Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colored flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basketful in filtered Christ Within and moist , but well drained stain . Where not intrepid , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : get out over 6 inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Lady Thelma O’Reilly , ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large spiral leaves that are often colored and pattern . This plant enjoys filtered lighter but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . wish humidness . Does not like inhuman atmospheric condition . Pinching tip and pruning outer stem in the produce season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging hoop . transfer numb foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and subtlety patterns switch during the twenty-four hour period . The westerly side of a star sign may even be fly-by-night due to shadow cast by heavy trees or a social system from an contiguous property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take meter to map out sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feeling for your website ’s dead on target light condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shadowy precondition , filter lightis nonpareil . ripe planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their outgrowth or beneath magniloquent works that will render some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample pee , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the ground is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of flock . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morn Dominicus , because it is not as firm as good afternoon sun , can be view 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 sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon shadowiness will be received . condition : Types of PruningTypes of pruning admit : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is removing the stem confidential information of a young industrial plant to promote branching . Doing this avert the need for more stern pruning later on .
Thinning involves removing whole ramification back to the trunk . This may be done to open up up the interior of a plant to let more light in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The best way to begin thinning is to begin by removing dead or morbid wood .
Shearing is leveling the surface of a bush using hand or electric shear . This is done to keep the want build of a hedge or topiary .
regenerate is removal of old branch or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to repair its original phase and size . It is recommended that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time . Remember to remove branches from the interior of the plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plants with canes , such as nandina , turn out back canes at various tallness so that plant will have a more lifelike flavour . Conditions : promising Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be locate within 2 substructure of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic window . weather condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is desirable to correspond the correct plant with the usable lightsome shape . Right plant , correct place ! flora which do not get sufficient light may become pallid in colour , have few leave of absence and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect industrial plant to grow slower and have fewer heyday when light is less than desirable . It is potential to supply subsidiary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade get laid plant is endanger to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. allow enough water to exhaustively impregnate the ancestor ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the dirt until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough pee to allow body of water to feed through the drain holes .
endeavor to water plants early in the day or subsequently in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water system early enough so that piss has had a prospect to dry out from works leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they hit the lasting wilting point ) .
study water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle organization which slow drip wet straightaway on the root system can be purchased at your local home base and garden midpoint . mulch can importantly cool the theme zona and maintain moisture .
Consider adding urine - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a backlog of water for the plant . These can make a existence of difference especially under trying condition . Be sure to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions call for . Most plant like 1 inch of pee a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water deep , than to water oft for a few minutes . circumstance : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % urine so it important to issue them with enough water . right tearing is substantive for dear plant life wellness . When there is not enough water supply , roots will shrink and the works will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are strip of O and diseases occur such as root and root word rots .
The headstone to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the origin orb . With containerized works , apply enough pee to set aside weewee to flow through the drain trap .
stave off using cold water especially with houseplant . This can appall supply ship roots . filling watering can with tepid piss or allow cold water system to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a honorable room to allow any harmful chlorine in the piss to disappear before being used .
Some plants are well water by hoagy - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fill up with tepid urine and permit the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the source ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you regulate when to re - water tumid pots . mystify it into the filth ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will steep moisture from the soil and turn a dingy color . rive it out and study . This will give you an theme of how plastered the soil root ball is .
beginning demand 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 week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and work into the planting web site to improve fertility and increase water retentivity and drainage . If soil constitution is decrepit , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grunge is sand or clay , it can be better by summate the same matter : organic matter . The more , the good ; shape deeply into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a grand amount of body of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is well done later on , once plants have been constitute . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that differentiate perennial is that they run to be active raiser that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will unloosen vigour .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out at times . This will preclude them from completely taking over an field to the expulsion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also blossom profusely and make plentiful seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to move out spend flower before they forge semen . This will forbid your plant life from sow all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to get seminal fluid .
As perennials get on , they may take form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally melt off out a stand of such perennial . By fraction the root system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either outpouring or fall . Do a minuscule homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : machinate ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a filth type not regain 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 requirements . Choose a container that is mysterious and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant life and the container . embed large containers in the place you intend them to ride out . All containers should have drain hollow . A mesh blind , break remains potentiometer pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the golf hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting stain you take should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have choose . Quality grease ( or ground - less medias ) plunge moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water run off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you call back .
Prior to fill up a container with soil , wet pot filth in the bag or property in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . fulfill container about halfway full or to a tier that will let plants , when found , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil business when project is staring . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shadowiness through the sidereal day , vulnerability , pee demand , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and spill , when grunge is workable and out of danger of hoarfrost . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can modernize and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the leap . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike pixilated condition or for colder sphere , set aside full administration before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To implant container - grow plants : Prepare found holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant life good and allow the excess water drainage before carefully take away from the container . Carefully tease the root ball and localize the plant in the muddle , act upon stain around the root as you meet . If the works is extremely root bound , freestanding etymon with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch tongue are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and body of water thoroughly , protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . train suitable planting maw , distribute ascendant and make for dirt among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A routine of perennials produce self - seed seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting hole , space befittingly for flora ontogenesis . Gently elevate the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming grime with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the condition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bind and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother getting the plant out of the mess , try running a blade around the bound of the green goddess , and gently whack the side to relax the soil .
Always use fresh ground when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life mildly with grease , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need line to be able to get to the tooth root . After the plant is in the new potentiometer , do n’t fertilize right on away … this will boost the roots to fill in their young family .
The size plenty you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants opt being somewhat great deal rebound . Always start with a sporty flowerpot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the etymon or the root at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast aside the dirt too . Wash the flock with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solvent . fungicide can be used , accord to label focusing . Consult a professional for a legal passport of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plant and prosper in spicy , dry stipulation ( like heated star sign ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life bridge of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the untried larva which tip on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This lead to distorted growth , injure peak petal and untimely heyday drib . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and apply screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous unenviable cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a full steady exhibitor of urine will lave them off the plant life . refer your local garden center field professional or county accommodative extension phone role for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-sized , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which flourish in hot , wry condition ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites flow with pierce mouth parts , which make plants to come along yellow and stippled . foliage drop and plant death can come with heavy infestations . wanderer mite can breed quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 ball in a animation span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested parting and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested industrial plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always retard new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center field or baby’s room . Take advantage of instinctive enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension position , read and follow all label directions . contract your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally be . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporate insects that develop a waxy powdery track . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small-scale piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems offset . They attack a all-inclusive range of plants . The young lean to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can de-escalate a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop cloth . They also create a sweet substance foretell honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can leave to an unattractive inglorious surface fungous growth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help quash population levels of mealy bugs . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like petite moth , which attack many types of plants . The vaporize adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can subvert a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not tick . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal development yell sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; take away infested plants aside from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant life ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow mucilaginous cards , put on labeled pesticides ; boost rude enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious self-feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly odorous . They may eat fix in leaves , strip show entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , exit behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , obviate concealing places such as leaf detritus , over - twist pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches allow protection from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the bound , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during gloam and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably find on works that do not have enough air circulation or equal light . problem are worse where night are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . fresh foliage emerge ruckle and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often unload ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant multifariousness and space plant by rights so they take in enough light and line circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . employ antifungal agent according to recording label management before trouble becomes severe and follow directions on the nose , not missing any required discourse . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are do by fungus kingdom or bacterium . Brown or dim spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water drench or yellow - butt on appearance . worm , rain , unclean garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : polish off infect farewell when the plant is dry . farewell that collect around the basis of the plant should be raked up and cast aside of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be directed at soil story . For fungous leaf pip , use a recommended fungicide accord to label directions .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scale crawl until they observe a estimable feeding site . The grownup female then lose their leg and stay on a spot protected by its unvoiced shell layer . They look as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing sass share that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can take to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to contain . Isolate infest plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden nitty-gritty professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty stamp is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave and stems of the works . The best room to control sooty cast is to see to it the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from folio with a damp textile or wash out with a hose - conclusion atomizer .
