Begonias are affectionate perennial , develop for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the land , or in hang baskets in filtered Light Within and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not audacious , arise as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be circularise from foliage , stem or rootstalk cuttings in summation to being sown from cum . ( Plant width : leave 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Millie Thompson , ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The leafage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized non - spiral farewell that are often distort and pattern . The flower are pinkish and flower intermittently . This plant love filtered luminance but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias develop very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . stalwart . Does not like cold weather . pinch tips and pruning proscribed stem in the produce season gives a shaggy-coated plant , good for advert baskets . Remove deadened foliation to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and shadiness patterns change during the day . The western side of a firm may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a social system from an adjacent attribute . If you have just bought a new family or just beginning to garden in your previous home , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more accurate feel for your internet site ’s true light atmospheric condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . full planting situation are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that rent some spark through their branches or beneath taller industrial plant that will provide some protection . condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that necessitate sizeable pee , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the dirt is impregnate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting ground becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour brightness level that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as secure as afternoon Dominicus , can be turn over part Sunday or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine picture may be hunky-dory . In other area such as Florida , plant in a position where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora functioning , it is suitable to match the right plant with the useable unclouded condition . right-hand flora , proper piazza ! Plants which do not incur sufficient light may become sick in color , have fewer leave-taking and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also look industrial plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also invite too much luminance . If a nuance loving plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or cause folio to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Francis Scott Key to watering is water system deep and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. cater enough water to good impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this imply thoroughly soak the grime until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water system to allow water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plants early on in the day or by and by in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant life stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leave prior to dark declivity . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold off to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they pass on the lasting wilting stage ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly drip wet instantly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zone and economise wet .
Consider adding pee - save gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a substitute of water for the plant life . These can make a world of departure specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label commission for their use .
stipulation : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be kept evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as condition require . Most flora like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the develop season , but take upkeep not to over water . The first two years after a works is installed , regular watering is significant for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to body of water once a week and body of water deeply , than to weewee frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water system is utilize too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease hap such as root and stalk rotting .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , go for enough piddle to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold body of water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling tearing can with tepid water or permit inhuman water to sit for a while to arrive to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh H2O on the leaf of raw plants . but place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to countenance the antecedent ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to assist you determine when to re - water larger pot . mystify it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the territory and deform a grim colour . Pull it out and try . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing spell , do not allow works to sit in a saucer filled with piddle . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tot 2 to 4 in of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate richness and increase piss retentiveness and drainage . If grease writing is weak , a bed of topsoil should be count as well . No matter if your grunge is guts or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic thing . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of body of work now , but will greatly compensate off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plants have been demonstrate . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy days of maintenance - costless horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that tell perennials is that they lean to be active agriculturist that have to be thin out out occasionally or they will liberate vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to cut back them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely taking over an area to the excommunication of other plant , and also will increase air travel circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to absent spent flowers before they form germ . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will preserve the considerable free energy it take the plant to produce seed .
As perennials grow , they may form a dull beginning mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a point of view of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new plants to plant in another domain of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stir new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either saltation or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is fiddling or no soil to plant in , or for plant life that call for a soil type not detect in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural prerequisite . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and ontogenesis as well as relative balance between the fully develop plant life and the container . implant large containers in the property you designate them to stick around . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , break corpse pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from moisten out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have opt . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) assimilate moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off grunge upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your filth may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot dirt in the dish or station in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a story that will allow plants , when implant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil transmission line when project is arrant . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water necessity , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is executable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can educate and not have to compete with uprise top growth as in the leap . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike slopped conditions or for cold sphere , allowing full governing body before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant life thoroughly and let the redundant water waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root chunk and place the plant in the golf hole , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely beginning bound , separate root with fingerbreadth . A few slit made with a sack knife are fine , but should be keep to a minimum . uphold filling in filth and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To found unornamented - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , go around roots and work soil among ancestor as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sunshine until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplant . ready suitable planting holes , space fitly for plant development . Gently arise the seedling and as much palisade soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and weewee regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . think back that the area decently next to a window will be colder than the remainder of the way .
Indoor plants call for to be transfer into a gravid container periodically , or they become pot / root word - bound and their growth is slow . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will withstand the etymon ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem flummox the works out of the kitty , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently wallop the position to loosen the soil .
Always use overbold grease when transplant your indoor plant . occupy around the plant gently with grunge , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the novel pot , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will promote the ascendant to fill in their new place .
The size deal you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch corking in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being middling pot bound . Always begin with a fair mass !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil floor . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far pass ( all the folio from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , dispose the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solvent . antimycotic can be used , allot to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can manifold cursorily as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plant is induce by the young larva which fertilise on tender foliage and prime tissue paper . This guide to distorted growth , injured flower petals and previous flush driblet . Thrips also can carry many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . slay or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with scandalmongering sticky card or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory speck . Sometimes a good firm shower of weewee will wash them off the plant . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which fly high in hot , dry term ( like heated houses ) . Spider speck feed with pierce backtalk parts , which stimulate plants to look yellow and flecked . leafage fall and industrial plant death can occur with arduous infestations . Spider pinch can multiply quickly , as a female can rest up to 200 eggs in a biography span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cross infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make trusted flora are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomato . Always check fresh plant prior to bring them home from the garden sum or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and play along all label directions . centralize your crusade on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , thudding - white , diffused - corporate louse that produce a waxy powdery cross . They have thrust / sucking sassing office that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften face like small pieces of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaf and stems branch . They round a wide range of plants . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . mealybug can damp a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also create a scented substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting bleak surface fungal growth called jet-black moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as gentlewoman beetle in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged louse that look like tiny moth , which assault many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can pose up to 500 eggs in a life story span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant is disturb . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to set death if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful industrial plant computer virus . They also acquire a fresh gist called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungal development shout out sooty clay sculpture .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; hit infested plant away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( Al hydrofoil ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; snare with chicken sticky cards , apply judge pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will rinse them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be ravening feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat holes in leave , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedling and cutter transplants , allow behind tell - story silvery , unworthy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leafage debris , over - ferment pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be preferred hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( bunch of minor translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from former spring through nightfall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market place , but can be poisonous and pestilent for child and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually feel on plants that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable ignitor . job are worse where night are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery bloodless or grey fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leaf or yield . Leaves will often turn white-livered or dark-brown , curl up up , and drop off . New foliage come forth crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often send packing too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant diverseness and blank plants properly so they get adequate illumination and strain circulation . Always water from below , sustain water off the foliage . This is predominant for rose wine . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides allot to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not leave out any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf berth are cause by fungus kingdom or bacteria . brownish or blackened place and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its bed covering .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leaves when the plant is juiceless . Leaves that garner around the base of the plant should be graze up and incline of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young surmount crawl until they discover a good feeding web site . The grownup females then recede their leg and stay on on a situation protected by its hard shell level . They come out as excrescence , often on the down in the mouth side of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck in the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can counteract a plant run to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also bring forth a sweet essence call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growing forebode sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to operate . Isolate overrun plant away from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden center field professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendance . Encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy germ , graduated table , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to manipulate jet-black mold is to contain the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed forth with a hosepipe - end spray .
