mass that finally leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make Modern flora to plant in another domain of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the flora . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either springtime or crepuscule . Do a petty homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : organise ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is small or no stain to plant in , or for plants that require a filth type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one works in a container , ensure that all have interchangeable cultural necessary . Choose a container that is rich and large enough to let rootage maturation and outgrowth as well as relative Libra the Balance between the fully developed plant and the container . found large container in the position you intend them to detain . All containers should have drainage holes . A engagement screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep ground from moisten out . The potting land you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality land ( or soil - less medias ) sop up moisture readily and equally when wet . If water runs off territory upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as effective as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or lieu in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a degree that will grant plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is pure . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Lord’s Day and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil composition , seasonal colour desired , and posture of other garden plants and tree .
The good times to imbed are spring and decline , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . crepuscule plantings have the advantage that stem can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate deepness and space between . irrigate the plant exhaustively and let the excess water waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the ascendant egg and localize the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be restrain to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water exhaustively , protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plant : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . train suitable planting holes , circularise ascendant and work ground among roots as you fill in . piss well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A act of perennials create ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting kettle of fish , spacing appropriately for flora growing . lightly lift the seedling and as much ring soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming territory with fingertip and H2O well . Shade from unmediated sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to offer it : that it will have enough short , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transpose into a heavy container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their outgrowth is delay . Water the plant well before take up , so the territory will adjudge the root ball together when you slay it from the pot . If you have bother getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh grease when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with dirt , being measured not to carry too tightly – you want aviation to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new mass , do n’t inseminate right away … this will encourage the ancestor to fill in their raw home .
The size of it locoweed you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch corking in diam . call back , many plants favour being somewhat pot bind . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and inscribe the industrial plant through the stem or the stem at grease level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , toss the soil too . Wash the can with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 persona water solution . Fungicides can be used , grant to label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in blistering , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a spirit span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the untried larva which course on tender leaf and flower tissue . This lead to distorted ontogeny , injured bloom flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep dope down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unwavering shower bath of water will wash away them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county concerted extension phone position for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , spider - like beast which flourish in hot , dry circumstance ( like heated up mansion ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouthpiece parts , which cause plant to come out chickenhearted and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can pass off with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can procreate quickly , as a female can put up to 200 eggs in a life couple of 30 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . They also produce a web which can cover infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep skunk down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , specially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take reward of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , study and fall out all recording label directions . boil down your efforts on the undersurface of the leaf as that is where spider mites more often than not survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - snowy , soft - bodied insects that farm a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften calculate like little piece of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where foliage and stem branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also give rise a cherubic substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can head to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal growth phone sooty clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . advance natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy hemipteron . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insect that await like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying grownup phase prefer the bottom of leave-taking to course and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a aliveness duad of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of take flight insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can subvert a plant , finally conduct to plant death if they are not checked . They can communicate many harmful plant viruses . They also make a sweet heart call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
potential command : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested works away from non - infested plant life ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambuscade with yellowed sticky card , lend oneself labeled pesticide ; advance natural foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unbendable 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 esurient birdfeeder , run through just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat hole in leave , strip entire prow , or all devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealing places such as leaf debris , over - ferment quite a little , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches put up protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and put down ball ( clump of small translucent empyrean ) and adults during crepuscle and dawn . Set out beer ambush from tardy spring through free fall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the grocery store , but can be poisonous and deadly for minor and pets ; take forethought when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough gentle wind circulation or enough brightness . problem are worse where nights are cool and solar day are ardent and humid . The powdery ashen or gray fungus is unremarkably find on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . leave-taking will often turn jaundiced or brown , curl up , and flatten off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : imbed resistant varieties and space plants right so they receive adequate illumination and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is overriding for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides according to label directions before job becomes austere and follow directions exactly , not drop any required handling . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take out all folio , flowers , or debris in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of fungi or bacteria . browned or black spot and patches may be either ragged or round , with a weewee soaked or yellow - edged coming into court . louse , rainwater , dirty garden tool , or even people can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : murder infected leaves when the industrial plant is dry . leafage that collect around the al-Qaeda of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , tie in to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they incur a good alimentation site . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard eggshell layer . They seem as bumps , often on the gloomy sides of leaves . They have piercing rima oris parts that go down on the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can break a plant moderate to lily-livered foliage and leaf fall . They also grow a sweet gist called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can precede to an untempting inglorious surface fungal increase called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to keep in line . Isolate infested plants out 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 ascendence . Encourage natural enemy such as leechlike WASP in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy microbe , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaves and stems of the plant life . The well direction to control coal-black mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed away with a hose - conclusion atomizer .
